Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki-Chapter 748 - 748: Invitation to Takigakure

Everyone watched as Tsunade lifted the hospital bed with one hand and carried it straight into the building. Hiruzen Sarutobi lay on the bed with no strength left to complain—he only wanted to rest.
"Shikamaru, your team has one more mission."
"Kazuyama Sensei, go ahead."
Now that they were back in Konohagakure, Shikamaru and the others were a bit calmer. But Asuma's death and Hiruzen Sarutobi's critical injuries had shown them just how brutal the ninja world truly was.
Hearing that Kazuyama Gekkō had a mission for them, Shikamaru immediately stepped forward.
"I need you to inform Sarutobi Biwako about Old Man Sarutobi's return and Asuma's death."
"Also tell her he's been taken to the hospital. After that, you can rest."
"You've worked hard on this mission."
Kazuyama Gekkō patted Shikamaru's shoulder. She had high expectations for this kid with an IQ over 200—a real strategist. Plenty of people were strong these days, but very few were willing to use their heads.
Shikamaru scratched his head at her words, and maybe because he thought of Asuma, a trace of sadness crossed his face. Still, he left with Ino and Chōji to carry out Kazuyama Gekkō's instructions.
"Ugh, and now I have to deal with Minato too."
"Every single day… nothing but trouble."
Kazuyama Gekkō felt like he was turning into a Nara himself, always muttering about hassle this, annoyance that, and how everything was just a pain. What else could he do?
He arrived at the Hokage's office and saw it was already packed.
"Hokage-sama, the situation with Counsellor Sarutobi and the Hidden Cloud is too serious. I believe we should send reinforcements."
"The disaster that struck the Hidden Cloud shows how terrifying the enemy is. We must act quickly."
Just from the voices, Kazuyama Gekkō knew it was Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. And to be fair, neither of them was wrong.
"No, I think that's unnecessary."
"The enemy has already achieved their objective and crippled the Hidden Cloud. Considering they sent out two Tailed Beasts…"
"Even if we send people now, it won't change anything. We should focus on preparing for the Five Kage Summit."
Another voice responded—Nara Shikaku, Konohagakure's top strategist. His thinking was far more stable. Kazuyama Gekkō nodded, then pushed open the office door.
"Well, well. Everyone's here."
"I've already brought Old Sarutobi back. The Iwa situation is also handled."
"But his injuries are serious. The Hidden Cloud suffered heavy casualties, and the Fourth Raikage is gravely injured."
Kazuyama Gekkō's sudden appearance stunned everyone. They hadn't expected him to move so fast—and to have already gone to the Hidden Cloud.
"Don't look at me. I left scrolls and technique kunai with the old man, but he said everything happened too suddenly."
"According to him, they were still in the middle of discussions when they got hit by two Tailed Beast Balls back-to-back."
"Asuma died protecting Shikamaru and the others."
"The Eight-Tails was captured, and the Hidden Cloud was devastated."
Ignoring everyone's stares, Kazuyama Gekkō sat down. The Hokage's office was filled with chairs—each one made from crystal by him. Minato Namikaze had even painted them so he'd remember where they were.
"I've sent Shikamaru and the others to notify Biwako. Old Sarutobi is already at the hospital."
"Minato, what's next?"
"The Five Kage Summit can't be delayed."
Minato had been silent the whole time. Everything had happened so suddenly that even he, as Hokage, was shaken. But Kazuyama Gekkō was right—they had to act fast.
"You're right. The Five Kage Summit must be convened."
"With the Hidden Cloud suffering this disaster, they'll agree. Iwa has also agreed."
"There should be no issues starting the summit."
"Shikaku, where should it be held?"
Shikaku didn't even have to think, and his answer matched Kazuyama's own.
"The Land of Iron. As a neutral samurai nation, it's the best choice."
Hearing that, Kazuyama Gekkō was already amused inside. Everything was following his plan. But he still needed to add some fuel to the fire. After all, outside the Five Great Shinobi Villages, there were other forces worth considering.
"It's not just the Five Great Villages."
"Takigakure and Amegakure have grown rapidly. They're still weaker than us, but compared to Sunagakure or Kirigakure…"
"I'd say they're on equal footing."
"I suggest inviting the leaders of Takigakure and Amegakure to the Five Kage Summit as well."
"And don't forget—Takigakure still has the Seven-Tails. They won't just sit this out."
Takigakure: ??? The Seven-Tails? Most of us haven't seen him in ages—we forgot he even existed!
Seven-Tails Chōmei: My old shell is still in a cave in Takigakure. I still remind Kazuyama to check on it from time to time, haha!
The three Takigakure representatives made everyone nod unconsciously. It was true—Takigakure's strength was rising fast, and with Amegakure as an ally, they weren't far behind the Five Great Villages at all.
"Kazuyama is right. Takigakure's strength is undeniable. They should be included."
"We should also send someone to Takigakure as soon as possible to ensure the Seven-Tails' safety."
Homura adjusted his glasses and stated his opinion. Everyone agreed.
Minato looked straight at Kazuyama Gekkō.
"Kazuyama."
"Yeah, yeah, I know! You bastard, always bossing me around!"
He complained, but he actually wanted to go to Takigakure—it was crucial for what came next.
"But can I at least rest first? I literally just got back."
"You have no idea how exhausting it was using Flying Thunder God to carry that old Sarutobi all the way back!"
"You Hokage really squeeze your subordinates dry!"
Minato looked embarrassed. He knew it wasn't ideal, but Kazuyama was the fastest and most capable person in Konoha. Who else could he rely on?
"Alright, save it. I'm going to rest."
"Oh, Shikaku—your kid seems down. Talk to him later."
"I'm leaving."
Asuma's death had come as a shock to everyone, but Kazuyama Gekkō didn't seem particularly bothered by it.