Just as the reunion banquet at the Yan Emperor City Palace was in full swing, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the hall. The commander of the Imperial City Guards knelt on one knee, his voice somewhat hurried. "Three ninjas claiming to be from ' Konoha ' are requesting an audience."
Tsubasa was peeling an orange for Tenka in his arms when he heard this and paused. All seven of his wives' eyes swept over at the same time. Tian Yu put down his jade chopsticks, his brow furrowing slightly. "A ninja from Konoha?"
"Hmm." Tsubasa handed the peeled orange to Tenka, his relaxed and carefree demeanor fading considerably as he stood up. "Let them in."
A moment later, three familiar figures appeared at the palace entrance. Tsunade was still wearing her signature yellow outfit, her blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes; Jiraiya wore a crimson cloak, clutching a scroll in his hand, his face showing signs of travel fatigue; Orochimaru, on the far side, wore a black robe, his golden vertical pupils sweeping over everyone in the palace, his tongue unconsciously licking his lips.
"Greetings, Third Hokage. It's been a long time." Tsunade spoke first, her voice filled with complex emotions. "I didn't expect you to be living so comfortably. Konoha is practically in mourning right now."
Senju Tenpuku put down his wine cup and looked the three of them over. "Why aren't you three handling affairs in Konoha? What brings you here?"
"Father, they've come to cause me trouble." Tsubasa aside to make way. " Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru. What is it?"
The three nodded slightly to Senju Tenpuku. Jiraiya and said, "We've long heard that the Ten Family is now incredibly powerful, and seeing it today, it certainly lives up to its reputation. However, we're here today to discuss important matters with the Third Hokage."
Tsubasa gestured for everyone to continue eating, then said to his parents and wives, "You all eat first, I'll go to the front hall to talk to them."
Upon reaching the deserted main hall, Orochimaru cut to the Gate of Opening: " Hiruzen Sarutobi has been ousted, leaving the village leaderless. With the influx of clans from across the Shinobi World, the clan leaders are clamoring for a new ninja leader. After discussion, we still believe that only your return can stabilize the situation."
"Go back?" Tsubasa leaned against a pillar, his fingertips tracing the sword at his waist. "I've been away from Konoha for so many years, I've long since given up on being Hokage. You've all grown up, it's time for you to take on greater responsibilities."
"You've pacified the world, and you're the Third Hokage!" Tsunade stepped forward, her voice trembling with excitement. " The Shinobi World may seem peaceful now, but beneath the surface, tensions are high. The ninjas of the major nations are wary of each other, and conflicts within villages are constant. If this continues, war will break out sooner or later!"
Jiraiya and unfurled the scroll in his hand. "This is the battle report of Konoha for the past six months. There's been a small battle every three days and a major battle every five days. Your talk of 'unifying the world' now seems to be just wishful thinking."
Tsubasa stared at the densely packed casualty figures on the scroll, remaining silent for a moment. He recalled the early days when Konoha was first established, when even Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha couldn't control the situation. Now, with ninjas from the entire Shinobi World concentrated in Konoha, it was even more difficult. He also thought of the Konoha Ninja who sacrificed themselves to protect the village. As the Third Hokage, he couldn't simply withdraw; he had to find a way.
"How is Hiruzen Sarutobi doing now?" he asked.
"His attempts to seize power and negotiate peace failed, and he was imprisoned by the White Tiger Corps," Tsunade's voice lowered. "He kept calling your name, saying that only you could lead Konoha further."
Orochimaru suddenly chuckled, "If you go back, we will definitely help you unify the ninja villages. After all, we want to see what your 'universal world' looks like."
Tsubasa looked up at the three of them and saw expectation in their eyes, but also a hint of unease. He knew that this was not only Konoha's request, but also an opportunity for the Shinobi World.
"Alright." He nodded. "I'll go back and check. I do have a responsibility to stabilize Konoha."
The Sannin exchanged a glance, Tsunade nodded first. "As long as the chaos can be completely ended, we'll do whatever you say."
Three days later, the atmosphere in the conference room on the top floor of the Hokage in Konoha was exceptionally heavy.
Tsubasa sat in the Hokage's seat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below. To his left sat Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, as well as Hatake Sakumo, Uchiha Chiri, and other high-ranking figures from Konoha; to his right were the heads of various clans, their expressions complex; in the back row were representative clans from various Shinobi World — Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure —and numerous smaller countries, each with a look of scrutiny and awe on their face.
"First of all, thank you all for attending this meeting that will have a significant impact on the Shinobi World." Tsubasa's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. "I know many of you have reservations about my return as the Third Hokage to take charge, but I'm not here today to discuss anything with you. I'm here to issue an order: anyone who disobeys my orders will be executed without mercy."
He paused, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table. "From today onwards, all ninjas in the Shinobi World will be under the unified management of Konoha. I will promulgate a series of laws and regulations, and the Shinobi World will be governed strictly in accordance with these laws and regulations. I know some of you may be dissatisfied, but if anyone breaks the law in the future, I will certainly deal with them according to the law."
An old ninja from the Land of Earth suddenly stood up. "What do you mean by that? Do you mean we ninjas are supposed to live as pitifully as commoners?"
"It's not about pity, it's about reality." Tsubasa looked up at him. "In the pursuit of universal harmony, ninjas are merely pioneers. In the future, general education will be widespread, and countless children of ordinary people will emerge as ninjas like mushrooms after rain within a few decades. By then, will you still think ninjas are superior?"
Chiyo frowned. "So what do you want? To turn all the ninja villages into vassals of your Ten Family?"
"Not vassals, but one family." Tsubasa stood up, walked to the window, and pointed to the village outside. "What I want is a unified world, a world where everyone has enough to eat and wear, a world where children no longer have to go to war. It's a world where everyone can rise to prominence, not a world ruled by one family or clan. What I want is a prosperous age where a hundred schools of thought contend."
He turned around, his gaze sharpening. "You think the biggest threat to the Shinobi World is the Oni Clan among themselves? Wrong. The real crisis comes from outer space."
"Outer space?" Everyone gasped in surprise, Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, "You mean... the Ōtsutsuki Clan?"
"That's right, the power of ninjas comes from aliens." Tsubasa nodded, his voice deep. "I discussed this with the Sage of Six Paths, and he told me that the Ōtsutsuki Clan is an alien race that lives by plundering planetary resources. The Shinobi World has always been their target, and they could arrive at any time."
The meeting room fell silent instantly, and everyone's expression changed. Jiraiya opened his mouth, wanting to say something but then swallowed it back; Tsunade clenched her fists, her eyes filled with shock; Chiyo fell into deep thought.
"You might think this is a fantasy," Tsubasa continued, "But I can tell you, the Ōtsutsuki's strength far exceeds your imagination. They can easily destroy a country, even a planet. If we remain disorganized like this, when they arrive, the Shinobi World will only be ruins."
He walked to the blackboard and wrote the word "space" in chalk. "Therefore, the future development direction of Konoha must be to unify the planets and conquer outer space. We must build our own space fleet, develop Ninjutsu and weapons that can fight against aliens, and make the planets in outer space our fortresses."
Whispers began to circulate among the crowd; some were excited, some doubtful, and some fearful. Hatake Sakumo stood up. " Lord Tsubasa, what you've said is all good, but we haven't even unified the Shinobi World's ideology yet, how can we possibly go to fight in outer space?"
"That's why we need to integrate all forces first." Tsubasa looked at him. "My plan is to divide all ninjas into seven factions based on their Chakra attributes: Yin, Yang, Wind, Lightning, Water, Fire, and Earth. Each faction will have a Kage responsible for managing its affairs and development. The seven Kage will compete with each other, but also cooperate with each other, working together to advance the Shinobi World."
This suggestion caught everyone's attention. Uchiha Chiri adjusted his glasses. "Seven factions? Won't that lead to internal conflicts?"
"Conflicts are inevitable, but competition is what drives progress." Tsubasa smiled. "I will establish a reward system. Whether it's developing new Ninjutsu or improving old techniques, as long as it contributes to the village, you will receive generous rewards—resources, power, or even priority participation in outer space exploration."
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "A reward? What would I get if I could develop a new medicine to heal external injuries?"
"Wealth, power, even becoming the lord of a city," Tsubasa said without hesitation. "Moreover, every three years I will hold a ' Shinobi World Innovation Competition.' The winning team can accompany me on a space expedition to develop new planets for immigration, and the winning team can become the planet's administrator."
These words caused an uproar in the conference room. The ninjas were all highly competitive, and hearing about such a generous reward and the opportunity to go to outer space, they were all eager to participate.
"Quiet." Tsubasa gestured for everyone to calm down before continuing, "Next, I will announce the division of the seven factions and the temporary selection of the Shadow."
Everyone pricked up their ears, and even their breathing became cautious.
" The Yang Faction will have Yang Shadow as the Tsunade." Tsubasa looked at Tsunade.
Tsunade stood up happily and bowed. "I will certainly live up to your expectations and make the Yang Faction ninja the strongest."
" The Yin Faction, with Uchiha Chiri as its Yin Shadow." Tsubasa looked at the woman exuding a murderous aura.
Uchiha Chiri stood up and calmly said, "I will do my best."
"Let Earth Faction be the Tsuchikage Orochimaru." Tsubasa's gaze fell on Orochimaru.
Orochimaru licked his lips, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Interesting. I accept."
" The Fire Faction, with Hatake Sakumo as Hokage." Tsubasa looked at the white-haired man.
Hatake Sakumo stood up and bowed solemnly. "I am willing to dedicate myself to the Shinobi World."
" The Lightning Faction will be Jiraiya." Tsubasa looked at Jiraiya Raikage.
Jiraiya scratched his head and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I will definitely make the Lightning Faction the strongest and surpass the Yang Faction."
Tsunade waved her fist and said, "I think you're asking for a beating!"
" The Wind Faction will be led by Nara Shikanei, who will serve as the Kazekage." Tsubasa looked at the current head of the Nara Clan.
Nara Shikanei adjusted his hat and said calmly, "I will do my best."
"Finally, the Water Faction will be led by Tian Yukihime as the Mizukage." Tsubasa looked at the woman in the blue dress.
Tian Yukihime stood up, her voice clear and cold. "I accept the appointment."
With the selection of the Seven Shadows finalized, applause rang out in the conference room. Although some people still had doubts about the arrangement, looking at the seven powerful figures before them, they had to admit that these were indeed the most suitable candidates at present.
"Next, I'll explain the internal structure of each faction." Tsubasa picked up a document and distributed it to everyone. "Each faction has six departments: the Ninja Education Department, responsible for training new ninjas; the Rune Formation Department, responsible for researching defensive and offensive arrays; the Mechanical Puppet Department, responsible for developing weapons and vehicles; the Beast Taming and Summoning Department, responsible for establishing contact with summoned beasts; the Spirit Plant and Pill Refining Department, responsible for planting medicinal herbs and refining elixirs; Administrative Affairs and Mission Department, responsible for handling daily affairs and issuing missions."
Tsubasa looked at the seven people seriously and said, "As for the appointment and dismissal of personnel and the division of territory for each faction, that's up to each of you. I will issue mission objectives to each faction from time to time."
He paused, then emphasized, "Remember, scientific research must be the top priority. Whether it's Ninjutsu development or mechanical manufacturing, we must increase investment. I want to see the first spaceship belonging to Konoha within five years, and establish the first space base within ten years."
"A spaceship?" Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, "Is it really possible to build something like that?"
"Yes," Tsubasa said confidently. " Orochimaru's lab is already researching Tailed Beast -driven engines, and the Nara Clan is designing spaceship hull structures. I believe that as long as we work together, there's nothing we can't do."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "I didn't expect you to be interested in things inside Konoha."
"Of course," Tsubasa smiled, "I won't fight a battle I'm unprepared for."
The meeting lasted three hours, with each topic—from factional divisions and resource allocation to the construction of the space elevator and space exploration—discussed intensely. Although there were occasional disagreements, a consensus was ultimately reached through Tsubasa's mediation.
By the time the meeting ended, it was already dark. Tsubasa stood on the roof of the Hokage, looking at the brightly lit village outside, his heart filled with emotion. Tsunade approached him and handed him a bottle of sake. "I never imagined you could so easily persuade everyone, transforming the animosity between the nations into competition among the seven factions."
"It wasn't me who convinced them, it was reality that convinced them." Tsubasa took the drink, took a sip, and said, "No one wants to sit idly by and wait to die, especially ninjas."
Jiraiya and Orochimaru also came over. Jiraiya and said, "We're going to be busy from now on. But to be honest, I'm quite looking forward to seeing what space is like. Our Lightning Faction wants to be the first to rush into space and see the strength of the Ōtsutsuki Clan."
"Don't be too happy yet," Orochimaru said coldly. "According to my research, the Ōtsutsuki Clan is not so easy to deal with."
"Of course, they can plant God Tree everywhere in space; their strength is terrifying." Tsubasa gazed at the night sky, his eyes deep. "But we have no way out. We either get destroyed by the Ōtsutsuki Clan, or we rise to power and become true interstellar superpowers."