Feeling the shift in natural energy within Ryūchi Cave, Akira knew that the White Snake Sage had begun her dragon transformation.
This piqued his curiosity—what kind of dragon would the White Snake Sage transform into?
With that question in mind, Akira and Hinata made their way toward the White Snake Sage's temple. As they approached, the three priestesses—Tanshin Hime, Ichikishima Hime, and Takitsuhime—also appeared, evidently sensing the start of the transformation as well.
Together, they entered the temple.
Inside, the White Snake Sage had already reverted to her massive serpent form, coiled in place as vast amounts of natural energy converged toward her.
Her body was slowly beginning to change.
First, in the chest and abdomen area of her snake-like body, something began to push out.
Gradually, a pair of dragon claws emerged from her torso.
Simultaneously, horns began to grow from the White Snake Sage's head. However, unlike Akira's antler-like horns, the White Snake Sage's horns were smooth, resembling those of Kabuto's transformation in the original series.
"The Sage is truly beginning her transformation into a dragon!" the three priestesses exclaimed, exchanging glances filled with excitement.
The White Snake Sage was the true ruler of Ryūchi Cave, and now that she was successfully transforming into a dragon, Ryūchi Cave would finally live up to its name.
"This dragon transformation is quite different from mine," Akira thought to himself as he observed the changes.
Even though he had shared his insights with her, it seemed that each being interpreted the process differently.
The White Snake Sage's transformation was more akin to that of a jiao (a lesser dragon), rather than a true divine dragon.
Her smooth dragon horns and the fact that she only had claws emerging from her chest and abdomen—without any at the lower half—confirmed this.
A true dragon, in Akira's understanding, would have claws both at the top and bottom of its body.
The White Snake Sage's transformation was progressing quickly—perhaps because becoming a jiao required less energy than Akira's full dragon transformation, or perhaps because of the Sage's vast chakra reserves.
In any case, after only two hours, the transformation was complete. The White Snake Sage opened her mouth, releasing a powerful roar that echoed like the clashing of metal, a clear and sharp dragon's call.
Even the forked tongue that once signified her as a snake had fused into a singular, solid form.
"Congratulations on your successful transformation, Sage!" the three priestesses called out in unison, their faces alight with joy.
"Congratulations, Sage," Akira added with a nod of acknowledgment.
"All of this is thanks to you, Lord Akira," the White Snake Sage responded, her eyes resting on Akira as she addressed him with deep respect.
"Unfortunately, my transformation is not complete. Compared to your form, Lord Akira, mine falls far short," she continued, her tone humble.
The White Snake Sage had initially believed that her transformation would rival Akira's. However, now that she had completed her transformation, she realized that there was a vast, insurmountable gap between them.
While she had shed her serpent form, the difference between her and Akira remained immense.
Hearing the White Snake Sage address Akira as "Lord," the three priestesses exchanged shocked glances, realizing just how superior Akira's dragon form truly was.
They had thought the White Snake Sage's dragon form would be the pinnacle of transformation. But now, it was clear that Akira's transformation was on a level far beyond even the Sage's.
"It's not that you failed, Sage. Each of us interprets the process differently," Akira replied, shaking his head. He silently admired the White Snake Sage's wisdom and clarity—attributes that came with living for over a thousand years. Not everyone could so easily recognize the gap between themselves and another.
With this, Akira's purpose for visiting Ryūchi Cave was fulfilled.
After bidding farewell to the White Snake Sage, he and Hinata left the cave together.
This visit had been quite fruitful. Hinata had found new allies in both Garaga and Takitsuhime, and she had even temporarily activated her Tenseigan.
As for Akira, he silently marveled at the power of his Mangekyō Sharingan. With it, he could grant Hinata access to abilities like the Eight Gates or Sage Mode at will. If she could consistently activate the Tenseigan, it would significantly aid her future development.
Returning to Konoha, Akira and Hinata spent some quiet time together before she reluctantly headed back to the Hyuga Clan compound.
"Lord Captain!" A masked Anbu member suddenly appeared before Akira, kneeling on one knee.
"What is it?" Akira asked, recognizing that the Anbu wouldn't appear without reason.
"The Hokage has summoned you," the Anbu replied.
It seemed that while Akira and Hinata had been in Ryūchi Cave, the Anbu had been searching for him throughout Konoha.
"Understood," Akira said with a nod. Without wasting a moment, he used his Shunshin no Jutsu to swiftly arrive at the Hokage's office.
After knocking, he waited for Fugaku's acknowledgment before entering.
"Hokage-sama, what do you need from me?" Akira asked as he stepped inside.
"Akira, there's something important I need to discuss with you," Fugaku said, getting straight to the point.
Akira remained silent, his expression curious as he waited for Fugaku to continue.
"It's regarding the Five Kage Summit," Fugaku explained. "After the attack on Konoha by the Akatsuki during the recent Jonin exams, the entire ninja world has become aware of their power.
"Moreover, Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki of Kumogakure, was killed by the Akatsuki while on a mission."
Akira's expression darkened upon hearing the news of Yugito Nii's death.
He knew who Yugito Nii was—a perfect Jinchuriki, much like Killer B, able to control her tailed beast with full consciousness.
Yet even someone as skilled as her had been killed by the Akatsuki?
Needless to say, the Two-Tails had likely been sealed into the Gedo Statue by now.
"Because of this, the Raikage has agreed to the summit, and the other Kage—Kazekage, Tsuchikage, and Mizukage—have all expressed their willingness to participate as well," Fugaku continued.
"We've been wanting to hold this summit for a while. Now that the other Kage are on board, let's move forward with it," Akira replied. The Five Kage Summit had been planned for some time, and now that the other Kage were ready, there was no reason to delay it any longer.
"That's the plan. But the question is—where should we hold the summit?" Fugaku asked.
"Where to hold it?" Akira paused, considering the options.
Given that Konoha had initiated the summit, and that Konoha was now the strongest village, shouldn't it be held here?
"The other Kage aren't comfortable coming to Konoha," Fugaku explained, reading Akira's thoughts.
"Fair enough," Akira nodded in agreement.
While the other Kage were powerful, Konoha had become even more formidable. Between Fugaku, the legendary Sannin, Akira himself, Sasuke, Kakashi, and Naruto, there were eight Kage-level fighters in Konoha alone.
This lineup could easily rival the Akatsuki.
If Konoha were to lay a trap during the summit, the other Kage could potentially be wiped out in one fell swoop.
After all, who wouldn't be wary of such a scenario?
On top of that, there was the allure of power. If one of the other villages hosted the summit, wouldn't they also consider eliminating the other Kage in a bid for dominance?
"In that case, we should choose a neutral location that everyone can trust," Akira suggested.
"That's why I wanted your opinion," Fugaku replied.
"I think the Land of Iron would be a good choice," Akira proposed, drawing from the events of the original timeline.
"The Land of Iron?" Fugaku considered the suggestion for a moment before nodding. "That's an excellent idea."
"The Land of Iron is a land of samurai, led by Mifune, who is known as the strongest of all samurai," Fugaku continued.
"Most importantly, the samurai are neutral and uphold a code of fairness and justice.
"If Mifune were to host the summit, I believe all the Kage would feel reassured, knowing that he wouldn't favor any particular side."
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Next bonus chapter if we reach 700 Powerstone
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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 285+ at patreon.com/Emik01.