As nine more days passed in Konoha, filled with various activities and preparations, Tsunade finally called for a crucial meeting. The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was tense as Sasuke, Karin, Shikamaru, Guy, and Shikaku entered.
"YOSH! What a youthful gathering!" Guy declared, though his voice was slightly more subdued than usual, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Tsunade sat behind her desk, hands clasped under her chin. "Sasuke, it's time. You'll be departing to meet Itachi tomorrow at dawn."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent, waiting for more information.
"However," Tsunade continued firmly, "there are several things you need to understand first. Guy will be the team leader for this mission - and yes, you will follow his orders." She fixed Sasuke with a stern look. "This isn't negotiable."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted, though his slight nod indicated acceptance.
"FEAR NOT!" Guy struck his signature pose. "I shall guide this mission with the full power of youth!"
"Second," Tsunade pressed on, ignoring Guy's outburst, "there are creatures called Zetsu that often lurk around Itachi. They're like living plants, spies for our enemies. Thanks to Naruto's modifications to your curse seal, you should be able to sense them using natural energy."
Karin adjusted her glasses. "I can help with detecting them too. My sensing abilities-"
"Yes," Tsunade nodded. "That's partly why you're on this team. But remember - no engaging these creatures. If they're killed, it'll alert our enemies immediately."
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered. " to avoid detection while still having this meeting."
"That's why the timing and location were chosen carefully," Shikaku added. "The Uchiha shrine is both symbolic and strategic."
Sasuke's eyes flickered with recognition at the mention of the shrine, but his expression remained carefully neutral. "When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow at dawn," Tsunade replied. "And Sasuke... remember what Naruto told you. This meeting isn't about revenge - it's about truth."
After the briefing, Shikaku pulled out a specially marked kunai and handed it to Shikamaru. "Take this. Handle it with care."
Shikamaru's eyes opened slightly as he accepted the kunai, understanding its significance. In the worst-case scenario, this would be their escape route."Troublesome," he muttered, carefully securing the kunai.
Tsunade nodded. "Alright, you're all dismissed. Be ready at dawn tomorrow."
As the group filed out, Shikaku remained behind. Almost immediately, Jiraiya appeared through the window while Kakashi entered through the door, his usual orange book nowhere in sight.
"Perfect timing," Tsunade said, pulling out another specially marked kunai and handing it to Kakashi. "This is one of Naruto's clones."
"Ah," Kakashi eye-smiled, accepting the kunai.
"The Five Kage Summit is approaching quickly," Shikaku observed. "Lady Tsunade, Naruto, and I will need to depart soon."
Jiraiya crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "Which leaves me here as the village's strongest defender. Don't worry - I'll keep an eye on things."
"You'll need to be especially vigilant," Tsunade warned. "With both Naruto and me away, the village might look like a tempting target."
"That's why I've already set up my spy network around the village perimeter," Jiraiya grinned. "Plus, my Sage Mode will help detect any threats."
"Just remember," Shikaku added seriously, "our enemies might try to take advantage of this situation. The Akatsuki, other small villages - we can't let our guard down."
"Between me and Kakashi," Jiraiya assured them, "Konoha will be well-protected. You just focus on the Summit."
Tsunade nodded, her expression grave. The coming days would test them all, but they had prepared as best they could. Now it was time to set their plans in motion.
As they left the Hokage office leaving Tsunade to her paperwork, the sun began to set over Konoha, Tsunade called for her students. Sakura and Shizune entered the office, finding their mentor surrounded by stacks of paperwork.
"You called for us, Lady Tsunade?" Shizune asked, holding Tonton in her arms.
"Yes," Tsunade looked up, her expression serious. "With the Five Kage Summit approaching and me leaving the village, I need to make sure everything is properly arranged here, especially regarding medical matters."
Sakura stepped forward. "What do you need us to do, shishou?"
"Sakura," Tsunade turned to her younger apprentice, "while I'm gone, you'll be in charge of the hospital's emergency response team. We can't rule out the possibility of an attack on the village."
"Understood," Sakura nodded firmly. "I've already prepared emergency protocols and increased our medical supply stockpile."
"Good," Tsunade smiled proudly before turning to Shizune. "And you, Shizune, will need to coordinate with Jiraiya regarding any intelligence that might affect the village's medical readiness."
"Of course, Lady Tsunade," Shizune replied. "I've also prepared detailed reports on all current patients and treatment plans."
"There's one more thing," Tsunade added, her voice growing softer. "There's a chance either the summit or Konoha will be attacked. I want you to promise me that you'll try to stay alive, as you two are the ones I trust to carry on my medical teachings."
Sakura and Shizune exchanged worried glances before looking back at their mentor.
"Lady Tsunade..." Shizune started, clutching Tonton tighter.
"I mean it," Tsunade's honey-colored eyes were intense. "You both carry my legacy - the medical techniques I've developed, the training methods, the knowledge. If something happens to me, the village will need you both more than ever."
Sakura stepped forward, her green eyes shining with emotion. "We understand, shishou. But you have to promise us the same thing. Come back safely."
"The village needs its Hokage," Shizune added firmly. "And we need our mentor."
Tsunade smiled, standing up from her desk. She walked around it to face her students directly. "You've both grown so much. From a timid assistant and an uncertain genin to the strong medical ninja standing before me now. I'm proud of you both."
"Lady Tsunade..." both women said simultaneously, touched by their mentor's words.
"Now," Tsunade's voice returned to its usual commanding tone, "show me your final preparations for the hospital's emergency protocols. We need to ensure everything is perfect before I leave."
Both students straightened up, ready to demonstrate their preparations. They knew the gravity of the situation, but they also knew that they would do whatever it took to protect their village and honor their master's teachings.
As dawn approached the next morning, the team gathered at Konoha's gates. Guy stood at the front, unusually serious despite his green spandex suit. Sasuke, Karin, and Shikamaru waited quietly, each lost in their own thoughts about the mission ahead.
"YOSH! Is everyone prepared for this most youthful journey?" Guy asked, his voice carrying its usual enthusiasm though somewhat subdued.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, adjusting his chunin vest. "But yeah, we're ready."
Sasuke remained silent, his dark eyes fixed on the path ahead. The weight of what awaited him at the Uchiha shrine seemed to press down on his shoulders.
"I've done a preliminary scan of the area," Karin reported, adjusting her glasses. "No unusual chakra signatures within my current range."
Just then, Naruto appeared, walking towards them with his usual bright grin. "Hey guys! Just wanted to see you off, dattebayo!"
"Naruto..." Sasuke turned slightly, acknowledging his friend's presence.
"Remember what I told you, teme," Naruto's expression grew serious. "Listen to what Itachi has to say. The truth... it's not what you think."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. After everything that had happened, he trusted Naruto's judgment more than he'd care to admit.
"SUCH A YOUTHFUL DISPLAY OF FRIENDSHIP!" Guy declared, tears streaming down his face. "Now, let us depart with the power of youth guiding our steps!"
The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as the team disappeared into the forest, leaving Naruto standing at the gates, watching his friends embark on a mission that could change everything.
"Good luck, guys," he whispered. "Everything's gonna be different this time, believe it!"
As Naruto watched his friends disappear into the forest, he heard familiar footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw Tsunade and Shikaku approaching, both dressed in their formal attire for the Summit.
"Ready to go, brat?" Tsunade asked, adjusting her Hokage hat. "The Five Kage Summit won't wait for us."
"Yeah, Granny Tsunade!" Naruto grinned, though his eyes lingered on the path his friends had taken. "Just wanted to see them off first, dattebayo!"
Shikaku observed Naruto. "Worried about Sasuke's meeting with Itachi?"
"Nah," Naruto shook his head, his confidence evident. "Guy-sensei and the others will handle it. Besides, this time things will be different!"
"Speaking of different," Tsunade interjected, "are you prepared for the Summit? This isn't like your usual missions, Naruto. Politics can be more dangerous than combat."
"Don't worry, Baa-chan! I've got this!" Naruto pumped his fist enthusiastically. "Though..." he scratched his cheek sheepishly, "maybe you could remind me about all those formal greeting things again? I kind of forgot which bow goes with which Kage, dattebayo..."
Shikaku sighed, muttering his characteristic "Troublesome," while Tsunade massaged her temples.
"We'll review protocol on the way," Tsunade said firmly. "For now, let's move out. We need to reach the Land of Iron before the other Kages."
As they began their journey, Naruto created several shadow clones to maintain a protective perimeter around their group. His usual hyperactive demeanor was tempered with a subtle alertness - he knew the stakes of this summit were higher than ever.
"They will," Shikaku replied thoughtfully, "But remember, we're not just warning them about the Akatsuki - we're proposing an unprecedented alliance."
"Right!" Naruto nodded firmly. "And this time, we'll make it work without needing a war to bring everyone together, dattebayo!"
Tsunade smiled slightly at his determination. The knucklehead ninja had grown into someone who could help shape the future of the shinobi world. Who would have thought?
As they continued their journey, Naruto's expression turned more serious. "You know, it's weird, dattebayo. Last time, it took a whole war to get everyone to work together. But now..." He glanced at his hands, remembering the future he was trying to change.
"The circumstances are different this time," Shikaku noted, his scarred face thoughtful. "We have concrete intelligence about the Akatsuki's plans, and your reputation after saving the Kazekage has given us diplomatic leverage."
"Plus," Tsunade added with a smirk, "being known as the Fourth Hokage's son hasn't hurt either. The other villages remember Minato well - some with respect, others with fear."
"Yeah, but..." Naruto's brow furrowed, "I don't want them to listen just because of who my dad was. I want them to understand what's really at stake here, dattebayo!"
"They will," Shikaku assured him. "Your actions speak louder than your heritage. Saving Gaara, helping reform Suna's council, even your handling capture of Orochimaru - these things show you're more than just the Fourth's son."
"Just remember," Tsunade warned, "at the Summit, every word matters. The other Kages will be watching for any sign of weakness or deception."
"Don't worry, Baa-chan!" Naruto grinned confidently. "I've got my way of doing things, and it's worked so far!"
"That's what worries me," Tsunade muttered, though there was fondness in her voice.
As they traveled through the trees, Naruto's clones maintained their vigilant perimeter watch, ready for any potential threats. The future of the shinobi world might depend on this summit, but this time, they were better prepared than ever.
The small team moved swiftly through the forest, maintaining their formation. Might Guy led the way with his characteristic energy, while Sasuke followed closely behind, his face set in deep concentration. Karin kept pace beside him, occasionally glancing his way with concern.
"Sasuke-kun," Karin attempted to start a conversation, "your chakra feels... troubled." But Sasuke remained silent, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming meeting with Itachi and the truths he might finally uncover.
At the rear, Shikamaru maintained a careful watch, his sharp eyes never leaving Sasuke's back. 'What a drag,' he thought to himself, 'but I can't let my guard down. If he decides to go rogue again...'
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit shrine miles away, Itachi sat regally on an ancient stone throne, his Akatsuki cloak draped around him. Kisame stood beside him, Samehada strapped to his back, a predatory grin on his face.
"When are we moving on the Eight-Tails, Itachi?" Kisame asked, his sharp teeth glinting in the low light. "The Four-Tails barely gave us any entertainment."
Itachi's eyes remained fixed ahead, his expression unreadable. "Patience, Kisame. The Eight-Tail's turn will come when their kage leave for the summit, then their guard will be lower." He paused, his Sharingan briefly activating. "For now, rest and make sure you're at your peak strength. The Eight-Tails is a perfect jinchūriki. Killer B won't be easily defeated... it will cost us dearly to capture him."
Kisame chuckled darkly, gripping Samehada's handle. "That's what makes it interesting. Finally, a real challenge."
The team halted in a small clearing, their bodies tense from days of near-constant travel. Shikamaru raised his hand, signaling everyone to gather.
"Sasuke, Karin," Shikamaru called out quietly, "what can you sense ahead?"
Karin closed her eyes, concentrating. "Two incredibly powerful chakra signatures inside the shrine. One is cold and dense, while the other is... massive, almost like an ocean."
Sasuke activated his Sharingan, scanning the perimeter. "There's more. Three weaker signatures circle the shrine. They're... strange. Their chakra doesn't feel entirely human."
"As expected," Guy nodded seriously, "The powerful ones must be Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki."
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And those three weak signatures are probably the Zetsu scouts we were warned about." He turned to Sasuke, "Can you see any blind spots in their patrol pattern? We need to get inside without alerting them."
Sasuke studied the movement patterns carefully, his Sharingan tracking the subtle shifts in chakra. "There's a gap in their coverage on the eastern side. The shrine's architecture creates a shadow zone they can't monitor effectively. If we time it right..."
"Then that's our way in," Shikamaru concluded. "But we'll need perfect timing. One mistake, and we lose our advantage of surprise."
Guy gave them all a determined look. "Then we'll make no mistakes. The power of youth won't fail us now!"
Shikamaru resisted the urge to sigh at Guy's enthusiasm. "Alright, let's move on Sasuke's signal. And remember, once we're inside, we stick to the plan."
Inside the ancient shrine, the team moved silently through the shadowed corridors.
"What about Kisame?" Karin whispered anxiously. "He's not someone we can easily handle."
Shikamaru's expression remained calm. "Don't worry. Itachi has that covered."
As they navigated deeper into the shrine, Sasuke noted how the Zetsu remained outside.
"They're not following us in," Karin observed.
"Of course not," Shikamaru explained. "They'd be detected immediately inside."
The team moved deeper into the shrine, their footsteps silent against the ancient stone floor. The air grew heavier, thick with centuries of accumulated chakra and the weight of their mission.
"Wait," Sasuke suddenly whispered, holding up his hand. His Sharingan flickered in the dim light. "Something's changed. The chakra signatures are shifting."
Karin nodded in agreement. "Kisame's moving. He's... heading away from the main chamber?"
"Just as planned," Shikamaru murmured. "Itachi must have convinced him to take up a different position. Now's our chance."
Guy flexed his fingers, ready for action. "Remember, we must be swift but cautious. One wrong move..."
"We know," Sasuke cut in, his voice tense. His eyes were fixed ahead, where the corridor opened into a larger chamber. "He's waiting for us."
The team paused at the threshold of the chamber. Inside, a single figure stood motionless in the center of the room, his black cloak with red clouds seemingly absorbing the dim light.
"Brother," Sasuke breathed, barely audible.