Returning to when Naruto, Tsunade, and Shikaku were on their way to the Five Kage Summit.
The trio moved swiftly through the forest, their cloaks billowing in the cold wind. Snow had begun to fall lightly, indicating their approach to the Land of Iron's territory.
"Remember, brat," Tsunade called out to Naruto as they traveled, "when we arrive, let me handle the initial diplomatic exchanges. The other Kages won't take kindly to a young shinobi speaking out of turn."
"Yeah, yeah, I know, Granny," Naruto replied, though his usual cheerful demeanor was tempered with seriousness. "But when it's time to present the evidence about Itachi and the Ōtsutsuki..."
"That's your moment," Shikaku interjected, his scarred face thoughtful. "The other Kages need to see your conviction when you reveal what's coming. Your experience with Gaara has already earned you some credibility."
Naruto's mind wandered to the challenges ahead as they continued their journey. He knew convincing the Five Kages, especially the Tsuchikage, known for his stubborn pride, wouldn't be easy.
"Hey, Shikaku-san," Naruto called out suddenly, "do you think Old Man Onoki will listen?"
Shikaku's expression grew more serious. "The Tsuchikage is proud, but he's not foolish. If we present our evidence correctly, he'll understand we're facing a greater threat than village rivalries."
Tsunade adjusted her Hokage hat as they continued through the increasingly snowy terrain. "Onoki's the most experienced among us, Kage. He's seen enough wars to know when a threat is real."
"Still," Shikaku added, his eyes scanning their surroundings, "we need to be careful with how we present this. The Tsuchikage has a long history of conflict with Konoha, particularly with your father, Naruto."
Naruto's expression grew thoughtful. "Yeah, the Yellow Flash wasn't exactly Iwa's favorite person, dattebayo."
"Which is why," Tsunade interjected firmly, "we need to focus on the bigger picture. The Ōtsutsuki threat affects all nations equally. Old grievances won't matter much if our world is destroyed."
"And we'll need to be especially careful with the Raikage," Shikaku warned. "When he learns his brother will soon be in Akatsuki's hands... his temper might get the better of him."
Naruto nodded seriously. "Yeah, A's not exactly known for staying calm, dattebayo. But we've got a plan to protect B-ocean."
"The Mist is technically on our side," Tsunade added, "but don't let your guard down. Mei Terumi might be more reasonable than Yagura was, but she has her agenda."
"At least we can count on Gaara," Naruto grinned. "Having the Sand as our ally will help a lot."
Shikaku turned to Naruto, his expression serious. "Before we get any closer, activate your emotional perception and Sage Mode. We need to make sure no one's eavesdropping on this conversation."
Naruto nodded, closing his eyes briefly. Orange pigmentation appeared around his eyes as he entered Sage Mode, while his enhanced emotional perception spread out like an invisible net. "All clear," he confirmed after a moment. "Just some samurai patrols about two kilometers ahead."
As they traveled, they noticed several samurai patrols in the distance, marking their approach to the Land of Iron. The snow was falling heavier now, and the wind had picked up considerably.
"We're getting close," Shikaku observed. "Naruto, remember what we discussed about the seating arrangements and proper etiquette."
"Right!" Naruto nodded, reciting from memory. "Granny sits in the center position for Konoha, while I stand behind her left shoulder, and you'll be on her right. No speaking unless addressed directly by Mifune or another Kage."
Tsunade smiled slightly, impressed by his attention to detail. "And what else?"
"No shadow clones unless explicitly permitted," Naruto continued, "and absolutely no mention of my... special knowledge until the right moment."
"Good," Shikaku nodded approvingly. "The other Kages will be bringing their guards. We need to be prepared for anything."
As they approached the massive fortress that would host the Summit, Naruto noticed several familiar chakra signatures ahead.
"Gaara's already here," he reported, still in Sage Mode. "And..." his brow furrowed slightly, "looks like A arrived too. His chakra's as intense as ever, dattebayo."
Tsunade nodded. "The Mizukage and Tsuchikage shouldn't be far behind. Remember, Naruto, timing is crucial here. We need to let the formal introductions and initial discussions proceed naturally before we present our evidence."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, his expression unusually serious. "We need them to be in the right mindset before dropping the Ōtsutsuki bomb on them."
Shikaku's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "The key will be getting them to understand that this isn't just about village politics or the Akatsuki anymore. We're facing an enemy that threatens our entire world."
As they approached the entrance, several samurai appeared to escort them. Their leader, a stern-faced man, bowed respectfully.
"Lady Hokage, welcome to the Land of Iron. General Mifune awaits you and your guards in the main chamber."
Tsunade nodded regally. "Thank you. We're ready to proceed."
As they followed the samurai through the fortress's corridors, Naruto could feel the weight of what was to come settling on his shoulders. Everything they'd planned, all their preparations, would soon be put to the test.
'This time,' he thought determinedly, 'we'll unite the shinobi world before it's too late. Believe it!'
As they walked through the fortress's dimly lit corridors, Naruto could sense the tension building. The stone walls were lined with elaborate tapestries depicting samurai battles, and their footsteps echoed against the cold floor.
They approached a set of massive doors, where more samurai stood guard. Through his emotional perception, Naruto could feel the mix of personalities waiting beyond: Gaara's steady calm, A's barely contained intensity, and Mifune's disciplined presence.
The doors opened to reveal the circular chamber. General Mifune, dressed in his traditional samurai garb, stood to greet them. "Lady Hokage, welcome to the Land of Iron. We're still awaiting the arrival of the Mizukage and Tsuchikage."
As Tsunade took her designated seat, Naruto noticed Gaara sitting with Temari and Kankuro flanking him. The young Kazekage offered a subtle nod of acknowledgment. The Raikage, A, sat with his guards Darui and C, his massive frame practically dwarfing his chair.
"So," the Raikage's booming voice cut through the formal atmosphere, his eyes fixed on Naruto, "this is Minato's son. B has told me much about you, boy. I wonder if you inherited your father's speed."
"Lord Raikage," Tsunade warned, though there was no real heat in her voice.
Gaara spoke up, his calm voice carrying across the chamber. "Naruto has proven himself many times over. His capabilities extend far beyond his heritage."
They settled into their positions, waiting for the remaining Kage to arrive before the summit could officially begin. The anticipation in the room was thick as they awaited the entrance of Mei Terumī, the Mizukage, and Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage.
"The Tsuchikage and Mizukage's parties have been spotted approaching the fortress," a samurai guard announced, entering the chamber with a bow.
Mifune nodded. "Very well. Once they arrive, we can begin addressing these pressing matters that have brought us all together."
The atmosphere grew heavier. Soon, they would have to navigate the delicate balance of revealing enough truth to gain cooperation while maintaining the secrets that needed to remain hidden. Naruto caught Tsunade's subtle glance - they both knew the real challenge was about to begin.
The heavy doors opened once again, revealing the remaining Kage. Mei Terumī entered first, her auburn hair swaying as she walked, flanked by Ao and Chōjūrō. Following shortly after was Ōnoki, floating slightly above the ground with his two guards.
"Ah, finally," Mifune spoke, his voice carrying authority. "Now that all Five Kage are present, we can begin."
Naruto observed as the newcomers took their seats. Through his emotional perception, he could sense Mei's carefully controlled curiosity and Ōnoki's underlying suspicion. The old Tsuchikage's eyes briefly flickered to him, no doubt noting his resemblance to the Yellow Flash.
"Before we proceed," A's voice boomed across the chamber, "I want to know how Konoha came by their information. My brother has told me some... interesting things."
Tsunade remained composed. "All will be explained in due time, Lord Raikage. But first, we should address the immediate threat of the Akatsuki."
"Immediate indeed," Mei interjected smoothly. "Particularly concerning the identity of the one who controlled our Fourth Mizukage."
Ōnoki shifted in his seat. "And what of my former student, Deidara? The Kazekage made certain promises regarding him."
Gaara's calm voice cut through the rising tension. "Don't worry, Lord Tsuchikage. I have brought him here after the summit you can take him."
Ōnoki's eyes widened slightly, his suspicion momentarily replaced by surprise. "You have Deidara? Here?"
"Yes," Gaara confirmed steadily. "He is currently contained in a special sand prison, under heavy guard by both my shinobi and the Land of Iron's samurai."
The Tsuchikage's expression became guarded, though Naruto could sense a mix of emotions from the old man - curiosity, concern, and something almost paternal.
"And what condition is he in?" Ōnoki asked, trying to maintain his gruff demeanor.
"Alive and unharmed," Gaara replied. "Though quite... vocal about his situation."
This drew a small snort from Ōnoki. "That sounds like him."
"If we could return to the matter at hand," Mifune interjected diplomatically. "Lady Hokage, you called this summit with claims of grave importance."
Tsunade nodded, straightening in her chair. "Yes. Three years ago, Konoha gained intelligence about the organization called Akatsuki, and I'm sure everyone here is aware of them. But to truly understand the threat they pose, we need to examine their actions. The true leader of Akatsuki first infiltrated the Hidden Mist Village and initiated the Bloody Mist era. He was also responsible for the Nine-Tails' rampage in Konoha sixteen years ago. This man claims to be Madara Uchiha."
The chamber erupted in murmurs. Mei's eyes narrowed at the mention of the Bloody Mist, while A's fist clenched visibly.
"Madara Uchiha?" Ōnoki scoffed. "Impossible. I fought against him in my youth. He would be ancient by now if he even survived this long."
"Don't worry Lord Tsuchikage, he is fake" Shikaku spoke up, "but even though he is fake. He possesses a powerful Space-Time ninjutsu and can control the Tailed Beasts."
"This aligns with what we discovered during the incident with our Fourth Mizukage," Mei added thoughtfully. "The man who controlled Yagura had similar abilities."
"And now," Tsunade continued, "this same individual leads an organization hunting the Tailed Beasts. They've already captured several, including from one-tail to almost seven-tails."
A's massive fist slammed onto the table. "And you expect us to just sit here while they hunt our jinchūriki? My brother will not be their next target!"
"Lord Raikage," Gaara interjected calmly, "please understand that this is precisely why we've called this summit. We need to unite against this threat."
Tsunade's expression grew more serious. "There's more you all need to know. The official story of the Uchiha Massacre - that Itachi Uchiha went mad and killed his clan - was a fabrication. The truth is far more complex and directly related to our current situation."
The room fell silent as the other Kage focused intently on Tsunade's words.
"Following the Nine-Tails attack, which we now know was orchestrated by this masked man, the Uchiha clan faced increasing suspicion and oppression. This eventually led them to plan a coup d'état against Konoha's leadership. The situation was manipulated from the shadows by the same masked man who now leads the Akatsuki."
Mei's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying the massacre was..."
"A mission," Tsunade confirmed grimly. "Itachi Uchiha was ordered to prevent a civil war that would have weakened Konoha and potentially sparked another Great Ninja War. He chose to bear the burden of being labeled a traitor to protect both the village and his younger brother."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the chamber. The Kage and their guards reacted with varying degrees of shock and disbelief.
"A sanctioned massacre?" Mei whispered, her visible eye-widening. Behind her, Ao's grip tightened on his weapon while Chōjūrō looked visibly disturbed.
Ōnoki leaned forward in his seat, his aged face grave. "So Konoha sacrificed one of its strongest clans to prevent civil war. And you're telling us this now because...?"
"Because it proves how deep the masked man's manipulation runs," Shikaku explained. "He took advantage of the tension between the Uchiha and Konoha, just as he did with the Bloody Mist."
A crossed his massive arms, while Darui and C exchanged concerned glances behind him. "This is quite the confession, Tsunade. What else have you been hiding?"
Although Temari and Kankuro's expressions hardened at the implications, Gaara remained calm. "The past cannot be changed," the young Kazekage stated. "What matters is how this information helps us move forward."
Mifune, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Lady Hokage, you must have a compelling reason for revealing such sensitive information now."
Tsunade nodded grimly. "Yes, because what's coming is far worse than anything we've faced. The masked man's true plan goes beyond mere village politics or even the Tailed Beasts."
Tsunade straightened in her chair. "And for that reason, I brought our jinchūriki to explain their true goal. But first, you need to understand that while this masked man isn't Madara Uchiha, he was under Madara's teaching."
"What do you mean?" A demanded, his brow furrowing. "Are you saying Madara Uchiha survived long enough to train someone?"
"According to our intelligence," Shikaku interjected, "Madara Uchiha lived far longer than anyone suspected, surviving his battle with the First Hokage. He found and trained this masked individual before his actual death."
Ōnoki's weathered face darkened. "That would explain the similarities in their abilities. I remember Madara's power all too well."
"If I may," Mifune spoke, "where is this jinchūriki you mentioned, Lady Hokage?"
Tsunade turned to her left, gesturing to Naruto who stood beside her. "He stands here - Naruto Uzumaki, the son of the Fourth Hokage as many of you now know, and the current Nine-Tails jinchūriki."
A murmur of discussion rippled through the chamber. Though already known to some, the revelation of Naruto's heritage still carried significant weight in such a formal setting.
"The Yellow Flash's son..." Ōnoki muttered, studying Naruto with renewed interest.
"Minato's legacy," A acknowledged, his stern expression softening slightly as he recalled his encounters with the Fourth Hokage.
Gaara remained silent, but his eyes showed understanding and support for his friend's position at the summit.
"Very well," Mifune nodded. "Please, young Uzumaki, share what you know about these matters."
Naruto took a deep breath before addressing the assembled Kage, his blue eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Naruto stepped forward, his posture straight as he addressed the assembled leaders. "Greetings, honored Kage. I know many of you think I'm too young and inexperienced to be here, and that you're only listening because of Granny Tsunade and who my father was." A slight smirk crossed his face.
"But let me change that perception right now." Golden chakra suddenly erupted around Naruto's form, the intensity causing the very air to vibrate. The Nine-Tails Chakra Mode manifested in its full glory, with black markings appearing across his body and his cloak taking on a distinctive flame-like appearance.
The sheer pressure of the chakra was staggering.
The Kage's guards instinctively moved to protect their leaders, but even they were visibly affected by the overwhelming power.
Mifune hands tightened on his sword, while the room itself seemed to tremble.
Ōnoki's eyes widened in shock. "This power... it's not just the Nine-Tails. He's controlling it completely!"
A leaned forward, his muscles tensing as he felt the familiar sensation of Tailed Beast chakra, but with a refinement he'd never sensed before - not even from his brother B.
Mei's composed facade cracked slightly as she felt the pressure of Naruto's chakra, while her guards, Ao and Chōjūrō, struggled to maintain their stance.
Naruto's eyes swept across the room, taking in the reactions of the assembled leaders. His voice carried a calm confidence that belied his years.
"How do you feel under my chakra? Do you feel powerless yet? If not..."
Without warning, orange pigmentation appeared around his eyes as he activated Sage Mode, combining it with his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. The already intense pressure in the room doubled instantly. The fusion of natural energy with his Tailed Beast chakra created an almost suffocating atmosphere.
Several of the guards stumbled back, their bodies instinctively responding to the overwhelming presence. Even the Kage themselves showed visible signs of strain now. Sweat beaded on A's forehead, while Ōnoki's aged frame tensed noticeably. Mei's hand gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles white.
The Mifune armor rattled slightly from the sheer force of the chakra. The very air seemed to grow heavy and thick, making it difficult to breathe for those unprepared for such power.
Naruto turned his piercing gaze directly to Ōnoki, his combined Sage Mode and Nine-Tails chakra still pulsing through the chamber with overwhelming force.
"Old Man Ōnoki," Naruto addressed the Tsuchikage, his voice carrying both respect and challenge, "you've fought Madara Uchiha himself. You've seen the height of shinobi power in your long life. So tell me honestly - do you think the Five Kage together could stand against me as I am now?"
Ōnoki's weathered face grew serious as he analyzed the situation, his centuries of battle experience coming to bear. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice grave.
"No... not as you are now. Even in my prime, with all five of us working together... the raw power you're displaying, combined with that perfect chakra control and the Sage Arts..." The old Tsuchikage shook his head slowly. "It pains me to admit it, but we would fall."
A's face contorted with anger, but before he could protest, Ōnoki continued.
"And that's precisely why this demonstration is so troubling," the Tsuchikage said, his eyes narrowing. "If you possess this much power, yet you're warning us about an even greater threat... just what exactly are we facing, boy?"
The room fell silent as the implications sank in. If someone with Naruto's level of power was concerned about what was coming, the situation was far more dire than any of them had initially believed.
Naruto nodded, his expression becoming serious as he maintained his powerful chakra state.
"You're right, Old Man. And that's exactly why I'm here. The enemy we're facing is a clan called the Ōtsutsuki. Compared to them, even this power I'm showing you now would seem like a child's." He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "They're the ancestors of all shinobi, the original wielders of chakra, and they're coming for our world."
The chamber fell silent as the Kage processed this information. Mei leaned forward, her visible eye narrowing. "The Ōtsutsuki? I've never heard of such a clan."
"Because they're not from our world," Naruto continued. "And that's why Konoha has developed plans to help strengthen all five villages. We need to unite and boost our collective power if we want to stand a chance."
Tsunade took this moment to interject, "We've prepared detailed proposals for each village, including sharing of certain forbidden techniques, joint training programs, and technological advancements that could benefit us all."
"What kind of proposals?" A demanded, his voice still gruff but tinged with curiosity.
"For example," Shikaku spoke up, "we're prepared to share our medical ninjutsu expertise with all villages, including Lady Tsunade's advanced healing techniques. We also have proposals for improving each village's specific strengths."
Naruto maintained his chakra mode as he added, "The Ōtsutsuki won't care about village boundaries or old grudges. They're coming for all of us. That's why we need to put aside our differences and work together, dattebayo!"
The room buzzed with tension as the Kage contemplated these revelations. The combination of Naruto's overwhelming display of power and the threat he described created a palpable sense of urgency in the chamber.
Naruto maintained his powerful chakra state as he continued, his voice steady and clear.
"Let's say we form a temporary alliance first. Then I can tell you about Konoha's plans, and you can decide whether to make it permanent." He looked at each Kage in turn. "First, we're working on perfecting the First Hokage's cells. We've found a way to inject them into humans, without the dangerous side effects that previously occurred."
This revelation caused immediate reactions. Ōnoki straightened in his chair, while Mei's eyes widened noticeably.
"The First Hokage's cells?" A growled, "That's incredibly dangerous technology. We've all heard what happened to Danzō and Orochimaru's experiments."
"Exactly," Naruto nodded, "which is why we've recarching it. Under Granny Tsunade's supervision - she is both the First's granddaughter and the world's greatest medical ninja, after all."
"Second," he continued, "we're proposing to gradually share bloodline abilities - both from Konoha and other villages. Imagine a world where more shinobi could use the Byakugan, or where Iwa's Explosion Release could be passed to trusted allies."
This caused an even bigger stir. Mei leaned forward, intrigued. "You're suggesting sharing kekkei genkai across village boundaries?"
"And that's just the beginning," Naruto affirmed. "These are just the first steps in preparing our world for what's coming. The Ōtsutsuki won't give us time to stay divided and protective of our secrets. We need to become stronger together."
Tsunade added, "All of this would be done under strict protocols and mutual agreements. We're not suggesting giving away our villages' secrets carelessly - we're proposing a controlled, strategic sharing of power to strengthen us all."
The chamber fell into intense discussion as the Kage considered these unprecedented proposals. The idea of sharing such closely guarded secrets and abilities was revolutionary - and potentially world-changing.
Gaara was the first to speak, his voice calm but decisive. "Suna is in. We've trusted Naruto before, and he's never led us astray."
Mei Terumi tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the table. "The potential benefits are enormous. Kirigakure has already seen the benefits of opening up rather than remaining isolated. We're in as well."
A, the Raikage, crossed his arms, his expression stern. "These proposals are radical... but so is the threat we face. Kumogakure will join this alliance."
Ōnoki remained quiet for a moment, his aged face creased in thought. Finally, he spoke, "In my long life, I've seen many alliances form and break. But this..." he paused, looking at Naruto's glowing form, "this feels different. Iwagakure will participate."
Tsunade smiled, standing tall. "Then it's settled. The Five Great Nations will unite in this endeavor."
"Hold on," A interjected, "we need to establish clear guidelines and protocols for these exchanges. This can't be a free-for-all."
"Of course," Naruto responded, "That's why we've prepared detailed proposals for how to implement everything safely and fairly. Shikaku has all the documents ready. But first, let me tell you of our main strategy against Ōtsutsuki. First, many of you don't know, but me and Uchiha Sasuke can awaken the Rinnegan and that's what we'll do. Second, right now every jinchūriki that wasn't captured by the Akatsuki already is captured and yes, your brother included, Raikage."
The Raikage's face contorted with rage at the mention of his brother, lightning chakra beginning to crackle around his massive frame. "What did you say about B?" he demanded, rising from his seat.
Naruto raised his hands in a calming gesture towards the enraged Raikage. "Please calm down, Raikage. B went along with this as part of our plan. By the end of this summit, the Akatsuki will have 8 Tailed Beasts except for me. I'll be ambushed after this meeting and get captured."
The Raikage's lightning chakra intensified. "You let them take my brother?!"
"Let me explain our strategy," Naruto continued firmly. "We're letting the Akatsuki complete their plan so we can free the Mother of Six Paths. We'll either convince her to join our side or use her cells to boost everything like we're planning with the First Hokage's cells. Plus, we'll learn any weaknesses we can use against the Ōtsutsuki."
"The main reason we're letting the Akatsuki succeed is to create an incomplete Ten-Tails. Then Kurama can absorb it and become the new Ten-Tails - but this time, it will be a protector of our world."
Naruto's expression softened as he delivered the most crucial part. "And don't worry about the jinchūriki - they're all alive. We only let the Akatsuki extract part of each Tailed Beast's chakra. They think they have it all, but they don't. Every jinchūriki, including Gaara, is now a perfect host with complete control over their Tailed Beast's power. Gaara has been aware of this plan from the start."
Gaara nodded in confirmation, adding weight to Naruto's words as the other Kage processed this revelation.
The Raikage's fist trembled, his lightning chakra still crackling but less intensely. "You're telling me my brother is safe? That this was all planned?"
"Yes," Naruto affirmed. "B is perfectly fine. In fact, he's stronger than ever. The partial extraction actually helped him and the Eight-Tails achieve perfect synchronization."
Tsunade stepped in, "This strategy was developed with input from all the jinchūriki themselves. They understood the risks and agreed to participate."
"But why wasn't I informed?" A demanded, though his anger was now mixed with confusion.
"Because your reaction had to be genuine," Shikaku explained. "The Akatsuki has spies everywhere. If you had known, they might have detected something was wrong."
Mei leaned forward, intrigued. "And what of this Mother of Six Paths you mentioned? Who exactly is she?"
Naruto's expression grew serious. "Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. She was the first to wield chakra in our world, but she became corrupted by power. The Sage of Six Paths - her son - had to seal her away. The Akatsuki's plan will inadvertently free her, but we'll be ready."
"This is an incredibly risky strategy," Ōnoki observed, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "If anything goes wrong..."
"That's why we've prepared multiple contingency plans," Naruto assured them. "And with all five villages working together, our chances of success are much higher."
The chamber fell silent as the Kage processed this information. The scale of what Konoha had been orchestrating was staggering.
Naruto turned to address all the Kage, his chakra mode still illuminating the chamber. "There's more you need to know. The Akatsuki thinks they're following Madara's plan, but even they don't know the full truth. The masked man was manipulated by Black Zetsu, who's Kaguya's will-given form."
"And this masked man claims to be Madara?" A questioned, his brow furrowed.
"Yes," Tsunade confirmed. "But we know that's not the truth. He's been orchestrating events from the shadows for years."
"After this summit," Naruto continued, "events will move quickly. The Akatsuki will think they've succeeded in capturing me and completing their plan. But when Kaguya emerges, we'll be ready. We've already prepared special seals based on the ones the Sage of Six Paths used."
Gaara spoke up, "The jinchūriki network is already in place. We can communicate and coordinate even while appearing to be captured."
"And what of these Ōtsutsuki you mentioned?" Mei asked. "How do they factor into all this?"
"They're coming regardless," Naruto explained. "But by controlling how Kaguya returns and potentially turning her to our side, we gain a powerful ally against her clan. Plus, the research we've done on her cells will help us develop defenses against other Ōtsutsuki."
Shikaku unrolled a scroll containing complex diagrams. "We've mapped out every possibility, every potential outcome. The key is timing - everything must happen in the right sequence."
"And you expect us to just trust this elaborate plan?" Ōnoki questioned, though his tone was more curious than skeptical.
"That's why I showed you my power earlier," Naruto responded. "If someone like me is saying we need this level of preparation, imagine how powerful our enemies must be."
The room fell silent as the implications sank in. Finally, A spoke, his voice gruff but determined.
"I want to see my brother. Prove to me he's truly safe."
"After the summit," Tsunade assured him. "We have a secure location where all the jinchūriki are gathering. You can verify everything we've said."
Suddenly, Naruto's head snapped up, his senses alerting him to something. "They're coming," he said quietly.
Quickly realizing he had sensed them earlier than expected, Naruto hastily suppressed his power, masking his true capabilities. He turned urgently to the Kage, speaking in a rushed whisper.
"Listen carefully - they're almost here. I need you to let them capture me, but we have to make it look convincing. Whatever happens, don't interfere. This is part of the plan."
The tension in the chamber heightened as Naruto's warning sank in. The Kage exchanged glances, their earlier disagreements momentarily forgotten in the face of immediate action.
"How long?" Tsunade asked sharply, already shifting into a defensive stance.
"Minutes," Naruto replied, his voice low. "Remember - no matter what happens, you must let them take me. If they suspect anything's wrong, the entire plan fails."
A's massive fist clenched. "And you're certain this is necessary?"
"Absolutely," Naruto confirmed. "When they arrive, act surprised and angry. They'll expect that."
Mifune's hand tightened on his sword. "My samurai-"
"Should defend the perimeter but ultimately fail," Shikaku interjected quietly. "We need this to be believable."
Suddenly, explosions rocked the fortress. The sound of fighting erupted from outside, and the chamber's massive doors burst open as samurai guards were thrown through.
"They're here," Naruto whispered, deliberately suppressing his power to appear vulnerable. "Remember the plan. Whatever happens, stick to it."
The air in the chamber grew thick with tension as they awaited the arrival of their "unexpected" guests, each leader preparing to play their part in this elaborate deception.
Through the smoke and debris, several figures emerged. Pain's six paths entered first, followed by Konan and the masked man claiming to be Madara. The chamber erupted into controlled chaos.
"How dare you interrupt this summit!" A roared, his lightning chakra crackling convincingly around him.
The masked man stepped forward, his single Sharingan eye gleaming through his orange mask. "We've come for the Nine-Tails jinchūriki. Hand him over, and no one else needs to die."
Tsunade stood protectively in front of Naruto, playing her role perfectly. "You'll never take him!"
Pain's Deva Path raised his hand. "Almighty Push!"
The gravitational force sent furniture and debris flying. The Kage and their guards dodged and weaved, making their resistance look genuine while ensuring they didn't actually prevent Naruto's capture.
"Naruto, run!" Tsunade shouted, engaging one of Pain's paths in combat.
Naruto made a show of trying to escape, but the masked man's space-time ninjutsu cut off his retreat. "Not this time, Nine-Tails."
The other Kage launched attacks that were carefully calculated to miss or be deflected. A's lightning techniques crackled harmlessly through the masked man's intangible form. Gaara's sand was swept aside by Pain's techniques. Mei's lava release was dodged with theatrical precision.
"Universal Pull!" The Deva Path's technique dragged Naruto toward them.
"No!" Naruto shouted, struggling in a way that looked desperate but wouldn't actually break him free. "I won't let you-"
The masked man's hand closed around Naruto's throat. "It's over. The Nine-Tails is ours."
Through it all, Naruto maintained eye contact with Tsunade, a subtle signal that everything was proceeding according to plan.
"You won't get away with this!" Ōnoki declared, launching a Dust Release technique that the masked man easily avoided.
"We already have," the masked man replied. His Sharingan spun, and space began to distort around them. "The era of the Five Great Nations is ending. The Moon's Eye Plan will soon be complete."
In a swirling vortex, the Akatsuki members disappeared with Naruto, leaving behind a chamber of "devastated" Kage and their guards.
As the dust settled, A slammed his fist into a wall. "Damn them!"
"We have to pursue!" Mei declared, maintaining the charade.
As the Kage discussed their next move, a yellow flash, and Naruto appeared before them, completely unharmed.
Mei's visible eye widened in surprise. "Naruto? What's happening? We just saw you captured..."
Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "What they took was actually a fake body that Orochimaru created. Granny Tsunade helped perfect it to make it completely convincing - chakra network and everything. It'll fool them long enough for what we need to do."
Tsunade nodded, a slight smirk on her face. "The body is a masterpiece of medical ninjutsu and Orochimaru's research. Even Pain's Rinnegan won't be able to tell the difference until it's too late."
"While they think they have me," Naruto continued, his expression growing more serious, "Sasuke and I will be working on awakening our Rinnegan. Speaking of which..." He turned to Tsunade, his blue eyes bright with optimism, "Sasuke and Itachi have worked things out. They're on good terms now, and Sasuke's fully committed to our plan."
"The Uchiha brothers have reconciled?" Ōnoki asked, his bushy eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Yeah," Naruto confirmed with a warm smile. "Once Sasuke learned the truth about everything, and after talking with Itachi... well, they're working together now. Sasuke understands what we're up against and knows this is bigger than any personal vendetta."
A crossed his arms, still looking somewhat skeptical. "And you're certain this deception will work?"
"Absolutely," Naruto affirmed. "The fake body will hold up until exactly when we need it to fail. By then, we'll be ready with our Rinnegan."
"The timing has to be perfect," Shikaku explained, stepping forward with a detailed scroll. "While the Akatsuki believes they have Naruto, we'll be implementing the next phase of our plan."
"And what of the other jinchūriki?" A demanded, still concerned about his brother.
"They're all safe at our secure location," Tsunade assured him. "We should head there now. You'll want to see B, and we need to coordinate the next steps."
Mei leaned forward, intrigued. "This secure location - where exactly is it?"
"Mount Myōboku," Naruto replied. "The home of the toads. It's completely hidden from the outside world, and even the Rinnegan can't track us there."
Ōnoki stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The legendary mountain of the Sage Toads... impressive."
"Before we go," Gaara interjected calmly, "we should establish clear communication protocols. Once everything starts moving, we'll need to coordinate precisely."
"Right," Naruto agreed. "I've got special kunai marked with my father's Flying Thunder God technique. Each of you should keep one. If anything goes wrong, I can reach you instantly."
He pulled out five specially marked kunai, distributing them to each Kage.
"These are..." A held the kunai reverently, recognizing the Fourth Hokage's legendary weapon.
"Yeah," Naruto smiled. "I've mastered Dad's technique. It'll let us stay connected no matter what happens."
Tsunade stood, her expression determined. "We should move now. The Akatsuki will be focused on extracting what they think is the Nine-Tails. This gives us the perfect window to gather our forces."
"Agreed," Mifune spoke up. "The Land of Iron will maintain the appearance that the summit ended in chaos. No one will suspect you're all working together."
Naruto formed a hand seal, his chakra flaring briefly. "I've got shadow clones monitoring the Akatsuki. They've already started the extraction process with the fake body. We have about three days before they realize something's wrong."
"Then let's not waste any more time," A declared, standing to his full height. "Take us to this secure location. I want to see my brother."
Naruto bit his thumb, performing the hand seals for the summoning jutsu. "Let me bring Elder Fukasaku here. He'll help transport us all to Mount Myōboku."
In a puff of smoke, the elderly toad sage appeared his small form a stark contrast to the powerful presence he carried.
"Naruto-boy," Fukasaku greeted, then turned to address the assembled Kage with a respectful bow. "Honored leaders, I trust everything is proceeding according to plan?"
"Yes, Elder," Naruto confirmed. "Could you reverse summon us all to Mount Myōboku? The Kage and their guards need to see their jinchūriki, and we need to proceed with the next phase."
Fukasaku nodded sagely. "Of course. Everyone, please gather close. The transition might be a bit disorienting for those not used to toad transportation."
The Kage and their guards formed a circle - A with Darui and C, Mei with Ao and Chōjūrō, Ōnoki with his guards, Gaara with Temari and Kankuro, and Tsunade with Shikaku and Naruto.
"Ready?" Fukasaku asked, forming hand seals. "Reverse Summoning Technique!"
In a massive puff of smoke, the entire group vanished from the summit chamber, leaving only Mifune and his samurai to maintain the appearance of chaos and pursuit.
In a swirl of smoke, the Kage and their guards found themselves in the tranquil realm of Mount Myōboku, the sacred home of the toad sages. The lush, verdant landscape was a stark contrast to the cold, formal setting of the Five Kage Summit.
As the smoke cleared, the group took in their new surroundings. Naruto grinned, gesturing to the towering stone structures and winding rivers that characterized the toad mountain.
"Welcome to Mount Myōboku, the home of the toads!" he announced proudly.
Ōnoki's weathered face betrayed a hint of awe as he surveyed the unfamiliar terrain. "So this is the legendary realm of the Sage Toads. Impressive."
A's stern expression softened slightly as he caught sight of a familiar figure approaching them.
"B!" the Raikage called out, striding forward to embrace his brother.
Killer B, the Eight-Tails jinchūriki, broke into a wide grin, his sunglasses glinting in the soft light. "Yo, bro! Didn't expect to see you here, but I'm glad you made it!"
The reunion between the two brothers was a heartwarming sight, the Raikage's usual gruff demeanor melting away as he checked on B's well-being.
Mei Terumi stepped forward, her expression curious. "So this is where you've been hiding the jinchūriki. Impressive that you managed to spirit them all away without anyone noticing."
Gaara nodded, his arms crossed. "It was a delicate operation, but necessary. The Akatsuki cannot be allowed to complete their plan."
Tsunade gestured to the assembled Kage. "Now that we're all here, let's discuss the next steps. Naruto, if you would?"
Naruto nodded, his expression serious. "Alright, listen up! While the Akatsuki thinks they have me, Sasuke and I will be heading back to Konoha to start the process of awakening our Rinnegan."
He turned to Shikaku, a slight grin on his face. "And Shikaku-san here is going to be the one coordinating the alliance. You can dump all the paperwork on him - he's the smartest of all of us, dattebayo!"
Shikaku sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "I suppose someone has to keep this operation running smoothly. Very well, I'll handle the administrative side of things."
Tsunade stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the assembled Kage. "Shikaku will be the central point of contact for all of us. He'll be responsible for managing the information flow, resource allocation, and overall strategy as we prepare for the Ōtsutsuki threat."
A grunted, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "And what exactly will Naruto and Sasuke be doing while the rest of us handle the logistics?"
"Awakening the Rinnegan," Naruto replied, his voice carrying a sense of determination. "It's the key to unlocking the power we'll need to face the Ōtsutsuki clan."
Mei Terumi's brow furrowed slightly. "The Rinnegan... Isn't that an incredibly rare and powerful dōjutsu? How do you plan to achieve such a feat?"
Naruto nodded solemnly. "You're right, the process is even more demanding than I initially explained. In order to awaken the Rinnegan, I will need to take both of Sasuke's eyes, while he will need to take a piece of my flesh."
The Kage reacted with visible concern and unease at Naruto's words. Mei Terumi's brow furrowed deeply. "Taking each other's eyes? That seems incredibly risky and painful. Are you both certain you're willing to go through with this?"
Ōnoki stroked his beard, his weathered face creased in thought. "And the recovery time for such a procedure - how long will it take before you two are ready to face the Ōtsutsuki threat?"
Naruto met the Tsuchikage's gaze steadily. "I know it sounds extreme, but it's the only way for Sasuke and I to unlock the full power of the Rinnegan in time. The actual exchange won't take long, maybe a day or two at most."
He turned to Fukasaku, the elderly toad sage, who nodded solemnly. "Indeed. The exchange of eyes and flesh is a crucial step, but the true challenge lies in the training and meditation that follows. Naruto and Sasuke will need to delve deep into the nature of chakra and the Sage Arts to fully master the Rinnegan."
A's massive arms were crossed over his chest, his expression stern. "And you're certain they can complete this task before the Akatsuki finishes their plans? We don't have the luxury of waiting around."
Naruto nodded solemnly. "You raise a fair point, Raikage. Sasuke may have a harder time with the recovery due to his lack of my healing abilities. As for me, I'm confident I can complete the eye exchange and awakening the Rinnegan within a day or two, as I plan to remain in Sage Mode throughout the process to increase my chances of success."
He turned to Fukasaku. "Elder, do you believe Sasuke will be able to recover quickly enough to join me in time?"
Fukasaku stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, that is a valid concern. Sasuke's natural healing is not on par with Naruto's. However, with the proper medical attention and our sage techniques, I believe we can expedite his recovery to a degree."
The elderly toad sage looked to Tsunade. "Lady Hokage, would you be willing to oversee Sasuke's treatment personally? Your medical expertise would be invaluable."
Tsunade nodded firmly. "Of course. I'll make sure Sasuke is ready to join Naruto as soon as possible. We can't afford any delays in unlocking the Rinnegan."
Naruto's gaze hardened with determination. "I know it's a lot to ask, but Sasuke and I are the only ones who can do this. We have to unlock the Rinnegan before the Ōtsutsuki make their move. We'll train day and night if we have to - I promise we'll be ready in time."