Chapter 14: On the Brink of Conflict

The Raikage roared, "What's the meaning of this!!"

Danzō replied, "The leader of the Akatsuki... is very likely Uchiha Madara."

"What!?" The Four Kage exclaimed in unison.

Ōnoki muttered with disbelief, "That guy... didn't he die a long time ago?"

Danzō said, "The details are unclear, but the intelligence is accurate."

Ōnoki frowned, "I can't believe it... Madara is still alive..."

At this moment, Mifune, the leader of the neutral Land of Iron, spoke up, "As a neutral party, I would like to say something. The leader of the Akatsuki is well-versed in exploiting the development of the times. He has used the mistrust among nations to expand his influence during this period of relative peace."

"However, every crisis comes with an opportunity. The fact that the Five Kage have gathered here today is a blessing."

"I propose forming a united ninja army to counter the threat of the Akatsuki."

Ōnoki responded, "A united ninja army... That's not something that can be decided so easily. The Five Great Shinobi Villages are evenly matched in power. Who would lead such an army?"

Mifune said, "Currently, the only remaining Jinchūriki is the Nine-Tails of Konoha. How we guide him is of utmost importance."

"..." The Kage fell silent.

Mifune continued, "In that case, why not let the Hokage command the united ninja army?"

His words sent shockwaves through the room.

After all, outside of Konoha, no one was yet aware of Naruto's defection.

"What did you say!?" The Raikage reacted the most violently.

Danzō, unfazed, said, "If there are no objections, then I humbly accept this responsibility..."

The Raikage shouted, "Why should it be the Hokage! He represents the darkness of the shinobi world!! How can we entrust such a person with this responsibility!!"

Mifune glanced at the Raikage and asked, "Then, Lord Raikage, who do you believe should take the lead?"

The Raikage roared, "No one from our village has joined the Akatsuki. Those who are untrustworthy cannot bear such a heavy burden. I am the most suitable candidate!"

Mifune replied calmly, "That would be difficult to convince others..."

The Raikage growled, "What did you say?"

Mifune pointed at the shattered table in front of the Raikage and reasoned, "Is this the kind of method and power you would use to lead the ninja? Do you think it's appropriate? If decisions are made impulsively and power is prioritized above all, the united army will end up like this table—shattered into pieces."

Crack! Crack! Crack!

The Raikage clenched his teeth in frustration, knowing he had been outmaneuvered.

Mifune withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Of course, this is just an objective evaluation from an outsider."

"Lord Kazekage is too young to command respect. Moreover, as the Kazekage, he already has enough responsibilities on his shoulders."

"Lord Tsuchikage, on the other hand, is advanced in age, lacking vitality. Furthermore, his inclination to use the Akatsuki makes him difficult to trust."

"As for Lady Mizukage, the Akatsuki originated from Kirigakure. The issue of intelligence leaks is concerning, not to mention the matter of spies."

"Although we still don't understand why the Akatsuki is collecting Tailed Beasts, we cannot allow the Nine-Tails to fall into their hands under any circumstances."

"And since the Nine-Tails belongs to Konoha, we believe that having the Hokage lead is the safest option..."

Mifune's argument was well-reasoned, leaving the Raikage aware that his hopes of becoming the commander were dashed. He bellowed, "I came here to showcase the strength of Kumogakure! As for this united ninja army, it has nothing to do with me!"

Ao, one of the Mizukage's guards, who had a sharp mind, noticed something suspicious. "There's something off... This situation needs to be verified. Chōjūrō, prepare for combat."

"Huh?" The young and inexperienced Chōjūrō was momentarily confused but still gripped his sword, Hiramekarei, tightly.

Zzz! Ao formed a hand seal with two fingers, and the veins around his right eye, covered by a black-sealed eyepatch, became visible.

—Byakugan!

Through the Byakugan, Ao could clearly see the chakra flow around Danzō's right eye.

He was shocked internally, "How can this be... The chakra color around his right eye and its surrounding pathways... There's no mistaking it. It's Uchiha Shisui's chakra! That formidable enemy I once faced... I could never forget that chakra!"

Swish!

Ao landed behind Mei Terumī and addressed Danzō, "Lord Hokage, could you let us see your bandaged right eye?"

"!?!" The Four Kage were stunned.

Danzō remained silent.

Ōnoki asked, "What's going on?"

Ao accused Danzō, "That right eye... It must have been transplanted from Uchiha Shisui. Shisui's dōjutsu allows him to enter someone's mind and manipulate their thoughts without them even realizing it. It is the most powerful genjutsu!"

The Raikage caught on, "Hokage, don't tell me you've been manipulating Mifune..."

Mifune was startled, "What!?"

Ao explained, "This right eye of mine was a trophy from a battle with the Hyūga clan. So I won't criticize others for using such means. However, the genjutsu on Lord Mifune has already been dispelled... Furthermore."

Ao suddenly turned his gaze behind Mifune. "You two, reveal your true forms!"

"Hmm!?" Everyone turned their attention to Chūkei and Rikyaku standing there.

The tall samurai Rikyaku, who was actually Orochimaru in disguise, thought to himself, "Heh... So I've been discovered. After all, who would have expected this? Naruto-kun, one of the Mizukage's guards possesses the Byakugan."

"..." The one-eyed samurai Chūkei, disguised as Naruto, remained expressionless.

This was a distant memory. Naruto had only heard about this meeting from others and couldn't possibly know every detail.

But the objective had been achieved—the depletion of Danzō's Kotoamatsukami.

Poof! The Transformation Jutsu was dispelled.

Naruto, wearing a mask, and Orochimaru revealed themselves to everyone!

Clang!!

Without hesitation, Mifune drew his sword and struck.

Naruto unsheathed the blade at his waist, blocking Mifune's swift attack.

Naruto smirked, "As expected of the samurai leader. Such impressive swordsmanship."

Mifune demanded, "Where are Chūkei and Rikyaku?"

"Who knows," Naruto replied nonchalantly.

He pushed Mifune's blade aside with his left hand and reached for his ninja pouch with his right.

"Hmm!?" Mifune's eyes narrowed as he retreated, sword at the ready.

Naruto pulled out a ninja smoke bomb from his pouch and smashed it on the ground.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Amidst the smoke, the sound of fists and feet clashing echoed.

Then, with a loud crash, the wall shattered... Danzō clutched his shoulder and fled, followed closely by Fū and Torune.

Naruto and Orochimaru were about to give chase when Ao blocked their path.

"Even if you're wearing a mask, your chakra cannot be hidden. You're the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki from Konoha, aren't you?"

"And you... You're Orochimaru, one of the Sannin. A dangerous figure rumored to have died, yet here you are, alive and with the Jinchūriki."

"Heh heh..." Orochimaru chuckled seductively.

Naruto thought to himself, "Ao of Kirigakure... Although I haven't interacted with him much, I can see now that he's a sharp ninja. I can understand why he was recruited by the 'Kara' organization after surviving the Fourth Shinobi World War."

At this moment, the Raikage roared, "Nine-Tails Jinchūriki! So you're Uzumaki Naruto! Tell me, do you know where Uchiha Sasuke is?"

Naruto replied, "I do."

The Raikage demanded, "Where is he?"

Naruto smirked, "I'm not telling you..."