Chapter 408: Five Kage Talks

"Humph!"

The sharp sound of crumpling paper filled the Hokage's office as Hiruzen Sarutobi's anger erupted. The document in his hand was reduced to scraps, fluttering to the ground. Though his face bore the lines of age, the fierce energy radiating from him reminded everyone why he had been known as the "God of Shinobi."

The oppressive aura emanating from him made the Anbu operative before him tremble. Despite wearing the cat-faced mask of Konoha's elite, the Jonin-level shinobi could barely endure the pressure.

Realizing this, Hiruzen exhaled and reined in his chakra, allowing the Anbu to recover. The shinobi let out a shaky breath, the sweat dripping from beneath their mask betraying their fear.

"Fetch Minato for me," Hiruzen commanded, his tone sharp.

The Anbu nodded, saluted, and vanished.

________________________________________

When Minato Namikaze entered the office moments later, he immediately noticed Hiruzen's grim expression. Coupled with the nervous demeanor of the departing Anbu, Minato's own mood darkened. His mind raced, piecing together the likely implications.

A storm was brewing, one that could engulf the entire ninja world.

Minato approached the desk, his steps steady despite the heavy atmosphere. Hiruzen raised his gaze, his old face a mixture of frustration and determination.

"Minato," Hiruzen began, his voice tinged with anger. "We've received intelligence confirming that the Third Raikage has been communicating privately with the other three Kage. It seems they're plotting something."

Minato's eyes narrowed as Hiruzen continued.

"Just now, a joint document was delivered to me from the Four Kage. They've declared you an accomplice of the Red Sand Sasori. They claim evidence of your involvement in the disappearance of the Third Kazekage."

Hiruzen's tone hardened. "The claim is based on the Flying Thunder God markings found in Sunagakure."

Minato's stomach sank slightly at the mention of his spatial coordinates being discovered.

"When did the Sunagakure develop the ability to detect my marks?" he muttered to himself. He recalled leaving those markings years ago during covert operations in the Second Ninja World War and later during the Dragon Vein Incident. How they had gone unnoticed until now was troubling.

Hiruzen's voice broke into his thoughts. "The Four Kage have used this as a pretext to demand your punishment, Minato. They've proposed a Five Kage Summit, hosted by the samurai leader of the Land of Iron."

Minato's lips curled into a wry smile. "Using the Third Kazekage's disappearance as leverage to target me… It seems they're not even trying to hide their ulterior motives."

Hiruzen leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Minato. "Do you understand what this means, Minato? They're not just after you. This is a move against Konoha itself."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Minato remained calm. His composure was almost unsettling as he chuckled softly. "It's a bold move, I'll admit. But to panic over their accusations would be a greater mistake."

Hiruzen studied Minato's demeanor and allowed a faint smile to break through his stern exterior. This was why he had such faith in the young man. Minato's unwavering confidence and sharp mind made him invaluable.

"Haha," Hiruzen laughed lightly. "You're facing the combined pressure of the Four Kage, yet you're as composed as ever."

"Fear and hesitation won't solve this problem, Hokage-sama," Minato replied with a slight bow. "Besides, the accusations against me are flimsy at best. Everyone in the ninja world knows Sasori's parents were killed by me and Sakumo Hatake. To suggest we're allies is absurd."

Hiruzen nodded, but his expression turned serious again. "Even so, the real purpose of this summit isn't to debate your guilt. It's a chance for the other villages to test Konoha's resolve. If we show weakness, they'll exploit it."

Minato's smile faded slightly, replaced by a determined glint in his eye. "Then let me attend the summit. I want to see for myself how the Kage of Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water plan to deal with me."

Hiruzen's brows furrowed. "You know what's at stake, Minato. The Four Kage don't just represent themselves—they carry the weight of their nations. One wrong move, and we could be looking at a war."

Minato nodded. "I understand, Hokage-sama. But retreating or conceding would only delay the inevitable. If the summit is meant to provoke us, we must respond with strength."

After a long pause, Hiruzen stood and sighed heavily. "Very well. I'll accompany you to the Land of Iron. Inform Uchiha Fugaku to prepare—he'll join us."

________________________________________

Land of Water, Underground

In the darkness beneath the Land of Water, an old man sat with his crimson eyes glowing faintly. The Sharingan reflected the dim light as he gazed at the figure before him—a pale, humanoid shape cloaked in mystery.

"The Third Mizukage's party has already set out," the pale figure reported.

The old man chuckled, his voice cold and calculated. "Konoha has Minato Namikaze. He's clever and resourceful, but even he won't escape the trap we've set."

The pale figure hesitated. "Should we continue monitoring him?"

The old man shook his head. "No. Temporarily cease surveillance. If you're discovered, even your abilities won't protect you from his eyes. For now, let the other Kage handle him."

A sinister grin crept across his face. "But your earlier work deserves praise. The marks you left behind did well to stir the pot. That boy has been digging for secrets, but he'd never guess I'm still alive."

"He's growing stronger by the day," the figure warned. "Even Sasori, a prodigy in his own right, was forced to flee without landing a single blow against him."

The old man's grin widened. "Then it's time to escalate the game. Let's see how Minato fares against the combined might of the Five Kage."

His laughter echoed through the cavern, its chilling tone signaling the beginning of a new phase in his plans. The storm brewing in the ninja world was no coincidence. It was a carefully orchestrated design, and Minato Namikaze was at the center of it.

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