Chapter 180: Heading to the Land of Iron

The morning sun rose over Konoha as villagers and ninjas crowded the gates to bid farewell to Tsunade and her guards. The announcement of the Fifth Hokage's departure to the Five Kage Summit had inspired the entire village to gather, their cheers echoing across the streets.

Kirito, however, had to scramble through the forest and scale a wall to avoid being trapped by the overwhelming crowd. Arriving at the gate, he found Tsunade waiting, Hokage hat in hand, her demeanor as commanding as ever.

"Kirito, you're late!" she called, her tone teasing but with an edge of impatience.

Kirito adjusted his gear, glancing around. "Kakashi-sensei isn't here yet, and we still have an hour before we're supposed to leave."

Tsunade waved a hand dismissively, her eyes scanning the growing crowd. "I've already sent someone to fetch him. We're leaving now. The villagers are clogging the gates, and we can't afford to cause more chaos."

As if summoned, Kakashi's laid-back voice interrupted them. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

The familiar silver-haired Jonin strolled up casually, a book tucked under his arm. His mask barely concealed the telltale signs of a late-night reading binge.

Tsunade crossed her arms. "Finally. Let's go before this turns into a festival."

The cheers of the villagers grew louder as the trio departed.

"Show them the strength of Konoha!"

"Safe travels, Lady Tsunade!"

"Good luck at the Five Kage Summit!"

The enthusiasm was infectious. Kakashi, however, turned to his energetic rival, Gai, who stood at the sidelines. Gai clapped a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, his youthful spirit blazing. "Kakashi! Embody the flames of youth as you protect Lady Tsunade!"

"Of course, Gai," Kakashi replied dryly, prying his shoulder from Gai's grip.

With the well-wishes of Konoha at their backs, Tsunade, Kakashi, and Kirito headed north toward the Land of Iron.

The journey to the Land of Iron was quiet but reflective. Snow blanketed the northern region, the chill biting through even their heavy cloaks. As they traversed icy roads, Kakashi broke the silence.

"Lady Tsunade, I've been thinking. What if Sasuke has joined the Akatsuki organization?"

The question lingered in the frosty air, and even Kirito remained quiet, awaiting Tsunade's response.

After a moment, Tsunade replied firmly, "As long as Sasuke does nothing to harm Konoha, he will always be one of us. Naruto believes in him, and I believe in Naruto. He'll bring Sasuke back."

Kakashi nodded, the weight of Tsunade's confidence easing some of his concerns. Still, the uncertainty of Sasuke's situation was a shadow over their mission.

To lighten the mood, Kirito interjected. "Lady Tsunade, what can we expect from the other Kage at this summit?"

Tsunade smiled slightly. "Well, you already know Kazekage—it's Gaara. Raikage is a hot-headed brute, and his speed rivals the 'Yellow Flash.' Mizukage is a mystery; the Mist Village's isolationist policies make it hard to gather information.

"As for Tsuchikage..." Tsunade sighed. "Onoki of the Two-Day Scales is the most troublesome. He's a relic from the Warring States Period, with unmatched experience and strength. His Dust Release can obliterate anything it touches."

Kakashi closed his book thoughtfully. "Dust Release... completely erasing the target at the molecular level. That's no joke."

Tsunade nodded grimly. "If you ever face him, don't get caught in its light. That's all the warning I can give."

After hours of travel, the towering gates of the Land of Iron came into view. Snow continued to fall lightly as samurai in thick armor patrolled the perimeter, their presence reinforcing the neutral territory's reputation for order and discipline.

The trio approached the gates, where a tall man with a long beard and a samurai sword stepped forward to greet them.

"I've been expecting you, Lady Hokage. I am Mifune, General of the Land of Iron. Welcome."

Tsunade stepped forward, her voice steady and diplomatic. "Thank you, General Mifune. I trust the preparations are in order."

"Indeed. Please follow me. The other Kage have begun to arrive."

As Mifune led them into the tower, Kirito glanced around. The architecture of the Iron Country stood out sharply from Konoha's. Its tall, fortress-like structures and uniformed samurai reminded him of a bygone era, one rooted in discipline and unyielding strength.

Inside the tower, a large chamber was being prepared for the summit. Guards from each nation stood at attention near their respective Kage, their watchful eyes scanning every detail.

Tsunade, Kakashi, and Kirito were escorted to their assigned seats, where they waited for the meeting to begin.

As Kirito observed the gathering shadows of powerful leaders, he couldn't help but recall the Great Toad Sage's prophecy. The horned ones of the past... Could this summit be the start of that future?

But for now, all he could do was wait.

(End of this chapter)

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