Time flies like a fleeting horse, passing in an instant.
In the blink of an eye, several days had passed.
Just as Jiraiya had planned, Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, accompanied by Kakashi and Naruto, left Konoha and arrived at the venue for this Five Kage Summit — the Land of Iron.
The Land of Iron is located north of the Land of Fire. It is also the northernmost point of the entire Shinobi Continent.
Therefore,
Even before stepping into its border,
Heavy snow had already begun to fall from the sky.
As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but an endless expanse of pure white.
The three of them naturally changed into special gray robes for warmth and snow protection.
Entering the core capital of the Land of Iron required strict multi-layered procedures.
Generally, one had to go through several identity checks and purpose inquiries, and in some cases, even provide relevant proof.
Therefore, at the border entry point of the Land of Iron, a long line had formed, mostly consisting of merchants and traders from various countries.
But those responsible for guarding here were not Shinobi.
Instead, they were all samurai wearing large armor and carrying swords at their waists.
That's right, unlike other countries in the Shinobi World, the Land of Iron does not have the profession of Shinobi or institutions like Shinobi Villages.
On the contrary,
It is guarded by a military group called "samurai".
For this very reason,
Since long ago, it had become a neutral country with a unique culture, independent authority, and independent military power.
Shinobi from the major countries also mutually agreed that no matter what war broke out, they would not attack this neutral country.
Even though three Shinobi World Wars had already occurred, this country had not been too greatly affected by the war.
Except for the time when Hanzo the Salamander, the leader of the Land of Rain, wanted to expand his territory and attacked, it was almost always peaceful.
Shortly after entering the capital, the three of them soon met the liaison personnel in charge of the summit.
A bald middle-aged samurai with a small mustache came before the three of them, with a warm smile on his face, slightly nodding respectfully:
"You must be Hokage-dono."
"Hello, nice to meet you."
"I am an attendant of Mifune-sama, who will be presiding over this Five Kage Summit. My name is Matsushima."
"Mifune-sama and Raikage-dono dispatched us to welcome the various Kage to the summit venue."
"Please follow me!!
As his words fell, this samurai named Matsushima immediately made a gesture of invitation.
His etiquette was very thorough, very much in line with the samurai traditions of the Land of Iron.
Tsunade nodded slightly, then, while following him, casually inquired:
"Have all the other four Kage arrived?"
Hearing this, Matsushima, who was leading the way, did not hesitate and immediately replied:
"Not yet, Hmm."
"Hokage-dono, you are the third Kage to arrive."
"Currently, only the Fourth Raikage, A-dono, and the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki-dono, have arrived at the venue."
"As for Mizukage-dono, she has also replied that she will arrive shortly after."
"Regarding Kazekage-dono, there has been no reply from Sunagakure yet."
Matsushima introduced methodically, leading the three of them smoothly through a series of guard posts. The samurai responsible for guarding along the way had obviously been instructed beforehand, so they did not come forward to question.
After hearing Matsushima's words, Tsunade nodded.
She could understand the Raikage and Tsuchikage arriving first; after all, these two were known for being impatient...
As for the Mizukage, due to the long distance, arriving a bit slower was also normal.
As for the Kazekage...
Thinking of this,
Tsunade's heart helpless.
She naturally knew why the Kazekage hadn't replied.
After all, just over a month ago, their acting Kazekage, Gaara, had been taken away by Obito and the others who were collecting Tailed Beasts...
To this day, his whereabouts remain unknown, his life or death uncertain.
It could be said,
Even if Sunagakure ultimately sent no one to the Five Kage Summit, Tsunade wouldn't be surprised.
The three followed Matsushima, each lost in thought.
Upon arriving at the summit site, they immediately saw a large tent-like structure ahead in the blizzard.
At this moment, Matsushima timely spoke:
"Hokage-dono, that is the meeting room where the Five Kage Summit will be held later."
"However, since Kazekage-dono and Mizukage-dono have not yet arrived,"
"I will first take you to a nearby tea room. Mifune-sama, Raikage-dono, and Tsuchikage-dono are all there now."
Tsunade nodded silently.
It was common sense that the Five Kage Summit could only begin after all the Kage had gathered.
Soon after,
They arrived outside the rest area and stopped. Matsushima faced forward, lowered his head, and respectfully said loudly:
"Mifune-sama, I am Matsushima!!"
"Hokage-dono of Konoha and her two guards have arrived!"
As his words fell, a somewhat aged voice immediately came from inside.
"Please come in."
Tsunade slowly composed herself, calmed her mind, then nodded to Matsushima before being led by Kakashi and Naruto towards the rest area ahead.
Matsushima slightly bowed, then turned and left.
And Naruto and Kakashi behind Tsunade involuntarily became serious.
After all, this was the highest-level meeting site.
And the people they were about to meet were also those at the very top of the entire Shinobi World.
Whether it was the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, known as "Onoki of Both Scales", or the Fourth Raikage A, known as the "Blue Lightning", both were names that resounded throughout the Shinobi World.
Even the usually noisy Naruto had been repeatedly instructed by Jiraiya and Kakashi.
Therefore, he now had no inappropriate behavior.
However,
Just as the three of them reached within two meters of the tea room,
Suddenly,
From one side of the tea room, a handsome samurai with long brown hair walked over and passed by them.
He wore a black sword at his waist, had a warm smile on his face, politely nodded to them, and then walked away leisurely.
Yet, at that very moment,
Tsunade, Naruto, and Kakashi all froze simultaneously without exception!
Because just then,
They saw clearly...
Under that brown hair, the black-bladed samurai actually had a pair of gleaming golden pupils!!
"—!?"
Realizing this,
Almost simultaneously, the three's pupils sharply contracted, their hearts shocked!
This figure...
It's that man?!!