---
The Land of Iron was blanketed in heavy snow.
At the base of a towering cliff near the Summit Hall, next to a frozen lake, Sasuke and his team—Team Taka—stood silently.
The biting cold swirled around them as they waited.
Moments later, the still surface of the lake rippled, and a head emerged from the icy water—it was Suigetsu, dripping wet but completely unbothered, thanks to his Hydrification Technique.
Karin immediately stepped forward, her voice tight with concern. "What did you find?"
Suigetsu scowled as he climbed out of the water. "It's not going to be easy. The security around the central tower is insane because of the Five Kage Summit."
Hearing this, Sasuke turned to Jugo and ordered, "Jugo, use your birds to scout for the least-guarded route."
Jugo nodded without hesitation. "Understood."
He channeled his chakra, summoning an owl with a quiet poof. The bird flapped its wings and swiftly took off, disappearing into the pale winter sky.
The Summit Hall loomed ahead—a massive five-story structure resembling an ancient pine tree, its exterior layered with snow. Inside, the hall was supported by enormous stone pillars, giving it the appearance of a fortress.
This was the heart of political negotiations in the Land of Iron.
At the entrance, beneath the snow-covered stairs, Mifune—the General of the Land of Iron—stood with two samurai guards. He waited patiently as the Kage arrived one by one.
A figure emerged from the snowy trail.
Mifune stepped forward with a respectful bow. "I have been expecting you, Lady Hokage. I am Mifune, the general of the Land of Iron."
Tsunade smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, General."
Mifune's sharp gaze swept behind her, stopping when he noticed the tall man following her closely. "I see you've brought a guard. May I ask who he is?"
Tsunade chuckled, glancing over her shoulder. "Yes, just one is enough—he's more than capable."
Jiraiya shifted the heavy pack on his shoulder and smirked. "Damn, it's freezing here," he muttered, rubbing his nose. "And here I thought the hot springs were my next stop."
Mifune gestured politely toward the entrance. "Please, come inside and warm yourselves with some tea."
Tsunade nodded. "Thank you for the hospitality."
---
Meanwhile, back at the cliffside, Jugo's owl returned, landing gracefully on his outstretched arm. He leaned closer to the bird, listening to the information it conveyed.
Sasuke's voice cut through the cold air. "What did it find?"
Jugo turned to him. "The western side has the least guards. It's our best entry point."
Sasuke processed the information and then shifted his focus to Karin. "Karin, once we infiltrate the Summit, I need you to keep track of the chakra signatures. We can't afford to be detected."
Karin sighed in frustration. "Why do I have to go too?"
Suigetsu grinned, leaning against his massive sword. "Hey, Jugo and I did our part already. Time for you to pull your weight."
Karin shot him a glare but didn't argue further.
Sasuke's gaze fell on White Zetsu, who stood quietly nearby. "You're coming with us. Obito wouldn't have sent you unless you had a role to play."
White Zetsu chuckled. "Since you're asking so nicely, how could I refuse?"
Satisfied, Sasuke issued the order. "Team Taka—move out."
The group advanced toward the western flank, their footsteps silent against the snow.
---
As they crept through the shadows, Suigetsu studied the terrain. "Hey, why not set up an ambush on the Hokage's route? Wouldn't that be easier than sneaking in?"
Karin snapped, "Are you an idiot? With all these guards, we'd be exposed immediately. And if a fight breaks out, the other Kage will get involved."
Her crimson eyes blazed with irritation as she continued. "If that happens, it won't just be the Hokage—we'll be facing five Kage. Do you want to die?"
Suigetsu sighed. "Fine, fine. But sneaking inside feels like a death wish too."
Karin rolled her eyes. "That's why we're gathering intel first. Once we understand their defenses, we strike the Hokage on her way back. That's the smart move."
Turning toward Sasuke with a saccharine smile, she added, "Isn't that right, Sasuke?"
Sasuke didn't dignify her question with a direct response. Instead, his tone turned icy. "Karin, focus on sensing the chakra around us. Stop talking."
Suigetsu burst into laughter. "Hah! Looks like you got put in your place."
Karin clenched her fists in frustration. "Shut up, you idiot! It's your fault for asking dumb questions in the first place!"
White Zetsu observed the bickering group and let out a low chuckle. "Sasuke, it must be exhausting dealing with these three."
Sasuke remained silent, his eyes fixed on the Summit.
Unnoticed by Team Taka, a figure emerged from the woods behind them.
Dressed in a cloak patterned with blue skies and white clouds, the shadowy figure smiled faintly as he watched Sasuke and his team disappear into the distance.
"Sasuke… You haven't changed at all," Naruto murmured softly before vanishing into the night.
---
Inside the Summit Hall
The Five Kage had arrived.
Mifune guided each leader and their guards into the central chamber.
The room was vast, with high ceilings supported by massive stone pillars. Curtains adorned with the kanji for water (水), rock (岩), fire (火), wind (風), and lightning (雷) hung behind each Kage, symbolizing their respective villages.
At the center of the hall sat Mifune, the neutral arbitrator and host of the summit.
The five Kage took their seats in a semi-circle, each leader accompanied by their chosen bodyguards.
Mifune surveyed the room with a calm, authoritative gaze. Once everything was in order, he stood and addressed the assembly.
"As the representative of the neutral Land of Iron, I hereby declare that the Five Kage Summit is officially in session."
The air in the room grew heavy with tension as the most powerful figures in the shinobi world prepared to discuss matters that could shape the future—or destroy it.
---
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