Ryan sat still for a moment, slightly dazed. The chat group notification chimed again.
[System Notification]
[The chat group meeting has been reset.]
[A new meeting can now be initiated ahead of schedule.][Would you like to proceed?]
Ryan glanced at the message, deep in thought. After a brief pause, he responded. "Wait a second."
With that, the chat group fell silent.
He absentmindedly checked the calendar. It hadn't been that long since their last meeting; only three months had passed. Normally, the interval between gatherings was much longer. So why was the next one being triggered so soon?
Ryan pondered for a moment and reached a conclusion.
Perhaps it was because, for the first time, all the Hokage worlds stood united. There were no more internal struggles or unstable power shifts to slow them down. Instead, everyone's focus had turned toward a single goal: exploring the multiverse.
Venturing into different realms meant more than just experiencing new worlds. It granted them the opportunity to acquire unique abilities, test their strength against unknown enemies, and, of course, earn substantial rewards. For a group like them, filled with battle-hardened leaders, this was an irresistible prospect.
Still, this decision wasn't his alone to make. It had to be discussed.
Without further hesitation, Ryan spoke in the chat.
Ryan: "The chat group is ready. We can start the meeting ahead of schedule. Thoughts?"
For a moment, the chat was eerily silent.
Naruto: "DO IT! START IT RIGHT NOW! I've been so bored that I actually considered reading mission reports! Hurry up, I wanna fight in the next world!"
Sasuke: "Hn. Impatient as ever. But I agree. If the next world has nothing of value, I'm leaving early."
Madara: "Hah! As if you could ignore a challenge once it's in front of you, boy. If there's a battlefield waiting, then I see no reason to delay."
Hashirama: "Ooooh, what if it's a world full of exciting warriors? Or maybe some legendary treasure we can hunt down together?" That second one sounds fun, too. Tobirama, we should go treasure hunting!"
Tobirama: "Absolutely not. If the last 'adventure' you dragged me into was any indication, I'll be cleaning up your mess for weeks, even in other worlds."
Minato: "Well, an early start could be an advantage. It's always good to gather information before diving in headfirst."
Obito: "Tch. You say that, but you'll just end up teleporting behind the first enemy you see."
Kakashi: "That's called 'tactical positioning,' Obito. You should try it sometime."
Tsunade: "Enough with the chit-chat. If there's even a chance to pick up new medical techniques, or better yet, stronger alcohol, count me in."
Kakashi: "If we stall any longer, someone's going to get 'creative' with training. And by someone, I mean Guy."
Hashirama: "Ohhh! We should let Guy try out the new world first! I bet he'd punch his way through any problems!"
Tobirama: "Do NOT unleash that madman onto an unsuspecting civilization."
Madara: "Actually, I'd love to see that."
Sasuke: "We're wasting time."
Naruto: "Yeah, yeah, whatever! Ryan, START IT ALREADY!"
Ryan: "Okay, okay! I get it! No need to storm the chat. I'm starting it now!"
One after another, every Hokage responded with the same enthusiasm. They had all been waiting for this moment. The anticipation was palpable.
Ryan smirked. Their reactions mirrored his own. They were more than ready.
Without any further delay, he pulled up the system notification screen once more. The same message appeared:
Ding!]
[The Hokage Meeting has been reset.]
[A new session can be initiated ahead of schedule.]
[Would you like to commence the meeting?]
This time, Ryan didn't hesitate.
"Start the meeting."
As soon as the command was issued.
Ding![System Alert: The Hokage Meeting is about to begin...]
A surge of radiant light engulfed his office, surrounding his entire body. In an instant, Ryan's consciousness was pulled into the chat group's meeting space.
...
Seventh Hokage Naruto's World
Naruto's eyes lit up as the notification flashed before him, and his heartbeat quickened with excitement.
"Finally! The wait is over!" He grinned, cracking his knuckles. "I can feel it… this time, I'm gonna crush the rankings!"
The anticipation was almost too much to bear. Then, just as expected, the familiar mechanical voice of the chat group echoed in his mind.
[Group Notification]🔹 [Group Admin Ryan has initiated a Hokage Meeting.]🔹 [All members, please attend on time!]
Naruto bolted upright. "Yes! Finally!"
A huge grin spread across his face as he pumped a fist in the air. "This time, I'll make it into the top three! And those daily missions… I bet they're gonna be a blast!"
But just as he was about to join, he paused. His responsibilities as Hokage weren't something he could just leave unattended.
"Alright, time for backup," he muttered, forming a hand seal.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
With a puff of smoke, a perfect copy of Naruto appeared in front of him.
The clone immediately crossed his arms and scowled. "You're ditching work again, aren't you?"
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. "C'mon, you know how it is! The Hokage Meeting takes priority!"
The clone sighed, rubbing his temples like he was already getting a headache. "Yeah, yeah. And who's gonna deal with all the paperwork, the council meetings, and oh, let's not forget the mountain of complaints from the civilian district."
"Uh… you?" Naruto grinned, pointing at him.
The clone glared. "You're the real one. You deal with it."
"Hey, I do the cool, big-picture stuff, and you handle the boring details. It's a perfect system!" Naruto declared proudly.
The clone pinched the bridge of his nose. "Perfect for you maybe..."
But before he could protest further, the real Naruto had already made his choice.
[Join Chat Group]
A flash of golden light engulfed him. In an instant, he was gone, leaving his exasperated clone behind, staring at the stacks of paperwork on the desk.
The clone let out a long, suffering sigh. "I hate being me sometimes…"
...
At the Same Time…
Across multiple worlds, similar events unfolded.
First Hokage Hashirama's World
Hashirama stretched his arms behind his head, lounging in his office as he stared at the ceiling. "Man, paperwork is the worst…"
Then, the familiar mechanical voice chimed in his mind.
[Group Notification]🔹 [Group Admin Ryan has initiated a Hokage Meeting.]🔹 [All members, please attend on time!]
Hashirama bolted upright, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Finally!" He leaped to his feet, slamming his hands on his desk.
At that moment, the door slid open, revealing Tobirama with an exasperated look. "Why are you making so much noise?"
Hashirama grinned. "Tobi! The meeting's starting early!"
Tobirama crossed his arms, unimpressed. "And that's worth flipping your desk over?"
"Yes!" Hashirama declared. "Now, you handle the rest of this paperwork, okay? Thanks, little brother!"
Before Tobirama could protest, a flash of light enveloped Hashirama, and he vanished.
Tobirama pinched the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable."
Second Hokage Tobirama's World
Tobirama barely glanced up from his research table when the notification popped up. He tapped his fingers against the desk, already considering the possibilities.
"Hmm. It's earlier than expected… fascinating."
Then, his door slid open, and his assistant, ANBU, entered. "Lord Second, do you require..."
"Cover for me," Tobirama said simply, pressing [Join Chat Group] before disappearing in a flash of light.
The ANBU sighed. "Why do I feel like I've been abandoned?"
Fourth Hokage Minato's World
Minato was flipping through mission reports when the notification sounded. His expression shifted from neutral to intrigued.
[Group Notification]🔹 [Group Admin Ryan has initiated a Hokage Meeting.]🔹 [All members, please attend on time!]
Minato smiled. "Kushina's going to scold me if I leave without telling her…"
Right on cue, Kushina peeked into his office. "Minato! Are you slacking off?"
Minato chuckled. "Not exactly. The Hokage meeting is starting early."
Kushina sighed, hands on her hips. "Again? You'd better not get into any trouble!"
"I'll do my best," Minato promised before pressing [Join Chat Group] and vanishing.
Kushina huffed. "Hmph! He better not make me drag him back like last time."
Canon-like Kakashi's World
Kakashi sighed, setting his book down as he felt the familiar pulse of the notification. He already knew what it was before even reading it.
[Group Notification]🔹 [Group Admin Ryan has initiated a Hokage Meeting.]🔹 [All members, please attend on time!]
He tilted his head, debating for all of three seconds before standing up. "Welp, looks like the paperwork can wait."
Just as he was about to press [Join Chat Group], his assistant knocked. "Lord Sixth, you have..."
Kakashi gave a lazy wave. "I'm not here."
"But sir..."
Poof! A substitution log hit the floor as Kakashi disappeared in a burst of light.
The assistant stared blankly at the empty chair. "...He's never finishing that paperwork, is he?"
Road to Shinobi Tsunade's World
Tsunade took a deep swig from her sake bottle, barely glancing at the glowing notification in front of her.
[Group Notification]🔹 [Group Admin Ryan has initiated a Hokage Meeting.]🔹 [All members, please attend on time!]
She smirked. "About time. I was getting bored."
Shizune burst into the room. "Lady Tsunade, you have to...."
"I'm off!" Tsunade declared, pressing [Join Chat Group] before vanishing.
Shizune groaned, rubbing her temples. "Not again!"
Uchiha Madara's World
Madara sat cross-legged atop a cliff, arms folded as he gazed at the vast landscape before him. When the notification appeared, he merely smirked.
[Group Notification]🔹 [Group Admin Ryan has initiated a Hokage Meeting.]🔹 [All members, please attend on time!]
"So… it begins again." He rose to his feet, cracking his neck. "I wonder if anyone will be worth my time this round."
Without hesitation, he pressed [Join Chat Group] and disappeared.
...
Inside the Meeting Room
With a burst of multicolored light, the meeting space came alive. One by one, the twelve Hokage appeared in their respective seats.
As they looked around, an air of excitement filled the room.
It was rare for the meeting to be rescheduled ahead of time. This early gathering was an unexpected but welcome surprise.
Hashirama stretched, cracking his knuckles with a satisfied grin.
"Three months felt like forever!" he groaned. "Even if the interval was cut in half, I was bored out of my mind with all that paperwork!"
Several others nodded in agreement, their expressions ranging from exasperation to outright distaste. Governance, administration, and reviewing endless documents. It wasn't what they were meant for. They were warriors, built for action, not bureaucracy.
Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "If I have to read another tax report, I swear I'm going to start throwing desks again."
Minato chuckled. "You could always delegate more, you know."
Tsunade scoffed. "And let some pencil-pusher make a mess? Please."
Meanwhile, Tobirama had a different reaction. He frowned slightly, deep in thought. "Hmm… three months passed by so fast," he muttered. "Feels like I just blinked, and now here we are."
The room fell silent. Then, almost in unison, several Hokage turned to give him incredulous looks.
"Three months felt fast to you?" Naruto asked, his face a mixture of shock and betrayal. "I was dying from boredom!"
"Same," Sasuke muttered. "Time crawled."
"Really?" Tobirama tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. "It barely felt like a moment. I had projects to finish."
Hashirama groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Of course you did." He shot his brother a knowing look. "Let me guess, you locked yourself in your lab again, didn't you?"
Tobirama nodded without hesitation. "Obviously. I developed some new techniques. Interesting ones." His voice was completely serious, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
The others exchanged knowing glances.
"Figures," Madara muttered, shaking his head. "Leave it to you to enjoy waiting."
Kakashi sighed, flipping a page in his book. "I would've killed for three months of quiet, but even I got restless. If I'm saying that, you know it was bad."
"Couldn't agree more," Minato said, a rare look of impatience on his face. "It's not often we get to explore other worlds. I'd rather be doing that than sitting behind a desk."
Naruto grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Same here! Now that we're back, I'd better be placed in the top three this time!"
"Your optimism is amusing," Madara said dryly. "But we'll see if you can back it up."
"Oi, don't underestimate me!" Naruto shot back. "I've been training, y'know!"
Hashirama laughed, the excitement in the air contagious. "Alright, alright! Let's not waste time, then. The meeting's already started, and we might as well get down to business!"
It was hardly a surprise. Tobirama was the type to completely lose himself in research, oblivious to time. While the rest of them had been groaning about the slow passage of months, he had likely been knee-deep in blueprints and calculations, having the time of his life.
Naruto, meanwhile, was far less concerned about the passage of time. He grinned, cracking his knuckles.
"Haha! This time, I know I'll be in the top three!" he declared confidently. "Let's see if any of you can keep up with me!"
The meeting had officially begun. And from the energy in the room, it was clear that this one was going to be interesting.
---
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