NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

Chapter 74: CHAPTER 74



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The Kage Summit was held in a secluded mountain range on neutral ground, far from the prying eyes of their respective villages.

The meeting site was a grand cavern lit by the faint glow of bioluminescent moss clinging to the rock walls.

At the center of the cavern, a round stone table had been carved from the mountain itself, its surface etched with the insignias of the four great villages present: Iwagakure, Kumogakure and Kirigakure.

Although the leaders had agreed to use shadow clones for the meeting, their presence carried weight.

Even as projections, they were commanding figures, radiating authority and determination.

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The first to speak was the Third Raikage, his deep, booming voice echoing off the cavern walls.

His clone stood tall, his muscular frame a reflection of his indomitable will.

"This so-called bloodline seal of Konoha is a threat not just to our villages but to the balance of power itself. Sarutobi Hiruzen has gone too far. If we allow this to continue, Konoha will dominate us all."

Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, floated slightly above his chair, his diminutive size belying his immense presence.

He snorted, his voice laced with disdain.

"Sarutobi is a clever man, I'll give him that, but his arrogance knows no bounds. This seal isn't just about strength—it's a tool to subjugate the other nations. Konoha seeks to crown itself as the sole ruler of the shinobi world."

Across the table, the Third Mizukage, a pale man with sharp, angular features and piercing eyes, leaned forward. His voice was calm, almost chilling.

"The question is not whether it's a threat—it clearly is. The question is how we deal with it. Attacking Konoha directly would be suicidal. Their defenses are too strong, and their ANBU units have proven they can neutralize spies with precision. We must be strategic."

The Raikage clenched his fists. "Then what do you suggest, Mizukage? Sitting on our hands while Konoha grows stronger?"

"No," the Mizukage replied, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "We hit their lifeline. The Uzumaki clan."

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The room fell silent. The mention of the Uzumaki clan, the legendary masters of sealing techniques and Konoha's staunchest allies, hung in the air like a storm cloud.

"Explain," Onoki demanded, his sharp gaze fixed on the Mizukage.

The Mizukage steepled his fingers, his tone measured and deliberate.

"During the First Shinobi War, Uzushiogakure provided unwavering support to Konoha. Their sealing techniques turned the tide in more battles than we can count. Without the Uzumaki, Konoha's ability to create and maintain advanced seals would be crippled. Destroying them would cut off a vital resource and weaken Konoha significantly."

The Raikage frowned. "That's easier said than done. Uzushiogakure isn't a pushover. Their seals are legendary, and their defenses are almost impenetrable."

The Mizukage's smirk widened.

"Almost. If the three of us attack simultaneously, they won't stand a chance. Each of our villages will send forces, and we'll divide the spoils—their sealing techniques—among ourselves. Of course, we'll need to coordinate the timing precisely to ensure their destruction."

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Onoki stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And what of Konoha? They'll retaliate the moment they realize what's happening."

The Mizukage's eyes gleamed.

"Which is why we create a diversion. The Raikage suggested skirmishes on the Fire Nation's borders, which will keep Konoha's attention divided. But I propose something more... disruptive. We manipulate Sunagakure into engaging Konoha directly."

The Raikage arched an eyebrow. "And how do you plan to do that?"

Onoki interjected, a sly grin on his face.

"Leave that to me. The Kazekage is ambitious but paranoid. It won't take much to convince him that Konoha is plotting against him. Once he mobilizes his forces, Konoha will be too occupied to notice our attack on Uzushiogakure."

The Raikage nodded, though his expression remained skeptical. "Fine. But what about the bijuu? If Konoha unleashes the Nine-Tails, we'll need to counter it."

The Mizukage's tone turned icy. "Each of us mobilizes one of our tailed beasts. They'll serve as both a deterrent and an offensive measure. If Konoha dares to send the Nine-Tails, we'll respond in kind."

The room grew tense as the implications of the plan settled over the Kage.

Finally, the Raikage spoke, his voice firm. "So it's decided. We'll attack Uzushiogakure and manipulate Sunagakure to distract Konoha. Our bijuu will be on standby, and we'll divide the spoils once the Uzumaki are destroyed."

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Far from the summit, deep within a dark and desolate cave, Black Zetsu emerged from the shadows.

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient stone.

At the center of the cavern lay Madara Uchiha, his once-proud form sustained by the Gedo Statue.

"Madara-sama," Zetsu whispered, his voice reverent, "everything is proceeding as you predicted. The Kage are planning to attack Uzushiogakure. Their greed for the Uzumaki's sealing techniques blinds them to the true danger."

Madara's eyes flickered open, the Rinnegan glowing faintly in the dim light. His voice was weak but steady.

"Fools. They believe they can control the world through war and destruction. They do not understand the true meaning of peace."

Zetsu hesitated before speaking. "What of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Madara-sama? His bloodline seal has caused quite a stir. Do you believe it could pose a threat to our plans?"

Madara closed his eyes, his expression unchanging. "Hiruzen's ambitions are irrelevant. His seal may strengthen Konoha, but it cannot alter the destiny I have set in motion. The Moon's Eye Plan is inevitable."

"But," Zetsu interjected, "should we intervene? Perhaps eliminate him before his influence grows further?"

Madara's lips curled into a faint smile. "No. Let him play his games. His actions will only serve to accelerate the chaos. And chaos is the soil from which true peace will bloom."

Zetsu nodded, his black form blending into the shadows. "As you wish, Madara-sama. I will ensure some of the Uzumaki survive. Their knowledge may prove useful in the future."

Madara's voice was barely a whisper as he spoke his final words before drifting back into slumber. "Do not fail me, Zetsu. The world will bow to peace... my peace."

---

Back in Konoha, preparations continued in full force.

Hiruzen, aware of the exact plans of the other villages, nevertheless sensed the growing tension.

He knew of the involvement of three villages, but will Sunagakure also join or not, that was his question.

Hiruzen stood on the Hokage Monument, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. "Let them come," he murmured to himself.

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