Ch-181 Kabuto found.

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Finally, it was decided that after 15 days of preparation, they would attack Akatsuki. According to the information from Tsunade, Akatsuki resides in Amegakure.

"Okay, now that we have decided to attack Akatsuki, who will lead this assault?" The Mizukage raised the question.

"Of course, we from Kumogakure will lead the coalition army of the five major villages," declared the Raikage as if stating a fact.

"In my opinion, I believe the leader of the coalition army should be Konoha. Konoha has faced Akatsuki numerous times and possesses valuable information about them. Additionally, I presume they have trained their ninjas to counter Akatsuki's abilities, which would be highly beneficial," said Mifune.

"We, from Sunagakure, also support this," added Gaara.

"We, from Kirigakure, also believe that it would be best if Konoha leads the Coalition army," chimed in Terumi.

"I also see no problem with Konoha becoming the leader of the coalition army," said Onoki.

The Raikage didn't comment on this because if the majority sided with Konoha, then his Kumogakure would have no chance of becoming the leader of the coalition army.

"Okay, then if everyone has no objections, then we from Konoha also have no problem. We are ready to assume leadership of the Coalition Army," said Tsunade.

"Okay, with everyone's agreement, I announce that Konoha will lead the Coalition Army. Today's meeting comes to an end," announced Mifune.

After Mifune's announcement, the meeting came to an end, and everyone left as no one was willing to waste their time, especially Kirigakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure, who had just received information on Akatsuki. They had to take their time and prepare for the upcoming war; after all, Akatsuki couldn't be ignored.

----

After a few days of travel, the Raikage returned to Kumogakure with Killer B and Darui. The Raikage was expecting an attack from Akatsuki and had already made many plans and prepared ambushes along his path back to Kumogakure. However, to his disappointment, there was no attack from Akatsuki.

Finally, the Raikage reached his office, and as soon as he entered, he was greeted by Mabui, who had already received the news about his return.

"Raikage-sama, how did the meeting go?" asked Mabui.

"It went quite well, and all the major villages have reached cooperation with each other to destroy the 'Akatsuki Organization' once and for all and reclaim our respective tailed-beasts," replied the Raikage as he took his seat.

Mabui nodded upon hearing the Raikage's response; this was all within her expectations.

"The only thing I didn't like was that Konoha was given leadership of the coalition army," said the Raikage, handing a scroll to Mabui as he spoke.

"If we carefully analyze the situation, the outcome isn't particularly surprising. It's well-known that Sunagakure maintains strong ties with Konoha, while Iwagakure doesn't harbor much favor toward us. Additionally, considering Jiryoku's alignment with Konoha, albeit indirectly, it's understandable why the Mizukage made the choice she did," remarked Mabui thoughtfully as she accepted the scroll from the Raikage.

The Raikage nodded in agreement, emitting a low "Hmm" in affirmation of Mabui's astute observation.

"You're well aware of how to handle this intelligence. Proceed swiftly," instructed the Raikage with a sense of urgency.

"I'll promptly dispatch orders to the Anbu operatives to disseminate this information throughout our ranks. Furthermore, I'll instruct them to commence training exercises based on the provided intelligence without delay," responded Mabui diligently before taking her leave from the Raikage's office.

Despite the encroaching nightfall upon the Raikage's return to Kumogakure, the village buzzed with renewed activity, particularly among the ninja populace, spurred into action by Mabui's directives.

----

At this moment, 'Black Zetsu' appeared beside Obito and remarked, "The 'Five Kage Summit' has concluded, and each Kage has returned to their respective village."

"I see. Was there anything significant that occurred?" inquired Obito.

"They are planning to eradicate the Akatsuki, as we suspected. The concern lies in Konoha disseminating detailed information about Akatsuki to all. This includes nearly everything about our members: their weaknesses, strengths, and more," responded 'Black Zetsu'.

"This is indeed concerning. However, there is little we can do about it," replied Obito resignedly.

"What about Nagato? Has he departed for Kumogakure?" inquired Obito.

"Yes, he has already left Amegakure," confirmed 'Black Zetsu'.

"Are you planning to attack him immediately after he finishes his assault on Kumogakure?" inquired 'Black Zetsu'.

"No, not at all. I will engage him after we have completed sealing the tailed beasts," responded Obito.

"I see," acknowledged 'Black Zetsu'. He understood that once Nagato finished sealing the tailed beasts, both Nagato and Konan would be weakened, at least not at their peak strength. That would be the opportune time to strike.

"How is the progress on the search for Kabuto?" inquired Obito.

"He has been located," replied 'Black Zetsu'.

"Where is he? Tell me, I need to meet him," insisted Obito.

"He is already waiting for us. Do not worry, I have already met with him," assured 'Black Zetsu'.

With that, both Obito and 'Black Zetsu' disappeared from the location.

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