Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 474: The Five Shadows Assemble

The day after Kabuto came knocking, Madara started causing him trouble, and the source of his trouble was the principle behind the Impure World Reincarnation technique.

The Impure World Reincarnation was his biggest trump card, and he was naturally unwilling to share it. However... "Madara" was a name that could make the entire ninja world tremble with fear, and even he felt a little apprehensive. Oh well, as long as he did a little trickery and didn't completely unfold the scroll, it would be fine. Even if some patterns were missing, he couldn't completely replicate the technique.

There was no sign of human habitation near the mountain cemetery, so the only offering could be chosen from among the White Zetsu clones. However, the person summoned surprised Kabuto, as he hadn't expected Madara to be so generous as to give up control of Nagato.

"I only need to know the principles and weaknesses of the technique; I don't have the time to manipulate these impure beings."

Madara had long suspected Kabuto would tamper with things. He wasn't concerned with whether he could learn the technique; he just wanted to know how to counter it. The answer was somewhat acceptable to him. The Impure World Reincarnation, such an unreasonable ninjutsu, could only be broken by sealing it or by the person who summoned it performing the release seal. The dead man he cared about couldn't be easily sealed away, but if Kabuto controlled that man's fate, things would be much easier.

Of course, he also had to consider the possibility that the person might break free of control, after all, that person was an old monster who had lived for so many years. Once he transplanted that Rinnegan, he would be able to restrain that person as well. At that time, he would be careful on the battlefield and try to remove the restrictions.

He will definitely complete the "Eye of the Moon" himself.

Not only were the eager Akatsuki fully prepared for their departure, but also the supreme commanders of various ninja villages. Braving the wind and snow, the group arrived at the peculiar architecture of the Land of Iron. This pagoda, resembling a roof, was one of the military fortresses of the Land of Iron, where Mifune, the commander of the warriors of the Land of Iron, was stationed year-round.

This time, at the Raikage's request, Mifune presided over the meeting as an intermediary, something that hadn't happened at the previous Five Kage Summit.

As its name suggests, the Land of Iron's lifeblood is the iron ore trade. Iron is an indispensable consumable for both warfare and daily life. When the five great nations all covet a particular place, they create a subtle check and balance. The ruler of the Land of Iron is a wise man who is well-versed in the art of diplomacy. He constantly emphasizes his "neutrality" while cultivating a samurai army within his own borders, rather than choosing to follow the crowd and join the ranks of ninja villages.

Only in this way can their strength reach a point where they are neither so strong as to pose a danger to the five great powers, nor so weak as to be at the mercy of others.

The first to arrive was the Mizukage's team, separated by a sea. Mizukage was isolated from the world for many years, and even the major powers might not know exactly when the Fourth Mizukage died. So when a beautiful woman in blue appeared, leading a young man and a middle-aged man, Mifune was a little surprised, but not much.

“Miss Terumi Mei, I should first congratulate you on becoming the Fifth Mizukage.” Although Mifune was a samurai, he bore the responsibility of protecting a country, so he naturally had a lot of knowledge about the ninja world. Kirigakure had suffered a decline in talent in recent years, and only a handful of ninjas had been able to become Mizukage, so he certainly knew Terumi Mei.

Mei Terumi smiled in response and said, "Lord Mifune looks exactly the same as before, still as robust as ever."

"Hehe, holding an important position, I naturally dare not neglect my duties. Aren't you the same?"

While the two sides were exchanging pleasantries, the second Kage arrived. This time it was the Tsuchikage's team; they chose to fly at high altitudes, and although they passed through the borders of the Land of Fire, they deliberately avoided flying over Konoha.

This man was rather suspicious, even avoiding the common lounge. He only glanced at the seemingly very young Mizukage at the door before floating away with his hands behind his back. A young female ninja accompanying him, however, seemed quite curious about them, and only left after being pulled away by her burly companion.

"Is that the Tsuchikage?" asked the Mizukage's young bodyguard cautiously. He was Chojuro, a few years older than him, and seemed even more shy than he had been three years ago.

Ao said with a wary expression, "That's the only ninja with 'Bloodline Limit' right now, we must be on high alert."

“Ao, relax a little. We don’t necessarily have any conflict of interest with other Kage. The meeting is about ‘Akatsuki.’ This organization has already angered many people. We’re here with sincerity, and we must find a way to end ‘Akatsuki’s’ influence on us no matter what.” Mei Terumi gave Ao a few pointers. Although this stubborn guy might not listen, her meaning had to be conveyed.

After speaking, Mei Terumi also fell into deep thought, reviewing the preparations she had made in the past few days. In any case, Mizuki must be a victim of the destruction caused by the Akatsuki organization, and that was indeed the case.

A short while later, the third team arrived. This time, it was Fengying, who had caused quite a stir recently.

Only the increasingly weakened Sand Village could manage to lose its Kage on its own turf, and to do so three times in a row—it was practically a curse. Fortunately, the current Kazekage was eventually rescued, albeit with the full support of Konoha, which at least salvaged some face.

Mei Terumi hadn't expected the Kazekage to be not only young, but also a handsome man with a unique charm. Although his face was stern and he looked overly serious, seeing his good looks improved her mood a bit. After Mifune finished his usual greetings, the Kazekage led his entourage to sit opposite Mei Terumi. Two guards stood diligently beside him, occasionally glancing at her.

Why are you staring at her like that? It's like she's some kind of monster that could devour the person opposite you!

The five great nations have already fought three Shinobi World Wars, and it's unlikely that the relations between their Kage will improve. However, Mifune seems to want to use this early meeting to slightly ease the tension between the Kage and achieve a peace talks. After all, these are five Kage, among the strongest ninjas in the eyes of the five great nations; if they were to actually fight, the commotion would be immense.

However, the Tsuchikage directly rejected this "kindness," and the Mizukage and Kazekage maintained an unbreakable silence, with everything seemingly heading in the worst possible direction.

However, this silence was broken by the arrival of the new Shadow. A blond youth dressed in a deep red divine robe led two guards, one tall and one short, into the resting room. The Shadow, who had been resting with his eyes closed, immediately moved. He was stunned for a moment, then actually stood up and went to greet him. Even his rigid face came alive, carrying a rather obvious smile.

"I didn't expect it to be you, Naruto, attending this meeting. Should I congratulate you first on achieving your dream?"