Start with a Zanpakuto and build the strongest Mist Village.

My son, Uchiha Itachi, has the potential to become Hokage!

Chapter 150 I, Uchiha Obito, am the real Uchiha Madara, and I can do whatever I want!

People flock to the world for profit, and becoming the Hokage requires even more careful consideration of the pros and cons.

The impact of Orochimaru's defection was enormous. As the Hokage's disciple and the commander-in-chief of Konoha's front lines, Orochimaru's defection meant a comprehensive leak of Konoha's high-level political decisions, clandestine military plans, research progress, and various secrets.

The enormous impact of this caused Minato Namikaze a great deal of trouble, but the most crucial issue was the loss of the Hyuga and Uchiha lineage.

Bloodline clans are most afraid of the loss of their bloodline, let alone clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha, which have been passed down since the Ninja Clan era.

First, there's the Hyuga clan. I won't go into detail about the Caged Bird Seal, but during the Third Shinobi World War, the Hidden Mist ninja 'Ao' stole a Byakugan from the Hyuga main clan, which enraged the Hyuga clan so much that Konoha put Ao on a gold-lettered wanted list, treating him like an 'S-rank rogue ninja'.

Needless to say, the Uchiha clan was also involved. After Obito died, he entrusted Kakashi with his eyes. When the news reached the village, the Uchiha clan almost tore down the Hatake clan and the Hokage Building.

If the war hadn't been so intense, and given Kakashi's later death on the battlefield in Kirigakure, the Uchiha would have undoubtedly caused even more chaos.

These bloodline families value their bloodlines far more than ordinary people do. Now, Orochimaru has taken away two children from the two clans after defecting from Konoha. The losses to the two clans and to Konoha are simply indescribable.

Minato Namikaze even sometimes wondered if he had been too rigid in his principles, pushing Orochimaru too hard...

“Blocking is not as good as guiding, and guiding is not as good as leading… Perhaps I should be like the Third Generation…”

Minato Namikaze had a complicated expression, but there was nothing he could do now that things had come to this.

The location for the Shadow Conference remains the Land of Iron, and none of the three parties have any objection to this choice.

The successful convening of the first Five Kage Summit and the second Water-Fire Summit made the Land of Iron famous, thus making it a 'negotiation exclusive place' in the ninja world. The Land of Iron was happy to see this happen, as it could not only promote the development of the tourism industry, but also enhance its status in the ninja world.

Despite his extremely busy schedule, Minato Namikaze still managed to get everything in order with a month or two of preparation time.

"My lord, I will temporarily entrust the village's affairs to you."

Before leaving the village, Minato Namikaze solemnly addressed Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had already resigned from all his posts and was now at home spending time with his wife and planning to have a third child.

Hiruzen Sarutobi is only in his fifties, in the prime of his life, but due to the events of the Third Shinobi World War, he ended up with a broken heart. Although he managed to salvage his reputation with a move using the Box of Bliss, it also brought the Third Hokage to the end of his political career.

Originally, it was thought that at this Kage meeting, Minato Namikaze would hand over the power of acting Hokage to Danzo or Torifuge, but in the end he chose to hand it over to himself, which really surprised the Third Hokage and made Danzo's face extremely gloomy.

Damn it, I also have experience as a temporary Hokage, why isn't it me!

Hiruzen, you old codger, you've already retired, yet you still dare to come out and block my way!

"Since the Fourth Hokage has given the order, then I will use these old bones to hold on for him!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile. "Biwako has been taking care of Kushina these past few days, teaching her some pregnancy tips. Although there are still a few days until her due date, the Fourth Hokage should come back soon."

"Don't worry, it'll be over in a few days. I won't be late for something like that."

Mentioning Kushina Uzumaki, Minato Namikaze smiled gently, then put on his Hokage hat and left Konoha with Fugaku Uchiha.

"The Hokage..."

Watching Minato Namikaze and Fugaku Uchiha depart, and glancing at Danzo, Torifu, Hiashi, and the others beside him, Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured softly, then turned and walked towards the Hokage Building.

"Gentlemen, it seems this old fellow will be back to work again during this time."

The Hokage left Konoha, and the situation in Sunagakure unfolded almost simultaneously.

Just like Minato Namikaze's wife was pregnant, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa's wife, Kayura, was also pregnant.

However, the Third Kazekage had already passed away, and Rasa had handed over power to Granny Chiyo, while he himself, along with Maki, headed towards the Land of Iron.

"What are you planning to do? Go straight to Konoha?"

Watching Rasa depart into the distance, Black Zetsu asked in a deep voice, "There's less than a month until the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's birth. Your early departure to Konoha could have helped you make some arrangements."

"Do not."

Obito's indifferent voice rang out, causing Black Zetsu to frown involuntarily.

Using the Shadow Council, they lured the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, away from Konoha. Then, taking advantage of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's childbirth, they launched an attack on Konoha, creating chaos caused by the Nine-Tails, thereby obtaining the Nine-Tails and destroying Konoha.

This plan was formulated from the very beginning.

With the Shadow Conference about to convene and Minato Namikaze having left Konoha, isn't this the perfect opportunity to make a move?

Black Zetsu looked at Obito with obvious confusion in his eyes.

“If we want to take action against the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, we must do so on the day she gives birth, and there is still nearly a month until then,” Obito said in a deep voice. “Minato Namikaze has the Flying Thunder God Technique. Even though the two places are far apart, with his speed, if nothing happens at the Kage Summit, he will have plenty of time to get back to Konoha before the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki gives birth.”

"So the place we're going to isn't Konoha, but the Land of Iron!"

So that's how it is. They wanted to create trouble first and keep Minato Namikaze tied up in the Land of Iron.

White Zetsu nodded, but Black Zetsu always felt that Obito seemed to be... taking control of this plan?

After all, the timing of childbirth doesn't actually need to be too precise; with a few simple tricks, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki can be made to give birth prematurely...

However, Obito's idea wasn't problematic, so Black Zetsu didn't say anything more.

"Moreover, besides attracting Minato Namikaze, we also need to confirm something."

"That's Minazuki Yoru's strength!"

Obito spoke slowly, his face full of wisdom beneath his swirling mask: "Since Kirigakure withdrew from the Third Shinobi World War, Mizuki Yoru became the Fourth Mizukage. According to Madara's previous speculation, that guy can gain power by killing his target and devouring their soul."

"In the past two years, Minazuki Yoru has not participated in any war. According to our estimation, his strength should still be at the same level as two years ago. Even if he has grown a little, it is definitely not much."

"But this is still just speculation."

"We need to ascertain that guy's strength to prevent any unforeseen circumstances when implementing the plan in the future."

"You want to attack Mizuki Yoru?" Black Zetsu's hoarse voice rang out: "You are no match for him. Putting aside his strange techniques and speed comparable to space-time ninjutsu, just his power to control the celestial phenomena alone, even if he hasn't improved in the past two years, is still far beyond what you can handle now."

“I know, but there is one person who can.”

"...He probably isn't ready to face that level of combat yet."

“No, he’s already done it.” Obito’s gaze shifted from the yellow sand to Black Zetsu, the crimson three-tomoe star beneath his vortex mask revealing an undeniable look: “He is a god who will make the whole world feel pain, not a Rinnegan vessel raised in a greenhouse.”

"Furthermore, without someone of sufficient stature and power going to the Land of Iron, how could they possibly attract Minato Namikaze's attention and probe Yoru Minazuki's true nature?"

"But……"

"No buts!"

Obito stared intently at Black Zetsu, his three-tomoe Sharingan even starting to spin rapidly, transforming into a kaleidoscope.

"Black Zetsu, you came here to assist me, not to control me. I am Uchiha Madara, and I can do whatever I want!"

"..."

……

Iron country.

Two years have passed since the last meeting between the two countries.

Although the Shadow Conference wasn't publicized extensively at Hiruzen Sarutobi's request, secrets can't stay hidden forever. Besides, the Land of Iron naturally had to pull some stunts to develop its tourism industry.

Various rumors circulated throughout the ninja world, attracting countless people to the Land of Iron, eager to see the place where the two great kage once met, which to some extent boosted the economic development of the Land of Iron.

This level of economic growth is nothing for a large country, but it is quite remarkable for a traditional small country like the Iron Country.

Recently, the Shogun Mifune of the Land of Iron received another request that made him sense the presence of a historical event.

"What?! The Fourth Kazekage proposed a large-scale cooperation project negotiation involving the Fourth Mizukage and the Fourth Hokage, and a Three Kage Conference to be held in the Land of Iron?!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Mifune immediately accepted the commission.

What a joke! The huge influence and economic boost brought about by these meetings are real, tangible benefits. It's like treasures being delivered to our door; there's no reason not to accept them!

However, unlike the last time when I was terrified of not being able to find a security job, this time the war was over, and it was a meeting of the Three Kage. Anyone in the entire ninja world who would have the power and guts to disrupt this meeting probably doesn't exist.

Therefore, this time Mifune did not go to the Akatsuki organization, which had performed well last time, but instead used his own samurai to carry out security work.

"Is this the Land of Iron?"

Luo Sha smoothed his wind-shadow hat and looked at the city where a little snow was falling.

Compared to the year-round high temperatures of the Land of Wind, they haven't seen snow in a long time.

“Yes, Lord Kazekage, this is samurai territory, and I’ve heard that the current leader is named Mifune.” Maki said in a low voice, “The last time the Hokage and Mizukage negotiated was also here.”

"Well, let's go."

With a slightly unfocused gaze, Luo Sha took a step forward, and Ma Ji quickly followed behind him. Their footprints appeared on the snow and then quickly disappeared in the swirling snow.

Soon after, the two arrived at the samurai's headquarters. Mifune personally came to greet them. After a few formal exchanges, they invited Rasa into the meeting room.

At this moment, only Minato Namikaze was seated in the conference room, with Fugaku Uchiha standing behind him, his face serious and unsmiling.

"The Hokage has arrived already. He truly lives up to his reputation as the Yellow Flash."

Rasa sat down in his seat, took off his straw hat, and his gaze lingered briefly on Fugaku before he continued, "Regarding the Dragon Vein, is there any news from the Hokage?"

"No news."

Minato Namikaze shook his head and asked with concern, "The Dragon Vein is of great importance. Is there any progress in the Kazekage's investigation?"

"We gained nothing. Everyone, including the survivors of Loulan, vanished overnight." Luo Sha snorted coldly, his words laced with anger: "That thief not only broke through the seal left by you, Hokage, but also disappeared silently into the desert. Even my Sand Village elites and my Sand Eyes could not detect anything... That person's strength is probably no less than yours or mine."

"oh?!"

"The Dragon Vein was stolen? The thief easily broke the Hokage's seal and, despite the search efforts of the Sand Village's elite and the Kazekage, quietly left the Land of Wind?"

A surprised voice rang out from outside. Wearing a Mizukage hat and a Mizukage robe, Mizuki Yoru entered the venue with Hozuki Mangetsu, looking at Rasa and Namikaze Minato with a face full of surprise.

"That person's background is probably quite extraordinary. There are probably fewer than a handful of people in the ninja world who can achieve this level."

"The Sand Village's elite soldiers' combat capabilities in the yellow sand are unmatched by ordinary ninjas. Coupled with your Sand Eyes, Lord Kazekage, the only way to escape this level of tracking silently is through special means such as flight or space-time ninjutsu."

Mizuki Yoru said calmly, "Plus, he can even break the sealing jutsu set up by the Hokage... tsk tsk tsk, this thief is probably not simple."

Rasa's face was solemn, while Minato Namikaze's face darkened.

Space-time ninjutsu, a top-tier sealing technique.

This statement clearly points to Minato Namikaze embezzling public funds!

But Minato Namikaze really had no choice; if he put himself in Minato's shoes, he would inevitably doubt himself.

"We in Konoha have been working hard to thoroughly investigate this matter."

"No need." Rasa shook his head, already convinced that it was Minato Namikaze who did it.

You're even conducting a thorough investigation? You're embezzling from your own post, what's the point of a thorough investigation?

The Dragon Vein was definitely not going to be taken back, but Rasa's heart was not greatly affected by this. After all, the Dragon Vein did not belong to the Land of Wind, and Sunagakure had never mastered its power.

If we can use this incident to overwhelm Minato Namikaze's momentum and thus gain some initiative in the subsequent cooperation negotiations, then we will have already made a profit.

While Rasa was talking with Minato Namikaze, Yoru also sat down in his seat and glanced at the cautious-looking Fugaku Uchiha, greeting him.

"It's been a long time, Clan Chief Fugaku. I didn't expect the Hokage to bring you to the meeting. By the way, I heard you recently had a son?"

"I am sorry for your concern, Lord Mizukage. My wife gave birth to a son a few months ago," Fugaku said in a deep voice.

"Congratulations! I've heard that the eldest son of the Fugaku clan chief is exceptionally talented. This second son's future achievements will surely be extraordinary as well."

"Lord Mizukage, you flatter me..."

Led by Ye, the group chatted casually, easing the pressure of the dragon vein incident somewhat. After a while, they began discussing the details of cooperation on various engineering projects.

Because of the Dragon Vein incident, Rasa took a tough stance towards Konoha. Minato Namikaze knew he was in the wrong and could only back down again and again on the interests of various projects. Yoru, on the other hand, showed his ambition without any hesitation, not only wanting to take the initiative in these cooperative projects, but also wanting to make at least 60% of the profits.

Rosa and Minato Namikaze naturally disagreed, and for a time, the three parties held various levels of talks and discussions.

After the Three Shadows meeting began, White Zetsu had already quietly slipped into the venue and hidden in the shadows.

Outside the venue, in a bunker shrouded in snow, White Zetsu emerged from the ground and addressed Nagato, who was encased in a machine, saying, "There are quite a few people here, mostly samurai guarding the venue. The three Kage have already started a meeting here. Nagato, what are you planning to do?"

"How? Well, we just go straight in."

“Minami Tsukiyo and Minato Namikaze are both tough opponents. Let the other members make their move first and test the waters,” Konan said softly.

"...Is that so? That's fine too."

Nagato hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly, agreeing with Konan's idea.

After Yahiko's death, Konan became the most important person to Nagato. Although Nagato could make decisions on his own in various matters, he would always ask Konan's opinion in order to maintain the close relationship between them.

Only in this way could he ensure that he would not drift further and further away from the person he once was, and only in this way could he find some solace from the regret and pain of killing his friend.

"Madara's idea is for you to descend directly as the God of Pain, giving the three Kage a huge shock."

Black Zetsu suggested in a low voice, "But if we do it this way, it's tantamount to exposing the Akatsuki organization prematurely."