After the fight was won, Nariko sent her paths back to their chamber. Baki and Kankuro reassured that they will take Gaara to his room and watch over him for her until she returned, and she let them know her team and Temari will be at the village within the next couple of hours. After putting her paths back in their beds, she teleported to Tsunade's office, but stumbled into her desk in exhaustion. "Nariko!" Tsunade and Shizune exclaimed, Tsunade standing from her seat as Shizune steadied her. "Sorry." Nariko murmured before yawning largely. "I'm completely spent after fighting Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto then defending Gaara and Suna." She told them with a tired smile. "Nariko, you should go home and rest." Shizune suggested, worried about the drooping girl. Nariko shook her head. "I need to show you guys what happened first, then I'm gonna go back to Suna and stay with Gaara for a bit. Can you have Ino and Sai babysit Shizuka for me? I'm sure they'd enjoy it." She murmured sleepily. Tsunade sighed in exasperation, knowing the girl would take care of others before herself. "Alright, show us what happened." She ordered. Nariko reactivated her Rinnegan, and transferred her memories of the fight to Tsunade, leaving Shizune alone since she figured the multiple perspectives would overwhelm her.
Tsunade sat back down, processing the memories shown to her as Nariko deactivated her Rinnegan and yawned again. "So they aren't the Akatsuki..." She surmised, and Nariko shook her head. "They're definitely impersonators, or just fanatics who want to continue the Akatsuki's old plan." She said, making Tsunade hum in thought. "What'll we do, Lady Tsunade?" Shizune asked. "I'll send word to the other Kages about the threat and have us hold a summit meeting to see how we can deal with this. We'll also have to find a way to protect our Jinchuurikis if they are targeted again. I'll send a message to Pein so the Akatsuki can join the meeting. They need to be informed of the threat as well and help us fight against it." Tsunade said. "Okay. I'll let Gaara and the others know once we're gathered at Suna." Nariko yawned again. Tsunade thanked her and dismissed her, Shizune letting her go so she could teleport to Gaara.
Nariko reappeared in Gaara's room, and basically collapsed at the edge of the bed. "Who's there?!" Kankuro demanded as he threw the door open, having heard Nariko collapse. "Nariko? Are you alright?" He asked, rushing to help her when he spotted her. "Yeah, yeah, just tired. Can you help me lie down next to Gaara?" She requested, and he did so, carefully moving her so she was beside Gaara. Kankuro backed away as she snuggled up with Gaara, who even asleep, pulled Nariko closer and held her to him. Kankuro chuckled at the sight and bid her good night before leaving the room.
By noon, Gaara had woken up. The light was shining through his windows, making him squint from how bright it was. Then he noticed Nariko in his arms. His heart softened at the sight of her, the memory of last night and how she defended him and his home softening him further. Oh, how he loved her, and was proud to call her his. He pulled her closer, breathing in her strangely lovely scent of vanilla and fresh flowers, and enjoyed the feel of her as she snuggled closer in her sleep. All he wanted was to sleep and stay in bed with her some more, but Nariko suddenly flinched slightly. She had woken up to the pull she feels whenever Naruto is nearby, and immediately remembered she needed to talk to the Sand Siblings and her team about the summit meeting Tsunade was planning. "Nariko, are you alright?" Gaara asked softly, soothingly rubbing her back. She whined in reply, not wanting to get up just yet but knowing she had to. "Yeah, but your sister and my team are here. We need to have a talk with them about a decision Tsunade made after what happened last night." Nariko sighed. Gaara hummed, as disappointed as she was that they had to get up. Nariko sighed one more time before looking up at Gaara and pecking him on the lips. "Good morning, by the way." She said, grinning cheekily at him. He just chuckled in reply as he glanced at his clock. "It's more afternoon than morning." He told her, making her eyes widened as she looked at the clock as well. "Oh, wow. No wonder I feel so hungry." She commented, her stomach growling right on queue. They both laughed. "Come on, let's get ready to meet our friends. I'll have someone pick up some ramen from Pako-san's shop in the meantime." Gaara told her, making her squeal in excitement. In her opinion, Pako-san's ramen was just as good as Teuchi-san's, though nothing could beat Ichiraku Ramen.
After cleaning themselves up from the fight last night, Gaara dressed in his usual attire while Nariko switched from her Konoha to Suna attire. It was basically the same as her Konoha attire, just in white, beige and red so she wasn't dying from the heat. Gaara, her gentleman of a boyfriend, opened the door for her to let her pass, then had her hold his arm as he led them to his office where they knew the others were. He also asked a passing ninja to pick up some food for them and their guests, the ninja accepting the task without complaint before leaving to the ramen shop. As soon as Gaara opened the door to his office, everyone turned to them with wide eyes. "Gaara!" Temari exclaimed before launching herself at her little brother, hugging him tightly from worry. Nariko had stepped away to avoid being tackled into the hug as well, but was brought into a group hug anyway when Naruto and Sakura launched themselves at her the same way Temari did. The three of them fretted over the couple, saying how worried they were, reprimanding them for fighting on their own, and that Kankuro told them how long they've been asleep. "Alright, that's enough, you guys. Let them breathe." Kakashi told them as he pulled Naruto away, Sasuke doing the same with Sakura while Kankuro pulled Temari away. After everyone settled down, Gaara took a seat in his chair, Kankuro, Temari and I standing on either side of him while Team 7 stood in front of his desk. Kankuro, Gaara and I went on to explain what happened last night, and the news shocked the others. "A fake Akatsuki?" Naruto asked, but I shook my head. "The only thing that's not the same are the people calling themselves the Akatsuki. They seem to have the same plan the previous Akatsuki had before, but I don't know how much of the old plan they want to enact besides using the Bijuu's." I told him. "And what exactly was that old plan?" Temari asked, though she seemed uneasy about what the answer might be. "Basically, they eliminate the ninja society by starting a war, and use the power of the Bijuu's to destroy as many forces as possible then make the rest of the forces submit through fear. The Akatsuki wanted a world without any ninjas to start more wars, so their plan was, as they called it, 'a war to end all wars'." Kakashi sighed as he rubbed his neck, remembering this information from Obito, who told him of his time with the Akatsuki. I nodded, confirming the information.
"I've spoken to Tsunade about this. She plans on holding a summit meeting with the other Kages and the former Akatsuki to talk about how to defeat the new threat, as well as what we should do to better protect our villages and Jinchuurikis." I said. "We've already sent letters to Tsunade about when we can meet and where. She's been trying to inform all of us about everyone's decisions. It's been going on all night." Kankuro added, holding out the letters for the others to see. "Has there been a final decision?" Sasuke asked. Kankuro shook his head. "Gaara doesn't have any important events scheduled, so I told her we're fine with any day. We haven't gotten anything back besides the other Kage's choices." He said. "Nariko-sensei, you said that the Jinchuurikis will need to be protected. Do you know who will be protecting them?" Sakura asked in worry, Naruto also looking at me in anticipation. I sighed. "I will definitely be there to defend them no matter what decision is made, but besides that, it will most likely be people close to the Jinchuurikis like family or teammates. If not that, then the strongest fighters in the village so they could defend their charges, but also stop them if the Jinchuurikis lose control of themselves." I explained. "And what about during the meeting? Who will guard the Kages?" Sasuke asked. "I'll be there to help discuss both the Akatsuki and Jinchuuriki situation, and I'll use my paths to guard everyone. The Kages are allowed to bring as many guards as they want, so it'll be fine for me to do that." I told him. "I've also let Tsunade know that Temari and I will most likely guard Gaara." Kankuro added, and Temari nodded at him in thanks. "Can the Jinchuurikis join the meeting?" Naruto asked in anticipation, hoping I'll say yes. I pursed my lips, contemplating it. "They might. The only one who's definitely going is Gaara since he's Kazekage, but it might be dangerous for the others to join. Fights and arguments might break out in the meeting, and we don't want the other Jinchuurikis to lose their temper and control. It might be better if you and the others stay behind." I told him, feeling a bit guilty because I'm also a Jinchuuriki but I'm still going to go. Naruto immediately protested, but Kakashi put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "It's alright, Naruto. They'll let us know what will happen after the meeting. You just have to wait until then." He reassured. I pursed my lips more firmly to keep myself from saying that there won't be that many missions or traveling on their part either so there won't be any conflict between villages while we're away.
Thankfully, the tension from the conversation was broken at the arrival of our ramen, each packed in a carry out container. We ate in silence, mulling over the conversation, when suddenly there was a tapping on the window. I turned with my Rinnegan activated, ready to defend everyone, but saw that it was just Tsunade's messenger hawk. Opening the window while deactivating my dojutsu, I took out the message from the bird's pouch and let it fly home. I read the letter carefully, feeling everyone's eyes on me as I did. "Nariko, what does it say?" Gaara asked. "A decision's been made. Each leader is to bring two guards, and we're meeting in the Land of Iron. The other Jinchuurikis are to stay behind and guarded the whole time." I announced. I looked up to see everyone glancing at each other, then notice Naruto silently upset and disappointed. I went up to him and ruffled his head. "Don't worry, Naru. It's going to be alright." I reassured him.
~Summit Meeting at Land of Iron~
Everything was ready. I had basically ordered Obito, Itachi, Yamato, Sai and Team 7 to keep an eye on Naruto to make sure he doesn't leave the village. I already told him not to do anything reckless, and even had Yama stay behind to watch him secretly as well for me. I went ahead with my plans to use my paths, having most of them standing guard outside the meeting room with the Iron shinobi guards. Shizune and Asura are protecting Tsunade, and Annie went to go protect Isobu, who has been hiding in the wilderness since his revival after Yagura's death. The Kages that arrived were us, the Sand Siblings, Mei Temurī with her guards Ao and Chōjurō, A with his guards C and Darui, and Ōnoki with his guards Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi. Orochimaru was also present, representing the Sound village with Kabuto as his guard, and Otōsan was present as the Rain village's leader with Okāsan as his guard. Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron, sat at the head of the group to mediate the summit.
Mifune began by explaining why we were all here, that there was a new threat to the nations and if it becomes a war, they need someone to lead them. He pointed out Otōsan, saying that since the enemy is an impersonator of the Akatsuki, Otōsan would be willing to give information on how to defeat or counter the enemy. Mifune said that though he was a good informant, it would not be best for Otōsan to lead them in case the original Akatsuki is actually involved. Otōsan and Okāsan stayed silent, not wishing to argue, while A scoffed and agreed to Mifune's decision. Kankuro looked tempted to argue, but Gaara and Asura gave him a look to stand down, which he did reluctantly. Mifune went on to add that Orochimaru couldn't be trusted either, having a reputation for betraying his allies, though Kabuto argued that the past few years they've been loyal to their allies and haven't made any attempt to betray them. Orochimaru lifted a hand to calm Kabuto, who joined Kankuro in silent frustration. Mifune ruled out Mei and Gaara next, saying that since they're still relatively new Kages, he didn't deem them ready to lead in the case of a war. He continued by saying that Ōnoki wasn't fit to lead either, his old age and chronic back pain being a hindrance. Though it shocked Ōnoki that Mifune would call him out on his age and back pain, he remained silent, only giving a look to his guards when he knew they would protest. Mifune concluded that the only choice they had was to make Tsunade leader, which immediately enraged A, who slammed his fist in the edge of his side of the table, effectively breaking it and causing the wood to stick up. "Let the Hokage lead the Allied Shinobi Forces?!" He protested when he stood. Tsunade remained calm, though Shizune became a bit nervous at A's anger while Asura remained on alert. "If you all approve, I will accept this appointment." Tsunade said formally (a/n I deeply apologize for making Tsunade say Danzo's words, I didn't know what I should have her say 😓). "Why the Hokage? She's irresponsible, a drinker and former gambler, and her guard is allied with the original Akatsuki! We cannot let her take charge!" A argued. Though our side remained calm, everyone's hackles rose to our defense, especially when A practically accused me of being involved with the enemy. However, they remained silent, knowing that if they start an argument, a fight would break out which would get us nowhere. "Then whom would you suggest?" Mifune asked. "Not one of the Akatsuki came from my village! This important post requires trust! I should be the one to-" "I cannot agree to that." Mifune interrupted, making A question him. Mifune pointed at his broken table, making A look down at it. "I am aware that passion and strength are essential in bringing the strong together. But someone like you, who lets his emotions rule his use of power, would send the Allied Forces into disarray like the top of that desk." Mifune said, making A grumble in response. "I am simply making an objective, rational observation as a representative of a neutral nation." He told A.
"Tsunade is the best option for leading the Allied Forces. Although Nariko Namikaze is allied with the original Akatsuki, she has been proven more loyal to the Leaf than to any other village or organization. Not only that, but she has the same skills as her father, the Fourth Hokage, possesses the Rinnegan, and is the host of Yin-Kurama, who she is on good terms with. Tsunade is also one of the three Legendary Sannin, with the advance skills of a medic ninja, incredible chakra control and strength, and decent levelheadedness. Hence, I believe that the Hokage is the logical choice." Mifune explained. "First of all, I refuse to recognize an Allied Shinobi Force that would compromise the security of my village!" A protested. "If I may, how do we know that the Hokage isn't influencing your judgement, Mifune-san? Nariko could be using a technique to manipulate you into choosing the Hokage." Ao spoke up, making A glance at him before turning to us in anger. "Unfortunately, I'm not capable of doing that. Though the Sharingan is branched from the Rinnegan, the Rinnegan can't cast genjutsus. It's more similar to Byakugan than the Sharingan, which I believe is also branched from the Rinnegan. In any case, it can't cast genjutsus, and I'm naturally incapable of casting genjutsus without my flute, which helps me channel my chakra into genjutsus. One of my other paths has it at the moment, so there's no need to worry." Asura explained, shrugging at the end. Ao grunted in response, unable to argue with those facts.
"If everyone is settled, we shall go with the Hokage as the leader of the Allied Forces. Lady Tsunade, is there anything else you wish to add or discuss?" Mifune asked as A sat back down angrily. "Nariko wishes for each village to defend their Jinchuuriki, and also requests for Killer B-sama to train the other Jinchuurikis so they could cooperate with their respective Bijuu. We would like to discuss a location for the Jinchuuriki to stay at securely. We cannot risk losing the Jinchuuriki if the false Akatsuki plan on capturing and using the Bijuu." Tsunade said, but sighed. "Though I wish for us to use the Jinchuuriki as soon as possible if a battle does break out, Nariko is right that we should have them learn to control their strength so they don't go berserk in a fight." She added. "Do we have any suggestions?" Mifune asked. "I have a place in mind. And it is appropriately located in the Hidden Cloud, which has not produced any Akatsuki members. I set it aside, just in case." A said, and I sweat dropped. 'Yeah, we get it, your village is squeaky clean in this situation. You don't need to repeat yourself.' I grumbled to myself. After discussing the location further and adding that the Jinchuuriki should have escorts, the summit meeting concluded, and everyone began leaving to their respective villages. I bid the sand siblings farewell, telling Gaara that I'll see him at the resort, and as they left, I heard Kankuro ask Gaara who will step in for him while he's away. Gaara said they'll discuss it when they return to Suna, though Temari said they could ask Baki. I also said goodbye to Okāsan, Otōsan, Orochimaru and Kabuto, wishing them well as we left home. As Tsunade and Shizune left, my paths guarding them, I sighed. "Now all we have to do is get Naruto to go to the resort." Ningen said, and Tsunade smirked. "Don't worry. I already know what to tell him." She replied.
A/N hey guys! I am extremely sorry for this very late update when I said before that I would update sooner 😓 I don't know if I mentioned before, but I get really withdrawn in a sense around December and April for personal reasons, and I literally have no motivation or interests to focus on my work until after the month(s) pass. So now that it's the end of December, I'm back to work, and I'm also brainstorming a My Hero Academia - Hawks love story! I binged MHA, so I got really interested in making a story about it, and I grew to love Keigo, though I debated on either doing a love story with him or Dabi because Dabi's pretty freaking cool too. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this 3000-something-worded long chapter, and Happy New Years!