After all, although they were confident they could exterminate Akatsuki, according to intelligence, Akatsuki's members were basically all Kage-level experts. When surrounding and suppressing experts of this level...
Chunin and genin would basically be of little use; even if forced into action, they would essentially just serve as cannon fodder sent to their deaths.
Therefore, if they were truly determined to take action, the personnel involved would basically need to start from jonin level. Only then could they actually contribute in a confrontation with Akatsuki.
But the key problem was that jonin were not cabbages. In reality, each ninja village had only a limited number of jonin, making up just a small portion of their total shinobi.
Thus, every jonin was extremely precious to a ninja village. If too many were sacrificed in the confrontation with Akatsuki, even if the operation ultimately succeeded, the village would still face great difficulties afterward.
This was the fundamental reason for the differences among the Kage—or rather, it could not even be called a difference; they simply all wanted to maximize their own benefits. On this point, they were all in complete agreement.
Before clearly recognizing the threat posed by Akatsuki, this issue could not be resolved at all. Therefore, the subsequent meetings became complete wasted time.
No matter how beautifully the Kage spoke, when it came to fundamental interests, no one would choose to step back.
...
"Ha~ Finally over."
Yawning and stretching, Furina walked out of the meeting room. Listening to those people drag on for so long had almost put her to sleep. If she had known it would be this boring, she wouldn't have come. With this time, she could have done anything more worthwhile.
However, the trip wasn't entirely fruitless. At least she now knew that her old friend Chiyo had also come to Konoha—something she hadn't expected.
When she had the chance later, she could let her meet Hikari. Seeing an old friend here should make the other party very happy as well.
"Chiyo..."
While thinking this, Furina stepped toward Chiyo nearby, ready to act on it. But just as she started speaking with her, another slightly hurried figure appeared beside her.
"Kakashi-sensei, what's wrong? You look like something happened. Do you need my help?"
Seeing Kakashi looking somewhat anxious and also a bit hesitant to speak, Furina roughly guessed that nothing good had occurred.
At that moment, she was still guessing about things related to Kakashi—such as Obito secretly taking his eye or something. She wondered what kind of expression Kakashi would make if he learned Obito wasn't dead. Hm, it would probably be quite spectacular.
But this thought vanished instantly with Kakashi's quiet words as he leaned closer. Instead, her own expression darkened, with none of the earlier smile remaining.
"While passing by the training ground, I saw Danzo and his Root members fighting against Fuu, Hikari, and Miss Shion. The reason is most likely because of the Seven-Tails."
Kakashi was extremely concise, saying only two sentences, but that was already enough for Furina to understand what had happened.
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei, for telling me this in time. Please hold on a little longer—I'll be there right away."
After receiving Furina's reply, Kakashi turned into a puff of white smoke and dispersed. Clearly, the one who came to deliver the message was only his shadow clone; the real body had most likely already gone to help.
"Sorry, Chiyo. I suddenly ran into some personal matters. I'll come find you again with Hikari after some time."
Having gone through the initial anger, Furina's mood had now calmed down. With Hikari and Kakashi there, dealing with Danzo and his Root should no longer be a problem.
Moreover, she had already told Hikari about Danzo's most critical abilities: Kotoamatsukami and Izanagi.
The most important one, Kotoamatsukami, would likely fail under conditions of vigilance—especially since it was also a Mangekyo Sharingan ability, and Danzo did not have the original eye.
Although she felt somewhat reassured, Furina's killing intent toward Danzo had not decreased in the slightest.
She had originally planned to leave him for Sasuke so they could settle their own grudge, but she hadn't expected him to be so reckless—daring to act against Fuu even with the five Kage gathered in Konoha.
One must know that the importance placed on tailed beasts now was far greater than before. One misstep like this could easily make him a public enemy of all the villages, and even Konoha might end up being viewed with hostility by the others.
Wait—no, this old bastard couldn't possibly have planned exactly that, could he?
Although she couldn't help cursing inwardly, Furina's footsteps did not slow at all. After explaining to Chiyo, she quickly hurried toward the direction Kakashi had indicated.
"Hokage, that vanishing clone just now was the Sharingan Kakashi, right? Why did he only say a couple words to your student before making your disciple rush off in such a hurry? Did something major happen, or is it to prepare our welcome ceremony? Hehe."
The Kage from the other villages, who came out one after another afterward, watched Furina's rapidly disappearing figure and couldn't help sighing that Konoha had produced yet another new genius. Truly a place where geniuses abounded.
"Tsuchikage, you can rest assured. Even if the entire Akatsuki attacked, with all of you here it wouldn't be a big deal. That was just a private matter between Furina and Kakashi—nothing worth worrying about. As for the welcome ceremony you mentioned, of course there is one. Since all of you have come from so far away, I will naturally fulfill my duties as host."
With just a few words, Tsunade brushed the matter aside and defined it as a personal issue between Furina and Kakashi. Even though Onoki knew full well that wasn't the case, without evidence he couldn't say anything more.
After all, as Tsunade said, this was Konoha—she was the host here, and they as guests still needed to give her some face. Neither the Raikage nor the Mizukage had spoken up to support Onoki for the same reason.
Tsunade had already made her decision; their agreement wouldn't change anything and would only cause them to lose face. Any fool would know which choice to make.
"Come on, young lady. The next event is a banquet for everyone together."
Noticing that Chiyo was still staring somewhat dazedly in the direction Furina had left, Tsunade walked over, gently patted her shoulder to snap her out of it, and softly reminded her.
"Understood, Lord Hokage."
Hearing this, Chiyo quickly turned to Tsunade, then glanced sideways at Mifune nearby. Seeing him give her a light nod, she understood his meaning and hurriedly nodded repeatedly to indicate she understood.
"Haha, since the Kage from each village have rarely gathered peacefully like this, how about we play a few rounds together? I haven't gambled with the other Kage yet."