In the conference hall, those who had still harbored thoughts of testing the waters finally bowed their heads.
The footage on the screen stopped.
The black crystal wall went still again.
Ren stood at the center of the dais, his Rinnegan sweeping over those below.
"Now, does anyone still doubt that the Uchiha have the power to guarantee the World Peace Treaty?"
The Daimyo, nobles, senior ministers, and village leaders of the various countries sat back down one after another.
Their expressions varied.
What Ren had just shown them was no empty threat, but genuine power.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long time before finally rising to his feet.
"Ren."
Everyone turned to look at him.
The Third Hokage held his pipe, his voice quiet.
"I have lived through several wars in the Shinobi World."
"I have seen far too many shinobi die on the battlefield, and far too many civilians lose their loved ones and homes to war."
"After every great war, the countries sign armistice agreements."
"But those agreements never last long."
"Hatred, ambition, interests, resources—any one of those can turn an old agreement into worthless paper."
At that, he looked up at Ren.
"I want peace."
"And I believe the Uchiha now truly have the power to keep every side from lightly tearing up the treaty."
"But the Uchiha would not take on such a responsibility for nothing."
"What do you want?"
Everyone in the conference hall looked at Ren.
The Third Hokage had asked the very question they all most wanted answered.
The Uchiha possessed ample power.
But the greater that power, the less simple their demands would be.
Ren raised a hand.
"The Uchiha certainly will not guarantee the World Peace Treaty for free."
"Maintaining peace requires manpower, resources, and sufficient strength."