106 Ch-106 Kages gathered.

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After discovering Mount Myoboku's plan, Tsunade readily agreed and deliberately leaked the vital information, ensuring that the world knew of the impending battle between Jiryoku and the toads of Mount Myoboku.

As all of this unfolded, a fierce battle raged on between Orochimaru and Naruto in his formidable Four Tails form. Their clash was nothing short of a cataclysm, shaking the very ground beneath them. Orochimaru's cunning, snake-like movements countered Naruto's raw, unbridled power. The fight was a spectacle of overwhelming strength, as the earth trembled with each blow.

In the aftermath of the intense combat, Orochimaru managed to slip away, narrowly escaping Naruto's wrath. Yamato, with his rare Wood Release abilities, stood as the calming force amidst the chaos. He harnessed his power to soothe Naruto's raging spirit, preventing the young shinobi from descending further into madness.

This time, the situation had a twist. Kakashi, one of the most skilled ninja of Konoha, was also present during the battle. His Sharingan eyes bore into Orochimaru's every move. The battle took an unexpected turn as Kakashi's calculated strategies, coupled with Naruto's relentless attacks, left Orochimaru severely injured. During the confrontation, Orochimaru even lost an arm, a testament to the intensity of the conflict.

However, Orochimaru, the master of unorthodox techniques, managed to escape death using his signature "Orochimaru-Style Body Replacement Technique." This act came at the cost of his dwindling chakra, leaving him fatigued and wary of further injuries. He was also aware of a historic battle on the horizon, one he couldn't afford to miss.

With Orochimaru's departure and Naruto's eventual calming, Kakashi received the news about the newly revealed battleground where Jiryoku would face the toads of Mount Myoboku.

The deliberate information leak by Konoha didn't just reach the major villages but trickled down to even the smallest, most remote settlements. The rumor of this epic showdown spread like wildfire, drawing the curious and the brave from all corners. It was as if an arena had been erected, the fighters poised for an epic duel, and spectators converging on the location for what promised to be an unforgettable match. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable, setting the stage for a truly historic showdown.

----

Five days later, the impending battle drew near, and Jiryoku sat perched on a solitary rock, his eyes closed in deep concentration. In his grasp, he clutched his sword, ready for the challenge ahead. Around him, a substantial distance away, ninjas from various villages were scattered in three distinct directions, forming a protective perimeter with Jiryoku at its core.

"Finally, here," Jiryoku muttered, rising from his seat. With his extraordinary 'Observation Haki,' he could sense the approaching toads, their presence now just 50 kilometers away.

His quiet resolve stirred the other ninja from different villages into action. They swiftly communicated with their respective Kages, relaying the unfolding situation. The Kages, once informed, unanimously agreed to gather at the location, and ninjas began using various techniques to summon their leaders.

Tsunade, the Lady Hokage of Konoha, was the first to arrive, utilizing the 'Flying Thunder Formation Technique.' The Konoha ninjas bowed in respect, to which Tsunade responded with a nod. Her gaze then shifted to Kakashi, and she inquired, "How did your mission go?"

"Lady Hokage, Orochimaru managed to escape," Kakashi reported, stepping forward.

Tsunade nodded and responded, "Provide a detailed report upon our return to Konoha." Kakashi acknowledged her orders before stepping back.

Next to arrive was Raikage A, accompanied by Killer B. The Raikage's eyes fell upon Jiryoku, and he commented, "So, he's Jiryoku?"

A Jonin from Kumo, who had been tracking Jiryoku, confirmed, "Yes, he is."

Raikage A nodded, taking note of the intel.

Following him, Tsuchikage Onoki, the third in his title, arrived by summoning his beast. He joined the growing assembly, where Tsunade and Raikage A were already present.

Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, was the fourth to arrive. He acknowledged Temari and Kankuro, who were present, and then exchanged nods with the other Kages, symbolizing an alliance between Suna and Konoha.

The final Kage to appear was Terumi Mei, the Fifth Mizukage. She nodded in recognition of Ao and the Kirigakure team that accompanied her, her smile radiating warmth towards her fellow Kages.

As all the Kages gathered, a sudden disturbance occurred. A group of individuals wearing black robes adorned with a menacing red cloud pattern materialized seemingly out of thin air. Onoki immediately recognized them as Akatsuki, with whom he had crossed paths on numerous occasions. The realization hit the other Kages just as swiftly.

Standing beside Tsunade, Jiraiya was left in a state of shock. He couldn't believe his eyes, taking a moment to confirm he wasn't hallucinating. Among the Akatsuki members, he spotted his two former students.

"Yahiko and Konan?" Jiraiya exclaimed, his voice laden with astonishment.

Tsunade too identified the two from her memories of the Second Ninja War, casting a shadow of apprehension over the gathering. The unexpected appearance of Akatsuki members signaled the onset of a new, unpredictable phase in the impending battle.

Sasuke, who had been present among the onlookers, couldn't believe his eyes when he spotted Itachi among the Akatsuki members. A storm of emotions raged within him, and an intense wave of anger washed over his face. His Sharingan, adorned with three tomoes, activated of its own accord, casting an eerie crimson glow that signaled his mounting fury.

In response to Sasuke's unrelenting killing intent, Itachi's gaze shifted toward his younger brother. Their eyes locked in a battle of fierce rivalry, carrying a legacy of pain and vengeance that had long defined their relationship.

"Interesting," remarked Terumi Mei, her eyes trained on Sasuke, noting the crimson Sharingan ablaze with power. The gathering crowd held its collective breath, fully aware that the impending showdown was bound to be nothing short of spectacular.

"Sasuke," Naruto uttered, his fists clenching involuntarily, a mixture of concern and determination etched on his face. The bond between these two friends was a beacon of unwavering support.

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura murmured, her eyes locked onto the tempestuous young Uchiha.

(A/N: I know I promised this before, but from the next chapter, the battle will definitely start. ✨)

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