Early Morning, Hokage Mansion

The first rays of dawn crept over the Hidden Leaf Village, casting a golden glow over the tiled rooftops and bustling market streets just beginning to stir. Inside the Hokage Mansion, far removed from the village's peaceful hum, the atmosphere was tense and solemn.

Deep within a private room, the Hokage stood tall, issuing last-minute orders to several masked ANBU operatives. His tone was steady, yet beneath it lay the unmistakable weight of worry. The Five Kage Summit—an unprecedented meeting of power—was about to begin, and Konoha would be the host.

"Secure the perimeter. Double the patrols. I want no blind spots," Hiruzen commanded. "No mistakes."

With a sharp nod, the ANBU vanished in a flicker of movement, leaving the Hokage alone—until a presence emerged from the shadows behind him.

Orochimaru.

The legendary Sannin stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable. He had returned to Konoha not for sentiment but duty. Tsunade, still absent from the village, had declined any involvement—her heart burdened with painful memories of the past.

Hiruzen sighed.

He had long prepared for this day. Six elite squads of ANBU were stationed across the village. But more importantly, he had chosen a symbol of power—Orochimaru himself—to stand by his side should things spiral out of control.

With final preparations complete, Hiruzen entered the grand meeting chamber where the summit would be held. The room, though empty for now, carried the weight of history in its silence. As he sat, he mulled over a single unresolved thought: he had chosen not to bring any advisors.

Originally, he had intended to be accompanied by one. But during a high council meeting, it had been collectively agreed that such a show of unity and simplicity would serve the village better. Though he disagreed, Hiruzen relented. Instead, he brought Orochimaru.

POV: Tsuchikage – Arano

After yesterday's minor altercation with the Raikage, things had calmed down. Our temporary residence in Konoha had been peaceful through the night, and now, the sun had barely risen when I gave orders to my men.

"Be prepared for anything," I told them.

One jōnin would accompany me—just as the rules of the summit required. Each Kage was permitted one escort, no more.

When we finally departed for the summit, the streets of Konoha were eerily quiet. Not even the vendors had opened their stalls. It seemed the village itself was holding its breath.

As we approached the towering Hokage mansion, several ANBU intercepted us. Silently, they guided us toward the summit chamber.

I entered.

Three seats were already occupied.

The Hokage. The Raikage. The Kazekage.

Only the Mizukage had yet to arrive—or so I thought.

POV: End

"Take a seat, Tsuchikage," Hiruzen said with a gentle nod.

Arano walked forward with dignified steps, taking the vacant chair without a word.

The Hokage stood. "Unfortunately, the Mizukage has declined to attend. However, with four Kage present, the summit shall proceed. Let us begin."

The atmosphere thickened as Hiruzen spoke. "Our villages have suffered during the Great Wars. Countless shinobi lost, economies broken, innocent lives shattered. I propose a treaty to prevent further bloodshed. A pact that limits our military forces, caps weapon expenditures, and prohibits the deployment of child soldiers."

The room fell silent.

Then—laughter. Dry and bitter.

"You want to limit the number of active shinobi?" the Raikage scoffed. "To 1,000? And restrict military spending? Foolish. This isn't peace—it's disarmament."

The Kazekage leaned forward, his voice cold. "Even if we signed this treaty, what's to stop the Mizukage or the minor nations from ignoring it? While we weaken, they could gather strength. It's too dangerous."

"I agree," Arano said with a sharp gaze. "Your intentions are noble, Hokage, but this treaty would make us vulnerable. Peace cannot be built on weakness."

Hiruzen's eyes softened, but his voice remained firm. "Then allow me to offer an alternative. Instead of restricting our forces, let us unite them—symbolically. I propose we hold the Chūnin Exams together. Each of us will send two teams of Genin, making eight total. We'll host the exams in the Land of Fire—for security reasons."

The Kazekage nodded. "This proposal makes more sense. We will join."

The Tsuchikage considered for a moment, then smiled. "It will strengthen the next generation. I accept."

The Raikage leaned back, arms crossed. "I agree… but I have one question."

Hiruzen raised a brow. "Ask, and I'll answer if I can."

The Raikage smirked. "Will the Tsuchikage himself be participating in the exams?"

The room fell silent.

Everyone stared at him in disbelief. Even the ANBU outside paused at the absurdity of the comment.

Arano's expression turned to stone.

"That was a joke, Tsuchikage," the Raikage said casually. "No need to take it personally."

"A joke only a fool would make."

"Careful now, I am your elder."

"I suggest you hold your tongue, unless you want your Genin to be left without a leader."

"Are you threatening me?"

"I'm deciding the fate of your village—after I destroy you and your Genin."

"…Treason, then."

(Star Wars reference)

Suddenly, the Raikage activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, lightning crackling across his body. In an instant, he dashed toward Arano.

The space between them was small—too small.

The Tsuchikage barely managed to move his fingers, forming a Doton wall in defense. But the Raikage smashed through it with ease, fist aimed for Arano's face.

With no time for a Jinton technique, Arano raised his arm.

The blow landed with terrifying force. Arano was hurled across the chamber, crashing into the wall, cracking it—and then slamming into the ground fifty meters away. Blood streamed down his head and hand.

But Arano stood.

Breathing heavily, he formed four small Jinton cubes, launching them at the Raikage. The Kazekage flinched; even he knew the devastation such a technique could bring.

The Raikage narrowly avoided them as the cubes obliterated the area he had stood in.

The Tsuchikage reshaped the ground beneath the Raikage's feet into jagged spears, forcing the Raikage to leap back.

The battle continued.

Every time the Raikage charged, Arano summoned stone walls or fired deadly Jinton attacks. Though injured, he refused to fall. Neither man could gain the upper hand.

The chamber crumbled around them—walls broken, floor cracked, chakra surging with lethal intent.

Finally, the Hokage had enough.

"Orochimaru! ANBU—move in!"

From the ruined wall, Orochimaru and elite ANBU leapt in. The Kazekage followed, siding with Hiruzen to stop the madness.

Both Kage were exhausted. The Raikage was still sharp, but he knew—one mistake, and a Jinton attack would erase him from existence.

Realizing they were surrounded—by ANBU, by Kage, by consequences—they stopped.

Hiruzen stepped forward. "If you have a grudge, settle it through your Genin—not through war. Let them fight in the exams. Show your strength there, not here."

The Raikage and Tsuchikage nodded, eyes still locked with tension.

To make amends, it was decided:

The Raikage would pay 2,000,000 Ryo for damages.

The Tsuchikage would pay 1,000,000 Ryo.

The Hokage, though shaken, felt a glimmer of hope.

No one died.

And maybe, just maybe—peace wasn't so far away after all.

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*edited*

a little bigger chapter than usually i hope you like it ,

there might be some grammatical error so inform me if you find one :D

Free battle pass in fortnite if you rate my fanfic 5 star { not a scam :) }