Naruto: The Five Kage Summit, Explained (2024)

The Naruto series is known for its expansive worldbuilding through the occasional exposition of other nations and their affairs. However, the show’s worldbuilding was initially rather limited, and it wasn’t until the first Five Kage Summit that the series underwent unprecedented exposition, coupled with the addition of some much-needed political intrigue.

The Five Kage Summit is a self-explanatory concept, as the meeting serves as a way for the leaders of the Five Great Nations to convene and discuss matters of national interest. However, the Five Kage Summit is much more than a mere conference, as this forum has several rules and regulations that dictate how the summit will proceed. The Five Kage Summits have led to some major developments in Naruto’s narrative, deeming these gatherings a significant element of the show.

What Is the Purpose of the Five Kage Summit?

The political landscape of the shinobi world has always remained shrouded in secrecy and seclusion, leading to the Five Great Nations mostly being in a state of mutual hostility. The Five Kage Summit became the only forum for the leaders of the shinobi villages to convene together and discuss pressing matters of state interest. The summit is usually called to discuss issues that are beyond the capabilities of each individual nation, forcing the Kage to band together and discuss possible solutions.

However, simply showing up to the Five Kage Summit doesn’t equate to the village leaders’ willingness to work together, as these meetings have historically been a hotbed of dissension and debate. The tradition has passed down to Boruto: Naruto New Generations, where these summits have become a symbol of unity between the Five Great Nations and their resolve to work towards the greater good of the shinobi world.

Rules of the Five Kage Summit

With the five strongest ninja in the entire shinobi world convening in one place, the Five Kage Summit is an extremely delicate affair, and several rules dictate its proceedings. If any Kage wishes to call a Five Kage Summit, they must notify the other Kage about the time and location of the meeting. Each Kage is allowed to bring a set number of bodyguards, which is conveyed to the villages beforehand.

To ensure that none of the nations are planning to sabotage the meeting itself or commit espionage against other villages, mission restrictions are set in place for shinobi in each village. The location of the summit is usually on neutral territory, though this could change during peace times or if the other Kage agree on meeting within any of the Five Great Nations.

How Has the Five Kage Summit Shaped Naruto?

The Five Kage Summit arc is widely regarded as one of the best arcs in Naruto, and the success of the storyline is mostly attributed to what the summit brings to the narrative. The Five Kage Summit was the first instance of exposition for the other Kage and their nations, acquainting viewers with the Mizukage, Raikage, and Tsuchikage for the very first time.

Apart from the introduction of these characters, the Five Kage Summit shed light on the political underworld of the shinobi world, highlighting how each nation had been maintaining its internal and external affairs. The tradition of the Five Kage convening has trickled down to Boruto as well, and it continues to serve as a way of uniting the Five Great Nations against a common enemy, all while keeping the political intrigue of the show alive. However, the first two Five Kage Summits in Naruto were the most significant for the plot, revealing crucial information and furthering the narrative.

The First Five Kage Summit Shed Light On the Newfound Villages

The very first Five Kage Summit was held sometime after the Warring States Period and the formation of the Five Great Nations. Convened by Hashirama, the purpose of the summit was to divide power between the nations through the use of Tailed Beasts.

While the division of power and supposed peace didn’t last long, the summit was able to reveal the political situation of the newly formed nations. Their disputes and arguments revealed the fragile state of the shinobi world post-Warring States Era, and how each leader was willing to go to extreme lengths for their own nation.

The Second Five Kage Summit Ushered in an Era of Peace

The second Five Kage Summit was called to discuss the threat of the Akatsuki, as the matter had become an issue of the world at large. The eccentric dynamics between the nations and the political tension added intrigue to the setting, and the Raikage’s hostility and the Tsuchikage’s skepticism further revealed the history and current situation of each nation.

The events of this Five Kage Summit resulted in the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces. For the first time in the history of the shinobi world, the Five Great Nations were united under a common cause, leaving a permanent mark on Naruto’s narrative. This summit indirectly led to the Shinobi Union and a long-lasting era of peace and prosperity for the ninja world.

Naruto is available to stream on Prime Video.

Naruto

A popular shonen anime based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga, Naruto follows its eponymous shinobi's journey as he goes from his town's outsider to its hero.

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