Chapter 266: Bringing Peace to the Entire Ninja World
"Since you've put it that way, wouldn't I look like a coward if I left?"
"His rhetoric is still quite childish, but he truly has the spirit of youth!"
Inoichi Yamanaka looked at Naruto on the stage and smiled.
That girl Ino's taste... is indeed not bad.
Just as a satisfied, subtle smile appeared on Inoichi's face, out of the corner of his eye, he happened to glimpse Hyuga Hiashi in the seat next to him.
He saw Clan Chief Hiashi staring intently at Naruto on the stage, the muscles on his usually stern and stiff face twitching slightly.
An opportunity!
Hiashi, oh Hiashi, you were the one who failed to seize this opportunity.
"The Sixth Hokage is right!"
He first spoke with finality, affirming Naruto's core point, then his voice became even more impassioned:
"Hidden Leaf Village has no cowards!"
These words, like the beating of war drums, struck heavily upon the hesitant hearts of many!
"We've had enough of past humiliations! We don't need a false peace with undercurrents surging!"
Inoichi's gaze swept over his colleagues who were still reeling in shock, before finally looking firmly at Naruto:
"The Yamanaka Clan pledges to follow the Sixth Hokage to the death!
We are willing to go through fire and water, sparing no effort for the true peace and dignity of Hidden Leaf Village!"
Akimichi Choza turned his head sharply.
Wait, man, you're going all-in just like that?
Aren't you going to hear what Shikaku has to say?
Nara Shikaku, who was just about to reach out and pull Inoichi Yamanaka up, was stunned.
It didn't seem like his old friend had just seen the light; it felt more like he'd suddenly become enlightened.
Well, Naruto is his recognized son-in-law, so that explains it.
Who says Naruto is young?
Naruto is incredibly strong right now!
Didn't you see that among the former Hokage in front, no one except the Third has spoken?
With his massive Chakra, Wood Release, Flying Thunder God, Sealing Techniques, and a vast array of Forbidden Jutsu, Naruto might not be invincible, but he is certainly one of the top experts in the world today.
Moreover, the several Hokage clearly agreed with what Naruto said.
Coupled with the dead frequently rising again lately, it was truly terrifying.
Even if Naruto died in battle for Hidden Leaf Village, as long as Orochimaru lived, Naruto could rise again.
How could the other Villages possibly hope to fight Hidden Leaf Village?
To achieve greatness and establish a legacy, the time is now!
"Choza, get up."
Shikaku called out to Choza and then stood up.
More and more people stood up.
Damn, the Sixth himself is willing to lead the charge, and you're still being picky?
Do you really have no backbone left!
Hasn't Hidden Leaf Village shed enough blood in the three Great Ninja Wars? Between the Five Great Nations, if not for shared interests, they would have long been irreconcilable mortal enemies!
Now, with an unprecedentedly strong leader like the Sixth and his absolute power, the benefits of annexing or suppressing the other four hidden Villages are far greater and more stable than continuing to cooperate with those four "allies" who each have their own agendas and might stab them in the back at any moment.
Just do it!
Even more Ninjas, whose families had lost loved ones in past conflicts, had tears in their eyes and clenched their fists.
To avenge our fallen fathers and brothers, today is the day!
"Regarding the cooperation with the Land of Snow and the introduction of railways and supporting technologies, I leave that entirely to the Fourth Hokage."
Naruto's gaze turned to Minato Namikaze sitting in the front row.
Minato Namikaze showed a gentle and solemn smile and nodded: "Understood."
"Within Hidden Leaf Village, the logistical coordination, resource allocation, medical support, intelligence transmission, and the construction and management of temporary defense systems for wartime and post-war occupied areas will all be overseen by the Second Hokage."
Naruto's gaze turned to the cold-faced, sharp-eyed Senju Tobirama beside him.
"I believe you can establish the most efficient and stable logistical and internal support."
Senju Tobirama snorted coldly, but a glint of 'at least you know your stuff' flashed in his eyes as he replied crisply: "Leave it to me."
He wanted to see what Hidden Leaf Village had become now.
"As for the supreme temporary authority over Hidden Leaf Village itself and the supreme civil administration over occupied areas during foreign operations," Naruto looked at Senju Hashirama, who had been watching everything cheerfully as if reminiscing about the glorious days of the past.
"I leave that to the First Hokage to temporarily handle. With your prestige and the absolute power of the 'God of Shinobi,' you are more than enough to suppress any potential internal or external threats, ensuring the safety of our rear."
Hashirama thumped his chest very seriously this time: "Go with peace of mind, Naruto! Leave the Village to me!"
His existence itself was the strongest reassurance and deterrent.
Moreover, protecting the Village was Hashirama's long-held wish, for which he had once completely broken with his best friend.
"Finally,"
Naruto's gaze turned to Jiraiya.
"Collecting and analyzing the movements of the other four great nations, assessing their possible reactions to Hidden Leaf Village's actions, and formulating corresponding diplomatic, intelligence, and countermeasure plans—this crucial intelligence and strategic assessment work will be handled by the Fifth Hokage."
Jiraiya nodded.
"Alright, if there is any intelligence, I will immediately pass it to the Fourth via the toads."
Having deployed these strategic tasks, Naruto's gaze finally fell back on Nara Shikaku.
"Senior Shikaku," his tone took on a hint of formality, "please draft a Declaration of War."
Shikaku's expression turned solemn as he listened intently.
"The core gist of the declaration: recount the Grass Ninja Village's past betrayals and secret damage to Hidden Leaf Village's interests.
Clarify Hidden Leaf Village's determination to break the old order of humiliation and defend its own dignity and true peace with force; announce a punitive military action against the Grass Ninja Village, and use this as an opportunity to show Hidden Leaf Village's new stance to the entire Ninja World."
Naruto paused and added, his tone decisive:
"Tomorrow morning, I will take this Manifesto and set out for the Land of Grass. You all start slowly purchasing food supplies and marching toward the Land of Grass.
I went to the capital a couple of days ago and have already convinced the Daimyo.
There's no need for any worries about the home front."
He didn't say anything more to boost morale, but simply used two of the most concise and powerful words to conclude this Hidden Leaf Village high-level meeting destined to go down in history:
"Now, meeting adjourned."
"To your duties."
As the words fell, Naruto was the first to turn and leave the podium without hesitation. His golden figure quickly disappeared into the side passage entrance, leaving behind a decisive and powerful silhouette.
...
After returning home, Naruto began packing his things.
Though he said he'd leave tomorrow, in a while he would go to Nara Shikaku to press for the Declaration of War, and then set off for the Land of Grass tonight to deliver it.
The attack would be launched on time tomorrow morning.
Just as Naruto was packing, a hand was placed on his shoulder.
"I'm going too."
The newcomer was none other than Uchiha Hikari.
"You told me before that the entire Ninja World would soon welcome a truly lasting peace.
I want to bring true peace to the entire Ninja World with you."
Loving Book So Far? Check Out 30+ Advanced Chapters At PA Treon
patreon.com/FictionOP