"Seven days ago, Kirigakure and Sunagakure elected their respective Godaime Kage. The Mizukage is Heki, and the Kazekage is Temari."
Minato said solemnly, "Then, both Kage simultaneously called for a Five Kage Summit. Iwagakure's Sandaime Tsuchikage, Onoki and Kumogakure's Yondaime Raikage, A, have both agreed."
"It's because of our move to deprive them of their Biju, isn't it?" It is unknown from when, but Hiruzen had already taken out his pipe, and puffed it lightly, blowing smoke rings.
"Even if we did nothing, the tailed beasts from those two villages have already 'disappeared'. Why go to the trouble of calling a Five Kage Summit?" Eagle said with a frown.
"Probably because they suspect that the missing Biju are in our village."
Shikaku said, "In any case, since four Kage have already agreed, this Five Kage Summit is inevitable. We must make early preparations, Yondaime-sama."
"I called you here for this very reason."
Minato said with a smile, "So, everyone, what are your thoughts?"
"If negotiations break down, we can just flip the table." Kanpū said aggressively.
In his own village, Kanpū had to restrain himself, but in someone else's territory, he could just act however he wanted.
"Flipping the table outright might lead to war. While we are not afraid of conflict, we must also consider the civilians of the Land of Fire."
Shikaku said, "So we can negotiate or use Let's settle the dispute through negotiation."
If a war really breaks out, the borders of the Land of Fire would be engulfed in flames. At that time, it is unknwon know how many commoners will die and how many orphans will appear.
Shikaku, Minato, Hiruzen, Eagle and the others never wished to see such tragedy.
"Negotiations alone may not resolve the conflict."
Shisui's shadow clone spoke up, "Kirigakure and Sunagakure will undoubtedly hold us accountable for the Biju. Kumogakure and Iwagakure will seize the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. Even if our conscience is clear, negotiations might still falter. And the truth is, Kirigakure's Sanbi, Kumogakure's Hachibi, and even Iwagakure's Yonbi are indeed in our village!"
Although there are some twists and turns, such as Hachibi, as it was first captured by Obito and finally captured by Konoha, but would Yondaime Raikage care about the details?
If he knew that Hachibi was in Konoha, he would undoubtedly launch an invasion at all costs!
"This is troublesome." Eagle crossed his arms, feeling a little headache.
"If we can't start a war and can't resolve the Biju issue through negotiation…"
Shikaku thoughtfully said, "Then, we can only divert their attention."
Minato smiled and said, "Shikaku, your thoughts are the same as mine!"
"Yondaime, you want to announce the information about Uchiha Madara and Abyss?" Hiruzen showed thoughtful look.
"Yes."
Minato affirmed, "The existence of Madara Uchiha and the Abyss will undoubtedly divert their attention!"
"What if they don't believe us?" Kanpū interjected.
"That's why we need you, Kanpū!" Minato looked over.
'Need me?'
Kanpū felt a wave of panic and asked: "What do you mean, Hokage-sama?"
"Have someone from the Abyss appear at the Five Kage Summit!" Minato said lightly.
'It's a piece of cake…' Even if he thought so, Kanpū still put on a troubled expression, "Hokage-sama, I've fallen out with the Abyss. Even if I send a signal through the black market, I'm afraid they will just ignore it."
"As long as you pay a sufficient price, the Abyss won't ignore it!" Minato looked confident.
"Minato-sensei, are you planning to use Obito as a bait?" Kakashi immediately caught on.
Minato nodded, "It's the only way. We'll take Obito with us to the Five Kage Summit, and the Abyss will surely make a move to rescue him."
"But Obito, he… "Kakashi was anxious.
"Kakashi, I know you and Obito have a very good relationship, but for the greater good, we can only proceed this way." Minato said solemnly.
The others also urged Kakashi to put the greater good into consideration.
But Kakashi still couldn't accept it, then turned around and left without saying a word.
"Kanpū, I'm counting on you for this." Minato said.
"I understand." Kanpū nodded righteously.
After that, everyone discussed the personnel for the Five Kage Summit.
According to the usual practice, each Kage could bring two escorts. After some deliberation, Minato decided to bring Kanpū and Kakashi.
In fact, replacing Kakashi with Shisui would have been better, but Shisui needed to oversee the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fire. And if only a shadow clone attended, it wouldn't suffice against the Abyss.
Fugaku wanted to go too. Unfortunately, after the Konoha Crush, his eyesight had deteriorated significantly. He feared that another fierce battle would further deplete his Mangekyo Sharingan's pupil power, which would be too costly.
Thinking of this, Fugaku looked enviously at Shisui's shadow clone and its black eyes, 'So envious!'
After the meeting, Kanpū pretended to go to the black market in the nearby village and sent out a garbled signal.
This signal was so jumbled that not even the most skilled intelligence Shinobi could decipher it. Well, even Kanpū himself can't interpret what it means. However, the only thing Kanpū was certain of was that the Abyss would definitely appear at the Five Kage Summit!
'So, who should go?'
'Hyuga Taki?'
'No, if he showed up, the other Kage would definitely think it was Konoha putting on a show.'
'So Uchiha Ōmadara is also out.'
'Yuki Hyōketsu?'
'No, he currently had the public identity of an Akatsuki member, and if he appeared, it would only prove that Akatsuki truly existed.'
'Then, Ryōshi Tenkū?'
'Ryōshi Tenkū's Explosion Release is too limited, I am afraid that he will be destroyed by Yondaime Raikage as soon as he appears.'
'So that left only… Senju Tathagata.'
'Tathagata masters Wood Release, so he can always hide in the dark, and then use the Wood Clone to fight. Given how hard it was to distinguish between Wood Clones and the main body, even Minato and the other Kage wouldn't be able to tell the difference!'
'Moreover, with the 'known information' that Madara used the Abyss to research the fusion of the Sage Body and the Sage Eyes, the appearance of Wood Release would also lend credibility to that claim!'
In the following half month, Kanpū took Naruto and Karin on a mission. Once the mission was over, it was about time to head to the capital of the Land of Iron.
...
Land of Water, Kirigakure.
The newly appointed Godaime Mizukage, Heki, under the guidance of Elder Genji, set out with Ice Release User, Haku and the wielder of the twin swords Hiramekarei, Chojuro.
Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
Sandaime Tsuchikage, Onoki, took his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi and bodyguard, Akatsuchi to the Land of Iron.
Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
The Godaime Kazekage, Temari, brought Kankuro and… Elder Advisor, Chiyo!
Chiyo is already over seventy years old, so she was risking her life to make the journey. However, there's no other way. Temari and Kankuro are too young. Coupled with the disappearance of Ichibi's Jinchuriki, Gaara, she can only go herself.
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
Yondaime Raikage, A, called on Darui and C to travel light.
In Konoha, Minato, Kanpū, Kakashi, and the blind Obito set out for the Land of Iron in a hurry.
...
As the Kage of the Five Great Shinobi Villages all departed from their villages.
Akatsuki… made their move!