NOVEL NEXT Chapter 120: Five-kage summit summon
The Daimyo unanimously decided to warn their respective Kage and demanded a thorough investigation into the events that transpired in the Land of Fire. To address the growing tension and coordinate their actions, they agreed to convene a Five-Kage Summit in the Land of Iron.
In Konoha, Tsunade was already grappling with the consequences of my actions in the Land of Fire, her frustration evident. When she received the official summons for the summit, she sighed heavily.
"These Daimyo are quick to panic when one of their own falls," she muttered. "Still, this summit could work to our advantage. Shizune, send a letter to Naruto. He must attend this summit—it will be more beneficial for him than for us."
Shizune, ever the diligent assistant, promptly set out to deliver the message to me.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Fire, I was preparing to leave, but the new Daimyo, Riku, attempted to delay my departure, insisting on celebrating our success. I politely declined, explaining that I had pressing matters to attend to. Just as I was about to depart, Tsunade's letter arrived.
As I read Tsuna's letter about the Five-Kage Summit, I knew things were about to get serious. The Daimyo were panicking, afraid their own heads might roll after the fall of the Fire Daimyo. Their fear wasn't surprising, but it was also a perfect opportunity—both for Konoha and for me. If handled right, this summit could reshape the power dynamics between the shinobi villages and those corrupt figureheads.
Still, there was something I needed to take care of first. The information I'd received about Orochimaru being tied to the Akatsuki couldn't be ignored. If I could learn more about their plans or who's pulling the strings, it could give me a huge advantage at the summit.
I wrote back to Tsuna quickly and sent the letter off with a hawk:
"Tsunade, I'll attend the summit like you asked. But first, I'm heading to confront Orochimaru about his connection to the Akatsuki. This intel could strengthen our position. I'll be back in time. Trust me."
---
The journey to Orochimaru's lair was fast, but the unease in my chest grew the closer I got. When I arrived, the place was as creepy as I remembered—cold, silent, and reeking of something vile. Kabuto greeted me with his usual smugness, like a snake waiting to strike.
"Naruto-kun," he said with that sly grin, "what brings you here? Surely not to reminisce about old times?"
I crossed my arms, glaring at him. "I'm here for Orochimaru. I've got questions, and he's going to answer them."
Kabuto's grin faltered slightly, but he stepped aside. "This way."
As I followed him deeper into the lair, I kept my guard up. This place had "trap" written all over it. Eventually, we reached a chamber where Orochimaru lounged, his yellow eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Ah, Naruto-kun," he drawled, his voice as unsettling as ever. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
---
I didn't waste time. "I need information about the Akatsuki. Your ties to them, their goals, their members—everything."
Orochimaru chuckled, his voice echoing eerily. "Straight to the point, as always. Yes, I was involved with the Akatsuki once, but our paths… diverged. What makes you so interested now?"
I leaned forward, meeting his gaze. "Because they're a threat to everyone, including you. If they get too powerful, don't think they'll let you walk away unscathed. So, are you going to tell me what you know, or do I have to make you?"
For a moment, he stared at me, his smile widening as if testing my resolve. Then he laughed softly. "You've grown, Naruto-kun. Fine, I'll indulge you—for my own reasons, of course."
---
What Orochimaru revealed sent a chill down my spine.
The Akatsuki's Members: A team of rogue shinobi, each one a monster in their own right. Itachi, Kisame, Sasori, Deidara—names I'd heard before but didn't fully understand until now.
The Leader: A man known as Pain, who's said to wield god-like power. But Orochimaru hinted at someone even more dangerous lurking in the shadows—Madara Uchiha.
Their Goal: To capture all the tailed beasts, including Kurama, and use them to create a weapon of unimaginable power.
Before leaving, I stopped and turned back toward Orochimaru, my eyes narrowing. "Do you have any Uzumaki in your lair as a subordinate?"
Orochimaru tilted his head, a sly smile creeping across his face. "Oh, an Uzumaki, you say? I do happen to have one. A rather... spirited individual. But whether she'll agree to whatever proposition you have is another matter entirely."
I clenched my fists. "That's my problem to deal with. Where is she?"
Orochimaru chuckled softly, clearly amused. "Kabuto will lead you to her. She's been assisting with some… experiments. Quite useful, though she has a sharp tongue. You'll see."
---
Kabuto guided me through a series of winding tunnels until we reached a small chamber. Inside, I saw her—red hair tied back, sharp eyes glaring as she scribbled notes on a scroll. She looked up as we entered, her expression instantly souring when she saw Kabuto.
"What now, Kabuto? Haven't you bothered me enough for one day?" she snapped, her tone biting. Then her eyes landed on me, and her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Who's this?" she demanded.
I stepped forward, ignoring Kabuto entirely. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. And you?"
Her eyes widened slightly at my last name, but she quickly masked her surprise. "Karin. What's it to you?"
"I'm here to bring you back to Konoha," I said bluntly. "You're Uzumaki. You don't belong here, stuck in this creepy lair, working for him." I jerked my thumb in Kabuto's direction, earning a scoff from him.
Karin crossed her arms, a skeptical look on her face. "And why would I leave? What's Konoha got that I don't have here?"
I locked eyes with her. "Family. A place where you're not just a tool for experiments. I'm rebuilding the Uzumaki clan, and I'm offering you the chance to be part of it."
She hesitated for a moment, her sharp demeanor softening slightly. "Family, huh?" she muttered under her breath.
Kabuto interrupted with his usual smugness. "You really think she'll just walk away because of a few sentimental words? Karin is far too valuable to—"
"Shut up, Kabuto," Karin snapped, cutting him off. "I don't need you speaking for me."
She turned back to me, studying me closely. "You're serious about this?"
"Dead serious," I said. "But the choice is yours. I'm not forcing you to come. Just know that the door's open, and we're waiting for you."
Karin was silent for a moment, then sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Fine. I'll come with you. But don't think this means I trust you completely, Uzumaki."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "That's fine. Trust can come later. Let's go."
---
As we left the lair, Karin walked beside me, casting curious glances my way but saying nothing. I could tell she was conflicted, but I didn't push her. She'd made her choice, and that was what mattered.
With every step, I felt a sense of accomplishment. One more Uzumaki brought back into the fold. The clan was growing stronger, one member at a time.