Everyone could clearly see that when Hyūga Hiashi was called out by name, he lost the composure he had always maintained. A trace of panic flashed across his face.
He did, in fact, have some knowledge about the Ōtsutsuki.
Within the clan's archives, passed down in the main family, there were ancient records stating that members of the Ōtsutsuki clan lived on the moon.
The Hyūga also shared a certain bloodline connection with them.
This should have been an internal clan secret, yet from the way Danzō spoke when he called him out, it was clear the man had somehow learned of it through other channels.
Cold sweat began to seep from Hiashi's forehead.
"About the Ōtsutsuki..."
After organizing his thoughts, Hyūga Hiashi cleared his throat. Not daring to conceal anything, he revealed everything he knew.
"I've never once heard the Hyūga clan speak of this matter."
After listening, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression grew increasingly displeased.
So as the Third Hokage, was he truly the only one left in the dark? Everyone beneath him knew something, yet not one person told him?
First Danzō, now the Hyūga. And the Uchiha clan, also one of the oldest families—were they hiding things from him as well?
Hiruzen cast an almost wounded look at Fugaku, who had remained silent for most of the meeting.
Feeling Hiruzen's gaze on him, Fugaku revealed a sudden look of realization and took the initiative to speak about a recent discovery.
"Regarding the Ōtsutsuki, I seem to have uncovered something as well."
You actually do?
Hiruzen nearly slammed his hand down on the table.
"In fact, within the Naka Shrine, there has always been a stone tablet said to date back to the era of the Sage of Six Paths. Some records are inscribed upon it..."
The contents of the tablet differed somewhat from Danzō's findings, but Takeshi knew why. That was Black Zetsu's handiwork, meant to deceive Madara.
"The stone tablet is reliable, but not entirely. Since the subject of the Ōtsutsuki has come up, I also have some discoveries I should share with everyone."
You too?
Hiruzen was numb by now, not even bothering to throw his student a glance.
"I purchased an intelligence organization outside the village. Normally, I have them gather information Konoha cannot act on openly. They also uncovered some things regarding the Ōtsutsuki..."
Half-lying about the source of his intel, Takeshi proceeded to explain what he knew about Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
"It would seem, then, that the Ōtsutsuki on the moon are somewhat different from otherworldly visitors like Princess Kaguya."
As the strategist, Nara Shikaku quickly deduced the distinction.
"Exactly. The extraterrestrial Ōtsutsuki are of pure bloodline, while those on the moon are merely their descendants who inherited part of it."
Takeshi nodded in agreement.
"Even the Sage of Six Paths, who possessed the Rinnegan, only wielded a fraction of the Ōtsutsuki's true power."
Hearing that even the legendary Sage of Six Paths paled in comparison to the Ōtsutsuki, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu immediately voiced their thoughts:
"If that's the case, then relying on the current strength of the shinobi world—even if the Five Great Villages united—we would still be no match for them."
"Even so, we cannot sit idly by. We must rally the strength of all five villages to resist the threat that looms ahead."
Danzō slammed his staff against the ground, the sharp crack punctuating his words.
"The Ōtsutsuki ruins must continue to be investigated. We must see if they yield anything useful. At the same time, we should inform the other Kage, urging them to set aside their petty disputes and pool their strength against the enemy."
Takeshi agreed with Danzō's opinion, but concerns still lingered.
Homura voiced what Takeshi was thinking: "Whether the other Kage will even believe us remains uncertain. Especially someone as suspicious as Ōnoki—he may think we fabricated this as some scheme to harm Iwagakure."
Koharu nodded in agreement.
"With so many detailed pieces of intelligence before us, I believe even Ōnoki will be convinced."
Hiruzen instinctively reached for his pipe, long since extinguished, placing it between his lips. Just as he was about to light it, he suddenly realized now was not the time, and stopped the motion.
"In that case, we could take this opportunity to convene a Five Kage Summit."
Takeshi put forth a proposal.
Five Kage Summit?
The term sounded oddly familiar, leaving the eldest present somewhat dazed.
"A Five Kage Summit... yes, that is indeed a viable plan."
Hiruzen nodded, recalling the legend of the very first such meeting.
At that time, he had only ever heard of Hashirama's great achievement through his elders, never once having the chance to call such a gathering himself.
Even Danzō was caught in a daze. He had fantasized countless times about becoming Hokage, convening a Five Kage Summit, and conquering the other four with his charisma.
Now, though he himself had not become Hokage, his son was about to fulfill that dream in his place.
How could that not stir one's heart?
"Five Kage meeting face-to-face, sharing intelligence openly—it is indeed an excellent choice."
Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance, and both saw in the other's eyes the confirmation they sought.
If Takeshi left the village, they would have time to ease relations with the Daimyō's court and perhaps regain some lost influence.
"To convene such a summit, we must first send formal letters to the other four villages and proceed only once we've received their replies."
Seeing the elders in agreement, Nara Shikaku immediately stepped into his role, preparing to arrange the follow-up measures.
As for the location, the choice was clear. Across the shinobi world, only the Land of Iron, under Mifune's samurai, maintained strict neutrality.
The only matter left was security. To avoid misunderstandings, each Kage was permitted no more than two attendants.
Glancing at Uchiha Hikari, who was practically inseparable from Takeshi, Shikaku had already counted her as one of the bodyguards by default.
...
"What kind of food does the Land of Iron have?"
After the meeting, Uchiha Hikari naturally assumed her role as one of the guards, immediately asking about the Land of Iron's specialties.
"The Land of Iron? That country is covered in ice and snow year-round, with a frigid climate. If they have a specialty dish, I'd wager it's fried icicles."
From the name alone, the Land of Iron hardly sounded like a place known for cuisine.
Hearing that, Hikari furrowed her delicate brows, seriously pondering what fried icicles might taste like.
"Don't bother thinking about it. I'll cook it for you tonight so you can try it in advance."
Without even turning his head, Takeshi brushed her off, waving casually as he strode toward home.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Itachi, hard at work in the Hokage's office, clenched his pen:
[○?｀Д′? ○] So when exactly are you coming back to do your job?!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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