The sun hung low in the sky over Konohagakure, casting a warm glow across the village. Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was anything but serene. Minato Namikaze sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled, deep in thought. The clatter of footsteps echoed through the hallway before Danzo Shimura entered, his expression as stoic as ever.

"Minato," Danzo began, closing the door behind him. "We need to discuss the upcoming Kage summit."

Minato nodded, his expression serious. "The Akatsuki's threat is escalating. We can't afford to let our guard down."

"Indeed," Danzo replied, his eyes glinting with a calculated light. "But there's another matter we must address. The Raikage is furious about Hanabi's disappearance. He's accusing Konoha of foul play."

Minato frowned, a knot forming in his stomach. "I suspect Kumo is behind it. They likely kidnapped both Hanabi and Hinata to manipulate us for their own gain."

Danzo's lip curled into a thin smile. "You're absolutely right. But we must tread carefully. The Raikage is volatile. If we don't handle this situation delicately, it could escalate into war."

"Agreed," Minato replied. "But what do we do about the summit? I need to speak with the Raikage, and I want to assure him of our innocence."

Danzo leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You may want to consider using the summit as an opportunity. The Kage are vulnerable when gathered together. If we play our cards right, we can eliminate several threats to Konoha in one fell swoop."

Minato narrowed his eyes, sensing the underlying intent. "What are you suggesting, Danzo?"

"Imagine this," Danzo continued, his tone unwavering. "We know Naruto is intent on confronting the Kage. If we allow him to disrupt the summit, we can turn it into a perfect storm. As the Akatsuki strike, we can weaken their defenses and take advantage of the chaos."

Minato's heart raced at the implications. "You're talking about using Naruto as a means to achieve this goal? He might be my son but we can't consider him an ally."

Danzo's gaze was unyielding. "And that's precisely why he's the perfect pawn. His anger and desperation will drive him to act against the Kage, giving us the chaos we need to carry out our plan."

Minato leaned back in his chair, wrestling with the conflicting emotions swirling within him.

"We should also do something about Lady Tsunade Senju." Danzo commented.

"What about Tsunade?" Minato asked curiously.

"She's been opposing some of our decisions recently. Her status combined with her influence makes her a liability," Danzo replied. "If we stage an incident during the summit, we can eliminate her along with the other Kage. Use the gas bombs we've developed. They worked wonders in the previous attack in Suna."

Minato clenched his fists, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on him. "You want me to sacrifice Tsunade to secure Konoha's position?"

"We'll ensure she is caught in the gas," Danzo stated, his voice unwavering. "The public will believe it was the Akatsuki's doing. Konoha will emerge stronger, with the remaining Kage incapacitated and vulnerable."

Minato closed his eyes, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "It's a treacherous path, Danzo. You know what this could mean for Naruto."

"This gives us a chance to finally deal with the Naruto problem." Danzo pressed. "He's already labeled a rogue. If we manage to capture the Akatsuki and the Tailed Beasts, we'll shift the power dynamic across the land."

Minato felt the weight of leadership press down on him. "And what if Naruto survives? What if he discovers our plan?"

"Then he will remain a fugitive," Danzo replied, his tone almost casual. "The villagers have already turned against him, believing he has betrayed Konoha. It's the perfect cover."

A silence settled between them, tension crackling in the air like a live wire. Minato finally nodded, albeit reluctantly. "We'll go ahead with the summit. But I want to ensure this plan works."

Danzo smirked, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Leave the details to me. I'll have everything prepared."

As Danzo exited the office, Minato remained behind, staring out of the window at the village he had sworn to protect. He could feel a storm brewing, not just in the skies, but within his own heart. Would he really be able to confront Naruto as an enemy? The thought haunted him, but duty to his village had to come first.

"Forgive me, Naruto," Minato whispered to himself, determination hardening his resolve. "But you leave me no choice. I'll do what I must to protect everyone."

With that thought lingering in his mind, Minato steeled himself for the chaos to come. The Kage summit would be a battlefield in more ways than one, and he would have to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and betrayal. The future of Konoha depended on it, and there was no turning back now.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting an orange hue across the endless desert as Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro prepared for their journey to Konoha. Gaara stood tall, his red hair billowing gently in the wind, while his siblings fidgeted with their gear. The mood was mixed with anticipation and an underlying tension that only the three of them understood.

"Are you sure about this, Gaara?" Temari asked, adjusting the straps of her battle fan. "Leaving Suna without you for a diplomatic trip… It's risky."

Kankuro, leaning against a nearby boulder, chimed in with a smirk, "Yeah, I mean, who knows what kind of chaos the council will stir up with you gone. I'd hate to come back to find Suna in ruins because someone forgot to pay the bills."

Gaara shot Kankuro a stern look, but a hint of amusement flickered across his face. "Baki will oversee things while I'm gone. Suna is in safe hands."

"Still, it's a lot of responsibility for him," Temari replied, her concern evident in her voice. "What if something happens?"

"Then we deal with it when we return," Gaara said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Our focus is on this summit. The five Kage will be present, and we need to ensure Suna's interests are protected."

As they started walking, the wind began to pick up, carrying grains of sand across their path. Gaara felt the weight of the impending meeting looming over him, but there was another matter pressing on his mind. He took a deep breath and reached out to Naruto in their mind plane.

"Naruto," he thought, feeling a familiar connection surge within him.

"Gaara! Hey, how's it going?" Naruto's voice burst through, filled with energy and concern. "You good?"

"I'm preparing for a diplomatic trip to Konoha," Gaara replied, choosing his words carefully.

"Wait, what's the trip for?" Naruto asked, curiosity piqued.

Gaara hesitated for a moment, memories of his recent meeting with Minato flashing through his mind. The Hokage's insistence on preparing for potential conflict with Kiri gnawed at him. He weighed the risks before deciding to be honest. "There's a Kage summit in three days."

"A Kage summit?" Naruto echoed, the gravity of the news sinking in. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? Is everything okay?"

Gaara remained silent for a heartbeat. He could feel the determination radiating from Naruto even through their connection. "I wanted you to know," he finally said, his voice steady but lacking the usual conviction.

"Why?" Naruto pressed, a hint of urgency creeping into his tone.

"Because I felt you should," Gaara replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But it is not an easy journey for us. Tensions are high, and I may not be able to return immediately."

Naruto let out a breath, clearly processing Gaara's words. "You shouldn't go to the meeting, Gaara."

The statement caught Gaara off guard. He fixed Naruto with a steady gaze, the warmth of the desert wind swirling around them. "I have a duty to fulfill. This summit could shape the future of our nations."

"Still, you should stay back. I implore you to stay back," Naruto insisted, his voice rising in concern.

"I understand your worries," Gaara said, a solemn expression crossing his face. "But I have to do this."

"Don't do it for the sake of duty, do it for yourself Gaara." Naruto's voice was intense, filled with emotion.

Gaara considered his friend's words, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "I will send an apology to the Hokage if you insist."

As he ended the conversation, he could feel Naruto's disappointment lingering in the air. He turned to his siblings, who had been silent, watching the exchange unfold.

"We should go back home," he said firmly, determination resonating in his tone.

Temari and Kankuro exchanged glances, confusion etched across their faces. "What do you mean?" Kankuro asked, stepping forward. "We've already prepared for the trip!"

"It's too dangerous. I don't want to make an appearance at the summit," Gaara insisted, his voice resolute.

"Are you serious? You can't just skip out like this!" Temari exclaimed, frustration creeping into her tone. "What about the representation Suna needs?"

"I will handle it," Gaara replied, the finality in his voice leaving no room for argument. "It's for our own safety."

With that, he turned and began to walk back toward Sunagakure, the path ahead stretching endlessly in front of him. Temari and Kankuro hesitated before reluctantly following, a mixture of concern and confusion evident in their expressions.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert, Gaara felt a knot tighten in his chest. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but he knew one thing for certain: he would protect his village, even if it meant standing alone.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a bright glow over the Land of Lightning as Raikage Ay leaned back in his seat, his convoy moving steadily to Konoha. Accompanying him were Darui and Samui, his most trusted aides. The convoy moved with purpose, each second echoing the tension that filled the air. Ay's mind was a storm of thoughts, primarily revolving around the recent events that had transpired back in Konoha.

"Damn that Minato," Ay muttered under his breath, fists clenched. "I can't believe he has the nerve to hold a Kage summit after stalling the Byakugan marriage deal. It's infuriating!"

"Easy there, Raikage," Darui replied, adjusting his glasses nonchalantly. "We're not even in Konoha yet. Save some of that rage for when we get there."

A shot him a sidelong glare, which made Darui quickly reconsider his approach. "You're right," he said, hands raised defensively. "I'll just… keep quiet."

"Good idea," Samui added, her voice calm and steady. "We wouldn't want to give the Hidden Leaf any reason to think they can get under your skin before the summit."

As they traveled, the Raikage's mood darkened. "A Kage summit, huh? What are they really plotting? I still don't trust those Leaf bastards."

Darui snickered. "You know, technically it's a four Kage summit since the Mist didn't send anyone. That means it's really just you, Minato, and the Tsuchikage, the old turtle."

"Shut up, Darui," Ay growled, glaring at him. Darui quickly fell silent, a sheepish grin replacing his laughter.

Samui shook her head, trying to stifle a chuckle. "You two are impossible. Anyway, I've already booked accommodations in Konoha. You'll be pleased to know I found the best lodging and entertainment the city has to offer."

"Entertainment? Like what? Dancing girls?" Ay grunted, clearly uninterested.

"More like a nice hot springs, some great food, and a few local attractions," Samui replied, her tone light but firm. "You need to take a break and enjoy the trip. You've been so tense lately."

"I resent the Hidden Leaf. Why would I want to stay long?" Ay shot back, crossing his arms. "I want to get this meeting over with and return home. I have no interest in their hospitality."

Darui leaned in closer, a mischievous grin creeping back onto his face. "Well, it's kind of nice, right? We're being invited to the same nation we were at war with just months ago. We must have made quite the impression."

Ay snorted. "Don't let your guard down. As soon as the Akatsuki are dealt with, we'll take the necessary measures against Konoha. They'll regret thinking they can just walk all over us."

"True, but they did share their some of their advantages with us during the last meeting," Samui reminded him, her tone diplomatic.

"Yeah, but we've got something else in mind that'll ensure the Hidden Leaf never rises again," Ay replied ominously, his eyes narrowing.

Darui raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you're plotting something pretty intense. I hope it's not as crazy as last time."

"Hey! The last time we made plans, we came out on top, didn't we?" Ay shot back, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Yes, but you know how close we were to losing, right? Let's not push our luck this time," Darui cautioned, trying to keep the mood light even as he recognized the seriousness of their situation.

"Relax," Ay said, though his voice was still tense. "We've been through worse. Besides, they're still focused on the Akatsuki. We'll bide our time and strike when they least expect it."

The trio continued on their journey, the weight of their thoughts heavy in the air as they made their way toward Konoha, each of them pondering the political tension and the looming dangers that lay ahead.

"Just remember, no matter what happens at this summit, we must stand firm. Our nation is depending on us," Samui reminded them, her gaze steady and resolute.

"Right," Ay affirmed, his tone returning to its earlier intensity. "We won't let our guard down. Not now, not ever."

As they moved, the desert landscape of the Land of Lightning gave way to the lush greenery of the Land of Fire, and with it, the Raikage's resolve only deepened.

The sun hung low in the sky, as Naruto and Hinata made their way into a dense forest. The air was thick with the smell of pine, and the distant rustling of leaves added an air of mystery to their surroundings. Hinata turned to Naruto, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "Are we there yet?"

Naruto raised a hand, signaling her to stop. "Just a little further." He led her carefully into a clearing, scanning the area for any sign of the others. The tension in the air was palpable, and Hinata could sense the weight of the moment.

"Looks like we made it," Naruto said, a smile breaking across his face as Yugito and Yagura stepped into the clearing.

"Glad you both could make it," he added, trying to lighten the mood. However, Hinata's instincts told her something was off, and her heart raced in anticipation.

Yugito crossed her arms, a frown etched on her face. "What's she doing here?" she gestured toward Hinata, her tone disapproving. "She's not even a jinchuriki."

Naruto stepped forward, determined. "Hinata is with us. We're not running a jinchuriki book club, you know." He straightened up, glancing at Hinata with a reassuring nod. "In fact, I'm giving her observer status in the Akatsuki."

Yagura raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. Hinata felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment, wishing she could disappear.

"Wait, what? Observer status?" Yugito sputtered. "Can we atleast vote on this?"

"Sure, why not?" Naruto grinned, looking at Yagura for support. "I vote yes."

"Me too," Yagura added, raising his hand.

Yugito narrowed her eyes, incredulous. "You're barely a member yourself, Yagura!"

Naruto cut in, smirking. "And there's nothing wrong with it!"

"Fine!" Yugito huffed, reluctantly raising her hand as well. "But this doesn't mean I trust her."

Naruto beamed, clearly pleased with the outcome. "Welcome to the team, Hinata!" He clapped his hands together, and Hinata managed a shy smile.

Yugito stepped closer, her demeanor shifting as she scrutinized Hinata. The sudden attention made Hinata's stomach flutter with nerves.

"Okay, so what's your experience?" Yugito asked, not bothering to sugarcoat her curiosity.

Hinata took a deep breath. "I served in Konoha's Anbu for two and a half years. I was part of the first army corps, specifically under the special jinchuriki unit, and then in the 35th light brigade until the ceasefire."

Naruto beamed with pride, but Yugito's expression remained serious, silently acknowledging Hinata's credentials.

"Impressive," she finally said, then shot Hinata a pointed question. "How many battles have you been in?"

"Yugito, come on—" Naruto started, but Yugito interrupted him.

"Just a question! A few days ago, she was equivalent to any enemy soldier," Yugito said defensively, then turned to Hinata. "I'm just suspicious, okay?"

Hinata smiled weakly. "I understand."

Naruto brushed it off, waving a hand. "Yugito's just a salty doomer by nature," he quipped, causing Yugito to roll her eyes.

"Very funny," she muttered, crossing her arms again.

Yagura stepped forward, introducing himself to Hinata with a nod. "It's good to have you on board."

"Thanks," Hinata replied, feeling slightly more at ease.

"Now, let's get down to business," Naruto said, his tone shifting to seriousness. "We need to discuss the upcoming Kage summit and how we're going to act."

Yagura frowned, his brows furrowing. "We need to be careful. An attack like this is risky."

Yugito chimed in, determination gleaming in her eyes. "We should strike now. This is our best chance. We can even use this chance to recover Hakari from Konoha."

Hinata, her mind racing, finally nodded. "I agree. Hanabi and I can't keep hiding in Suna forever. We need to do something about our situation."

"Exactly!" Naruto exclaimed. "We need a plan to hit the Kages during the summit and rescue Hakari."

Just as he was about to outline a strategy, Yugito interrupted, her tone firm. "I think I'm best suited to lead this. After all, I'm the only Jonin here...I think." She paused, glancing at Hinata. "No offense, but are you a Jonin?" she asked in a hushed tone.

Hinata shook her head, feeling a little embarrassed again.

"Then it's settled," Yugito declared confidently. "I'm the most experienced in leading a team. I expect Naruto to be biased towards his Anbu girlfriend anyway."

Hinata's face flushed at the comment, and Naruto sighed, reluctantly stepping back. "Alright, fine. You take the lead, Yugito."

"Great!" Yugito grinned, straightening her posture. She turned to face the others, her expression serious. "First, we need to analyze each Kage's abilities. We'll go over their strengths and any weaknesses we're aware of."

As Yugito began forming a plan, Naruto, Hinata, and Yagura listened attentively.

"Ohnoki, the Tsuchikage." Yugito continued. "He's powerful, especially in ranged combat, able to manipulate matter on the molecular level. We'll need to watch our distance from him if we want any chance of survival, prevent ourselves from getting caught in his jutsu.

Yagura frowned but nodded, accepting the assessment.

"And then there's the Raikage," Yugito said, glancing at Naruto. "He's fast and incredibly strong. If we can create distractions, we might have an opening to strike."

Naruto grinned, feeling the adrenaline rush through him. "I can create plenty of those."

"Of course we also have the Yellow flash himself, Minato Namikaze." She glanced at Naruto, whose grin had faded away. "He's a nightmare to go up against, extremely unpredictable with his teleportation jutsu. Minato has a 'flee on sight' order in several units, but we don't have a choice do we?" Yugito took a deep breath, her fist tightening in anger. "He has my child, and I promised Bee I would get him back..."

"I'm sorry," Hinata reach out, placing a comforting hand on Yugito's shoulder.

As Yugito continued outlining the plan, the tension in the clearing transformed into a sense of camaraderie. The air buzzed with anticipation, each of them eager to take action. They had a mission, and for the first time in a while, Naruto felt a renewed sense of purpose.

"Alright, let's finalize our strategy," Yugito said, her voice determined. "We all have our parts to play, including you Hinata. Your mission might be the most crucial."

Hinata glanced at Naruto, feeling a surge of hope and determination. They were taking control of their destiny together, and nothing would stand in their way.

As Yugito detailed their approach, the forest around them buzzed with energy, each member of the team ready to face the challenges ahead. The world was changing, and they were determined to be the catalysts for that change.

Ryu walked alongside Kurotsuchi as they made their way toward Konoha for the Kage Summit. The air was filled with anticipation, a mix of excitement and anxiety about the diplomatic discussions that awaited them. Floating slightly ahead was Tsuchikage Ohnoki, his small stature contrasted by the weighty authority he commanded, a sight that always reminded Ryu of the importance of his role.

Kurotsuchi turned to Ryu, her face lit up with a smile. "Thanks for coming along, Ryu. I appreciate you carrying most of the luggage. I'm sure my grandfather would've made me do it all by myself otherwise."

"It's nothing, really," Ryu replied, a little flustered by her praise as he shifted the heavy pack slung over his shoulder. He admired her enthusiasm, but words always seemed to get tangled in his throat when he was around her.

Kurotsuchi sighed happily, her gaze drifting to the road ahead. "You know, I missed attending these diplomatic functions. A few years ago, I would've dreaded it, but after spending so much time on the frontline, this feels like a vacation."

Ryu chuckled, relieved to have a moment of light-heartedness. "I guess it's a step up from the battlefield, for sure. At least we're not dodging shurikens every few minutes."

"Exactly!" she replied, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Konoha has always been on my list of places to visit. I heard the Fire Nation has some stunning landscapes. I'm a sucker for beautiful views."

The thought of her exploring Konoha made Ryu's heart flutter with excitement. Mustering his courage, he ventured, "Maybe we could check out some of the tourist spots while we're there?"

Kurotsuchi glanced back at him, her smile brightening. "Oh, I was already planning to check them out! I've heard so much about the Hokage's Monument and that big, beautiful lake. They say it's the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery."

Ryu's excitement faltered for a moment. He had hoped for something more personal, more like a date, but Kurotsuchi seemed oblivious to his intentions. Still, he felt a warmth inside him just from being near her, and he promised himself that one day, he would find the right moment to confess his feelings.

Just then, Kurotsuchi snapped her fingers in front of his face, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Ryu! Are you even listening?"

Embarrassed, he stammered, "Uh, yes! I agree… with whatever you were saying."

Kurotsuchi laughed, shaking her head. "You always zone out! I was asking you about places you wanted to see in Konoha. It could be fun if we go together!"

Ryu struggled to find an answer, his mind racing. "Um… I mean, yeah, that sounds great!" But just as he was about to say more, Ohnoki called for her from ahead.

"Kurotsuchi! We need to discuss the summit details!"

"Coming, Grandfather!" she called back, glancing over her shoulder at Ryu. "I'll catch up with you later!"

As she hurried to join Ohnoki, Ryu watched them, a mix of admiration and longing in his chest. He felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him as he thought about how easily Kurotsuchi moved through life, so confident and vibrant. His own sudden lack of confidence however, weighed heavily on him. The Kage Summit would be important, and while he was honored to protect them, he also felt the gnawing pressure of responsibility.

He took a deep breath, shaking off his self-doubt. This wasn't just about his feelings; it was about ensuring the safety of his Tsuchikage and Kurotsuchi. The threat of the Akatsuki loomed larger every day, and he was determined to do everything in his power to protect them.

With a final glance at Kurotsuchi, Ryu followed Ohnoki and Kurotsuchi into the unknown future that awaited them in Konoha.

The moon hung low over Konoha, casting a pale glow on the rooftops and streets below. The night air was thick with tension, every shadow seeming to harbor a hidden threat. Security was at its peak, with border guards vigilant in their duties, eyes darting to every flicker of movement. The summit set for the following morning had put the village on high alert, and the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on each guard's shoulders.

"All clear on Sector 3," one guard reported into his radio, his voice low but steady. He continued his patrol, the sound of his boots echoing softly against the cobblestone path as he turned a corner, scanning the darkened street ahead. The air was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

As he reached a secluded corner, he paused, feeling the urge to relieve himself. He glanced around cautiously, ensuring he was alone. The guard unbuckled his utility belt, preparing to take a moment of respite when a sharp whistling sound sliced through the night.

Before he could react, a searing pain shot through his leg, and he looked down to see an arrow embedded deep into his thigh. A gasp escaped his lips, but it was cut short as darkness began to creep into his vision. Shock coursed through him as he fell to the ground, the world spinning away. His mind screamed for help, but the night swallowed his cries.

A feminine figure emerged from the shadows, clad in the sleek black and grey of Kumogakure's Anbu. Her movements were fluid and silent as she approached the incapacitated guard. With swift precision, she retrieved the arrow, her eyes scanning the area for any witnesses. The mask covering her face concealed her identity, but the glint in her eye spoke of determination and focus.

She crouched beside the fallen guard, her hand deftly inspecting his gear, ensuring he carried no communication devices that might alert others. Satisfied, she slipped the arrow into a hidden compartment within her uniform, her heart racing with adrenaline. The mission was crucial, and failure was not an option.

With practiced ease, the Anbu slipped back into the shadows, using the darkness as her ally. She blended seamlessly with the night, moving toward her objective. The Hokage tower loomed in the distance, its silhouette stark against the moonlight. She knew the guards would be heightened, but her training had prepared her for this.

As she navigated through the maze of alleys and rooftops, she kept her senses sharp, ears attuned to any sounds of movement. The night was still, but she could feel the pulse of activity all around her. The tension in the air was palpable, and she was acutely aware that she was not just a lone operative; she was a part of something much larger.

Her mind raced with thoughts of the summit, the high-stakes meeting that could alter the balance of power in the shinobi world. This mission was her chance to make a statement. She had to reach her target before anyone discovered the guard's fate.

As she approached the edge of a shadowed building, she paused, peeking around the corner. The tower was just ahead, bustling with activity as guards patrolled the perimeter. Her heart quickened, and she took a moment to steady her breath. This was it.

The Anbu darted forward, melding into the shadows, her heart pounding in rhythm with the pulse of the village. She felt alive in the thrill of the hunt, her instincts guiding her every move. Tonight, she would not fail.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the Hidden Leaf village as the Kage Summit commenced the next day. Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash of Konoha, sat at the head of a large table, flanked by Lady Tsunade, his trusted advisor. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the representatives of the great nations gathered to discuss the precarious state of their world.

The Raikage, a massive figure with a commanding presence, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his broad chest. His aides, Darui and Samui, stood at attention beside him, their expressions stoic.

Across the table, Ohnoki, the Tsuchikage, appeared weary but resolute. His granddaughter Kurotsuchi sat beside him, while Ryu, his loyal jinchuriki, took notes meticulously. The absence of the Kazekage was palpable, and a murmur of confusion passed through the room.

"Where is Gaara?" Darui asked, breaking the silence.

Minato cleared his throat, glancing at the message he had received earlier that day. "Gaara sent word that he is swamped with work and cannot attend," he replied, trying to mask the disappointment in his voice.

Ohnoki's eyes narrowed, his brows knitting together in irritation. "Disrespecting the summit is an affront to us all. Does he not realize the gravity of our situation?"

Raikage Ay, equally incensed, nodded in agreement. "This isn't just a gathering for idle chatter. We're discussing the Akatsuki threat! Gaara should be here to represent Suna."

"Let's not lose our heads," Minato interjected, raising a hand. "We can proceed without him. The issues at hand remain critical."

"Critical?" Ohnoki scoffed. "You call this critical? Gaara's absence shows he's not taking this seriously."

"Calm down, both of you," Tsunade said, her voice steady. "We need to focus on the real danger—the Akatsuki."

With tension simmering, the discussion shifted to strategies against the Akatsuki, a growing threat looming over the nations. Minato leaned forward, his blue eyes glimmering with resolve. "I propose we establish joint patrols and share intelligence between our villages. We can't afford to work in isolation."

"I'm not sure that's feasible," Ay countered, shaking his head. "Konoha hasn't been the most trustworthy partner in the past."

"I assure you, we are working on that," Minato replied, his patience wearing thin. "You can't deny the benefit of shared information in these troubled times."

Kurotsuchi, ever the pragmatist, chimed in. "We could greatly benefit from sharing intelligence. The more we know, the better prepared we are."

"Trust is earned," Darui added, his voice cool. "And Konoha has some work to do to rebuild that trust."

"Enough please," Ohnoki pleaded, raising a hand. The room fell silent. "We need to maintain order here. Let's focus on the matter at hand. The Akatsuki is our primary threat."

Minato took a deep breath, grateful for the chance to redirect the conversation. "As you all know, the recent assassination of Mizukage Mei has left Kirigakure in a precarious position. They are without a ruler, and the leadership vacuum could lead to chaos."

The room fell quiet as the weight of Minato's words settled in. The Kage listened intently, exchanging glances filled with concern.

"Without a strong leader, Kirigakure will be vulnerable to the Akatsuki's intentions," Kurotsuchi remarked, her brow furrowing. "If we don't act fast, they could exploit this opportunity."

Minato nodded, looking around the table at his fellow leaders. "We must unite and take decisive action. The Akatsuki won't wait for us to figure out our differences."

Ohnoki leaned back, his eyes glancing at the other Kage. "So, what do we propose?"

"I think we should send a joint task force to secure Kirigakure and find out what's happening there," Minato suggested. "We need to restore order and provide stability before it's too late."

Darui raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what about our own defenses? Kumo is still recovering from the last incident."

"Each village must be prepared to stand together," Minato urged, his voice steady. "We cannot allow the Akatsuki to divide us."

As the Kage exchanged ideas and strategized their next moves, the conversation flowed, a montage of plans being drawn, alliances being discussed, and the ever-present threat of the Akatsuki looming over them all.

The meeting continued, filled with urgency and determination, yet the absence of Gaara hung heavily in the air. And as Minato listened to the deliberations, a nagging suspicion began to form in his mind about his fellow Kage's intentions and the true state of affairs in the Sand.

In a secluded alley in Konoha, the air crackled with tension as a kunoichi dressed in Kumo's Anbu attire crouched low. Her eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the surroundings for any signs of movement. With a deep breath, she began to perform a series of intricate hand signs. The world around her faded, her mind honing in on the task at hand.

[Reverse Summoning Jutsu]

In a puff of smoke, three figures materialized before her. As the smoke cleared, the sun illuminated the weary but determined faces of Naruto, Yugito, and Yagura.

"Nice job, Hinata," Naruto said, a grin breaking across his face. He stepped forward, sharing a portion of his chakra with her, sensing her reserves were running low. "You've really got this down."

Hinata blushed slightly, her confidence bolstered by his praise. "Thanks, Naruto. We need to stick to the plan. The sooner we act, the better."

Yugito nodded, her eyes steely. "Agreed. We have a mission to complete. Let's move." She turned to Hinata, her voice firm. "Proceed as planned. We can't afford any delays."

Hinata straightened, her demeanor shifting to that of a determined soldier. "Right! Let's go!"

Meanwhile, inside the grand hall of the Kage Summit, tension hung thick in the air. Tsunade, seated at the head of the table, carefully read through a scroll detailing recent developments in the ongoing search for Naruto. Her brow furrowed as she processed the information, but her focus was suddenly interrupted by a loud noise echoing from outside.

The Kages exchanged puzzled glances. Voices murmured outside, growing louder. Minato, the Hokage, leaned forward, a frown deepening on his face. "They're right on time," he muttered, reaching for his earpiece.

He spoke calmly into the device, addressing Danzo. "Carry out the plan. Now."

Minato stood, his voice steady but commanding. "Everything is under control. I assure you."

"Control?" A thunderous voice cut through the room. A tall figure with a fierce expression, Raikage Ay, bolted upright, eyes blazing with anger. "I knew Konoha wasn't safe enough to hold the summit!"

"Regardless of the location, the Akatsuki could strike anywhere," Minato replied, his tone unyielding. "It's irrelevant whether we're in Konoha or elsewhere."

The Tsuchikage, Ohnoki, stood next, his face etched with concern. "I'm not going to sit here and wait for your terrorist son to come for me! I'm going out to defend myself!"

"Stay seated!" Minato barked, urgency creeping into his voice. "We're handling the threat. We'll figure out a way to evacuate safely."

Ay's fists clenched. "Why not teleport us away? You could just get us to safety, couldn't you?"

"It's not that simple!" Minato shot back. "It takes too much chakra to teleport all of you."

Darui raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that, Hokage?"

Ohnoki joined in, skeptical. "I find that hard to believe."

Minato relented slightly, a hint of exhaustion creeping into his demeanor. "I'm not what I was when I was younger," he admitted, his voice low.

Kurotsuchi, the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, piped up. "You're barely 45! You're not that old!"

"Enough!" Minato snapped, his patience thinning. "Remain seated and silent while we handle this!"

Ryu, the jinchuriki of the earth nation, rose in defense of Kurotsuchi. "You have no right to speak to her that way, Hokage! She deserves respect!"

"Show respect to the Hokage!" Minato's voice boomed, silencing the room.

Tsunade, desperate to restore order, intervened. "If it's too stressful for you, Minato, I can supply you with chakra to teleport everyone out safely."

Ay nodded, his tone shifting to a more cooperative stance. "That makes sense. We need to ensure our safety."

The other Kages looked at Minato expectantly, tension palpable in the air as they awaited his response. He remained silent, his gaze surveying the room, searching for the right moment to execute his plan.

The air was thick with tension as Naruto and Yagura made their way through the corridors leading to the venue of the 5 Kage Summit. The walls were stark and cold, illuminated by flickering torches that cast long shadows. The sounds of battle echoed faintly from outside, the clash of steel and the distant explosions of ninjutsu resonating in their ears. As they rounded a corner, Naruto searched for approaching enemies, scanning his environment.

"Let's keep moving," Yagura urged, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. "We can't afford to be delayed."

Naruto nodded, his resolve hardening. "Right. If we want to take them by surprise, we need to be quick."

They advanced, dispatching shinobi guards with precision and ease. Naruto unleashed a Rasenshuriken, the spinning sphere of chakra tearing through a pair of enemies with a satisfying burst of energy. The rush of victory surged through him, but as he observed the quiet that followed, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"Light defenses," he muttered, catching his breath. "It feels too easy."

Yagura glanced at him, sensing his concern. "They might be preparing for something bigger. Just stay alert."

Meanwhile, within the meeting room, Minato paced, his heart racing. He glanced at the other Kage—Tsunade, Ohnoki, and Ay—who were seated around the table, their expressions tense.

"Danzo, initiate the gas bomb protocol," Minato commanded into his communicator, urgency lacing his voice.

"Has the rogue jinchuriki infiltrated yet?" Danzo's voice crackled back, devoid of concern.

"I don't have time to explain! The Kage are growing suspicious!" Minato shot back, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Tsunade leaned forward, her brow furrowing. "Who are you talking to, Minato?"

"Coordinating the defense of the meeting hall," he replied tersely, just as Ay, unable to hold back his impatience, stormed toward him.

With a swift motion, Minato threw a kunai into the wall, the momentary distraction allowing him to teleport away, narrowly avoiding Ay's advancing figure.

"Stop running!" Ay shouted, glaring at the spot where Minato had been.

Before Minato could explain himself, he noticed the gas beginning to seep into the room through the vents.

"I'm sorry, but none of you are leaving this room," he began, but Ay interrupted, eyes widening with realization.

"Get us out of here, now!" Ay shouted, frustration clear in his voice.

Minato maintained his calm demeanor, though he could feel the tension rising. "Just a moment," he muttered.

The gas began to spread around the room through the vents. Tsunade's eyes widened as she realized the danger. "Minato! What is this?"

With a satisfied smirk, Minato finally admitted, "I'm setting a trap for you all." The room erupted in chaos as Ay's rage bubbled to the surface.

Minato straightened, the weight of his plan settling over him like a dark cloud. "I am ensuring the safety of the Fire Nation. The rest of you… you're a threat to that safety."

"What kind of treachery is this?" Ohnoki growled, fury igniting in his eyes.

"It's too late," Minato said, a grim smile on his face. "You're already being gassed. It's tragic, but Konoha will rise from your ashes, I will make sure of it."

"What have you done?" Tsunade demanded, standing up and moving towards him, but Minato held up a hand.

"Stay back!" he warned, but the gas was already taking effect. Ohnoki's knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, gasping for breath.

One by one, the Kage began to collapse, their bodies succumbing to the noxious fumes. Minato watched, satisfaction flickering in his gaze, ready to teleport away when suddenly, he felt a chilling realization.

"Wait… I can't teleport out?" Panic gripped him as he realized he was unable to utilize his jutsu.

As he unsuccessfully tried to teleport away again, he felt a surge of panic. "No…no, no!" he exclaimed, reaching for the seals that should have been within his reach. "What's happening?"

His pulse quickened as he realized the truth: all the seals he placed outside the building had vanished.

"Danzo!" he shouted into his communicator, desperately trying to reach the only other person who might have answers. "Turn off the gas!"

"Why should I?" Danzo's voice came through, cold and detached.

Minato's blood ran cold as the implications of Danzo's betrayal set in. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"

"It's time for new leadership, Minato." Danzo replied, his tone ominous. "Make no mistake Konoha will still thrive...just not under your rule."

Rage bubbled within Minato, but the effects of the gas were beginning to take hold. He staggered back, the world around him growing hazy.

But as soon as it began, the gas suddenly stopped; the room eerily silent. Minato stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. As the Kage slowly began to rise, Ay's eyes blazed with fury.

"Minato!" he snarled, his voice dripping with venom.

"I can explain!" Minato started, but the growing hostility in the room silenced him.

Ryu, the Tsuchikage's bodyguard, drew his sword, determination etched across his face. "I'm going out to stop those rogue jinchuriki. I don't know what you're playing at, but I'm not leaving the Tsuchikage unprotected!"

Kurotsuchi quickly joined him, her resolve firm. "I'll go with you!"

Darui sighed, his expression one of disbelief. "Pathetic, Konoha's defenses are," he said, preparing his weapon. "I'll join as well."

"Stay back, Samui," he added, glancing at her as the trio moved towards the exit.

As they prepared to leave, Ay's voice thundered through the room. "Minato, I swear I'll make you pay for this betrayal!"

"Wait! I can explain!" Minato pleaded but it fell on deaf ears. "We were under attack from outside forces! It was the Akatsuki!"

"Stay back, Samui!" Ay shouted, his focus shifting to Minato. "I'll handle this traitor."

Turning to Tsunade, Minato pleaded, "You believe me, right?"

She merely activated her Strength of a Hundred seal, a fierce determination in her eyes. "I can't stand by while you betray us, Minato."

Minato gripped his kunai tightly, feeling the weight of their accusations. "I'll defend myself if I have to," he muttered, readying for combat.

Suddenly, a new presence surged into the room, drawing their collective attention.

"Naruto!" Ay roared, eyes narrowing as he recognized the rogue jinchuriki.

Naruto stood at the entrance, determination blazing in his eyes. "Sorry for crashing your party," he said, a confident smirk on his face. "But I have some urgent business with all of you."

"Your last day will be today, Uzumaki!" Ohnoki spat, anger swelling within him.

Unfazed, Naruto activated his chakra cloak, the vibrant energy swirling around him. "I think it's your beds that are going to be empty tonight," he shot back, readying himself for battle.

With the tension hanging heavy in the air, it was clear that the real fight was just beginning