Peace Talks

Gu Sheng's words not only caused a huge stir among the Sunagakure Shinobi; they also stirred up Konoha.

The Konoha Shinobi were thrown into an uproar by this exchange as well. A war for unification sounded quite appealing, and many of the hawkish younger Shinobi were tempted. A hint of satisfaction flashed through Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, while Danzo's eyes instead flashed with disappointment.

A country's backbone came from its original leaders during its founding, and Hashirama Senju's character had destined him to be a leader unwilling to launch attacks.

The countries of the Naruto World were divided much like the states during ancient China's Sengoku period.

The Land of Fire was similar to Wei Kingdom during the early Sengoku period. It was certainly powerful, but by this era, it had already lost its chance to unify the land. Moreover, it was not like Qin Kingdom, with its militaristic system. It was impossible for its people to crave war. It was also surrounded by enemies on all sides, and any disturbance could affect the whole country, potentially provoking every other nation to attack it.

Under these circumstances, Gu Sheng was unwilling to become hopelessly mired in war. A side quest to unify the Shinobi World was not enough to make him seek trouble for himself.

That was right—trouble. After the Third Hokage's day-in, day-out propaganda campaign, peaceful development and the Will of Fire had already taken deep root in people's hearts.

Konoha would naturally unite as one when facing an external enemy, but if they were asked to invade another country, they would have no legal justification for it. The people would find it even less acceptable.

Insisting on launching a foreign war would bring him nothing but a heap of opponents. As for allies... Did the Warhawk Faction led by