Tsunade exchanged a glance with Jiraiya.
Both saw a hint of strangeness and solemn expression in each other's eyes.
It must be known that,
The Five Kage Summit can be said to be the highest-level meeting in the entire Shinobi World.
The Kage of the five most powerful villages in the Shinobi World personally attend the meeting.
However,
Ever since conflicts and Shinobi World Wars broke out between countries back then, this Five Kage Summit had been almost abandoned.
Unexpectedly,
Until now... it was being brought up again by the Raikage.
This shows that the situation is definitely not simple.
Tsunade and Jiraiya arrived at a secluded spot nearby.
After ensuring no other unrelated people were around, they looked at the letter in their hand again and opened the second page.
Sure enough,
It stated the reason and location for convening the Five Kage Summit, etc.
"!?"
However, upon reading it,
Tsunade and Jiraiya were simultaneously stunned again, their gazes freezing.
What's going on?!
Wait!
Kumogakure's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B... was taken by a black-clad organization!?
And the abductor was actually Konoha's Missing-nin—
Uchiha Sasuke!???
After reading the letter,
Tsunade complicatedly raised her eyes and looked towards Jiraiya.
And Jiraiya also frowned deeply. After a moment, he lowered his gaze and said deeply:
"Just as Nagato and Konan said,"
"That group is still capturing the Jinchuriki of the various villages... and brewing some kind of major conspiracy..."
"Only... I didn't expect that even Naruto's often-mentioned close friend, Uchiha Sasuke, had gotten involved."
Jiraiya gazed at Tsunade, his expression serious.
And after listening,
Tsunade nodded equally solemnly.
Undoubtedly,
She had of course heard Sasuke's name before.
After all,
Naruto often mentioned him.
However,
She similarly couldn't have imagined,
That this boy Sasuke, taken away by Orochimaru back then, had now actually joined forces with that Obito and become the culprit behind the Tailed Beast capture incident...
She wondered how Naruto would feel if he heard this news...
And that Fourth Raikage, obviously because of this trigger, had chosen to initiate this Five Kage Summit.
His purpose was naturally to punish Sasuke and find a way to save his brother.
"What should we do... should we go?"
Tsunade looked at Jiraiya and asked seriously.
As her words fell,
Jiraiya's gaze looked into the distance for a moment, then he deliberated and said deeply:
"We have to go."
"Since they have already captured Kumogakure's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, it means the plan probably hasn't stopped."
"In other words—"
"The next target is very likely us..."
Hearing this,
"Huh?!"
Tsunade's heart suddenly tightened.
And immediately after,
Jiraiya continued deeply:
"Nagato and Konan once said that group's goal is very likely all Nine Tailed Beasts."
"Coupled with the information I obtained from Uchiha Itachi back then, it can also prove... that our Konoha's Nine-Tails is also within their plan."
"So, if we refuse this Five Kage Summit, what will greet us... will very likely be a battle with Uchiha Obito and the others."
"Thus, it would be very disadvantageous for us."
"Refusing the summit will not only incur the Raikage's displeasure, but might even cause us to lose Naruto and the Nine-Tails."
Jiraiya finished speaking,
Tsunade's gaze also became heavy.
Just as Jiraiya said.
Even if they didn't go to the Five Kage Summit, those people, in order to collect the Tailed Beasts, would inevitably attack Konoha directly, and in the end... a battle would still be unavoidable.
In that case, it's better to take the opportunity of the Five Kage Summit to ally with the Kage of other villages to jointly fight against them.
That way, the chances of victory would be greatly increased.
Realizing this point.
Tsunade thought for a moment, then seriously looked at Jiraiya and said firmly:
"In that case..."
"Then we'll go."
"However, this summit is being held in the neutral Land of Iron. The journey from here is quite distant."
"If we leave directly, in the village, Naruto won't be effectively protected..."
"That is to say, we need to arrange suitable people to protect Naruto, or hide him away..."
Tsunade said thoughtfully.
Jiraiya, however, seemed to have long since thought of a countermeasure. Without hesitation or deliberation, he looked directly at Tsunade and said:
"Instead..."
"How about letting Naruto directly accompany you to the Five Kage Summit as a guard?"
"Historically, at every Five Kage Summit, to ensure the safety of the Kage and the normal conduct of the meeting, each Kage brings two guards."
"In that case..."
"Why not let Naruto go there with you...?"
"This way, you can always keep an eye on his situation, and also use the power of the Five Kage to protect him."
As Jiraiya's words fell,
Tsunade was momentarily stunned, then her eyes suddenly lit up.
Wait, that's right...
If we want to ensure Naruto's safety, there's truly no place safer than the site of the Five Kage Summit...
Even if Uchiha Obito or Uchiha Sasuke do attack then, the other Kage will also intervene.
This way, Naruto's safety as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki can instead be guaranteed to the maximum extent...
Thinking of this, Tsunade immediately nodded in agreement, then looked at Jiraiya and said:
"And the other person... you?"
"No."
Jiraiya slowly shook his head and said helplessly:
"If both of us leave at the same time, there will be no one in Konoha to manage the overall situation."
"At this critical moment, I need to stay in Konoha to ensure its safety and stability."
"However, don't worry,"
"I have also thought of another candidate for you."
"Who?"
Tsunade's heart stirred and she subconsciously asked.
Jiraiya suddenly raised his hand and pointed into the distance at a white-haired man casually strolling while holding a smut book, and said with a smile:
"Konoha's future pillar, Hatake Kakashi."
"Huh?"
Following Jiraiya's pointing direction,
Tsunade raised an eyebrow slightly, her gaze shifting, then nodded:
"Hmm... indeed."
"Kakashi is both wise and brave and strong enough."
"Then... those two?"
"Hmm."
Jiraiya nodded.
Then,
He suddenly stepped forward towards Kakashi, exhaling as he walked, and said loudly:
"Just in case,"
"I'll go explain a few things to Kakashi, and also chat with Naruto."
"As for the other Shinobi in the village, I'll leave it to you to notify them, Tsunade."
As he spoke, Jiraiya waved his hand and left.
Tsunade did not reply,
She glanced at the letter in her hand, calmed her mind, and also walked away.
The streets of Konoha were bustling with people, peaceful as usual.
But she knew,
The real storm was about to come.
…
Meanwhile, on the other side.
In a certain valley on the border of the Land of Fire,
Uchiha Madara was listening to the news brought by Black Zetsu, a surprised expression appearing on his face.
Then, he suddenly slightly curled his lips, revealing a profound smile, and said deeply:
"Oh..."
"A Five Kage Summit, huh..."
"It's been a long time since I've seen such a big spectacle..."
"It seems,"
"It's also time to let them see our power."