Chapter 497: Ōnoki: Shadow, the Shadow of Life

Ōnoki's arrival in Konoha marked a significant step toward the Five Kage Summit. Despite his late departure from Iwagakure, his swift flight ensured he was the first to reach Konoha, even beating the Third Kazekage, who had left earlier.

Ōnoki was eager to confront the looming threat, but as always, his entrance carried the weight of his complicated history.

When Ōnoki arrived at Konoha, Shinki and a few ANBU guards were waiting to greet him. The Third Kazekage arrived shortly after, and the two were escorted to the village together.

As they walked through the gates, Ōnoki couldn't contain his curiosity.

"Shinki, has the Raikage arrived already?"

Shinki nodded. "Yes, he's resting at the residence we prepared for him. Would you like to meet him?"

Ōnoki scowled. "No need. As long as Konoha doesn't take his side, there's nothing to discuss with him."

The tension between the two Kage was palpable, fueled by their recent spat over the Four-Tails Jinchūriki. Both were eager to avoid confrontation for now, but it was clear they'd need to address the matter eventually.

The Third Kazekage, noticing the rising tension, quickly changed the subject. "Shinki, what prompted Konoha to call us here? It seems urgent."

Shinki smiled. "Why don't we discuss this over a meal?"

Ōnoki and the Third Kazekage exchanged glances before nodding. Shinki led them to a quiet barbecue restaurant run by the Akimichi clan.

The restaurant's largest private box was reserved for them, and ANBU surrounded the building to ensure their safety.

As the aroma of grilled meat filled the room, Shinki began to explain.

"The reason we've called you here is a matter that concerns not just Konoha, but the entire ninja world," Shinki began, placing marinated meat on the grill.

He then recounted the story of Uchiha Madara's survival, his possession of the Rinnegan, and his plans to capture all the tailed beasts to resurrect the Ten-Tails and become its Jinchūriki.

The revelation left the Third Kazekage and Ōnoki stunned.

Ōnoki's reaction was particularly intense. His face flushed with anger, and his hands trembled as memories of his past encounter with Uchiha Madara surfaced.

When Ōnoki finally spoke, his voice was filled with a mix of fear and fury. "We can't let this happen! We must destroy the Rinnegan before Madara's plan advances any further!"

The Third Kazekage, while shocked, was far calmer. He turned to Ōnoki, puzzled by his outburst.

Shinki chuckled softly. "Let me explain. When Ōnoki was younger, he accompanied the Second Tsuchikage to seek an alliance with Konoha. Unfortunately, they encountered Uchiha Madara along the way and… well, let's just say it didn't go well."

The Third Kazekage raised an eyebrow. "Didn't go well?"

Shinki smirked. "Madara beat them senseless and left them alive only because he considered them 'children.' He even mocked them before leaving."

Ōnoki's face turned bright red. "Shinki! Don't bring up old stories! Focus on the issue at hand!"

Shinki raised a hand to calm him. "I bring it up because it's relevant. Madara isn't just a powerful enemy—he's a master manipulator. If we act rashly, we'll play right into his hands."

Ōnoki frowned, but he couldn't deny the truth in Shinki's words.

Shinki continued. "We need to wait until the Mizukage arrives. Only then can we form a unified plan. Acting alone will only alert Madara and make him harder to deal with."

Ōnoki grumbled but eventually relented. "Fine. We'll wait for Yagura. But as soon as he arrives, we must act immediately."

The Third Kazekage, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Shinki is right. This is no ordinary enemy. If we're not careful, Madara will pick us apart one by one."

Satisfied that the other two Kage understood the gravity of the situation, Shinki leaned back and focused on the barbecue.