Chapter 99 - Kage Summit [3]

"The voting is about to start," Mifune announced, looking over at the Raikage with a nod. "Let's have the Raikage begin by casting the first vote!"

"Sure, I'm ready to go first," the Raikage said with confidence. "I choose myself and my village to lead the united Shinobi forces!"

"And why have you made this decision?" Mifune asked, wanting to understand more.

"Well," the Raikage began to explain, "our village has never had anyone join the Akatsuki. This makes us the most reliable choice to lead the fight against them."

"I see. Thank you for your vote," Mifune responded kindly. "Now, let's hear from the Tsuchikage," he said, motioning for the Tsuchikage to give his vote.

"Hmmm. Considering that I have the most experience among all the Kages here, I think it's best for me to take charge in this important battle against the Akatsuki," the Tsuchikage said confidently. "So, I will vote for myself."

Mifune nodded, acknowledging the Tsuchikage's choice. "Thank you for your vote, Tsuchikage. Now, let's hear from the Kazekage."

Gaara looked down, calm and focused. "I cast my vote for the Hokage," he said with quiet assurance.

Curious, Mifune asked, "What made you choose this, Kazekage?"

Gaara explained, "Lady Tsunade's strategic leadership has been crucial in keeping things stable. Her experience and commitment to peace fit perfectly with what this alliance is trying to achieve."

"Thank you, Kazekage," Mifune said, then turned his attention to Tsunade. "Hokage, your vote, please."

Speaking with clarity and authority, Tsunade declared, "I vote for Lord Raikage."

Mifune asked, "And why do you choose the Raikage?"

Tsunade explained, "The Raikage has the leadership qualities needed to bring together such a powerful alliance. I believe he should lead the allied Shinobi forces."

"Thank you, Hokage," Mifune acknowledged, before turning to the Mizukage. "Finally, we have the Mizukage's vote."

Mei Terumi spoke with grace and determination. "I vote for Lady Tsunade, the Hokage," she announced.

"Thank you, Mizukage," Mifune said, nodding. "With these votes, we have reached a decision."

"So, based on our votes, the Raikage received 2 votes—from himself and the Hokage. The Tsuchikage received 1 vote—from himself. The Hokage received 2 votes—from the Kazekage and the Mizukage," Mifune announced the results. "It seems it's up to me to decide the leader for the Shinobi alliance," Mifune said.

Just then, as they were speaking, a new chakra signature emerged in the area, unfamiliar and mysterious, but undeniably dark.

"So, I choose..." Mifune began, but before he could finish, a strange plant-like structure emerged from the ground in the middle of the room. A person then appeared from within it, greeting everyone with a casual, "Well, hello there!"

Instantly, Shizune and the other ninja with them formed a protective stance in front of Granny Tsunade, while the companions of each Kage did the same for their leaders.

"Another issue to deal with—who is this now?" the Raikage questioned, clearly irritated.

"He's with the Akatsuki... Am I right?" I said, quickly teleporting to stand beside Granny Tsunade.

"Naruto Uzumaki... You're here too? I didn't expect to find you here," the mysterious person remarked, acknowledging my presence.

"That's great. We don't have much to say, anyway..." Another figure appeared beside the first, a masked man with a single visible eye—a Sharingan eye. No, it was a Mangekyō Sharingan. "Let me introduce myself first. I'm Madara Uchiha!" he announced, causing shock and confusion to ripple through the room.

"So the intel was right all along!" Granny Tsunade exclaimed, her eyes narrowing.

"I'm here to explain something to you, and once you understand it, I'll ask you a question," Madara continued, his tone calm yet commanding.

"What is it?" the Raikage demanded, his voice thick with suspicion and urgency.

"It's about my plan, Project Tsuki no Me!" Madara declared. "I, Madara Uchiha, am declaring war against all the Shinobi nations." With those chilling words, he and his companion vanished without a trace, leaving the room in stunned silence.

[A. N: Thanks for reading, drop Powerstones that will help a lot and drop reviews if you like the story and add to your library]