The Five Kage Summit storyline, a pivotal moment in the Naruto Shippuden series, commences definitively in Episode 199, titled “The Five Kage Appear!” This landmark episode sets the stage for a series of crucial confrontations, alliances, and revelations that dramatically alter the course of the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Diving Deep into the Five Kage Summit Arc
The Five Kage Summit arc is more than just a meeting; it’s a clash of ideologies, a power struggle, and a desperate attempt to unite against a common enemy. Understanding its significance requires exploring its key elements, characters, and the context that leads to this monumental gathering.
The Catalyst: Pain’s Assault and the Akatsuki Threat
The devastating attack on Konoha by Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki, serves as the immediate catalyst for the Five Kage Summit. Pain’s overwhelming power, coupled with the revelation of Akatsuki’s ultimate goal of capturing all Tailed Beasts, forces the leaders of the five great nations to recognize the dire threat facing the entire ninja world. Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, attempts to convene the summit but falls into a coma due to her immense chakra usage during the village’s defense.
The Acting Hokage and the Call for Unity
In Tsunade’s absence, Danzō Shimura assumes the position of Acting Hokage. He takes it upon himself to arrange the Five Kage Summit, driven by his own agenda and a desire to seize power. Danzō’s manipulative nature and ulterior motives add a layer of intrigue and distrust to the proceedings, as he aims to leverage the summit for his own political gain.
The Location and Participating Kage
The summit takes place in the Land of Iron, a neutral territory led by General Mifune, who acts as the mediator. The five Kage who attend are:
- Gaara: The Fifth Kazekage of the Sand Village.
- Mei Terumī: The Fifth Mizukage of the Mist Village.
- A (Fourth Raikage): The Raikage of the Cloud Village.
- Ōnoki: The Third Tsuchikage of the Stone Village.
- Danzō Shimura: The Acting Hokage of the Leaf Village.
Sasuke’s Intervention and the Disruption of Peace
The summit is dramatically interrupted by the arrival of Sasuke Uchiha, driven by his desire for revenge against Konoha’s leadership for his brother Itachi’s fate. Sasuke’s actions, along with the manipulations of Madara Uchiha (later revealed to be Obito Uchiha), plunge the summit into chaos and ultimately lead to the declaration of the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Five Kage Summit, designed to further illuminate the complexities and nuances of this pivotal arc.
FAQ 1: Why did Danzō arrange the Summit if Tsunade was initially planning it?
Danzō saw Tsunade’s comatose state as an opportunity to seize control of Konoha and influence the summit’s outcome. His hidden agenda involved securing the Leaf Village’s dominance and potentially manipulating the alliance for his personal gain. He perceived Tsunade as too weak to handle the threat of Akatsuki.
FAQ 2: What are the primary goals of each Kage attending the Summit?
Each Kage had their own agenda:
- Gaara: To secure an alliance and prevent the destruction of the ninja world.
- Mei Terumī: To maintain the Mist Village’s neutrality and secure favorable terms in any potential alliance.
- A (Raikage): To eliminate Sasuke, whom he held responsible for his brother Killer Bee’s capture by Akatsuki.
- Ōnoki: To assert the Stone Village’s power and protect its interests, initially skeptical of any alliance.
- Danzō: To control the alliance and potentially eliminate any threats to his power.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of the Land of Iron as the summit location?
The Land of Iron is a neutral nation led by samurai, offering a neutral and politically stable environment for the Kage to meet without the risk of bias or territorial disputes. General Mifune’s role as mediator was also crucial in facilitating discussions.
FAQ 4: How does Sasuke’s arrival disrupt the proceedings?
Sasuke’s attack on the summit immediately shatters any hopes of a peaceful alliance. His actions prove to the Kage that Akatsuki is a force that cannot be ignored and that drastic measures are needed to combat them. His conflict with the Raikage highlights the growing tensions between the nations.
FAQ 5: What role does Zetsu play during the Summit?
White Zetsu infiltrated the summit, gathering information and relaying it back to Obito Uchiha. Black Zetsu, who was secretly controlling Danzō, further manipulated the situation from within. They both contributed to the overall chaos and served as spies for Akatsuki.
FAQ 6: What is the ultimate outcome of the Five Kage Summit?
Despite the initial chaos, the summit ultimately leads to the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces, a united front against Akatsuki and the looming threat of the Fourth Shinobi World War. However, the distrust and hidden agendas among the Kage remain, adding complexity to the alliance.
FAQ 7: Why is Danzō’s deception discovered during the Summit?
Karin, who accompanied Sasuke, recognized Danzō’s chakra signature and revealed his Sharingan eye embedded within his arm. This revelation exposed Danzō’s manipulation and ulterior motives to the other Kage, further undermining his authority.
FAQ 8: How does Madara Uchiha (Obito) manipulate the Kage during the Summit?
Obito, masquerading as Madara, uses fear and deception to manipulate the Kage into focusing on the threat of the Tailed Beasts and the need for a united front. He reveals his plan to create the Infinite Tsukuyomi, a world of illusions, effectively forcing the Kage into a corner.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the Raikage’s anger towards Sasuke?
The Raikage is furious with Sasuke because Sasuke captured Killer Bee, his adopted brother and the jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails. The Raikage viewed this as a personal affront and vowed to eliminate Sasuke to avenge Killer Bee’s capture (though Killer Bee was later revealed to have escaped).
FAQ 10: How does the Summit impact Gaara’s perspective and leadership?
The Summit solidifies Gaara’s commitment to peace and his role as a unifying force. He becomes a strong advocate for collaboration and understanding among the nations, recognizing the need for unity to overcome the shared threat. He moves past the past resentments and embraces a future of cooperation.
FAQ 11: What are the long-term consequences of the Allied Shinobi Forces’ formation?
The formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces represents an unprecedented level of cooperation among the five great nations. While the alliance faces numerous challenges and internal conflicts, it ultimately proves crucial in defeating Akatsuki and ending the Fourth Shinobi World War, paving the way for a new era of peace and cooperation (albeit a fragile one).
FAQ 12: Is there a specific episode where the Allied Shinobi Forces are officially formed?
While the groundwork is laid at the Five Kage Summit, the official formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces is more clearly established in subsequent episodes. Episode 205, “Declaration of War,” shows the immediate aftermath where the Kage, albeit reluctantly, begin to agree on a unified front. Episode 214, “Overcoming Hatred,” further solidifies the alliance’s initial progress, showcasing the Shinobi nations preparing for war together, establishing base camps and deploying resources.