Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 121: Today, We Send Off the Fourth Hokage

Apart from Hanzo, the host of the meeting, the Five Kage removed their identifying hats and sized each other up.

Around the circular table, the Five Kage sat in the order of Fire, Lightning, Water, Wind, and Earth.

The Fourth Hokage — Namikaze Minato.

The Fourth Raikage — A.

The Fourth Mizukage — Yagura.

The Fourth Kazekage — Rasa.

The Third Tsuchikage — Ōnoki.

Each seat had a gap between them, allowing the bodyguards to stand behind their respective Kage.

Hyuga Fuji's gaze swept over the group of Kage, internally remarking,

"Only the old man Tsuchikage is a Third Kage."

Thinking this, his eyes moved to the Kage's bodyguards. All of them were elite Jōnin from their respective villages. His gaze lingered on the Mizukage's entourage, where he spotted Terumi Mei standing behind Yagura.

She was smiling at him, but the faint black lines forming on her forehead clearly indicated her mood wasn't great.

"A woman who holds grudges."

Fuji quickly averted his gaze and stood upright, keeping his eyes forward.

This was not a place for conflict. As bodyguards, their only duty was to ensure their Kage's safety.

"Everyone, please remain calm during the discussions. Any acts of violence will be stopped by me as the neutral party of this meeting. If there are no objections, let's begin. Mizukage-sama, as the initiator, please start."

Hanzo coughed lightly and delivered a brief introduction before passing the floor to Yagura.

Yagura glanced at the other Kage and began calmly, "Kirigakure initiated this Five Kage Summit to discuss reparations for the Third Shinobi World War."

The Fourth Raikage scoffed, "Was there really a need to call a Five Kage Summit for that? Didn't Kirigakure already pay reparations to Konoha? I heard half of Konoha's current prosperity is thanks to the Mizukage's contributions."

Yagura frowned slightly but ignored the Raikage's mockery, continuing, "I have gathered enough funds to repurchase the Tailed Beast. I ask Konoha to return the Six-Tails."

Not only the Raikage but even Minato looked at Yagura in surprise.

How long had it been? Kirigakure, which previously couldn't even pay its reparations in full and had to resort to installments, now had the means to repurchase a Tailed Beast?

Did they rob a tycoon?

Recalling Konoha's recent actions against the underground black market, Minato pondered thoughtfully.

Yagura, meanwhile, smiled and asked, "Hokage-dono, what do you think?"

"Of course, as per our agreement, if Kirigakure has the funds to buy it back, Konoha will return the Six-Tails."

Minato nodded.

As for the Three-Tails, it was already sealed within Kakashi under the watchful eye of Minato and Fuji.

Watching this transaction unfold, the Raikage and Tsuchikage's expressions darkened.

It seemed Yagura and Konoha had reached some sort of understanding. This public display was clearly aimed at putting pressure on them.

With that realization, Ōnoki glanced at the evasive gaze of the Fourth Kazekage and exchanged looks with the Raikage, sharing a knowing smile.

"Congratulations, Mizukage-dono, on reclaiming your Tailed Beast so smoothly. After being taught such a harsh lesson, you can still sit here and negotiate peacefully. You should thank Hokage-dono for his magnanimity."

First the Raikage, then the Tsuchikage.

Both subtly and overtly mocked him, indicating they had already come to a tacit understanding.

Yagura maintained a calm expression and nodded. "I agree. You should thank Hokage-dono as well, for not demanding your reparations sooner."

"Reparations?"

Ōnoki's face turned cold. "And what exactly does Iwagakure need to compensate for?"

"Does Tsuchikage-dono intend to wage another war against Konoha?"

Minato's lips curled into a faint smile as he looked at Ōnoki, who wore a frosty expression. "If that's the case, please prepare for the appointment of a Fourth Tsuchikage. Among the Five Kage, only you remain a Third. Managing a shinobi village at your age must be exhausting. Konoha can help you retire."

It was a blatant threat.

Ōnoki's wrinkled face twitched, but he didn't respond, remaining silent.

The threat was highly effective.

Would he really risk responding to the Hokage's declaration of war?

He couldn't guarantee the Fourth Hokage wouldn't follow through.

Young people tended to act boldly, and Namikaze Minato was clearly not like the Third Hokage.

Seeing this, the Raikage frowned. "If Konoha truly intends to start a war, then we'll see you on the battlefield. There's no need for this summit to continue."

Though he had little affection for the Tsuchikage, who had killed his father, circumstances were different now. Konoha was undeniably powerful.

Despite constant warfare, Konoha seemed to grow stronger with each battle. It was truly an anomaly in the shinobi world.

For this reason, other villages needed to unite to weaken Konoha...

"Fine by me."

Minato smiled as he stood up, reaching for his Hokage hat on the table. "If you refuse even basic reparations, then we'll settle this on the battlefield."

The Raikage: "..."

"Ahem, please, Hokage-dono, Raikage-dono, calm down. The Third Shinobi World War just ended. All nations are still recovering."

Hanzo quickly offered a way out, but the Fourth Raikage didn't take it. He coldly remarked, "Resorting to war over the slightest disagreement—you're nothing like the First Hokage."

Though he understood Minato's tactics, the Raikage wasn't one to back down.

"I wouldn't dare compare myself to the First Hokage. But you warmongering shinobi villages—do you think you're any better?"

Minato picked up his Hokage hat, his gaze icy. "If the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning fail to provide an explanation during this summit, then we'll meet on the battlefield."

Ōnoki squinted, glancing at the Raikage, who wore an equally cold expression. He frowned slightly and signaled to Hanzo.

Hanzo understood, sighing as he tried to ease the tension. "Perhaps we should take a break and continue later?"

Ōnoki floated up, patting his lower back lightly. With a smile, he said, "I agree. Unlike you younger folks, sitting too long makes my back ache."

The Fourth Raikage snorted and stood up, walking away.

Minato frowned slightly, exchanged glances with Yagura and Rasa, and also returned to his quarters.

…

"What an intense atmosphere. Does the Fourth Raikage not fear Konoha's threat of war?"

In the resting room, Kitsuchi exhaled heavily, his expression grim.

"He knows there's no need for us to fear the Fourth Hokage's threats." Recalling earlier communications, Ōnoki smiled.

Does Konoha want to reclaim its rightful reparations? Want to intimidate the shinobi world with its strength?

First, let's see if you can survive.

Today, we'll send you off!

…

In the Raikage's quarters, the Fourth Raikage's previous fury was nowhere to be seen. He stood by the window, his expression calm.

He let out a low sigh. "I originally wanted to fight him one more time, but it seems there's no chance now."

The two bodyguards behind him exchanged looks but remained silent.

The Fourth Raikage didn't expect a response. Through the glass, he watched the fleeting figures below, his gaze turning icy.

Namikaze Minato, you're indeed a formidable opponent. But as a Kage, our battles are no longer just about strength.

You want to emulate the First Hokage, using Konoha's power to bring peace to the shinobi world?

Unfortunately, for us, that kind of peace is worthless.

Your time is up.

Today, we'll send you off!

…

Yagura stood at the doorway, staring at the figure blocking his path. His brows furrowed.

"What is the meaning of this, Rasa-dono?"

Rasa sneered, "I should be asking you why Pakura's body ended up in Konoha."

Seeing Yagura hesitate, Rasa smirked inwardly.

You want to threaten me?

Today, we'll send you off, Fourth Hokage!

(Chapter End)