In the Land of Hot Springs, Samiu and Mabui met ahead of schedule.
During this meeting, both wore unusually complex expressions. Mabui spoke first, "If he sent you here, that means you've accepted his offer."
Samiu countered, "Did you know all along what he intended to do?"
"Yes." Mabui's eyes flickered with recollection. "That was during our time in the Land of the Blacksmiths. He told me back then that he would forge a new world, unlike anything we knew. At that time, I had no choice but to join him. Thinking about it now, we're already very close to the world he spoke of."
A flicker of anger flashed across Samiu's face. "Why do you think he can create a perfect world? Because of his power?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, that's simply the truth," Mabui sighed. "Ever since I met him, there's been nothing he couldn't accomplish. Once we've chosen cooperation, don't entertain unnecessary thoughts anymore. You and I both know we can't stand up to him."
"Then tell me, what if the future world turns out worse than the present one?"
"That won't happen." Mabui smiled faintly and shook her head. "Even for his child's sake, this world won't become worse. His original intention has always been to improve life for those around him — that's why he decided to change the world. He doesn't crave power. Otherwise, he wouldn't have selected you — Kumogakure has many other candidates available."
Samiu was stunned into silence.
Though she didn't finish speaking, when she saw the firm determination in Mabui's eyes, Samiu instantly understood everything. His influence had already seeped into Kumogakure. This Five Kage Summit must be his final warning.
One day later, the Five Kage Summit resumed proceedings. The three Kages who arrived early discovered an unexpected young woman seated at Raikage's position. Except for Sasori, the other two looked puzzled.
Onoki furrowed his brow and asked sharply, "Who are you to dare sit in the Raikage's seat?"
Mabui, serving as moderator, responded, "This is Samiu. She will be the next Raikage. Currently, the Fourth Raikage has returned to Kumogakure to handle matters, so she's here representing him."
While this explanation seemed plausible at first glance, it still sounded far-fetched. Before Onoki could ask further questions, two figures walked through the entrance.
Terumi Mei spotted one of them and immediately stood up, her eyes filled with disbelief followed swiftly by gentle tenderness.
Onoki focused on the other newcomer, murmuring in complete disbelief, "How is this possible? Aren't you supposed to have died long ago?"
"Anything is possible," Sasori calmly took his seat. "Now that all five new Kages have arrived, we can officially begin this Five Kage Summit."
"Not so fast." Onoki's voice turned sharp as he pointed toward the blond-haired youth who had just entered. "Just who exactly are you?"
The blond young man nodded politely to Onoki, offering a warm smile. "It's been many years. Lord Tsuchikage remains as impressive as ever. It seems you still remember me. I'm Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of Konoha."
"What?"
Only now did Terumi Mei turn her gaze toward Minato. "So you're Namikaze Minato, the Yellow Flash of the Third War. From what I remember, wasn't your death during the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha supposed to be confirmed?"
Anya took over the explanation. "Not exactly. He was severely wounded but has been recovering all this time, which is why they announced his death."
That made enough sense. After all, the Yellow Flash had burned too brightly during the Third War. If word had gotten out that he was gravely injured, countless assassins would certainly come after him.
Onoki looked at Anya and felt a strange sense of familiarity. "Then again, just who exactly are you?"
Anya's eyes lingered on Onoki's shoulder as he smirked. "Surprise, Tsuchikage-sama? Don't you remember those two wounds I gave you back then?"
"It's you!" The pain from that old injury seemed to flare anew for Onoki, fury rising in his voice. "You should've died from my Dust Release! Back then I already knew—you wouldn't die so easily. How did you escape my Dust Release attack?"
Anya had no intention of revealing his abilities. He waved it off casually. "Old history isn't worth bringing up anymore. Let's focus on current matters first."
Onoki spat angrily, "This is the Five Kage Summit—unrelated personnel should leave first."
Akasuna no Sasori spoke coldly, "He is actually the true initiator of this Five Kage Summit meeting. As for other irrelevant parties, they can indeed step outside. Should things really escalate, those two guards won't provide any help whatsoever."
"Huh?"
As soon as Akasuna no Sasori spoke, both Terumi Mei and Onoki reacted with shock. What exactly was going on?
The guards lurking behind the banners tensed, readying themselves for battle at a moment's notice.
Anya shrugged indifferently. "Well then, since everyone's here, might as well let them listen too. Allow me to introduce myself first—I'm Uchiha Anya."
Hardly had he spoken his name when a sudden wave of killing intent hit him. Anya hastily added, "Ahem... also known as Oub."
"During the Third War, I founded an organization called [Zero]. Oh right, Tsuchikage even hired us before—we made quite a bit of money from Iwagakure Village."
Hearing this reminder of Zero's past dealings, Onoki's expression turned grim.
Anya continued, "Sunagakure fell under my influence back then. And naturally, the Hot Springs Country today as well. Rest assured, unlike Uchiha Madara, I have no grandiose ambitions or intention to destroy the world. I merely wish to unify the entire Ninja World."
Unify the Ninja World? Merely? And he actually considers that "not ambitious"?
Onoki huffed bitterly, "Just another gang hiding in the shadows. Even if you've taken control of Sunagakure, don't dream about uniting the Ninja World."
No sooner had his words fallen than Samui struggled to lift her head, her expression conflicted as she spoke, "Kumo agrees to the unification of the Ninja World."
"What?" A sharp gleam flashed through Onoki's eyes. "I knew it—that Raikage wouldn't suddenly change leadership. That guy's personality—he'd absolutely never agree. So this new woman in charge must be your puppet."
Minato spoke then, "I represent Konoha, and I agree."
Onoki felt his heart plummet into icy depths.
At that moment, everyone's eyes turned collectively toward Terumi Mei, who had yet to express her stance.
Feeling immense pressure, Mei took a deep breath and stood up, walking over to Anya and asking hesitantly, "Oub... can I trust you?"
Anya gave a warm smile. "Go with your gut. Whatever your choice, it won't change how I feel about you."
"Then it's settled." Terumi Mei finally decided, "I agree to the unification of the entire Ninja World."
"What?"
Onoki immediately felt hostility coming from every direction. Among the Five Great Countries, all but Iwagakure had actually agreed. What kind of charm did he have? He'd done something even the Ninja God, Hashirama Senju, never managed.
Truthfully, even Anya hadn't expected Terumi Mei to decide so quickly. This was practically equivalent to selling out her own village directly. Even Master Gen would likely have a stroke over this.
With this, the situation became extremely clear. Anya, wielding the Blade of Indifference, stepped forward and asked, "Lord Tsuchikage Onoki, what's your opinion?"
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