The Formation of the One Country, One Village System

"Thank you. I hope you won't regret your decision to let me go today."

On the battlefield in the Land of Fire, within the southern forest.

After saying this, Takenaka Kaguya cupped his hands toward Madara Uchiha once more and said gratefully, "If the opportunity arises in the future, I will repay the favor of letting me leave today."

"Hahaha, kid of the Takenaka Clan, I hope you continue growing stronger. I can see that you possess the heart of someone destined to become a top-tier powerhouse. Hashirama and I will be waiting for you at the summit. When that day comes, don't make us wait too long." Madara Uchiha laughed heartily. His eyes held not only appreciation, but even more anticipation.

At the side, Hashirama Senju also smiled. "I, too, am filled with expectations for your future. I hope that when we next meet, the Shinobi World will be completely at peace, and you will truly possess the strength to stand before me."

"It will."

Takenaka nodded, his tone utterly certain.

Then, he gave Tobirama Senju a deep look. Without saying another word, he vanished in a flash.

A moment later, once he could no longer sense Takenaka's Chakra, Madara Uchiha released Tobirama Senju.

At this point, seeing the confidence and anticipation on his elder brother's and Madara Uchiha's faces, Tobirama Senju frowned and said, "Brother, Madara, you'll definitely regret letting him go today.

"He's only twelve or thirteen, yet he already possesses Kage-level strength. Give him a little more time, and he will surely become the greatest hidden danger to our Land of Fire."

"Hahaha, relax, Tobirama. You need to learn to tolerate things you dislike. Consider this a task assigned to you by your elder brother." Hashirama Senju laughed and gently patted Tobirama Senju on the shoulder.

Madara Uchiha nodded as well. "Tobirama, listen to your brother. Your greatest character flaw is your inability to tolerate others."

"Hmph. You'll regret this."

Unfortunately, after what had just happened, Tobirama Senju had no interest in listening to either of them lecture him. He turned and left immediately.

After he had gone, Hashirama Senju looked at Tobirama Senju's departing back and sighed. "Madara, Tobirama's temperament is what worries me most. If I'm no longer around someday, I'll have to trouble you to teach him."

"No. Teach him yourself. You know the relationship between him and me can never be eased. If not for you, I would have killed him outright.

"And you bastard, who told you to come just now? Were you worried I couldn't handle the enemy?

"The moment you showed up, that kid Takenaka Kaguya switched his target of challenge to you. That really pissed me off." Madara Uchiha snorted coldly, clearly displeased.

"Hahaha, don't be so petty, Madara. No matter what, the peace we've been hoping for is about to arrive."

"Hmph!"

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. The Land of Fire announced victory in all its foreign wars. Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha then joined forces with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire to propose the One Country, One Village system.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire also knew that the common people of the Land of Fire had long yearned for peace. Besides, if he dared refuse, Madara Uchiha might very well use him to test the power of Perfect Susanoo.

Thus, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire summoned all the nobles of the Land of Fire and convened a meeting.

Afterward, the meeting resolved to approve Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha's joint founding of Konohagakure, with Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, serving as Konoha's First Hokage.

As for Madara Uchiha, he became the Hokage Assistant and, along with Tobirama Senju, gained the right to succeed as the Second Hokage.

With Konohagakure established, the Land of Wind, Land of Lightning, Land of Earth, and Land of Water saw what the Land of Fire was doing. Thus, the four great nations pushed the matter forward at the same time, moving so quickly that it seemed as though they had planned it together.

Thus, the Sengoku era was declared over, and the Shinobi World welcomed peace.

Half a month later, the One Country, One Village system had completely taken shape throughout the Shinobi World.

Land of Fire: Konohagakure, First Hokage Hashirama Senju, Hokage Assistant Madara Uchiha.

Land of Lightning: Kumogakure, First Raikage A.

Land of Water: Kirigakure, First Mizukage Byakuren, Mizukage Assistant Hozuki Gengetsu.

Land of Earth: Iwagakure, First Tsuchikage Ishikawa.

Land of Wind: Sunagakure, First Kazekage Shakui (no records available), Kazekage Assistant Shamon.

The other minor nations followed suit, but with one exception: the leaders of hidden villages in minor nations could not use the title Kage.

Land of Water, on an island.

Corpses lay scattered across the ground. Judging from their clothing and the forehead protectors they wore, they were all Ninja from Amegakure.

At the center of those bodies lay a pile of more than a dozen corpses. Sitting atop them was a cold-eyed youth holding a Black Bone Blade.

Judging from the battlefield, these Ninja corpses were likely the youth's handiwork.

An hour earlier, Kirigakure, the Mizukage's office.

"Takenaka, if we speak of battle achievements and contributions, then logically, you should have become the First Mizukage. After all, everyone knows your strength and accomplishments during the past wars.

"However, at the meeting to select the Mizukage, the Daimyo overruled all objections. He felt you were too young and wanted you to learn more by my side. He also said that after I step down, the position of Second Mizukage will still be handed to you."

The First Mizukage, Byakuren, looked at Takenaka standing opposite him and spoke kindly.

Hearing this, Takenaka shook his head slightly. "Lord Mizukage fully deserves the position. I am merely a junior. Although my strength is not lacking, compared to taking on such an important duty as Mizukage, I prefer simple combat.

"As for the position of Second Mizukage you mentioned, I believe Lord Hozuki Gengetsu is highly suitable. First, Lord Gengetsu is your disciple and also the Mizukage Assistant of our Kirigakure. What he can learn at your side is not something I can compare with.

"For him to take up the next Mizukage's post would be entirely justified.

"Second, Lord Gengetsu is no weaker than I am. Furthermore, every matter he has handled by your side over these years has been managed with great propriety, and the Ninja of every clan admire him.

"With everyone's support, his becoming the next Mizukage is what the people desire. I believe that under Lord Gengetsu's leadership, Kirigakure will surely become ever more prosperous in the future."

Takenaka did not care about the Mizukage's position. Likewise, he had no desire for so-called power struggles.

Especially after witnessing top-tier powerhouses like Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, all he wanted was to raise his strength as quickly as possible, then fight them openly and honorably before Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha split apart.

Therefore, he had no intention of becoming Mizukage, nor did he have time to waste on such matters.

Seeing that Takenaka's refusal was sincere, Byakuren set the matter aside and did not mention it again.

After a moment, Byakuren recalled the information his subordinates had sent earlier. His expression turned solemn as he looked at Takenaka and said, "By the way, Takenaka, the matter you previously asked me to investigate has yielded some clues. This is the intelligence gathered by my men. Take a look."

At those words, a burst of killing intent instantly emerged from Takenaka. He took the scroll, opened it, and frowned the moment he finished reading it.

After a moment of silence, he looked up at the First Mizukage, Byakuren. "Thank you for your help, Lord Mizukage. I want these people's lives!"