Kaze no koibitō

25

"Now then, I, Senju Tsunade, Hokage of Konohagakure, would like to welcome our allies to this summit. We are here to formulate a plan to rid ourselves of the menace of the Akatsuki. I'd like to ask the other Kage to stand and give a bit of information about their greatest assets, so that we can better formulate a plan."

The Raikage, a giant man who was as tall as Tsunade when he was sitting down, folded his arms and spoke in a booming voice.

"I believe it would be best for our host to go first. Let us know what cards you hold."

Tsunade nodded her head and clasped her hands together, her mouth hidden behind them.

"Very well. I have several high profile ninja under my rule. I believe you know most of them, so I won't mention names. All of the ninja are highly skilled and will definitely be an asset to our cause."

The Raikage nodded and leaned back a bit further in his chair, getting comfortable.

"How about some names for reassurance?"

"Very well. We have elite ninja such as Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai, my apprentice Shizune, Mitarashi Anko, Shiranui Genma, and all their students. I believe you can match up who taught who. Now, Raikage-dono?"

The large man grunted and rose from his seat, his imposing figure casting a shadow over all in the room.

"My ninja may not be as numerous as yours, Hokage-dono, but we are all just as powerful as your most elite. My size may speak for my strength, but it does not belie my skills. I prefer taijutsu to all other forms of battle. Sadly, one of our former elite kunoichi, Nii Yugito, is no longer with us. She was the jinchuuriki for the Nibi and was captured by the Akatsuki. She would have been invaluable in this venture."

The large man took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He knew what would happen as soon as he opened his mouth.

"My brother..."

"Hachi Kira, baby! Recognize!"

The Raikage sighed and continued his speech.

"...is the jinchuuriki for the Hachibi. He can communicate with his demon and has a somewhat amicable rapport with it. Beyond what his demon can do for him, he is the most accomplished swordsman that Kumogakure has ever seen. His students, also some of the best swordsmen to come out of Kumo, are Karui, Omoi, and Samuii. Trust me when I say that their skill speaks better than any words."

Murmurs were heard throughout the room as the named ninja stood and bowed to the room, their blades clearly evident upon their backs. The Raikage bade them sit and turned to Gaara.

"I believe that it is Kazekage-dono's turn to show his hand."

Gaara snorted and rose from his chair. The crowd was silent as he gazed out over them.

"My hand is filled with nothing but aces, Raikage-dono, as is yours. We can't risk any normal ninja on this mission. Only the best will suffice. My siblings, Temari and Kankurou, and I will be along for the ride. I'm quite sure all of you know what we are capable of. Our former sensei, Baki, is adept with wind. And then there is my friend, Uzumaki Naruto."

All of the Kumo ninja turned their heads to better see the Kyuubi jinchuuriki while the Konoha nins' faces screwed up at the mention of Uzumaki, like something had left a bad taste in their mouths. Naruto tilted his chin up slightly as he stood with the rest of the Suna ninja.

"Naruto is the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, holder of the Raccoon Tribe contract, and master of an ancient power called 'the green'. He and Kira are what the Akatsuki want. This plan is risky, but we are all tired of being on the defensive. We need to hit them first for once. We need a plan that is near foolproof."