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"Cooperation? Lord Raikage, forgive my bluntness." Mifune's voice was firm. "You must be aware that the Land of Iron has always maintained a neutral stance. Though I serve as its general, I cannot bypass the Daimyō to privately form an alliance with Kumogakure." 

Inside the room, Mifune sat facing A, the Fourth Raikage. 

A, despite his reputation as a hotheaded warrior, spoke with measured calm. "Of course. I have no intention of forcing the Land of Iron to abandon its neutrality." 

Mifune gave him a surprised glance before asking patiently, "In that case, what kind of cooperation did you have in mind, Lord Raikage?" 

"I want you, General Mifune, to facilitate a united front among the Five Great Shinobi Villages during the Kage Summit—to eradicate the Akatsuki once and for all!" A's words were laced with fury, his thoughts undoubtedly on his kidnapped brother, Killer B. 

"This…" Mifune appeared deep in thought. 

"General Mifune," A pressed on, "aside from Konoha's Nine-Tails, the Akatsuki has already gathered the power of eight tailed beasts. They are now a threat to the entire shinobi world. We cannot allow them to continue unchecked!" 

"Very well. I agree." Mifune needed only a few seconds to make his decision. "This shouldn't be difficult. Every major village has suffered losses at Akatsuki's hands. I imagine they all share the desire to eliminate them completely." 

He met A's gaze. "Even if you hadn't asked, I would have proposed the same." 

"Then I thank you, General Mifune." A nodded. "There's one more thing…" 

There's more? 

A flicker of understanding passed through Mifune's eyes. He had suspected the Raikage's motives weren't so straightforward. 

Given that the Akatsuki had already become a global threat, no shinobi village would tolerate their existence. If that were the only goal, A wouldn't have needed to seek a private alliance. 

Though Mifune harbored these thoughts, he remained courteous. "What else would you propose, Lord Raikage?" 

"I want you to fully support my appointment as the Allied Shinobi Forces' Supreme Commander." A revealed his true objective. "This, in principle, does not violate the Land of Iron's neutrality. In exchange, you may name your terms." 

"I see…" 

Mifune fell into contemplation once more, visibly conflicted. A, however, waited patiently, making no effort to rush him. 

Outside the room, Kaito, relying on his extraordinary sensory abilities, listened silently to their conversation and smirked. 

The Fourth Raikage, A, truly lives up to his title as Kage. 

The Land of Iron, despite its strict neutrality to avoid entanglement in shinobi conflicts, was not entirely incorruptible. 

In this case, as the summit's moderator, Mifune indeed held the authority to propose motions. Moreover, given his neutral position, his suggestions—though not decisive—would carry significant weight. 

Technically, such actions wouldn't violate his principles as the Land of Iron's general. 

And since there were negotiable terms, Kaito was certain Mifune was tempted. 

But Kaito didn't care. 

Even if these villages inevitably formed alliances, they would soon realize their efforts were meaningless once they faced the Ten-Tails. 

The coming war was nothing like what they imagined. 

This wasn't about interests or past grudges—it was a battle for the survival of the entire world. 

--- 

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle… 

At the quarters where Tsunade resided, Gaara, accompanied by Temari and Kankurō, knocked lightly on the door. 

When the door opened, Kakashi was surprised to see them. "Gaara… no, Lord Kazekage. Please, come in." 

However, upon entering, Gaara found Tsunade engaged in lively conversation with another kunoichi. 

"Gaara?" Tsunade smiled at him. "This is the Fifth Mizukage." 

"Lord Mizukage." Gaara nodded politely. 

"My, so this is the Kazekage?" The Mizukage turned to him with an alluring smile. "A pleasure. I am the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumī." 

"Fifth Kazekage, Gaara." He took a seat on the sofa, posture rigid. 

Mei chuckled. "So young, yet already a Kage. Impressive." 

"You flatter me." Gaara replied stiffly. 

"…" 

Mei's playful gaze lingered, making Gaara feel increasingly uncomfortable. 

Sensing his discomfort, Tsunade intervened. "Gaara, was there something you wanted to discuss?" 

"Regarding tomorrow's summit, I assume you've already formed some conclusions." Gaara remained formal. "Since Sunagakure and Konoha are allies, I hoped we could align on certain issues." 

"I see." Tsunade glanced at Mei, who was still eyeing Gaara with amusement, and her eyebrow twitched. "Mizukage, what are your objectives for this meeting?" 

"Objectives?" 

Finally diverting her attention from Gaara, Mei ran a hand through her hair and smiled. "Broadly speaking, the annihilation of the Akatsuki." 

"In that case, would you like to join our discussion?" Tsunade asked neutrally. 

"It would be my pleasure." Mei agreed without hesitation. 

After all, she hadn't sought out the Hokage without an agenda! 

--- 

Elsewhere in the castle, in the Tsuchikage's quarters… 

"Old man!" Kurotsuchi burst into the room. 

Ōnoki, leisurely sipping tea, looked up. "Brat, what's the matter?" 

"Old man!!" Kurotsuchi snatched the teacup from his hands and set it down forcefully. "How can you just sit here drinking tea?!" 

"Tch." Ōnoki frowned. "The summit doesn't start until tomorrow. What else am I supposed to do?" 

"Old man!!!" 

Kurotsuchi leaned in and whispered urgently, "The Raikage met privately with General Mifune, and the Mizukage and Kazekage both went to the Hokage's room!" 

"Oh?" Ōnoki picked up his teacup again, unfazed. 

"They're all forming alliances!" Kurotsuchi fretted. "You're the only one left out! If this continues, you'll be at a disadvantage in the negotiations!" 

"Hmph!" 

Ōnoki smirked dismissively. 

"No need to worry. Mifune won't abandon the Land of Iron's neutrality. As the moderator, he can propose motions but can't dictate decisions. So even if he agreed to A's demands, it won't change much. As for the other three…" His eyes narrowed. "They'll never truly unite."