Naruto Manga Chapter 458 Summary

The meeting of the kages has began and Gaara is the first to speak. As a former Jinchuuriki who was nearly killed when Akatsuki extracted the Bijuu from him, Gaara feels that the organization is an extremely dangerous threat but thinks the other villages, save Konoha, have refused to help in dealing with them; and now with most of the Bijuu stolen already, it may too late to do anything. But both the Mizukage and Tsuchikage mention that it may not be too late as it takes time and knowledge to control any of the Bijuu.

Danzo mentions that the only four people in history who could truly control the Bijuu were Madara Uchiha, the First Hokage of Konoha, Yagura the Fourth Mizukage, and Raikage's brother Killerbee. The Raikage erupts in rage at that moment, causing all the bodyguards to jump into action. Mifune tells the Raikage to watch his manners and each of the kages recalls their guards.

The Raikgae is angry at the other countries because Akatsuki is formed from the missing ninja of their villages. He also blames Suna for helping Akatsuki grow by employing them in the past. After the Great Ninja Wars, there was a period of demilitarization, but some countries feared that a sudden outbreak of war will leave them vulnerable, and so hired Akatsuki as mercenaries. For example Gaara's father, the previous Kazekage, used Orochimaru, a previous member of Akatsuki in order to try to destroy Konoha. The Raikage also blames Kirigakure for isolating itself and because it is rumoured to be the birthplace of Akatsuki. The Mizukage herself reluctantly mentions that there is a possibility that the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, was even under the influence of Akatsuki.

The Tsuchikage turns the table on the Raikage by claiming that it was Kumogakure's continual amassing of military power even during the disarmament period that forced the other countries to resort to using Akatsuki. The two kages begin to argue when Danzo reveals that the leader of Akatsuki is probably Madara Uchiha. Everyone is shocked by the news because no one could believe Madara could even be alive still. Mifune cuts in and suggests that the five villages should form the first ninja alliance in order to deal with Akatsuki. However, this alliance would need a leader to command all the forces, and as the neutral party, Mifune feels that he should suggest which of the kages would be most suitable. To everyone's surprise, Mifune nominates Danzo for the task because Konoha possesses the only Jinchuuriki who has escaped Akatsuki‘s grasps.

Back in Konoha, Sai confronts Sakura and explains what Naruto has been up to for her and Sasuke‘s sake. Sai admits that although he is new to the team and does not fully understand the bond between Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke, even he can tell that Naruto loves Sakura and is doing all this because of that love. The truth of that statement hits Sakura and she begins to cry. Sai goes on to say that Naruto has been shouldering the burden of his promise to her up to now and will carry it for the rest of his life. He tells Sakura that although it's true that Sasuke is making Naruto suffer, she is also causing him pain.