294.The Five Kage Summit
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Minato proudly announced the name he had come up with, then looked at Kaito with expectant eyes.
Faced with Minato's "praise me" expression, Kaito subtly averted his gaze and said, "As long as you're happy."
He really didn't want to comment on Minato's naming sense.
"Don't you think my technique name is amazing?" Minato, not getting the reaction he wanted, couldn't help but press further, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"..."
'Should I be honest?'
Kaito had no intention of arguing about this. He was 'disgusted'.
'Praise him against my conscience?'
After a brief internal struggle, Kaito gave up.
Mostly because 'he'—the soon-to-be Great Onmyoji, Uchiha Kaito—felt he shouldn't have to endure such suffering.
"Let's move on," Kaito decisively changed the subject. "Test whether your right hand can develop abilities beyond soul-based attacks."
"Alright, let's continue."
A flash of "so hard to find someone who understands me" crossed Minato's face before he reluctantly pulled out a specially marked Flying Thunder God kunai and took a combat stance.
'Maybe my naming is just too avant-garde for him?'
Minato pondered as he prepared.
'After all, Kaito, as an onmyoji, is steeped in traditional culture. He probably doesn't get modern trends. Tsk, for someone so young, that's no good! He needs to catch up with the times! As his friend, I'll change that, Kaito!'
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
'That's it! Here's what I'll do—'
A confident grin spread across Minato's face as he loudly declared:
"Be careful now! I'm going to combine the' Annihilating Evil-Dispelling Hand of Enma 'with the' Space-Time Gale Flash Combo Zero-Type '!"
'How's that? Doubly cool, right?!'
He looked at Kaito with renewed anticipation.
"...Hah???"
Kaito felt like his brain had just short-circuited.
'So "Annihilating Evil-Dispelling Hand of Enma" wasn't even his peak?! Thank the gods Kushina exists to keep this man in check! I'm telling Kushina about his naming the second I get the chance. Until she forces him to change it, I am never 'fighting alongside him again!'
Kaito swore this silently to himself.
"Here I come!"
Minato raised his kunai, ready to strike—
'Whoosh!'
The sound of a shunshin interrupted him.
Shiranui Genma appeared, cutting off Minato's momentum.
"Lord Minato, Lord Kaito," Genma addressed them. "Urgent news—the Fourth Raikage has called for a Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron."
"Five Kage Summit?" Minato pocketed his kunai. "Seems the Raikage is the first to lose patience."
"Yes. Lady Tsunade requests your presence at the Hokage Building for an emergency jonin meeting," Genma said respectfully.
"Understood." Minato turned to Kaito.
Kaito immediately waved him off. "Go ahead."
'Just get out of here before your naming sense infects me further!'
After watching Minato and Genma leave, Kaito contacted his Blood Puppet.
"Master."
"How's the collection of the remaining White Zetsu?"
"The leftovers are just low-intelligence mass-produced units. I've already subdued them as per your instructions."
"Good work. Has Nagato been informed about the Five Kage Summit?"
"Yes. Conveniently, Nagato needs a stage like this to promote his peace ideology."
"Oh? Does anyone else know about his plan to revive Kaguya?"
"Not even Konan. I suspect he intends to use the original "Final Weapon" plan to draw the world's attention before casting Infinite Tsukuyomi to resurrect Kaguya."
"Understood. Play along for now."
"Yes."
Cutting the connection, Kaito wandered aimlessly.
His paper clones could handle the research back at Mount Ōeyama—he only needed to receive updates at night.
'The moon expedition plan could start anytime...'
Kaito glanced at the sky. Though the moon wasn't visible in daylight, the sheer hassle of getting there sapped his motivation.
'Gure can't fly that high. I'll need to recruit other youkai for transport...'
The screech of hawks echoed over Konoha as ninja from across the village converged on the Hokage Building.
---
Hokage Building, Meeting Room.
Tsunade sat silently at the head of the table.
Jiraiya, seated to her left, spoke first. "Tsunade, let me accompany you to the Summit."
"No." She shot him a glance. "With Naruto as the last remaining jinchūriki not captured by Akatsuki, Konoha needs you here for defense."
"Then who'll be your guards?" Jiraiya scanned the room.
"Hatake Kakashi and Hyuga Tokuma."
Tsunade looked at the two she'd named.
"The Raikage's missive states each Kage may bring two escorts. You two will attend with me."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Kakashi and Tokuma stood and acknowledged.
"Hokage-sama," Kakashi added, "would it be prudent to have an ANBU squad shadow us covertly?"
Many voiced agreement—clearly, Tsunade's sealing during Akatsuki's attack had left them uneasy.
"Unnecessary." She shut it down firmly. "The village's safety takes priority. The Summit will draw Akatsuki's eyes, and they may seize the chance to strike Konoha again."
"At least take Minato," Jiraiya insisted, worry lacing his tone. "I can hold the fort here, and he can return instantly if needed."
Minato, seated across from Jiraiya, nodded in support.
Tsunade shook her head again. "Minato's priority is guarding Naruto. As the village with the last jinchūriki, we're already a target. The Fourth Hokage's presence would only draw more attention."
As protests rose, Tsunade slammed a fist on the table.
"Enough! As Hokage, I swear I won't falter again!"
The room fell silent.
She proceeded to delegate village affairs with finality, then dismissed the meeting.
Most ninja lingered afterward, swarming Kakashi and Tokuma.
"Kakashi, Tokuma, protect the Hokage at all costs."
"Her safety rests with you two!"
"Stay vigilant!"
"..."
Kakashi responded solemnly, "We'll defend Lady Hokage with our lives."
Tokuma activated his Byakugan. "I'll eliminate any threat before it reaches her."
Only after endless well-wishing did the room finally clear.
Outside, Tokuma turned to Kakashi. "Free to train?"
"Hm?" Kakashi eyed the serious Hyuga.
"Build synergy."
"Good idea."
Without another word, the two headed for the nearest training ground.