Shindai discovered a Root ninja hiding. Having already activated his magnetic field and prepared for combat, Shindai detected this Root ninja hiding within its range.
The Root ninja tried to strike Shindai, but was instantly pinned to the ground by four iron sand spears that pierced through each limb.
Realizing escape was impossible, the Root ninja decisively activated a self-destructing seal and died instantly.
Because everything happened too suddenly, Shindai didn't have time to react, allowing the Root ninja to kill himself before being stopped.
Shindai brought the body of the Root ninja before Minato Namikaze.
"Minato-dono, this guy must be connected to that monster earlier. I caught him, but he killed himself right away."
Shisui examined the Root ninja's corpse. "His brain has been burned beyond recognition. It seems they did this to stop us from probing his memories."
Mei Terumi reminded them, "Hokage, there's something strange with his tongue."
Shisui immediately yanked out the Root ninja's tongue. When everyone saw the sealing formula inscribed on it—Minato Namikaze, Shindai, Obito, Kakashi, and Shisui—all exchanged uneasy glances.
Onoki noticed Minato's expression change and asked, "Hokage, do you recognize this formula?"
Minato nodded seriously. "[Tongue Calamity Root Seal]—a sealing technique created by Konoha's rogue ninja Danzo Shimura. It's used to control subordinates."
"What?!"
Everyone present expressed shock, not expecting it to be linked to Danzo—the former Shadow of Konoha.
Baki frowned, "So this means Danzo found out we would hold the Kage Summit here, and tried to eliminate us all at once."
Mei Terumi asked, "Then what should we do next?"
After a moment of silence, Minato replied, "We will deal with Danzo ourselves. Right now, our focus should remain on Akatsuki. To counter their possession of seven tailed beasts, we must unite as one—we can't afford to be manipulated anymore."
Raikage A looked at Minato. "Akatsuki will definitely hunt for Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails next. What are your plans regarding Konoha's Nine-Tails?"
Minato responded, "They're currently hidden in a secure location. Your younger brother should also stay well concealed. This battle is essentially fought to protect both the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
Raikage A nodded. "I'll make sure Bee stays hidden."
Onoki suggested, "Still, the combined power of seven tailed beasts is unimaginable. They might even possess tailed beast techniques or other secret weapons. We'd better treat Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails as part of our combat strength as well."
Gaara couldn't help but speak up. "This war is about protecting them. If they actually get involved, no one knows what kind of chaos might follow."
Shindai gave Gaara a knowing look—protective already, huh?
Minato Namikaze paused thoughtfully before speaking. "Just to be safe, let the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails hide themselves first. The Akatsuki already possessing seven tailed beasts is unimaginable enough. I believe they may have other purposes for collecting the tailed beasts. Let's wait until we confirm Akatsuki's true intentions and feel confident about our position before deploying them as combat forces on the battlefield.
We will now present intelligence reports on the Akatsuki organization to all present. Konoha has compiled detailed intelligence on Akatsuki members. If we eliminate the factor of tailed beasts, the advantage actually lies with us."
Everyone returned to the meeting room as Minato Namikaze began explaining each member of the Akatsuki organization.
After finishing his explanation, Minato Namikaze announced, "Then from now on, immediately push forward with forming the Allied Ninja Forces while sending out reconnaissance teams in advance to search for Akatsuki members!"
"Alright!"
The Kage Summit thus concluded.
As they were about to leave, Zabuza and Raiga Kurosuki blocked Shindai's path.
Shindai smirked eagerly and said, "What? Looking for a fight?"
Zabuza and Raiga Kurosuki replied with grim expressions, "Not here for a fight. We just have a question for you."
Shindai immediately became disinterested. "You want to ask about Haku and Ranmaru? No need to worry about them. They're doing great right now. They've renounced their paths as ninja and are living peaceful lives."
"Is that so..."
Hearing this from Shindai, Zabuza and Raiga Kurosuki felt reassured. In their eyes, neither Haku nor Ranmaru was suited to be a ninja, so being able to live normal lives was already an excellent outcome.
Returning to Konoha, Minato Namikaze, as the commander of the Allied Ninja Forces, immediately began assembling the alliance forces and dispatched search parties to locate members of the Akatsuki organization.
...
At this time, Akatsuki members across various locations had gathered together using [Projection Technique], and had just completed sealing another jinchuriki using [Nine Dragon Seal Technique].
Once finished, Path spoke up, "From now on, everyone should remain well hidden. The Five Great Shinobi Villages have formed Allied Ninja Forces to oppose us. At this point, apart from the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails, all other jinchuriki have been collected. Our current task is to seal the captured jinchuriki into the Demonic Statue.
Zetsu, your main task will be finding the hiding places of the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails. Once the seals of the seven tailed beasts are complete, head directly to capture the remaining two!"
Zetsu agreed, "I understand."
After the meeting dispersed, Zetsu sought out Setsuna Uchiha.
Zetsu spoke seriously, "In my opinion, capturing the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails won't go smoothly."
Setsuna Uchiha asked in surprise, "Why not?"
Zetsu answered, "For some unknown reason, the abilities—and even the weaknesses—of Akatsuki members have become widely known. Plus, the Allied Ninja Forces formed by the Five Great Shinobi Villages are definitely aiming not only to eliminate Akatsuki but also to protect those two Jinchuriki.
Since they already know our weaknesses, we have no way to deal with them. Let alone taking the Jinchuriki under their very noses."
Setsuna Uchiha frowned and asked, "So then, what do you think we should do next?"
Zetsu's small, creepy eyes gleamed, "If it's him, capturing the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails Jinchuriki from the Allied Ninja Forces would be a piece of cake!"
Setsuna's face lit up in excitement as he confirmed, "So you're saying... you want to revive that person?"
Zetsu nodded, "Exactly. It's time for him to make an appearance. The plan is nearly complete—we'll let him finish what we started. I'll control Nagato to use the Rinne Rebirth Jutsu to resurrect him. Then you and I will work together—you know, his Six Paths of Pain are still quite troublesome."
A wide grin spread across Setsuna Uchiha's face, stretching from ear to ear. His idol was coming back—it was incredible!
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