Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 144: Sakumo Hatake Comes Knocking

For many years, the wars waged by the Five Great Nations had left scars across the ninja world. These wounds had festered, and now, the consequences were coming full circle.

Under Black Zetsu's careful manipulation, the reputations of the Five Great Nations had plummeted to new lows.

The reversal of identities—villains portrayed as heroes and vice versa—was more than just public ridicule. A growing number of people, oblivious to the truth, began openly denouncing the Five Great Nations while supporting Akatsuki's supposed mission to "recover the Nine-Tails."

Mission requests once directed toward the Great Nations now went to the smaller villages that had allied with Akatsuki. The resulting loss of income significantly impacted the economies of the major villages.

---

In the Land of Iron, the Five Kage convened for yet another summit.

This time, there was a rare sense of unity, born out of necessity.

Akatsuki's recent actions, combined with their eerie silence, had everyone on edge. The leaders of the Great Nations were acutely aware that Akatsuki's next move could drastically alter the world order.

For the first time, they saw Akatsuki as a shared enemy and recognized the existential threat it posed to their respective villages.

"Let's hear your thoughts on how we should handle this," Tsunade began, her tone calm but commanding as she addressed the other Kage.

"The root of the problem is Akatsuki," stated Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage. "We need to locate them, then unite our forces to eliminate them once and for all. That will resolve all the issues we're facing."

"The problem is that we have no idea where Akatsuki is hiding," Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, pointed out.

Having lost his son Gaara to Akatsuki, Rasa was fully committed to the cause. Gone was his prior reluctance; now, he was ready to cooperate wholeheartedly.

"Then we attack the villages that have allied with Akatsuki," Raikage A proposed hotly. "Flush them out and make Akatsuki reveal themselves!"

The Fourth Raikage's words were bold, but they drew immediate opposition.

Such an action would amount to declaring war on a vast number of smaller villages—something the Great Nations lacked the resources to handle. While they were still strong, none of them had the power to take on the entire ninja world.

Additionally, acts of senseless slaughter would tarnish their reputations even further, reinforcing Akatsuki's narrative and alienating potential allies.

After Raikage's suggestion was dismissed, the Kage fell into a contemplative silence, searching for a viable strategy.

"Akatsuki's goal is to collect all the Tailed Beasts," Ōnoki eventually spoke again. "The only beast left is Konoha's Nine-Tails."

"I propose we use the Nine-Tails as bait to lure Akatsuki out."

"No!" Tsunade's refusal was immediate and firm.

Using the Nine-Tails as bait would endanger Naruto, something Tsunade could not accept.

Such tactics reeked of the manipulations employed by her predecessor, Hiruzen Sarutobi—methods that had driven Konoha into its current decline.

"Then think it through carefully, Hokage," Ōnoki replied tersely. "Akatsuki is likely consolidating the power of the eight Tailed Beasts they already have. If we delay any longer, it will be too late to stop them."

With that, the old Tsuchikage excused himself, leaving the room.

While the other Kage respected Tsunade's stance, they privately agreed with Ōnoki. The clock was ticking, and hesitation would only benefit Akatsuki.

One by one, the remaining Kage departed, leaving Tsunade alone in the chamber, drowning in doubt.

If she agreed to use the Nine-Tails, she would be betraying her own principles—turning into the very kind of leader she despised.

But if she didn't, Akatsuki would grow stronger, and the entire world could suffer for her inaction.

---

In the Land of Rain, a lone figure stood at the gates of Amegakure.

Sakumo Hatake—the legendary White Fang of Konoha—surveyed the city before him. He had heard rumors, but the sight of the Rain Village as a thriving, modern metropolis left him speechless.

Could this truly be the same impoverished, war-torn village he remembered?

Rain-drenched steel structures reached toward the sky, bustling streets hummed with activity, and technology he could barely comprehend was everywhere.

Shaking off his amazement, Sakumo approached the gate and presented his travel permit. After a brief inspection, he was allowed inside.

As he wandered the city, he couldn't help but marvel at its transformation. His awe grew with every step, but he was so engrossed in his surroundings that he failed to notice the line of vehicles piling up behind him.

"Move it! You're blocking the road!"

The blare of a horn snapped Sakumo out of his daze. Embarrassed, he quickly stepped aside, watching as a convoy of strange, wheeled machines rolled past.

"So, what do you think?"

A voice suddenly spoke behind him, calm and measured.

Sakumo turned to find Uchiha Yi standing there, a faint smile on his face.

"It's… impressive," Sakumo admitted.

The young man before him exuded an air of authority, yet his youthful appearance was almost unsettling. Was this really the man responsible for the Rain Village's meteoric rise?

"Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha," Yi said, his tone respectful yet direct. "I've heard much about you."

"What brings you here?"

"Curiosity," Sakumo replied honestly.

"Curiosity is a fine trait," Yi said, nodding. "But since you're here, let me ask you something. Would you be interested in working for me?"

The question caught Sakumo off guard.

"I came here for my son, Kakashi," he said after a pause. "How is he?"

"He's… managing," Yi replied, his tone neutral. "Most of his friends are dead, and he's been carrying that weight for years. It's taken a toll."

Sakumo's heart sank. Guilt clawed at him, but his resolve strengthened.

"Let me see him," he said firmly.

"Of course," Yi said. "But while you're here, think about my offer. You'd make a fine addition to our ranks."

Without another word, Yi gestured for Sakumo to follow him.

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