The next day, dawn broke.
Jin Hui's light shone through the Hokage's Office window, illuminating the room in a magnificent manner, yet it couldn't dispel the heavy pressure that permeated the air, almost solidifying into a tangible force.
Today, Konoha's new power center--
The Hokage Cabinet held its first formal meeting.
The Fourth Hokage Chiyo Uchiha, sat in the main seat.
Dressed in a dark Kagami Robe, he did not deliberately display majesty, but naturally exuded an aura of profound composure and control over the overall situation.
His gaze was calm and profound, like an endless starry sea.
With just a cursory glance, the three assistants present unconsciously sat up straight and tensed up.
Shikaku Nara, the representative of the interests of the ninja clan, and the symbol of Konoha's wisdom.
At this moment, his brows were slightly furrowed, and his fingertips unconsciously traced a complex mind map on his knees, weighing the potential turmoil that each decision might trigger.
Minato Namikaze, the banner of the commoner ninja, whose fame as the " Yellow Flash " resounded throughout the Shinobi World.
His azure eyes flashed with a sharp light, like a drawn blade, indicating that he had entered a state of combat readiness, contemplating how to transform absolute strength into absolute dominance.
Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, a representative of ordinary Konoha.
He was wearing clean, faded casual clothes, his hands clasped nervously, and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead.
His presence, though seemingly abrupt, was of paramount importance.
It symbolizes that Chiyo's "strength and loyalty are paramount".
The ironclad rule of "regardless of background" and the true foundation of Konoha's prosperity—the support of millions of ordinary people.
Chiyo cut straight to the point without any pleasantries. His voice was steady but carried an undeniable sense of final judgment, as if he were stating not a suggestion, but the Mirai that was about to unfold.
" With the Inner Cabinet newly established, there is only one priority: to convene Five Kage Summit in Konoha."
The moment the words left his mouth, it was as if all the air in the office had been sucked out!
Shikaku Nara's breath hitched, and countless strategies collided and strategized wildly in his mind.
Minato Namikaze's pupils contracted slightly, and his body leaned forward instinctively, like a cheetah sensing the scent of its prey.
The Teuchi gasped sharply, his heart pounding.
He was not well-versed in politics.
But they also understood the storm that this short sentence would unleash in the Shinobi World!
Chiyo seemed oblivious to the three's intense reaction and continued speaking in that calm yet weighty tone.
"The war has ended in Konoha, but the fruits of victory need to be solidified with new rules and order."
Chaos and compromise are the breeding ground for the weak, but Konoha is no longer the weak one.
The old Shinobi World order has collapsed. Now, the victors will define the new boundaries and establish a new order.
And all of this will begin with this meeting held in Konoha.
His gaze slowly swept over the three of them, but it wasn't sharp.
Yet it carries an oppressive sense of seeing through everything and controlling everything.
"Speak your minds. I want to hear your honest judgments based on your own perspectives, not just blind agreement."
Shikaku Nara took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, his voice slow and clear.
" Lord Hokage, your decisiveness and courage are astonishing."
Holding talks in Konoha would undoubtedly demonstrate our victorious power and allow us to control the overall situation; its benefits are beyond doubt.
However, this move was an unprecedentedly forceful gesture, tantamount to forcing the Four Shadows to abandon all security guarantees and personally step into the core of the enemy nation that had just defeated them.
He paused, his tone becoming extremely solemn.
"This is the ultimate psychological deterrence, and also the ultimate risk."
All four countries are major powers, and behind them lies the accumulated dignity and resentment of the Four Great Shinobi Villages.
If they believe this is a sure-fire victory, they are very likely to go to any lengths, secretly conspiring, and even...
A fragile alliance against Konoha was forged before the talks even began.
At that time, although we are strong, we may face a united front that has been cornered and is united against a common enemy. The difficulty of negotiations will increase exponentially, and may even break down completely, triggering a new round of unpredictable conflict.
I urge you, sir, to carefully consider the perilous situation ahead."
Minato Namikaze spoke next, his voice clear and firm, carrying the decisiveness honed on the battlefield, directly addressing Shikaku's concerns.
"Mr. Shikaku's words reflect the profound considerations of a statesman."
But right now, what we need most is the absolute confidence of the victor!
The eternal truth of the Shinobi World is that strength reigns supreme!
Konoha possesses the power to End of War, and naturally, it has the right to establish the post-war order!
Sending them here is not a discussion, it's an order!
This is the ultimate test of whether they will submit to the new order!
He looked intently at Chiyo, his tone resolute.
"As for whether they dare to unite and counterattack? Faced with an absolute disparity in power, any alliance is nothing more than a tower of sand, easily toppled!"
If they had even a shred of reason, they should understand that refusing Konoha's 'invitation' would have far more terrible consequences than setting foot on this land!
That wasn't a humiliation; it was the only choice bestowed upon them by the name of Lord Hokage Chiyo Uchiha!
There's no need to worry about security; all the ninja of Konoha are a bulwark!
If they harbor ulterior motives, then let this Konohagakure become the final resting place of the Four Kage!
These words were domineering and imposing, filled with boundless confidence in their own strength, and regarded Chiyo's absolute power as the cornerstone of all rules.
Teuchi the confrontation between the two important figures. Finally, he mustered his courage and spoke in a slightly trembling but exceptionally sincere voice.
" Lord Hokage, Lord Minato..."
I'm just a noodle shop owner.
During those years of war, I saw everyone looking worried and miserable, prices skyrocketing, and many familiar customers never returning...
All I could think about was when I could finally run my business peacefully, so everyone could enjoy a hot bowl of ramen without worrying about tomorrow's meals...
If... if we could bring them to Konoha and restore peace quickly, I... I think that would be great!
With you and our united community in our village, we have nothing to fear!
Let them see how good Konoha is now, maybe...
Maybe they're not here to argue, but to beg for peace?
His words were extremely simple, devoid of strategic considerations or power comparisons, expressing only the most primal desire for peace and the most genuine trust in the village.
But this precisely reveals the root of Konoha's strength—the support of the people.
After listening quietly to the three people's statements, Chiyo lightly tapped her fingertips on the smooth tabletop.
"Despair."
A soft sound, yet as resounding as a great bell, instantly silenced all the chaotic thoughts.
" Shikaku's foresight is the strategy of a wise man; he saw the risks, but he was also limited by the game-theorizing mindset of the old era."
Chiyo spoke slowly, his voice calm, yet carrying an indifference that transcended everything.
" Minato's decision demonstrates the strength of a leader; he saw the essence of power, but still viewed it as a matter of 'deterrence' and 'consequences'."
He paused slightly, his gaze becoming incredibly profound, as if piercing through walls and glimpsing the distant Mirai of the Shinobi World.
"And the Teuchi's aspirations are the roots of Konoha, the beginning and the end of it all."
He slowly stood up. He wasn't tall, but he seemed to instantly merge with the entire Konohagakure, exuding a suffocatingly large presence.
"But you haven't completely broken free from the old framework yet."
Chiyo's voice suddenly rose, carrying a cold, almost divine pronouncement.
"Do they feel humiliated? Is it possible for them to unite? Do they harbor ulterior motives? Do these things... matter?"
A faint, yet chilling smile curved his lips.
"When has it ever been necessary for the victors to concern themselves with the emotions of the losers?"
Konoha doesn't need to care whether the defeated dogs bare their teeth; they only need them to understand that obedience is their only option for survival.
"This is not a conspiracy, not an open scheme, not even an order."
Chiyo's gaze swept over the three of them, finally settling on the bustling streets of Konoha outside the window.
"This is a notice. It's a notice from the new era to the remnants of the old."
"Coming to Konoha is a reality they must accept."
Refusal means that they have voluntarily chosen to be completely crushed by the new era.
At that time, I will personally visit each of their villages.
At that time, the conditions at the negotiating table will no longer be treaties, but... the conqueror's declaration.
His tone was calm and even, yet it contained an absolute confidence and terrifying power that sent chills down one's spine.
It seemed that in his eyes, the Four Kage and even the Four Great Shinobi Villages were nothing more than chess pieces on a chessboard that could be erased at will.
"Security matters are coordinated by Minato and executed by Sakumo."
What I want is not an iron barrel, but Heavenly Net can trap you from top to bottom.
During the meeting, no dissent was tolerated within the scope of Konoha's will.
Get the Anbu moving, push the Barrier Team to its limit.
"I want everyone who steps into Konoha to clearly feel, from the moment they enter, that they are standing at the pinnacle of power in the Shinobi World, and that I am sitting at the pinnacle."
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
The three nodded seriously.
Finally, he issued an unquestionable final order, each word like a decree, imprinted in the space.
"In the name of the Fourth Hokage Chiyo Uchiha, a highest-level summons is issued: the Five Kage Summit will be held in Konoha one month from now."
The four film crew members or temporary agents must arrive in person on time.
If the deadline is missed, or if an envoy is sent in lieu, the village will be considered to have declared war on Konoha, and I will, depending on the circumstances, personally or by dispatching a large army, conduct the 'final reckoning.'
He paused, then added, his tone carrying a cold, almost cruel, playful edge.
"Also, inform them that the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and the Third Raikage A, are currently recuperating in Konoha. They miss their old friends dearly and look forward to their reunion."
Furthermore, when I ascended to the throne, a scoundrel attempted to assassinate me. Although this did not harm me in the slightest, it tarnished the dignity of Konoha.
I hope the Four Shadows can give me a sufficiently 'interesting' explanation for this incident.
They escalated this self-directed assassination attempt to the diplomatic level and demanded an "interesting" explanation.
This is no longer simple pressure, but the ultimate form of psychological control and humiliation.
It was as if a giant lion was toying with its prey, reveling in the fear and humiliation it suffered.
"Yes, sir!"
The three assistants were shaken to their core, completely overwhelmed by Chiyo's unimaginable domineering and ruthless aura. They responded in unison, their voices filled with barely suppressed excitement and awe.
Konoha's war machine roared to life with maximum efficiency.
A church document, with extremely strong wording and an air of indifference from those in power, was sent to all directions at top speed.
Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Building.
" Chiyo Uchiha!!! How dare you insult my Iwagakure like this!!!"
The roar of the agent, Kitsuchi Tsuchikage, was deafening.
He gripped the Scroll from Konoha tightly, his arm trembling violently with extreme rage, veins bulging on his forehead, and his eyes blazing with fury.
"A humiliating disgrace! A humiliating disgrace indeed!"
An elder with white hair and beard beat his chest and stamped his feet, his voice hoarse with despair.
"How dare he make us, the Kage, infiltrate the enemy's lair like prisoners?! This is to trample the dignity of all the past Kage of Iwagakure into the abyss!"
" Lord Tsuchikage is still in their hands!"
Another high-ranking official roared, his eyes bloodshot.
"Not go? Are we just going to watch Lord Tsuchikage...?"
"Then let's fight!"
The radical Jonin suddenly pulled out his kunai and slammed it into the ground.
"Gather the entire army! Even if we shed our last drop of blood, we will make Konoha pay the price! We will save Lord Tsuchikage!"
"A price? What can we offer to make Konoha pay a price for?!"
A suppressed voice rang out, sending the frenzied crowd plummeting into an icy abyss.
"Have you all forgotten the scene of Chiyo Uchiha suppressing our Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and the Third Raikage?"
Every word of this church exudes the chilling power of absolute authority!
It's not a negotiation, not a threat, it's a notification! It's an ultimatum!
reject?
Do you want Chiyo Uchiha to come to Iwagakure in person and demonstrate what 'absolute power' truly means in front of all the villagers?!
A deathly silence of despair enveloped everyone.
Kitsuchi Tu gripped the Scroll tightly, his fingernails digging deep into his palms, blood dripping silently from between his fingers, but he was completely unaware.
The immense humiliation and the even greater fear of the power known as Chiyo Uchiha nearly tore his mind apart.
Finally, as if all his strength had been drained, he managed to squeeze out a broken, hoarse sound from deep within his throat.
"... Reply to Konoha... Iwagakure... will... arrive on time..."
Every word was accompanied by the sound of a heart shattering.
Kumogakure, Raikage's Office.
Boom!!!
The entire Raikage's Office seemed to have been struck by a thunderstorm; blinding lightning flashed wildly, and the walls and furniture were instantly charred and cracked!
The Fourth Raikage A, Lightning Release Chakra, with blue electric snakes dancing wildly and crackling loudly!
"Bullshit! Let him dream his pipe dream! I'm going to Konoha right now and chop him down!"
Ai's roar was like a thunderclap, and a violent killing intent swept through the entire room.
"Hey! Calm down!!"
Under the intense, skin-piercing pressure of Lightning Release, Dodai shouted at the top of his lungs.
"This is his will! He's forcing us! Forcing us to lose our minds!"
"Then let him see the might of Cloud! Whether it's enough to shatter his arrogance!"
Ai's eyes widened in horror, and the lightning intensified.
"And then what?! What about the Third Raikage?! What about the village?!!"
Dodai's voice trembled with despair.
"We can't afford to gamble! Chiyo Uchiha's strength... is simply beyond our capabilities!"
He didn't go to the Valley of the End to fight; he went to reap the rewards!
The meaning of this church is very clear: if you listen, come and talk; if you don't listen, he will come for the 'final reckoning'!
How can we settle scores?! With the lives of the entire village?!
The lightning around Ai flickered violently, his chest heaving as he roared in agony like a trapped beast.
Finally, the violent lightning abruptly subsided, feeling utterly frustrated.
He slammed his fist into the ground, creating a huge crater, and cracks spread wildly throughout the room.
He was breathing heavily, his eyes were bloodshot, and he squeezed out distorted sounds from between his teeth.
"... Tell him... Cloud... will go... to 'bring back' the old man!"
He clung to the word "bring back" as if it were the last fig leaf, even though everyone knew it was futile.
Kirigakure, Mizukage's Office.
A cold, damp mist flowed silently through the room. The Third Mizukage stared at the Scroll, speechless for a long time, his fingers trembling slightly.
The arguments below sounded weak and listless, filled with despair.
"This is outrageous..."
Is there any room for maneuver?
"Spare the way? What makes you think there's room for maneuver? The Tsuchikage and Raikage are the best 'examples'..."
"..."
The Third Mizukage slowly closed his eyes, as if he had aged ten years in an instant. He waved his hand wearily, his voice dry and hoarse.
"No need to argue. Reply to Konoha and Kirigakure... be there on time."
His voice was filled with an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and a deep-seated fear.
Faced with overwhelming power, all schemes and plots seem laughable and pathetic.
He could only pray that Konoha's blade wouldn't fall on Kirigakure's neck too soon.
Sunagakure, Kazekage's Office.
"Bang!"
The expensive porcelain cup was pulverized by the Gold Dust manipulated by Rasa!
His face was ashen, his chest heaving violently with anger and humiliation, and the Gold Dust floating around him stirred restlessly.
" Konoha... Chiyo Uchiha... are they trying to wipe them all out?!"
He growled in a low, hoarse voice, filled with resentment at the inability to Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven.
Sunagakure had just suffered a crushing defeat and hadn't even recovered when it seemed that even heavier shackles were about to fall.
" Lord Kazekage, the situation is beyond our control..."
"Perhaps... we can feign weakness at the meeting and try to gain..."
"..."
"Enough!"
Rasa abruptly interrupted his subordinate, his eyes filled with a terrifyingly sinister glint.
He knew better than anyone that any struggle would be futile in the face of that absolute power.
He could even feel the cold words on the Scroll, as if they carried the gaze of Chiyo Uchiha's indifferent eyes, sending chills down his spine.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the anger and humiliation that were about to erupt, and spoke in a voice that was as steady as possible but could not hide its trembling.
"Reply to Konoha... Sunagakure 'Fourth Kazekage Rasa, will be attending on time."
He had to go, even if it meant braving the impending storm.
This offered Sunagakure a sliver of humble hope, a chance to eke out a living.
The four replies, carrying the same humiliation, fear, and helplessness, tolled like four death knells over the Four Great Shinobi Villages, arriving one after another in Konoha.
The black-clad figure stood atop the Hokage Rock, calmly surveying everything.
"You started the war, and now you have only yourself to blame for all of this."
The Five Kage Summit is only just beginning!