Chapter 419: Chapter 419: The Five Kage Talk – Formation of the Ninja Alliance
Before Yagura could react, Reiki had already placed his hand on the Mizukage's wrist.
During his attempts to synchronize with the Three-Tails, Isofu, Yagura had encountered lingering issues in his body. While the damage wasn't severe and would have healed over time, Reiki's healing abilities brought immediate relief.
As Reiki activated his signature technique, [Holy Hands], Yagura could feel hidden dangers in his body being systematically removed. At the same time, he noticed something unusual.
"This chakra... could it be...?" Yagura thought, sensing the faint presence of tailed beast energy within Reiki.
"Is this man truly Konoha's Reiki, the direct disciple of Tsunade, the Medical Saint?" Yagura wondered, inwardly impressed. Reiki's behavior may have been bold, but his skills left no room for criticism.
"Mizukage-sama, your tailed beast's chakra synchronization seems off as well. I'll treat that too," Reiki said, transitioning seamlessly to healing Isofu. [Seize the Origin] was activated, and within ten minutes, the treatment was complete.
Yagura moved his body experimentally. The fatigue and imbalance he had grown accustomed to were gone. "Konoha's medical ninjutsu has advanced this far..." he thought, genuinely impressed.
The Meeting Begins
"Mizukage, please take a seat," Minato Namikaze said warmly.
Behind him stood Uchiha Madara and Orochimaru, their imposing presences impossible to ignore. Reiki and Tsunade sat off to the side, fulfilling their role as medical observers rather than active negotiators.
"Konoha summoned us here with such urgency," the Third Raikage said, his tone heavy with suspicion. "Surely, this isn't just for a friendly chat."
He leaned forward, eyes narrowing. His distrust of Konoha was evident, and his gruff demeanor made no attempt to hide it.
"Mizukage-sama," Yagura interjected, "What exactly is going on? Relations between villages have been... strained, to say the least."
Minato nodded, his tone measured as he addressed the room. "The battles between our villages have persisted since the days of the First Hokage. It's time we move beyond this. What I propose is the formation of a Ninja Alliance."
The Third Raikage's Objection
"A Ninja Alliance?" the Third Raikage repeated, his voice rising. "Konoha seeks to rule the entire ninja world, does it?"
He slammed his hand on the table, rising to his feet in anger. "You're asking us to hand over our autonomy under the guise of unity!"
Minato's calm demeanor didn't waver. "Raikage-sama, you misunderstand. The Alliance isn't about domination. It's about survival. Only by working together can we face the challenges ahead and ensure the ninja world's future."
The Third Raikage sneered. "Spare me the platitudes. We're separate nations with competing interests. Cooperation? That's a fantasy."
Before Minato could reply, Uchiha Madara's chakra erupted like a tidal wave. His Rinnegan gleamed ominously, and the oppressive energy sent shivers through the room.
"Do you understand who you're speaking to, Raikage?" Madara said coldly. "Your arrogance blinds you. If words fail here, we can settle this outside."
The Third Raikage bristled under the pressure. Beside him, Kirabi and Ai stiffened, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as they tried to resist the overwhelming presence of the legendary shinobi.
"Madara-sama, please," Minato said, attempting to de-escalate the tension. "We're here to talk, not fight. Let's address the Raikage's concerns directly."
Madara reluctantly withdrew his chakra, but his gaze remained locked on the Raikage, a silent warning lingering in the air.
The Truth Revealed
"Fine," Minato said, producing a scroll and placing it at the center of the table. "This contains information that Konoha has uncovered. It's why the Ninja Alliance is necessary. Read it, and then decide for yourselves."
Yagura was the first to take the scroll. As he read, his expression shifted from curiosity to shock, and finally, to fear.
"The Otsutsuki Clan... is this real?" he muttered, his voice trembling.
Unable to wait, Onoki floated over to read the scroll alongside Yagura. His jaw tightened as he absorbed the information.
"This is beyond anything we've faced," Onoki said, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. "A threat like this requires all of us working together. The Ninja Alliance isn't just necessary—it's the only option."
Rasa and the Third Raikage approached next. Rasa read in silence, his face grim. "If what's written here is true, no single village can stand against this kind of enemy."
The Third Raikage, though skeptical, couldn't entirely dismiss the scroll. "The Otsutsuki Clan? Hokage, do you have any tangible evidence beyond these writings? This could easily be a fabrication to manipulate us into submission."
At this, Reiki finally spoke up. "Raikage-sama, you didn't even look at the detailed plans for the Ninja Alliance's structure. If Konoha wanted domination, why would we share command equally among the villages? This isn't about control—it's about survival."
The room fell silent as his words sank in.
A Fragile Agreement
After a moment, Minato added, "The Otsutsuki Clan is no legend. They are real. If we fail to prepare, our villages, our way of life, everything we've built will be annihilated."
Faced with mounting evidence and the severity of the situation, even the Third Raikage began to reconsider.
"Very well," he said reluctantly. "But know this: if Konoha uses this Alliance for personal gain, Yunyin Village will not hesitate to withdraw."
"That's all we ask," Minato replied, his tone steady.
The Five Kage, now united by a common threat, agreed to form the Ninja Alliance, setting aside their differences for the sake of the ninja world's survival.
After the Meeting
As the Kage dispersed, Yagura approached Reiki. "Your skills are remarkable, Reiki. Without your intervention earlier, I wouldn't have lasted this meeting."
Reiki smiled faintly. "This Alliance isn't just for Konoha—it's for all of us. Let's hope it's enough."
The stage was now set for the ninja world's greatest challenge yet.