Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 480 The Allied Shinobi Forces

Is this guy really that confident?

Wouldn't it be better if the enemy were a little more confident? They've severely underestimated our strength.

"It's strange because he's so confident. He only has a Three-Tailed Beast and half a One-Tailed Beast. Where does he get such audacity?"

"Or should I investigate Akatsuki's true lair one more time?"

You mean, that kind of exploration...?

"No! Have you forgotten how bizarre that golem is? At most, we can sense the situation in the 'nest' from the surrounding area and see if this guy has any other allies."

The Five Kage Summit was being broadcast live, and two veterans who had participated in the first summit had many reflections on it. Back then, the meeting wasn't so extravagant; each Kage was only allowed one bodyguard, and there were no witnesses. So many years have passed, and the atmosphere of intrigue and backstabbing among the Five Kage remains unchanged. However, at least a few of the younger Kage seem genuinely sincere, unlike back then, when they were merely maintaining a facade of peace out of deference to the First Hokage's power.

The senior members chatted enthusiastically, mostly focusing on the strength of Akatsuki. However, after Madara Uchiha's disappearance, the Five Kage began discussing more practical matters, such as whether to establish an Allied Shinobi Forces to defeat Akatsuki, and... the resettlement of the Jinchuriki.

Madara has already declared war, so the alliance is something that can't be avoided. Any ninja village that falls behind could mean facing a powerful enemy alone. No one is foolish enough to try and see if Madara, who is "supposedly" seriously injured and powerless, can still fight.

The Mizukage said, "I wonder if we can meet with the Jinchuriki first, just to confirm their safety."

"It will take some time to transfer them out. Let's talk about it after you've decided how to arrange the Jinchuriki," the Hokage casually deflected.

"You mean you've sealed them all away when you say 'absolute safety'?" the Tsuchikage said distrustfully. Rōshi and Han were among the most prominent figures in Iwagakure; while Rōshi was disobedient, the Tsuchikage wouldn't truly want his old friend dead.

The Hokage glanced at him, his speechless expression practically overflowing.

"The Hokage is definitely not that kind of person, and I can vouch for that." The Kazekage stepped forward decisively.

"To stop the Eye of the Moon Plan, we absolutely cannot hand over any Jinchuriki, so keeping them hidden together is the best strategy," the Mizukage chimed in, trying to smooth things over. Her earlier question wasn't actually out of expectation of seeing Utakata immediately. Strategically speaking, keeping the Jinchuriki in their hiding places, which Akatsuki had been searching for for so long without success, was the optimal choice. Madara's haste in declaring war clearly stemmed from his inability to find the Jinchuriki, thus choosing to force them to reveal themselves through war.

This idea was accepted by most of the Kage, but the Tsuchikage had witnessed Madara Uchiha's strength and was very worried that the Allied Forces would encounter an unusual enemy on the battlefield.

"If the Jinchūriki are dispersed, they might be defeated one by one."

"Just to be on the safe side, it's best not to expose the Jinchūriki to the enemy openly. Besides, combat is too far removed from my brother's life..." The Raikage sighed, thinking of Killer Bee's troublesome rapping and nonchalant attitude. "Who knows what kind of trouble he might cause."

"But... Madara's strength is beyond imagination. Even if he claims to have severely injured someone, his power is still unknown. Jinchuriki can use the power of tailed beasts, making them stronger than most ninjas. If we imprison them and have them protected by the Allied Shinobi Forces, it would be pointless if the Allied Forces were wiped out. Wouldn't it be more advantageous to let them participate in the war from the beginning and fight alongside the Allied Forces?"

“That’s not necessarily true.” It was Mifune, who hadn’t said much until now, who retorted to the Tsuchikage. “Right now, the world’s first Allied Shinobi Forces are being formed here, and their strength is unknown. Madara would definitely be at risk if he wanted to use his power to fight against the entire shinobi world, otherwise he wouldn’t have come here to negotiate.”

"There may be unfavorable conditions, but not necessarily as many as you might imagine. We samurai will also participate in the war, so are you still worried, Lord Tsuchikage?"

The Tsuchikage still snorted defiantly, then turned to the Hokage and asked, "Hokage, you are a Jinchuriki. Are you really willing to be hidden in the shadows and watch the Konoha ninjas fight for you?"

"If everyone thinks this is necessary, I will follow the instructions, but don't forget that I am the user of the Flying Thunder God Technique. If there is a need for reinforcements on the battlefield, I can get there immediately."

"Furthermore, I trust my companions."

Alright, I almost forgot that this kid perfectly inherited his father's talent, playing the Flying Thunder God Technique with great skill, and he's not afraid of being confined at all. Asking him is pointless.

Undeterred, Onoki dropped one last bombshell: "So now, shouldn't we discuss who should take command of the Allied Shinobi Forces?"

A moment of silence fell over everyone, and finally all eyes turned to the witness of this meeting, Mifune.

After careful consideration, Mifune said, "I recommend Naruto Uzumaki, the Hokage, as the commander-in-chief of the Allied Shinobi Forces."

This answer was somewhat surprising, yet also expected.

"Although the Hokage is very young, he has been quietly guiding the talks and unifying everyone's intentions since the beginning. Moreover, he saved almost all the Jinchuriki and contributed the most to stopping Madara's plan. There is no doubt about that."

“I agree,” Fengying replied instantly.

"Now is not the time to argue. I trust the Hokage," the Mizukage added.

“I have no objection.” Raikage unusually did not refute.

The pressure was put on the somewhat resentful Tsuchikage, but with Rōshi and Han still in their hands, he could only nod in agreement.

"I know you're worried that I lack experience and might not be able to coordinate and command effectively. Don't worry, the one in command won't be me, but Granny Tsunade. I believe she will wake up. Besides, we also need you, the only ninja who has fought against Madara Uchiha." The Hokage's tone suddenly became kind and amiable, but his expression was still a little unnatural, as if he didn't often say such things.

"We have never faced a crisis like this before. If we fail, everyone will become a puppet in a dream, and the world will have no future. Do you want to lose the war, Lord Tsuchikage?"

"Hmph, so you can speak human language after all." The Earth Shadow proudly raised his head and said, "This war has only victory. I will assist you."

Everyone laughed, and the tense atmosphere instantly relaxed. From this moment on, the Allied Shinobi Forces were truly formed.