(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Two days later, Colt, Hinata, and Tsunade, thoroughly refreshed in body and mind, departed from the Land of Hot Springs towards the Land of Iron.
Before leaving, they purchased winter clothing suitable for the colder climate.
The Land of Iron, situated on a snowy plateau, remains covered in ice and snow year-round, with temperatures rivaling those of the Land of Snow.
After a day's journey, the trio finally arrived at the sole city atop the snow-capped mountains. At the entrance, several Iron Country samurais, clad in traditional samurai armor and masks, approached them.
Colt stepped forward, stating, "The Fifth Hokage and her guards are here to participate in the Five Kage Summit." He handed over the specially prepared invitation to one of the samurais.
After confirming their identities, a samurai led them to a spacious, well-lit hall. Upon entering, they found several people already waiting.
Gaara, wearing his Kazekage hat, offered a slight smile and nod to Colt and Tsunade.
Behind him, Temari and Kankuro looked pleased to see them.
Had the occasion been less formal, Kankuro might have called out to his brother-in-law.
To Gaara's left sat an empty chair, and beyond that was Onoki, the Tsuchikage, whose small stature was mostly obscured by the table. His guards, Kurotsuchi and her disciple Akatsuchi stood nearby.
To Onoki's right was the Fourth Raikage, the initiator of this Five Kage Summit.
His guards were Darui, known as the Raikage's right-hand man, and C, a sensory-type ninja.
"Welcome, Fifth Hokage. Please, take your seat," Mifune said cordially.
Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron, seated across from the semicircular table, rose to greet Tsunade upon her arrival. Though the Land of Iron maintained neutrality, Mifune was well aware that he couldn't afford to antagonize any of the five hidden villages.
Tsunade smiled and nodded to Mifune, then led Colt and Hinata to the center of the semicircular table.
As Colt observed the others, they too were sizing him up.
Kurotsuchi eyed Colt with bright eyes, thinking to herself that this was what a truly handsome man looked like, unlike her senpai Deidara.
The Fourth Raikage snorted coldly, "You're late, Hokage. Is it appropriate to keep us all waiting?"
His animosity towards Tsunade was evident, partially blaming her for Sasuke's involvement in Killer B's death.
Colt rolled his eyes, and suddenly, without warning, Darui drew his ninja sword and lunged at the Fourth Raikage.
Boom!
At the critical moment, the Fourth Raikage was enveloped in powerful lightning, completely nullifying Darui's attack.
Click!
With one arm, he restrained Darui's sword arm, while his other hand grabbed the ninja sword directly, instantly immobilizing Darui.
"Kamiyo Colt! What is the meaning of this?" the Fourth Raikage glared at Colt.
It was obvious that Darui had been caught in Colt's genjutsu and suddenly attacked him.
From start to finish, C, the other guard, showed no response. His eyes were dull, and his expression confused, also trapped in the illusion.
"When you learn how to address people properly, I'll release your guards from the genjutsu," Colt stated firmly, determined to maintain Tsunade's dignity as her escort.
Onoki looked on with a grave expression.
What a terrifying illusion, he thought, performed without any visible signs.
He wondered if he too might fall victim to it.
At that moment, a charming voice came from outside the door.
"I apologize, it seems I'm the last to arrive?"
At the entrance stood Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, with her perfect curves and alluring demeanor.
She covered her mouth and chuckled, feigning an apology that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Mifune once again welcomed Mei Terumi and her guards.
"Welcome Fifth Mizukage, please take your seat,"
She nodded at him with a smile.
"Also, there's no need for apologies, Mizukage. After all, we're still nearly an hour ahead of the agreed time," Mifune assured her.
"Besides, the Land of Water is quite far, so arriving on time is no small feat," Gaara added quietly, glancing at the Raikage.
Onoki nodded with a smile, "The Kazekage is correct. You've arrived at just the right time."
Although both were speaking in Mei's defense, it was the Raikage who appeared the most uncomfortable.
He had just criticized Tsunade for being late, and now there were two latecomers, including a Mizukage he didn't recognize.
The Fourth Raikage's face darkened, his fists clenching and unclenching.
Finally, the lightning chakra dissipated from his body.
A man must know when to yield, he reasoned, especially when dealing with women.
"Hokage, I was hasty earlier and didn't read the time well, can you have your guard remove the Genjutsu?" the Raikage conceded, realizing that arrogance would get him nowhere.
Tsunade, who had remained silent until now, smiled lightly and gestured to Colt.
Only then did Colt deactivate his [Sharingan], and Darui and C awoke as if from a dream.
Both looked at him angrily, especially Darui, who, as a guard, had attacked his own Kage.
He felt like dying of shame.
After this brief commotion, the Five Kage Summit officially began.
As the initiator of this gathering, the Fourth Raikage spoke first.
Boom!
He slammed his fist on the table, leaving a deep crater, and stood up aggressively.
"I called this meeting for one purpose: to hold you all accountable for the deaths of Killer B and Yugito!" The mention of his younger brother only fueled the Raikage's anger.
"I've investigated thoroughly. This so-called Akatsuki organization – the missing-nin and traitors within it all come from your hidden villages," he accused.
"Konoha, Suna, Iwa, even you, Kiri! As a Kage, don't you think you should reflect on why there are so many powerful missing-nins from your villages?"
As his words hung in the air, the expressions of the other four Kage darkened.
What the Raikage said was true; the core of the Akatsuki was indeed composed of shinobi from their villages.
Such formidable fighting power, not only unusable by their villages but now a threat, was undoubtedly a slap in the face to their leadership.
Gaara interlaced his fingers, resting his chin on them.
"Fourth Raikage, let's not be hasty. The Akatsuki is now a threat to the entire shinobi world, and we're here to discuss a solution."
"As a former jinchūriki, I have experienced being captured by the Akatsuki firsthand," Gaara continued without shame.
"If it weren't for Kamiyo Colt of Konoha saving me, I might not be sitting here discussing this with you today."
"The most pressing matter now is not assigning blame, but how to deal with the Akatsuki and reclaim our villages' tailed beasts."