Three days passed by in a flash, and Mifune of the Iron Country looked at a majestic Uchiha clansman with great surprise.
In the past, he had hosted high-profile talks, such as the Five Kage Summit. After all, the Iron Country did not allow shinobi to stay for long, nor did they permit the existence of shinobi forces within its borders. For the five great nations, it was considered neutral ground.
However, this Five Kage Summit was not initiated by one of the great shinobi villages to discuss a matter affecting the ninja world.
For the first time, this event was initiated by a ninja clan, yet the Kage of the five great shinobi villages came to participate.
Of course, what the Uchiha clan was doing now could also be said to have affected the entire ninja world on another level, but how could it be put?
There remained a gap between matters like trade across the ninja world and issues such as the distribution of tailed beasts.
"General Mifune, there is no need for you to welcome him alongside me. The person coming is the patriarch of the Uchiha clan and the CEO of the Uchiha Group. Your gesture seems a bit too formal," Mingfeng said, looking at Mifune beside him. As the General of the Iron Country, Mifune's status was equivalent to that of a Kage.
If someone greeted the Kage of each village, it made sense, but Fugaku, though extraordinary in status, was ultimately just a ninja clan leader.
The Uchiha Group had not yet been officially established as a conglomerate spanning the entire ninja world.
In terms of status, there was still a gap.
"It doesn't matter. After today, Clan Leader Fugaku will be as esteemed as the Kage of any village. I'm merely ahead of schedule," Mifune said with a wave of his hand. As a samurai, he had a keen sense of such matters.
Could the leader of a ninja clan capable of summoning the Five Kage be considered ordinary? What's more, the Uchiha name became legendary in the ninja world after the battle between the shinobi of Kumogakure and Iwagakure.
No matter how strong the Iron Country was, they would never foolishly oppose the current Uchiha clan!
Yagami chose not to press further. This was Mifune's territory. What they wanted to do was their business; it wasn't his place to intervene.
Not long after, Fugaku arrived, flanked by two Uchiha. He nodded to Yagami and then began to engage Mifune in conversation.
Fugaku had always been capable in such situations. Though his political consciousness wasn't particularly high, he was a skilled diplomat. No matter the individual, as long as they were a little older, Fugaku could always find common ground for conversation.
"Okay! Just keep me informed. You can continue waiting here, Mr. Tsuchikage! I'll find a place to rest first..."
Yagami spread his hands and said to Deidara, "The reason for welcoming Fugaku is personal. As for the Five Kage, forget it!"
Each one isn't worth fighting alone, so it's enough to let the clansmen greet them.
Especially the Kazekage, who actually approached me and asked to join. While it's exactly what I wanted, it's still inappropriate for you to approach me with such desperation! At least do it discreetly...
The Uchiha clan had put considerable effort into this meeting. Not to mention other details, their appearance alone, with their excellent genetics and powerful strength, made them a unique presence in the ninja world.
One by one, Uchiha clansmen stood around the venue, exuding confidence, their Three Tomoe Sharingan activated, scanning the surroundings with an oppressive presence and an overwhelming aura.
Every shinobi team that arrived from the ninja villages reacted with various expressions—especially Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Seeing the Uchiha display their power like this, many thoughts crossed their minds, finally culminating in a sigh of resignation.
Led by the Uchiha clan, everyone entered the venue and took their seats.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin this meeting!"
Mifune surveyed the venue. Compared to the hostile atmosphere of past Five Kage Summits, this meeting's participants seemed surprisingly cordial, so he stepped into the centre and addressed them.
"Since the last Five Kage Summit, the Kage of the Five Great Nations have not gathered together for a long time. This time, the Uchiha Group initiated this meeting. I hope everyone maintains a calm mind and ensures the success of these talks!"
"General Mifune, there's no need for such formality," Fugaku interjected a twitch of irritation on his face. "This isn't a Five Kage Summit. You're talking as though we're about to reshape the ninja world and redistribute its power. Let's get to the point."
For Fugaku, this was a business meeting, not a precursor to war. The dramatic atmosphere seemed misplaced.
Apart from Sunagakure and the Land of Wind, most, including Konoha, already understood the terms for joining. There was no need for further explanation.
After all, Sunagakure had approached them to join. The rules were clear and consistent—if anything was unclear, it could be addressed after the meeting.
The contract signing process went smoothly. With this, the Uchiha Group officially became a multinational entity facilitating free trade across the Five Great Nations.
Fugaku transitioned from being merely a clan leader to someone who could stand on equal footing with the Kage and, in some respects, even higher. While the Kage represented their nations, the Uchiha now had influence over all five major countries.
"We look forward to everyone's cooperation in the future. This isn't just for one of us to benefit but for everyone to prosper," Fugaku said, exuding confidence as Mingfeng distributed copies of the agreements.
"In addition, since we're all gathered here, there's something worth sharing. I think many of you have encountered the Akatsuki organization but lack substantial information about them," Yagami said suddenly after organizing the documents.
He referenced Akatsuki's actions, such as provoking Iwagakure and Kumogakure and even stealing Kakashi's Sharingan in Konoha. Their moves tied into the larger Moon Eye Plan.
While the Sage of Six Paths might be covertly orchestrating events, preventing the Uchiha's downfall during a potential Fourth Shinobi World War was critical.
However, dealing with the Akatsuki alone wasn't viable. With Nagato's Rinnegan and the Sage's possible interference, a coordinated effort was more practical.
Thus, letting the Five Great Nations clash with Akatsuki was preferable. If the Akatsuki were eradicated, great; if not, they'd still weaken each other.
"Akatsuki organization? Are you implying you know something we don't and intend to share it here?"
The Fourth Raikage immediately straightened, his expression sharp. Onoki also directed an intense gaze toward Fugaku. Both had been burned by the Akatsuki in the past and were eager for revenge.
However, previous reconnaissance missions had failed, leaving them cautious. With an organization possessing the Rinnegan and Wood Release, such prudence was justified.
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