The Land of Iron was shrouded in its usual wintry calm, its snow-covered landscape a stark contrast to the storm brewing within its borders. Though renowned for its neutrality and samurai traditions, the Land of Iron was now the focal point of the entire ninja world.
The reason? The Five Kage Summit.
In a dimly lit room within the samurai fortress, a round table took center stage. Surrounding it were five curtains embroidered with the emblems of the five great ninja nations: Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, and Wind.
Behind each curtain came the sound of footsteps, heavy with the weight of authority and tension. One by one, the Five Kages emerged with their guards, their presence a testament to their nations' strength and resolve.
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Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept across the gathering, lingering momentarily on the youngest among them: Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage.
Rasa's youthful visage stood out against the older, more seasoned faces of the other Kages. Despite his age, his expression was calm and confident.
The room was silent until the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, spoke, his small frame floating slightly above the ground. "To take up the mantle of Kazekage at such a young age… impressive."
Rasa met Ōnoki's comment with a faint smile. "And yet, Tsuchikage-sama, despite your years, you continue to shoulder the burdens of your village. It's a reminder to us young ones of the responsibility we must bear."
The subtle barb in his words wasn't lost on anyone. Hiruzen's lips twitched in amusement as he noted the sharpness in Rasa's tone. The Fourth Kazekage might be young, but he was no pushover.
Ōnoki's expression darkened slightly before he let out a faint chuckle, brushing off the remark.
The Third Mizukage, who had remained silent thus far, offered only a small smile and took his seat without comment. His age rivaled Hiruzen's, and his silence carried the weight of experience.
Breaking the formalities, the Third Raikage, his voice gruff and commanding, declared, "Enough idle talk. Let's get to the point."
The air grew heavier as all five Kages took their seats, their gazes falling almost simultaneously on Hiruzen.
"The reason we've convened this Five Kage Summit," began the Third Raikage, his voice like rumbling thunder, "is to address the disappearance of the Third Kazekage." His piercing gaze fixed on Hiruzen. "Hokage, don't you have something to say about this?"
Hiruzen leaned back slightly in his chair, his demeanor unflappable. "The disappearance of the Third Kazekage is indeed unfortunate," he said, shrugging. "But I fail to see how it concerns Konoha. What exactly would you like me to say?"
The Third Raikage's brows furrowed, but he held back. Instead, he turned to Rasa. "Kazekage, if you would."
Rasa nodded, gesturing to one of his guards. The man left the room and returned moments later, whispering something urgently into Rasa's ear.
Rasa's expression tightened, a flash of anger crossing his face as his gaze snapped to Minato. But Minato, standing calmly behind Hiruzen, remained unbothered, his face unreadable.
"We have… nothing to present," Rasa finally admitted, his tone bitter.
Ōnoki's small frame stiffened, and the Third Mizukage's gaze sharpened. The Four Kages exchanged glances, their discontent clear. The implication was obvious: whatever evidence Sunagakure claimed to have, it was no longer in their possession.
Hiruzen chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. He had anticipated this outcome. Minato's skill with Fuinjutsu and his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique were unmatched. If the Sunagakure had failed to secure their supposed evidence, they would have to swallow their humiliation.
"Since the Kazekage has nothing to share, perhaps I could offer something instead," Hiruzen said, breaking the tense silence.
At his subtle signal, Minato stepped forward and placed a small corked bottle on the table. Inside was a dark, powdery residue.
The Kages leaned forward slightly, their curiosity piqued.
"What is this?" Ōnoki asked, his tone cautious.
Hiruzen's gaze swept over the other Kages before he spoke. "This is a sample of the poison mist released by the Red Sand Sasori, an S-rank traitor from Sunagakure."
The room grew even colder as Hiruzen continued, his tone sharp. "Twenty days ago, in the Land of Hot Springs, this mist was unleashed in an attempt to assassinate one of our Jonin and three Chunin. If not for the quick actions of our shinobi, an entire town of civilians would have perished."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I believe Elder Chiyo of the Sunagakure would be able to verify the origins of this poison."
The Kages' faces darkened. Though they had come prepared to pressure Konoha, the tables had turned. Hiruzen's calculated counterattack had shifted the narrative, making Sunagakure's internal betrayal the focal point instead.
Ōnoki's lips curled into a faint smile. "It seems Konoha's Jonin—Namikaze Minato, I presume—handled the situation admirably. Jiraiya certainly trained his pupil well."
Minato inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, his calm demeanor unshaken.
With the immediate accusations diffused, the meeting shifted to its true purpose.
Rasa, though visibly irritated, kept his composure as the Third Raikage spoke. "The Sunagakure has suffered significant losses due to this betrayal. As allies, it is our duty to assist one another."
The Third Mizukage, ever pragmatic, raised an eyebrow. "Our Mist Village is overseas, with limited resources. We cannot offer much aid."
The Third Raikage followed suit. "Our Cloud Village is far too distant to provide effective support. We sympathize but cannot contribute."
Ōnoki shrugged, his tone matter-of-fact. "The Land of Earth itself is resource-poor. We barely sustain ourselves. I'm afraid we have little to spare."
The excuses piled up, thinly veiled as pragmatism.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he took in the hypocrisy of the so-called allied nations. Uchiha Fugaku, standing behind him, bristled with barely concealed anger.
But Minato's calm expression never wavered. He glanced at Hiruzen, who finally broke the silence with a faint smile.
"So," Hiruzen said, his voice light but laced with disdain, "this is the so-called alliance of the Five Great Nations?
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