Impure World Reincarnation

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With these words from Hashirama, it was almost as if the game between Tsunade and the others had come to an end. Instantly, everyone focused their attention back on Hashirama.

Or rather...

Their attention had never really shifted.

They had no interest in continuing the card game with Tsunade.

Especially Onoki, who held a golden shuriken in his hand. His thoughts had already drifted far beyond, contemplating the upcoming changes.

Playing cards was trivial.

Winning was a given.

This gave Onoki a sense of disorientation.

If disputes in the ninja world could be settled with a card game, he would certainly be the god of the ninja world.

"Consider yourselves lucky!"

Tsunade gathered the cards from the table and tucked them back into her chest. She spread her hands and shrugged, as if wishing the others good luck.

Then, she returned to her seat.

After a brief pause, the Fourth Hokage Summit resumed its previous state, with everyone's gaze firmly fixed on Hashirama, awaiting his next words.

"I'll be straightforward!"

Hashirama glanced around at everyone present. At this point, he was too tired to beat around the bush.

He had two S-rank missions awaiting him.

"I will establish a new, super-ninja nation based on the village of Konoha, called the Senju Nation."

"Now, I am formally extending an invitation to all of you."

"Join us in the Senju Nation."

"In the future, you will be part of the Senju Nation's ninja village."

"Of course."

"I never force anyone. If you do not wish to join the Senju Nation, you are under no obligation to do so."

"Participation is entirely voluntary!"

Hashirama spoke with an air of nonchalance, as if discussing an everyday matter. Yet, his words sent shockwaves through everyone's hearts.

Over sixty years ago,

Hashirama Senju dismantled the existing system where ninja were organized by families and founded Konoha, integrating many clans into the village.

This approach,

Temporarily ended the chaos of war.

It allowed the various clans within the village to consider each other family, forming bonds and becoming important partners.

This method was emulated by other villages, leading to the formation of major ninja villages.

However...

While Hashirama Senju was alive, the major ninja villages coexisted peacefully. But after his death, conflicts between ninja evolved from family disputes to village-wide wars.

The number of participants increased.

The scale of battles grew larger.

Casualties became more severe.

In the past, the warring states period was characterized by chaos among ninja, but in the era of ninja villages, it evolved into large-scale ninja world wars.

Such developments were inevitable!

As long as there are still enemies,

The war will never truly stop.

This time,

Hashirama Senju proposed the creation of a ninja nation, integrating all major villages into this new nation.

While the people present were surprised, they couldn't help but inwardly sigh, realizing that no one could simply follow the trend this time.

Establishing a ninja nation is not something that can be done on a whim!

No one at the scene made a declaration. Each village was currently affiliated with other countries, and there were too many complications involved to summarize simply.

Not making a declaration

Did not equate to denial.

Everyone present was lost in their own thoughts. Even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, understood that Hashirama was not on his side.

"It will take some time before the Senju Nation is officially established. This period will be your time to consider."

"You can take your time to make a careful choice."

"Will you stand by my side"

"Or stand against me?"

Hashirama's tone remained calm, but his words caused the people present to become completely unsettled.

This was essentially a showdown!

Either be allies or face annihilation.

It seemed like there was a choice.

But in reality, there was no real option.

"I am willing!"

Suddenly,

Kurotsuchi, with her emerald-green eyes and a smile on her lips, was the first to express her stance.

"Very good!"

Hashirama nodded approvingly, giving Kurotsuchi a look of appreciation. Her early decision was far better than the previous one who had considered betraying him.

"We... We of the Iwa Village are also willing to join the Senju Nation!"

Onoki quickly followed suit, making his position clear. As an old man and the current Tsuchikage, his thoughts were no longer just about himself.

He had to ensure the continuation of Iwa Village.

Aligning with the Senju Nation would inevitably offend the Land of Earth.

However,

Refusing to join the Senju Nation would mean offending the Senju Nation instead.

Since any choice would lead to making an enemy, it was better to choose the lesser of two evils.

"Mm."

Hashirama nodded indifferently, lacking the enthusiasm from earlier, as if everyone was begging him to join the Senju Nation.

"I..."

Gaara stared at Hashirama, hesitated, and stopped after saying just one word. His eyes reflected uncertainty.

After a moment,

Gaara took a deep breath,

Summoned his courage,

And asked.

“If our Sand Village joins the Senju Nation, can you spare Shukaku?”

Gaara's face was filled with anxiety. While he valued life as little more than a mere trifle, it did not mean he felt the same about his own.

Before meeting Naruto,

Gaara had only loved himself.

But since meeting Naruto, his perspective had changed.

Especially during the Chūnin Exams, when Gaara had a fierce physical clash with Naruto in the Forest of Death. He had nearly exhausted all his strength, but after Naruto's final, forceful assault, he had bled profusely.

It was at that moment

That Gaara truly understood the meaning of life, found his reason for existence, and gradually grasped the essence of love.

Although... that wasn’t Gaara's first experience!

His first time

Had been with Sasuke, who was excessively forceful.

With his lightning-charged hand, Sasuke had pierced through with no subtlety, only pain. It was nothing compared to the depth and soul-shaking impact of Naruto's clash.

Gaara was no longer the person he once was. He now cherished his life more and understood that losing Shukaku would mean his own death!

“No.”

Hashirama shook his head decisively, his dark eyes fixed on Gaara.

“These are two different matters.”

“Shukaku is something you Sand Village owe me from past events.”

“Joining the Senju Nation is your Sand Village’s choice for the future.”

“Whether the Sand Village joins the Senju Nation or not,”

“Shukaku,”

“Is a different issue.”

Hashirama’s tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt. His voice was clear to everyone present, including Shukaku within Gaara.

In that moment,

Gaara felt an overwhelming sense of fear.

It created a strange illusion,

As if

Hashirama Senju was the true terrifying beast, and Shukaku was merely a suffering little fox.

(End of Chapter)