The meeting room on the second floor was bustling with activity. Aside from the Five Kage engaged in discussion around a pentagonal table, their respective bodyguards stood vigilantly at each corner of the room. This setup was both a display of authority and a sign of respect for the Kage.
Senju Momoka, acting as an assistant, nodded at Kakuzu's suggestion.
"Momoka, take a break. I'll handle things here," Kakuzu said, stepping forward.
"Thank you, Kakuzu," she replied before retreating.
"Don't mention it."
As an experienced ninja, Kakuzu's instincts kicked in as he scanned the room. The bodyguards accompanying the other Kage were all intriguing individuals.
The guard with the Kazekage was a bald man whose shining head featured a striking dragon tattoo—bold and attention-grabbing. Kakuzu silently praised the man's individuality.
The Raikage's bodyguard was a burly man with the distinctive look of someone from Kumogakure. There wasn't much else noteworthy about him, so Kakuzu moved on.
The Mizukage's bodyguard was surprising—a pale-skinned, long-haired young man who exuded an air of elegance. His features were strikingly handsome, to the point that Kakuzu had to admit his looks stood out.
Finally, the Tsuchikage's bodyguard piqued Kakuzu's curiosity. This man, covered in bandages, bore a resemblance to Mu, who had been carried in on a stretcher earlier, yet was clearly a different person.
Each of the bodyguards was unique in their way, but this wasn't Kakuzu's primary concern. His attention returned to the central table, where the Five Kage were deep in discussion.
Just as everyone had heard earlier, Senju Hashirama had barely begun the meeting before bowing deeply—his forehead slamming against the wooden table with a thunderous boom.
Senju Tobirama froze in disbelief.
This is our home turf! Why is he bowing like this? Isn't this humiliating?
The other four Kage were momentarily stunned, then thrilled. Was Senju Hashirama showing submission? Could this be an opportunity to extract more concessions or even additional tailed beasts from him?
However, their elation was short-lived. As seasoned leaders, they weren't naive. The force of Hashirama's bow had caused tremors akin to an earthquake. If he had directed that force at them, their spines would've shattered instantly. The only reason the table remained intact was due to its construction—courtesy of Wood Release.
Understanding this, the other Kage remained vigilant.
Under Tobirama's guidance, the meeting eventually shifted to its main topic.
"In light of the varying strengths of our nations," Tobirama began, "we propose a balanced distribution of the tailed beasts to maintain equilibrium among us. However, we will require compensation from each village for this allocation."
It was unclear whether Tobirama truly believed this proposal himself, but it was undoubtedly aligned with Hashirama's vision of peace.
Hashirama, beaming with his usual optimism, interjected, "There's no need for money. I'm willing to give the tailed beasts away for free!"
"Shut up!" Tobirama roared, unable to contain his frustration. Ignoring the presence of the other Kage, he silenced his elder brother with a glare so sharp it rendered Hashirama momentarily speechless.
Though the scene was comical, none of the other Kage dared to laugh. For now, their minds were preoccupied with the logistics and implications of tailed beast distribution.
Kakuzu, meanwhile, observed quietly from the sidelines, taking note of everything. This negotiation was inherently unequal. The power of the God of Shinobi was an undisputed fact in the ninja world. So what gave the other Kage the confidence to come to Konoha for this meeting?
The answer was simple: for the sake of their villages.
No matter the pressure, they had to secure the best deal possible. If they showed fear or weakness in front of their subordinates, it would tarnish not only their reputations but also the standing of their villages.
Kakuzu couldn't help but acknowledge their determination. These Kage truly were masters of appearances—except, of course, for Hashirama.
It was widely known that Hashirama had little interest in the title of Hokage. He had always hoped Uchiha Madara would assume the role. However, after a democratic vote, he was reluctantly elected by popular demand. For Hashirama, the position meant little compared to his dream of unity.
Boom!
Hashirama's head hit the table again, another small earthquake rippling through the room.
"We've had our conflicts," he said earnestly, "but those were born of necessity, for the sake of our families and clans. Even if we reach an agreement today, who knows how long this peace will last? But I've always had a dream—a hope that one day, we can transcend borders and unite as one. I implore you to take this first step toward that dream."
His sincerity, reinforced by his actions, touched the hearts of the other Kage. Though they still harbored doubts, they set aside their grievances momentarily.
The other Kage seemed willing to proceed as Hashirama suggested—discussing the distribution of the tailed beasts and signing a peace agreement. As the talks commenced, the Kage all adjusted their postures, adopting more serious attitudes. Although the general framework had been established, hashing out the details inevitably gave rise to disagreements and disputes.
It was the Tsuchikage, Ishikawa, who first stirred the pot. He immediately aimed his criticism at the Kazekage.
"I don't think the Land of Wind deserves a tailed beast," Ishikawa declared sharply. "Your land is nothing but endless deserts with scarce resources. The constant sandstorms leave your people struggling in misery. If you were granted a tailed beast, it would undoubtedly be used to launch invasions on other nations to seize fertile lands."
Hearing this, the Kazekage, Reto, exploded in anger.
"What? Are you saying I should accept less just because I was born unlucky? Ridiculous!"
However, before Reto could finish venting his frustration, another voice joined the fray—this time from the Raikage.
"Kazekage," the Raikage interjected, his tone cold and unyielding. "This isn't some open market in your country where you can throw tantrums and stir up chaos. The Tsuchikage has a point. If you want a tailed beast, you need to provide us with a reasonable explanation."
At that moment, Reto understood: the Raikage and Tsuchikage had clearly conspired beforehand. They had formed an alliance to target him, striking in unison during today's negotiations. Faced with their coordinated attack, Reto found himself at a loss for words. After all, they weren't entirely wrong.
In the current rankings among the Five Great Nations, Konohagakure was undoubtedly at the top, dominating both militarily and politically. While the rankings for second place were debatable, there was no doubt about who came in last—Sunagakure.
It wasn't personal; it was just the harsh reality. Sunagakure's terrain, dominated by infertile sand, left the nation reliant on imported food. To make matters worse, the Land of Wind had little to export in return. Many of its people still suffered from hunger, and economically, the village lagged behind even some of the smaller nations.
Cornered by the Tsuchikage and Raikage, Reto's fists clenched tightly, his bloodshot eyes burning with fury. If the setting had been different, he might have leapt up and started a brawl. But he restrained himself. Losing his temper wouldn't solve anything.
Since arguing wasn't working, Reto decided to take a page from their book—find an ally. He shifted his gaze to the Hokage, silently pleading for assistance.
Hashirama noticed the Kazekage's look of desperation and couldn't help but twitch slightly.
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