After comparing and familiarizing himself with his powers, Shūichi continued experimenting.
Susanoo's weapons were the next focus. There was the standard Susanoo Sword and, like Shisui, the Yasaka Magatama. However, these weren't considered exclusive weapons.
"Wait, this is…"
Suddenly, Shūichi removed an octahedral stone from Susanoo's waist.
Chigaeshi no ōkami?"
He hadn't expected that Susanoo's exclusive weapon would turn out to be a stone.
However, this wasn't just any stone—it seemed extraordinary.
It could block the Yomi (Underworld) and sever the connection between Yin and Yang!
"A weapon specifically targeting the soul? Not bad at all."
Shūichi studied the Chigaeshi no ōkami thoughtfully.
This stone was incredibly useful.
After mastering Susanoo, Shūichi moved on to the next step: fusing his Star God with Susanoo.
First, he activated Sage Mode. In an instant, purple markings spread across Susanoo's golden form, turning the entire construct a radiant violet-gold.
This further enhanced Susanoo's power.
Snap!
Standing on Susanoo's forehead, Shūichi brought his hands together. In the next moment, Susanoo began to transform.
It developed three faces and six arms, with a honeycomb shield overlaying its armored exterior.
Behind the Hive Shield was the power of Wood Release.
Behind the Wood Release lay the armor of Takemikazuchi Armor.
This was the fusion: Star God - Susanoo!
After completing the transformation, Shūichi assessed the new form.
It wasn't significantly stronger than the original Star God.
However, Susanoo having an exclusive weapon gave it a distinct advantage.
Dismissing Susanoo, Shūichi teleported back home.
By then, breakfast was ready, and Asuka and the others were all awake.
Well-fed and well-rested, they were glowing with vitality.
Especially Tenka, whose eyes sparkled the moment she saw Shūichi.
She had completely forgotten how weak she was, how she had begged for mercy and called for Asuka's help in embarrassment the previous night.
When Shūichi entered the bathroom to freshen up, Tenka immediately followed him in, only to be subdued effortlessly by him in no time.
She was truly incompetent yet eager to play!
But Tenka's bold and fiery personality brought a completely different experience compared to the others.
…
While Shūichi was enjoying the blissful harmony of his household, the Kage from Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure had already set out for Konoha.
At the same time, the Akatsuki organization was also making preparations.
Orochimaru was enhancing the 100,000 White Zetsu, while Zetsu continued gathering intelligence and looting graves across the lands with its subordinates.
Time flew by, and soon, the day of the Five Kage Summit arrived.
As they traveled from their lodging to the Hokage's office, Ōnoki and the Fourth Raikage both wore grim expressions.
The flourishing streets of Konoha stood in stark contrast to their own villages, which were still in shambles and struggling to recover.
Kumogakure, in particular, mirrored Konoha's struggles in the original timeline.
Unfortunately, they lacked someone like Yamato, the master builder, nor did they have as many proficient Earth Release users as Iwagakure. As a result, when the Raikage set out, Kumogakure still resembled a wasteland.
Happiness and suffering are always revealed through comparisons!
Soon, the group arrived at Konoha's Hokage office. In a specially prepared room, the Five Kage gathered.
In addition to the current Kage, the First, Second, and Third Hokage, as well as General Mifune, were present.
Although Konoha was the host, the role of moderator was handed over to General Mifune.
Shūichi naturally attended as well, standing alongside Kakashi behind their teacher, Minato Namikaze.
Konoha's overwhelming momentum weighed heavily on the other Kage, especially Ōnoki, the Fourth Raikage, and the Fourth Kazekage.
Even though Mifune was moderating the summit, it was evident that the upcoming alliance would revolve around Konoha.
At this moment, Konoha was the only force capable of standing against the Akatsuki.
....
"Ladies and gentlemen, the rare gathering of the Five Kage marks an important occasion. Let us officially begin this summit," General Mifune announced after scanning the room.
He continued, "This meeting is convened to address the crisis threatening the ninja world and to unite against our common enemy—the Akatsuki. At the outset, I urge everyone to set aside past grievances and conflicts."
The Five Kage, including Minato Namikaze, nodded in agreement.
Mifune went on, "The Fourth Hokage has already shared intelligence on the Akatsuki. Given the threat posed by their demonstrated power, forming a Ninja Alliance is imperative to consolidate the entire ninja world's strength against them. I trust there are no objections to this plan?"
"After all, this is the purpose of the Five Kage Summit."
The Fourth Raikage, impatient, interrupted, "Of course, no objections. Can we move on to the main agenda already?"
"The Akatsuki has already collected all the tailed beasts except for the Six-Tails and Nine-Tails. We must locate their base and eliminate them immediately."
Unperturbed, Mifune replied, "Raikage-sama, urgency is understandable, but this is precisely why we must remain calm. Acting rashly on the battlefield would only expose vulnerabilities to the enemy."
The Fourth Raikage clenched his fists and growled in frustration but restrained himself from further outburst.
Mifune continued, "Since we are in agreement to form an alliance, the next step is to appoint a Supreme Commander to lead the Ninja Alliance."
At this, the Fourth Raikage fell silent.
Mifune scanned the room, his gaze first settling on Ōnoki. "If we were to prioritize experience and seniority, the most qualified candidate would be the Third Tsuchikage."
"However, Iwagakure's prior collaboration with the Akatsuki cannot be ignored."
Ōnoki's expression darkened, but he chose not to argue.
"Additionally," Mifune continued, "we are facing Madara Uchiha, the so-called Ghost of the Uchiha, and a wielder of the Rinnegan. While experience is important, strength, courage, and passion are even more critical in such a fight."
Ōnoki scoffed lightly but didn't refute the point.
Turning to the Fourth Raikage, Mifune said, "Raikage-sama, though you are strong and capable, your temperament is overly volatile. Furthermore, your brother has been captured by the Akatsuki, which could lead to emotional vulnerabilities if you were to command."
The Fourth Raikage growled again but held his tongue.
Next, Mifune addressed the Fifth Mizukage. "Mizukage-sama, your youth and lack of experience make it unlikely for you to shoulder such a heavy responsibility."
Mei Terumi responded with a composed smile, "While your words may be blunt, they're also accurate. The enemy we face is incredibly powerful—capable of obliterating entire villages. Only someone with exceptional strength can fulfill this role."
She added, "Under these conditions, the Kazekage-sama might not be a suitable candidate either, correct? So, why not get straight to the point, General?"
Mifune nodded solemnly. "Even so, it is important to follow due process for fairness and transparency to prevent discord in the future."
Turning to the Fourth Kazekage, Mifune said, "Kazekage-sama, my apologies for the earlier remarks."
Rasa responded calmly, "It doesn't matter. Let's move on."
"The Akatsuki has wreaked havoc across the ninja villages and aims to execute their Eye of the Moon Plan. I have no desire to live in a dream world, and I doubt anyone here does either."
Ōnoki added, "Indeed. That's precisely why we're here."
"The Akatsuki must be eliminated at all costs."
Mei Terumi agreed, "Which leaves the Fourth Hokage as the only viable candidate for Supreme Commander of the Ninja Alliance."
At this, Minato Namikaze finally spoke, "As the Fourth Hokage, it is my duty to accept this position. However, it's likely that all Five Kage will be on the battlefield, not in the rear lines commanding."
The other Kage were taken aback but found logic in his words.
"The Akatsuki's members are all as strong as Kage-level ninja, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary shinobi to handle," Minato explained. "While the Ninja Alliance has numbers, the Akatsuki's mastery of the Reanimation Jutsu poses a significant challenge."
Mifune asked, "Then, Hokage-sama, what is your proposal?"
Minato glanced toward the First and Second Hokage before replying, "I believe the most suitable Supreme Commander is the Third Hokage. His wisdom and experience make him the ideal choice."
"With the Five Great Nations as the foundation, we should establish a central command to coordinate the campaign against the Akatsuki. Their strength demands nothing less than our utmost vigilance."
All eyes turned to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, their expressions filled with astonishment.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen himself was surprised, as Minato had not discussed this plan with him beforehand.
Mifune turned to Hiruzen. "The Third Hokage is indeed a very suitable choice. What do you think, Third Hokage?"
Before Hiruzen could reply, Tobirama Senju interjected. "Monkey, take it. Right now, you're the best fit for this role."
"The Fourth Hokage, along with Hashirama and I, must be on the frontlines to face the Rinnegan, Madara Uchiha, and possibly even the Ten-Tails. You'll be needed to lead the command headquarters, analyzing intelligence and battlefield dynamics."
Hiruzen's gaze turned serious. He stood up and declared, "If that is the case, then I won't refuse this responsibility."
Mifune then looked at the other Kage. "What are your opinions?"
Mei Terumi immediately voiced her support. "I agree!"
Rasa followed suit. "Suna agrees as well!"
Ōnoki said in a steady voice, "No objections."
The Fourth Raikage exclaimed, "As long as it means taking down the Akatsuki, it doesn't matter who leads!"
With consensus reached, Mifune announced, "Then the Supreme Commander of the Ninja Alliance will be the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen!"
"Third Hokage, please take charge of the next steps in this meeting."
Hiruzen gave a small nod. "The first step is to form a reconnaissance team to track down any trace of the Akatsuki and locate their base."
"Konoha has already begun this effort, but it's not enough. We'll need more sensory ninja to unite in a large-scale search."
"Keep in mind that Madara Uchiha has been in hiding since the battle at the Valley of the End."
"According to our intelligence, Madara's true death occurred during the last Great Ninja War."
"He also manipulated the Mist Village into launching the Three-Tails' attack on Konoha."
"The Akatsuki's hidden forces may exceed our expectations."
The Fourth Raikage immediately retorted, "No matter how much power the Akatsuki hides, this time we'll wipe them out completely!"
Hiruzen nodded slightly before continuing, "The reconnaissance team will be directed by the central command to ensure swift intelligence gathering."
"Meanwhile, each village must mobilize their ninja and begin preparations for war."
"Once we locate the Akatsuki, we will strike with overwhelming force."
Rasa then asked, "Third Hokage, what about the Six-Tails and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki? The Ten-Tails only lacks them. Surely the Akatsuki will make their move."
Hiruzen nodded. "Exactly. Therefore, I intend to use the Six-Tails and the Nine-Tails as bait to draw out the Akatsuki."
"What?"
Rasa and the others were shocked. The Fourth Raikage shouted, "Third Hokage, the Akatsuki's goal is the Jinchūriki! If they succeed in capturing them, the Ten-Tails' revival will only make things worse!"
Ōnoki glanced toward Shūichi and said, "Third Hokage, there must be more to this plan, correct? I recall the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki is the Fourth Hokage's wife, and Shūichi has the ability to control the other Tailed Beasts. He could likely control the Nine-Tails as well."
"So, are you planning to have him impersonate the Jinchūriki?"
Mifune nodded. "If that's the case, it would indeed be feasible given Shūichi's strength."
Shūichi smiled faintly. "I've already revived several Jinchūriki after their Tailed Beasts were extracted. So, let's be clear—I am the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki now."
As he spoke, a surge of powerful Nine-Tails chakra erupted from his body, momentarily stifling the breath of everyone in the room.
Behind Mei Terumi, Kisame's pupils contracted sharply, sweat dripping from his brow. "Such powerful chakra… so this is the Nine-Tails? Truly terrifying!"
Rasa was stunned for a moment but quickly composed himself. "I see. This is the safest option."
"There's no place more secure than you."
Ōnoki nodded. "And the Six-Tails?"
Minato replied, "Using the Six-Tails in the same way would be too obvious. The official Jinchūriki remains Utakata—at least on the surface."
Ōnoki immediately understood. "A Wood Clone, perhaps?"
Shūichi corrected, "No, we'll use a transformation technique based on the Eight-Tails' abilities. Even Madara Uchiha won't see through it."
The Fourth Raikage said, "If that's the case, then let's act quickly!"
Ōnoki snorted. "Raikage, you're too impatient."
"Transferring the Jinchūriki requires careful planning: identifying a secure location, arranging escorts, and plotting routes. These must all be meticulously prepared."
"At this stage, haste could be disastrous. The Akatsuki needs the Six-Tails and Nine-Tails for the Ten-Tails. The ones who should be in a rush are them, not us."
Rasa agreed. "Ōnoki is right. As long as we keep the Six-Tails and Nine-Tails out of the Akatsuki's hands, even Madara Uchiha can be defeated."
Minato immediately issued orders. "Genma, Shikaku!"
Shiranui Genma appeared, unfurling a large map of the ninja world.
Nara Shikaku stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, there is no location in the world that is truly impenetrable. However, remote islands surrounded by water provide relative safety."
"With the barrier of the sea and the ability of the Third Tsuchikage and Shūichi to fly, we can effectively protect the Jinchūriki."
The Fourth Raikage asked, "This is to lure the enemy, isn't it?"
Minato replied, "Never underestimate the Akatsuki. This method ensures that even if they suspect a trap, it won't be obvious."
The Fourth Raikage said, "In that case, we'll use Island Turtle in the Hidden Cloud. It's where we keep our ninja beasts, and it can move across the sea. It's the best option for now."
Hiruzen decisively concluded, "Then it's settled!"
"Raikage, prepare Island Turtle immediately. Tsuchikage, you'll handle the escort for the Jinchūriki. We only need to transfer the Six-Tails."
Shūichi added, "I'll openly reveal myself as the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki."
(End of Chapter)
Extra
Chigaeshi no ōkami : A Japanese mythological object
Chigaeshi no ōkami originates from the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Izanagi-no-mikoto used the Chigaeshi no ōkami to block the entrance to Yomi-no-kuchi.
See more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yomi