Chapter 184: News from the Village

After determining the backbone of the joint investigation team, the discussion on operational details wrapped up quickly.

The headquarters of the joint investigation team was to be established in Konoha Village. Their objectives were clear: analyze Akatsuki's possible hiding places using the available intelligence and ensure the safety of the last remaining Jinchuriki, Naruto.

With that, the first negotiation of the Five Kage Summit successfully concluded. Each village's immediate task was to organize their intelligence, assign personnel, and send their representatives to Konoha for the joint operation.

Kirito, who had remained on high alert for any disruptions, was surprised. The meeting ended without any interference from Obito. It seemed clear to him that Obito had no plans to make a move at the summit.

That evening, Kirito, Kakashi, and Tsunade discussed their next steps over dinner in a hot spring hotel prepared by the Land of Iron.

The Land of Iron had generously provided luxurious accommodations for all summit attendees. Though the Five Kage Summit didn't directly benefit their country, their hospitality left a strong impression, fostering goodwill and the thought, "We should come here again in the future."

As she savored a piece of shrimp, Tsunade spoke up, "Kakashi, you can share the intel we gathered from Sasori with the other villages, but don't let them learn of his existence."

Thanks to the relentless efforts of Konoha's intelligence and interrogation teams, all of the Akatsuki-related information Sasori knew had been extracted.

As one of Akatsuki's earliest members, Sasori's intel was invaluable. Though some of it was outdated, it still helped Konoha seize significant caches of Akatsuki's resources scattered across the ninja world. Now, Sasori's remaining value to Konoha lay in his puppet techniques and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Though Sand Village had been Konoha's ally, their mastery of puppet techniques had long been an object of envy. Now that Konoha had a chance to study those secrets, they wouldn't let it slip away—if not to master the art themselves, at least to counter puppet masters more effectively in the future.

"I understand," Kakashi replied absentmindedly before asking, "Lady Tsunade, if we're battling the Akatsuki organization, wouldn't it make more sense to appoint Kirito as the leader?"

Tsunade didn't even glance at Kirito as she dismissed the idea. "Rely on him? You must be joking. He's better suited for charging headfirst into battle than sitting back and strategizing. If he doesn't need to use his brain, he'll avoid it entirely. I'd never trust him to lead."

Kirito, who had been silently eating, didn't object, and Kakashi could only sigh in acceptance. It was clear Kirito had no issue with Kakashi taking command, which was enough for him.

Tsunade continued, "I'm also certain the other villages will send their future Kage candidates. They're all new faces, so you should use this opportunity to understand them better.

"Unlike us, who know each other from the battlefield, your generation will lack that experience. This is the perfect chance to create those connections."

Kakashi, a veteran of the Third Ninja World War, understood the significance of Tsunade's decision. Long-term peace dulled people's resolve and made them hesitant. He nodded silently in agreement.

Kirito, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke. "Master Tsunade, I think you need to prepare for war."

"Why do you say that?" Tsunade asked, frowning. "The Akatsuki organization doesn't have the resources to start a war."

It was well-known that Akatsuki operated as a small, elite organization. With only a handful of members, launching a war seemed impossible. This belief was why the Five Kage had only agreed to form a joint investigation team instead of committing larger forces.

Kirito replied confidently, "It's simple. With the five great ninja villages united, Akatsuki doesn't stand a chance of capturing Naruto as things are now. If they still want to capture him, they'll have to expand their forces, and that will inevitably escalate to a full-scale war.

"We don't need to concern ourselves with how they'll gather manpower. If they want Naruto, war will break out."

Tsunade hesitated at Kirito's certainty. "If you're so sure, I'll bring it up with the other Kage tomorrow. But they won't agree to anything unless Akatsuki openly prepares for war."

Her hesitation was understandable. For now, the idea of Akatsuki launching a large-scale conflict seemed absurd. However, Kirito's warning made her wary.

"That's fine," Kirito replied, satisfied. His goal was simply to prepare Tsunade for the possibility.

Knock, knock!

Just as the three of them were settling down to eat, a sudden knock at the door interrupted them.

"Who is it?" Tsunade shouted impatiently.

"Lady Hokage, an urgent letter has arrived from the village," the guard outside announced.

"An urgent letter?!" Kakashi frowned. "Did something happen in the village?"

Kirito, closest to the door, stood and retrieved the scroll from the guard. After carefully inspecting it, he handed it to Tsunade. "It's from the village. The seal is intact."

Tsunade quickly performed a hand seal. "Release!"

The messy scrawl on the scroll turned into readable code. As Tsunade scanned the message, her face darkened. With a snarl, she punched the heavy dining table.

"Damn Akatsuki! We need to return to the village immediately!"

"Lady Tsunade, what happened?!" Kakashi asked anxiously.

Tsunade destroyed the scroll with a flick of her hand and explained grimly, "The Akatsuki organization attacked Konoha while we were away. Confirmed attackers include Kisame, Tobi, and… Sasuke."

"What? Sasuke?!" Kakashi's face paled. "How is that possible?"

While Kakashi wouldn't have been shocked if Sasuke had joined Akatsuki, hearing he participated in an attack on the village was almost unthinkable.

"The letter didn't explain why. It only states that they were repelled, but there were still heavy casualties," Tsunade said sharply. "Kirito, you're coming back to the village with me. Kakashi, you'll stay here and represent me at tomorrow's meeting."

"Understood!" Kakashi nodded firmly.

"The main decisions about the joint investigation team have been made, so tomorrow's discussions will only involve the operational details. As the team leader, you're more than qualified to handle it."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade!" Kakashi replied.

(End of this chapter)

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