Faced with Minister Molotov's inquiry—
The representatives from Konoha exchanged looks. Of course, they were unwilling.
After all, who would want to leave the land their families had lived on for generations?
Especially when they all hailed from prominent clans.
Their industries and influence were rooted in Konohagakure and the Land of Fire.
If they were forced to relocate to that so-called Starfish's Island of Wano, wouldn't they have to start everything from scratch?
The potential losses were simply incalculable.
But could they actually say they were unwilling?
Orochimaru was the first to speak, a faint smile on his face.
"Since we've already submitted to the World Government, naturally, we will comply with its demands."
"Indeed."
Minister Molotov nodded with satisfaction—only to hear Orochimaru follow up with a "However…"
"However, may we request that a portion of our clansmen who are unwilling to leave their homeland be allowed to stay behind? They could also take care of each clan's ancestral grounds and gravesites in the meantime."
Orochimaru made this request on behalf of the village's major clans, his husky and charismatic voice carrying through the chamber.
As expected—
The moment he spoke, the representatives from the Hyūga, Nara, Akimichi, Inuzuka, and other families all looked at him gratefully, their eyes filled with silent appreciation.
Naturally, Orochimaru could feel the gazes from those around and behind him.
But the truth was, he hadn't made the request for their sake.
It was for himself.
Now that joining the World Government was a done deal, he had to prepare for what came next.
Though he pursued knowledge and immortality, that didn't mean he could ignore the importance of power and influence.
His identity as the Fourth Hokage—he intended to make full use of it.
"Hm…"
For the first time, Minister Molotov hesitated.
Because what Orochimaru said did make sense.
You couldn't possibly ask them to abandon their ancestral lands and gravesites entirely, could you?
If it had been the old World Government, perhaps they would have enforced the decision with brute force.
But the new World Government—though still domineering—now carried a slightly more human touch.
"I'll report this matter to my superiors, but I believe if it's only a small number of people staying behind, it shouldn't be an issue."
That was Minister Molotov's reply.
"Then, on behalf of Konoha and the other shinobi clans, allow me to express our gratitude."
Orochimaru bowed respectfully beneath the Hokage's hat.
"Next, each of you may speak with the First Kaikage of Umigakure to learn about the general layout of Wano Island and the locations designated for each clan's new territory."
Minister Molotov raised his hand and gestured to Fukurokuju, who stood beside Sakazuki.
"Territory?"
The Konoha representatives seemed intrigued by that word.
"From this point forward, all shinobi under the World Government will fall under the jurisdiction of Umigakure."
Orochimaru and the others had already anticipated this announcement.
However, Senju Hashirama's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt.
He had noticed that the Kaikage named Fukurokuju didn't seem all that powerful.
Not that Fukurokuju lacked Kage-level strength—but that was all he had.
By military standards, he was about equivalent to a lieutenant general.
Back when he was appointed as the first Kaikage, it was mainly because he had previously served as captain of the Oniwabanshu.
Once the World Government absorbed him into their ranks and made him the first Kaikage, he did spend a long time training diligently.
But in the end, he despaired at the realization that his growth had stalled.
He was gradually surpassed by other members of Umigakure, even by outsiders like Tengen from another world.
Thus, Fukurokuju had come to terms with his own limited talent.
Fortunately, he had a real knack for management and interpersonal skills.
Thanks to that, he ran Umigakure like a well-oiled machine, from top to bottom.
Given his prior status and credentials, no one had questioned Fukurokuju's authority in the past.
But now, with the shinobi world joining the fold, things were getting complicated.
So after reviewing the various intelligence reports on the shinobi world over the past few days, Fukurokuju had been reflecting—
Was it time for him to step down?
He simply lacked the confidence to command so many formidable shinobi.
But then came the bigger question: Who could take his place?
Meanwhile, Minister Molotov's speech continued: "Additionally, all existing shinobi village organizations in the ninja world are to be abolished and restructured into various levels of shinobi academies."
This announcement unsettled many of the Konoha representatives.
According to the documents—
There would no longer be a Hidden Leaf Village, a Hidden Sand Village, or any of the sort. From now on, only Umigakure would be authorized to accept mission requests.
The many shinobi villages across the ninja world—some would be disbanded outright, while the rest would be converted into educational institutions dedicated to training shinobi for Umigakure.
Smaller villages would become elementary or intermediate shinobi schools.
As for the former Five Great Shinobi Villages, they would be transformed into higher-level institutions.
"Wonderful... truly wonderful…"
Senju Hashirama murmured to himself, utterly ignoring the odd looks from those around him, eyes bright with joy as he read the documents in his hands.
For on these pages, he saw the shinobi world he had always dreamed of—
A world without war between villages. A world where children were no longer forced into battle.
He didn't even mind that Konoha—his greatest creation—would now vanish into the tides of history, surviving only in future textbooks read by students.
Hashirama suddenly looked up.
His eyes were clear and full of conviction as he gazed at Minister Molotov.
"If all of this can truly be achieved—then I will gladly fight for the World Government!"
...
At the same time—
Different developments were unfolding across the shinobi world as time went on.
Over four thousand Kumogakure shinobi, led by the Third Raikage, had joined forces with the samurai army of the Land of Iron under Mifune's command.
In the snow-covered Mountains' Graveyard, amidst blizzards and biting cold, they clashed endlessly with wave after wave of White Zetsu emerging from underground.
"So strange... Why isn't the Impure World Reincarnation working?"
In the distance, half of Black Zetsu's body protruded from beneath the snow. Staring at the thunderous battlefield ahead, he muttered to himself in confusion.
Earlier, he had tried to summon two powerful souls from the Pure Land to aid in battle. But to his surprise—not a single reaction.
At first, Black Zetsu assumed it had been a casting error on his part.
That too seemed unlikely, but still within the realm of possibility.
But after attempting the summoning multiple times, he confirmed the problem wasn't with him.
He then began to suspect something was wrong with the Pure Land itself.
Yet according to the White Zetsu agents hidden in Konohagakure, the two resurrected by Orochimaru—Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama—were still freely active and completely unharmed.
This left Black Zetsu utterly baffled.
Could a jutsu still fail even when executed correctly?
Even now, he couldn't summon Uchiha Madara in advance.
"Mother... how am I supposed to rescue you?"
For the first time, Black Zetsu truly felt overwhelmed.
All of his plans had been completely upended by the appearance of the World Government.
Was he going to have to silently observe for another few centuries and start scheming all over again?
...
Elsewhere—
Jiraiya, Uchiha Fugaku, and their team finally arrived in the Land of Bears, only to discover that the situation was far worse than intelligence reports had suggested.
On their way here, they had heard that the joint forces of Sunagakure and Iwagakure had successfully blocked the Ghost Army at the border of the Land of Demons.
But now?
More than half of the Land of Bears had already fallen, and the forces of Sunagakure and Iwagakure were being pushed back again and again.
They didn't even have time to pitch tents. In fact, they were so drained of chakra that they had barely used Earth Release techniques to build shelter.
Many shinobi were simply huddled together or finding makeshift places outdoors to rest.
"How could things end up like this...?"
Jiraiya quickly sought out Rasa, who was wrapped in layers of bandages.
The newly appointed Fourth Kazekage sat slumped on a stone chair, exhaustion written all over his face.
The bandages wrapped around him were clearly stained with blood, making him look utterly haggard—
"Phew... So the people from Konoha have finally arrived."
Rasa exhaled in relief, then said, "The situation here has changed. Please be patient and listen to me first."
Over the next few minutes—
Jiraiya, Uchiha Fugaku, Akimichi Chōza, and the other Konoha jōnin listened carefully as Rasa laid out the details. Yet, one by one, their brows furrowed.
A rogue ninja from Takigakure claiming to be from the same era as the First Hokage—who had even fought him and lived to tell the tale?
This man, named Kakuzu—his words might still need to be verified.
But the fact that he was able to injure the Fourth Kazekage was proof enough of his strength.
Fortunately, the battle had provided them with a good amount of intel on him.
If they faced him again, it would surely go more smoothly.
That said, the Kazekage mentioned that Kakuzu might be associated with the 'Cult of the Evil God'.
Apparently, Kakuzu also possessed a strange form of 'immortality'.
Uchiha Fugaku, however, was more concerned with another group tied to his clan—the Chinoike Clan.
According to the secret records he had read, the Ketsuryūgan dōjutsu possessed by this clan could rival the three-tomoe Sharingan.
"Besides all that," Rasa added, lowering his voice with a weary shake of the head, "there are two major issues with these Ghost Army creatures. Honestly, they're the reason we've been losing ground nonstop."
"One—they seem endless. No matter how many we destroy, more keep coming."
"Two—they don't need food or rest. They just keep advancing and fighting around the clock."
"But we shinobi aren't like that. Even if we try to rest in shifts, we can't keep up with this horde of walking rocks!"
Jiraiya nodded solemnly. "So, is the front line currently being commanded by Iwagakure's jōnin Kitsuchi?"
"Yes."
Rasa replied, "Though he was ambushed earlier by a few 'Fanatics of the Evil God,' he only sustained minor injuries and still managed to smash their bodies to pieces."
"It's said he originally intended to use Earth Release to bury them 100 meters underground, but then three black-clad individuals—claiming to be agents of the World Government—showed up and took them away."
He paused briefly, then added: "Also, aside from Kitsuchi, the front line was reinforced last night by shinobi from Hoshigakure."
"Even though their commander calls himself the 'Third Hoshikage,' which sounds laughable, the technique they use—'Peacock Method'—is actually quite interesting."
"It activates chakra in a unique way, creating powerful bursts of energy and granting the ability to fly. It's a valuable asset in the current situation."
In truth, that final detail was the main reason Rasa had chosen to tolerate this so-called Hoshikage.
"A shinobi village native to the Land of Bears, huh...?"
"In that case, we of Konoha will take over the battle from Sunagakure!"
Jiraiya sprang into action without hesitation, turning to Uchiha Fugaku.
"I'll deal with Kakuzu. You and your Sharingan will handle the Ketsuryūgan. Any objections?"
"None. In fact, we're quite curious about the Ketsuryūgan," Fugaku replied calmly.
The Uchiha jōnin standing behind him looked just as eager, their crimson eyes flickering with excitement.
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