Konoha.
Inside the research hall.
A flicker of surprise passed through Chiba's eyes.
He had originally prepared a whole speech, even making plans to forcibly suppress the First.
Who would have thought?
This man, praised by later generations as a symbol of peace, was still the formidable hero who had pacified the chaotic age at heart.
The real Hashirama Senju did not care about the empty reputation of one country, one village.
What he cared about was true unification.
"Good!"
"With the First Generation's support, what comes next will be much easier."
A moment later.
Chiba burst into laughter.
The Konoha predecessors awakened through Impure World Reincarnation all listened in silence.
"Everyone."
"I hereby announce something."
"Not long ago, Rasa, the Kazekage of Sunagakure, formally submitted his letter of surrender to me."
"Sunagakure has completely submitted."
The moment those words fell.
The entire research base fell silent.
Sunagakure, one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, had surrendered without even fighting?
"That junior named Rasa is a clever man."
"Those who understand the times are the wisest."
Tobirama Senju snorted coldly.
Chiba neither agreed nor disagreed.
He rose to his feet, his tone beyond question.
"Two days from now."
"Konoha's entire army will march out and crush the three great countries of Lightning, Earth, and Water!"
"Those who submit will prosper. Those who resist will perish!"
"No matter the means, no matter the cost, I want only one voice left in this Ninja World!"
His words brimmed with killing intent.
Yet these predecessors, who had lived through the chaos of war, voiced no objections.
War?
They had long since fought until they were sick of it.
If one final war could be exchanged for eternal peace, who would refuse?
"During these two days, the army will need to gather and rest."