To the immediate north of the Land of Fire lies the Land of Iron.
This nation, situated in the north, experiences a consistently frigid climate, with snowfall persisting throughout the year.
What is even more remarkable is the virtual absence of ninjas within the Land of Iron; it is entirely governed by samurai, and the nation's supreme leader is designated as the "Commander."
The current Commander of the Land of Iron is Mifune, a warrior renowned for his exceptional skill in swordsmanship.
In a world where ninjas are prevalent, a nation such as the Land of Iron is a truly exceptional rarity.
Furthermore, owing to the Land of Iron's considerable military strength and its longstanding reputation for neutrality and impartiality, this nation frequently serves as a mediator in resolving disputes and maintaining equilibrium among the five major ninja nations, facilitating peaceful negotiations between these nations and their respective ninja villages.
This particular Kage Summit, initiated by Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure, is being convened in the capital city of the Land of Iron.
The individual presiding over this summit and serving as its impartial arbiter is none other than Mifune, the Commander of the Land of Iron.
As the commencement of the Kage Summit drew nearer, ninjas from Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure had begun to arrive in the Land of Iron. However, ninjas from Konohagakure and Sunagakure remained conspicuously absent.
"Tomorrow marks the commencement of the Kage Summit, yet not a single ninja from Konohagakure or Sunagakure has been sighted. Could it be that they have no intention of attending this assembly?"
Within Mifune's residence, Tsuchikage Ōnoki, Mizukage Mei Terumī, and Raikage Darui were all present. Upon learning of the absence of representatives from Konohagakure and Sunagakure, Ōnoki expressed his apprehension.
Mifune responded by shaking his head, "I find that highly improbable. Both the Hokage and the Kazekage have formally replied to my correspondence, confirming their intention to attend the Kage Summit punctually. Given their esteemed positions, I am confident that they would not renege on their commitment."
At that precise moment, the voice of one of Mifune's subordinates could be heard from beyond the entrance.
"Commander Mifune, the representatives from Konohagakure and Sunagakure have arrived. I have already made arrangements for them to rest at the inn."
Upon hearing this report from his subordinate, Mifune and the three Kage present exchanged meaningful glances before directing a question to the subordinate,
"By what means did the representatives from Konohagakure and Sunagakure arrive? It appears that there was no prior indication of their approach to our nation."
The subordinate, somewhat hesitantly, responded, "I have been informed by the guards stationed at the city gates that a vortex-like phenomenon, resembling a swirling eddy, materialized just outside the city walls, and subsequently, the representatives from Konohagakure and Sunagakure emerged directly from this vortex. As for the precise mechanics of this occurrence, I confess that I am not entirely certain."
Mei Terumī, sitting nearby, furrowed her brow upon hearing this account, "This would appear to be some form of space-time ninjutsu, and from the description provided, it does not seem to be the Flying Thunder God Technique. It is truly astonishing that Konohagakure possesses such an unconventional ability."
Ōnoki nodded in agreement, "Such an ability would prove to be exceptionally formidable in the context of warfare. Konohagakure's utilization of this technique to attend the Kage Summit is undoubtedly intended as a demonstration of their power, designed to exert pressure upon us."
In actuality, Yusuke had not given the matter as much consideration as Ōnoki had surmised. His decision to employ the Kamui space-time jump ability to reach the Land of Iron was purely a matter of expediency, aimed at saving everyone's time.
Given Konohagakure's current level of strength, there was no longer any need to resort to such subtle tactics as a means of demonstrating their dominance to other factions.
Upon learning that the representatives from Konohagakure and Sunagakure had indeed arrived, those present were relieved. After establishing a unified approach to their statements for the forthcoming Kage Summit, they departed from Mifune's residence, each returning to their respective village inns.
The following day arrived.
Within the assembly hall designated by the Land of Iron, the Kage from the five major ninja villages convened. In addition to the Kage, Mifune, the host, and Yusuke, Konoha's chief advisor, were also in attendance.
Each individual was accompanied by one or two bodyguards or assistants: behind Tsuchikage Ōnoki stood Rōshi and Kurotsuchi; behind Mizukage Mei Terumī stood Ao and Chōjūrō; behind Raikage Darui stood Dodai and Shī; behind Kazekage Pakura stood her disciple, Maki; behind Hokage Minato stood Genma Shiranui; and behind Yusuke stood his nominally appointed bodyguard, Yoroi Akadō.
Once everyone had settled into their designated seats, Mifune, in his capacity as the impartial arbiter of the proceedings, commenced the meeting,
"This Kage Summit has been convened at the request of the Tsuchikage, Mizukage, and Raikage. Its purpose is to discuss the unusual cooperative relationship between Konohagakure and Sunagakure, a matter that has evidently given rise to considerable apprehension among the three Kage."
Following Mifune's opening remarks, Ōnoki, in his role as the principal organizer of the summit, directed a serious gaze towards Minato and Yusuke.
"Esteemed representatives of Konohagakure, the current order within the ninja world is predicated upon the principles established by the First Hokage, adhering to a system of 'one nation, one ninja village.'
It is precisely the existence of the five major ninja villages within the five great nations that has ensured a delicate balance and mutual restraint, thereby safeguarding the peace of the ninja world."
"However, Konohagakure, the very architect of this established order, has now taken it upon itself to violate these fundamental principles, seizing control of Sunagakure's military and political power, thereby disrupting the hard-won equilibrium of the ninja world!"
Yusuke responded with a smile, "There exists no perfect system in this world; all systems are subject to evolution and adaptation. The First Hokage himself overthrew the old order to establish a new one.
Konohagakure and Sunagakure have historically maintained an alliance; however, the Fourth Kazekage launched a surprise attack on Konohagakure, demonstrating that the previous system failed to prevent war and ensure lasting peace."
"Now, observe the current state of affairs. Konohagakure and Sunagakure are now as close as family, devoid of any animosity or conflict—a testament to significant progress."
At this juncture, Yusuke turned his gaze towards Pakura, addressing her with a smile, "Kazekage, would you not concur with this assessment?"
Upon being thusly addressed by Yusuke, Pakura's facial muscles twitched subtly, and she responded in a monotone voice, "I suppose so."
Mizukage Mei Terumī countered, "Your statement, however, constitutes a specious argument. Should all of the major ninja villages adopt such a course of action, engaging in mutual aggression and exerting control over one another, the ninja world would inevitably descend into utter chaos!"
Hokage Minato responded with a smile, "Then, esteemed colleagues, what is your proposed course of action?"
Ōnoki spoke slowly and deliberately, "Our demands are straightforward; we simply seek to preserve the independence of the five major ninja villages.
If Konohagakure agrees to restore Sunagakure's independence, withdraw all ninjas stationed within Sunagakure, release Elders Chiyo and Ebizo, and permit Sunagakure to independently select its next Kazekage…"
"Then, we, the three Kage, representing the three major ninja villages, are prepared to offer Konohagakure double compensation for any losses incurred as a result of Sunagakure's actions."
From Ōnoki's statement, it was evident that the Tsuchikage, Raikage, and Mizukage, while united in their cause, nevertheless maintained a considerable degree of apprehension towards Konohagakure. In presenting their demands, they had made substantial concessions, thereby demonstrating their sincere commitment to a peaceful resolution.
However, for Yusuke and Minato, whose ultimate objective was the unification of the ninja world, relinquishing control over Sunagakure, which had already been integrated into Konohagakure's administrative structure, was simply not an option.
Directing his gaze towards Ōnoki, who was clearly the dominant figure among the three Kage, Minato responded with a smile, "Konohagakure did not forcibly seize control of Sunagakure; our actions were predicated upon an agreement reached with the Daimyō of the Land of Wind, and the current Kazekage, Pakura, was appointed to her position by the Daimyō himself. Should you harbor any objections to this arrangement, it would be necessary to engage in discussions with the Daimyō of the Land of Wind."
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