Fleeing from Konoha

Another guard Jonin, also well-known in Hidden Sand Village, might not be as strong as Pakura, but being able to accompany Chiyo as a guard showcases his extraordinary skills.

Then came Tsuchikage Onoki, smiling as he surveyed the expressions of the meeting participants, seemingly plotting something in his mind.

Accompanying him were two Hidden Rock Jonin, his son Kitsuchi and the Explosion Style Ninja Gari from the Blast Team.

Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi held an unlit pipe, symbolically biting it, seemingly aware that smoking at this moment wasn’t fitting, as smoking ninjas were rare.

Behind him was Konoha’s Ino-Shika-Cho trio, whose combined attack is among the top in the ninja world. With these three protecting the Hokage, they were the ideal choice for an impregnable guard.

Fourth Raikage stood with arms crossed, projecting authority without anger. Occasionally, a hum emanated from his nose, expressing his dissatisfaction with something.

Hidden Cloud Jonin Darui scratched his head, looking listless, as if the words ’lack of motivation’ were written on his face.

Along with him was Hidden Cloud Jonin C, possessing a complexion quite different from others from the Land of Lightning. Masterful in perception and Medical Ninjutsu, also greatly skilled in Illusion Techniques, he was a distinguished talent among the younger generation of Hidden Cloud, much like Darui.

As for Mizukage Yagura, he appeared much more relaxed, wearing an amiable smile with hands crossed on the table. Due to his short stature and youthful appearance, resembling a teenager, any attempt to appear authoritative seemed somewhat out of place.

Behind him, Jonin Ao periodically scanned the meeting area with his eyes, probably checking if anyone else was eavesdropping.

Standing alongside him was Hozuki Mangetsu, who seemed even more casual than Yagura, noisily sipping from a water cup, causing disturbances.

Many turned disapproving glances towards him, seemingly warning that this was not his private space where he could do as he pleased.

Hozuki Mangetsu ignored them, continuing his casual conduct.

"Mangetsu, if you need hydration, do it outside, refrain from disturbing others."

Yagura spoke up, his tone laced with a hint of headache.

"Uh, yes, Mizukage-sama."

Only then did Hozuki Mangetsu sheepishly put away his cup, standing silently.

Mifune surveyed the Five Kage present along with Hakushi, taking note of their guards’ demeanor.

He sighed inwardly, helplessly noting how they all, to some extent, were rather unconventional individuals.

Nevertheless, Mifune attempted to rally himself. After all, entrusting the Five Kage Summit to the Land of Iron by the Five Great Nations and the Land of Demons signified trust.

Whether from the perspective as a Neutral Country or due to the Daimyo’s trust in the Land of Iron, Mifune decided to ensure the Five Kage Summit proceeded smoothly.

"Everyone."

Mifune coughed, standing from his seat, drawing everyone’s attention.

As the sole neutral party in the talks, Mifune was undoubtedly to deliver an opening address.

"Before the official commencement of the Five Kage Summit, I hope the Five Kage present, along with Hakushi-sama, emphasize peace. This is not a battlefield; any acts of aggression I shall promptly suppress. This is the stance of a neutral country. If there are no objections, let the Summit begin officially. Please, Chiyo of Hidden Sand, the acting Kazekage, as the initiator of this conference, proceed with your speech."

Mifune sat down, handing over speaking rights to Chiyo.

Chiyo glanced at Hakushi, then fixed her gaze on Mifune, speaking calmly: "Before that, I wish to know why the military head of the Land of Demons is sharing the same conference table with us. This seating should be reserved for the Five Kage and the neutral party. I hope Mifune-sama will address this matter impartially and arrange another seat for the Land of Demons elsewhere."

Mifune anticipated this. The pride of the Five Great Nations was historical; the meeting was unlikely to be smooth.

Thus, Mifune responded unhurriedly: "Precisely due to fairness and impartiality, I’ve arranged Hakushi-sama’s seating here. As long as one receives an invitation to this meeting, the Land of Iron, as a neutral country, exhibits no preference for any country, nor targets any. That’s the ’way of harmony’ of us Samurai."

"The invitation came from me. It’s not to underplay the Land of Demons’ military might but to note a Renegade Ninja’s participation in such a meeting, not being arrested, is the greatest indulgence we offer. Therefore, please arrange another seat for the Land of Demons elsewhere, or a Renegade Ninja seated here tarnishes the name of the Five Kage. This is a matter of stance."

Chiyo’s sharp words firmly grasped Hakushi’s Renegade Ninja identity, refusing to let go.

Mifune frowned, feeling slightly troubled.

Honestly speaking, to the Land of Iron, Renegade Ninjas and ninjas make no difference.

As long as they don’t provoke the Land of Iron, the Samurai would not intervene in ninja conflicts.

Clearly, the stance of the Samurai differs from that of the ninjas.

Chiyo’s argument left him somewhat speechless.

No matter how he defended Hakushi, Renegade Ninjas remain a collective within the Ninja Realm that cannot face the light,

A cold gleam appeared in Chiyo’s eyes, as she persisted, "If Mifune-sama finds this challenging, then let the Five Kage present vote on it. If the Land of Demons gains approval from three of the Five Kage, they qualify for a seat here. What is Mifune-sama’s opinion?"