Chapter 114: Black Zetsu's Helplessness
Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:
patreon.com/ZeroMoney
I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated.
******
"I understand."
Gaara nodded helplessly. After a moment of blankness in his eyes, he looked toward Hashirama.
"Our Sand Village is willing to join the Senju Nation!"
Gaara had thought this through clearly.
No matter what.
As the Fifth Kazekage, he had to consider the entire Sand Village.
If they did not join the Senju Nation.
The Sand Village would likely face destruction.
The example of the Cloud Village at their feet was a clear warning.
They could not easily stand against Hashirama Senju.
At this point.
The Mizukage of the Mist Village, the Tsuchikage of the Rock Village, and the Kazekage of the Sand Village had all made their declarations.
"We…"
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was about to make his statement, but was interrupted by Hashirama.
"You don't need to say anything because you have no choice."
Hashirama didn't even glance at the Third Hokage. This wasn't about the Third Hokage personally; the Senju Nation was to be based on Konoha Village.
That was the foundation.
There was no room for the Hokage to have a say.
"Uh…"
The Third Hokage was momentarily stunned, giving an awkward smile. He had indeed intended to make a statement.
"Since everyone has no differing opinions, the Fourth Hokage Summit officially concludes here."
"You each need to provide me with your reports. Make sure to finalize them promptly and don't make me come to your villages personally. At that point, it won't be so easy to negotiate."
"As for the Senju Nation…"
"I will notify you when it is established. Only then, if you actually come to participate, will you be considered as having joined. If anyone acts like the Raikage and stands me up, heh heh heh!"
Hashirama did not say any harsh words but simply gave a cold smile. The chilling aura in his laughter caused everyone to shiver.
There was no need for more threats.
Everything was clear.
The ruins at their feet.
Were the best proof!
After speaking, Hashirama slowly rose, glanced at the clouds that seemed so close, and lightly clapped his hands.
Clap, clap, clap...
As Hashirama clapped his hands, everyone in the room was extremely tense.
"The Fourth Hokage Summit is now officially concluded."
Hashirama had said everything he needed to say; now it was time for action.
He had warmed up with words.
Now, it was time to act.
With that, Hashirama turned to Tsunade, smiled slightly, and gently ruffled her hair.
"Grandpa has other matters to attend to and won't be returning with you."
After finishing his sentence, Hashirama's figure flashed and disappeared, leaving the confines of the Cloud Village.
Whew!
With Hashirama's departure, everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief, feeling much lighter. However, thinking about their respective tasks still left them uncertain about the future.
---
In a certain part of the Land of Lightning.
Hashirama was swiftly navigating through the trees. Having concluded the Fourth Hokage Summit and having his Senju cells reach over 70%, he had made significant progress.
"Ying~"
At that moment, a chirping sound was heard. The little creature with wings fluttered behind Hashirama.
"Host, why didn't you just complete those two S-rank missions directly?"
The little creature tilted its head in confusion, clearly puzzled by the situation.
The host had stopped earlier to issue missions quickly.
Wasn't that a chance to complete the tasks?
Why didn't he just finish them?
The creature had hoped that Hashirama would complete both S-rank missions in one go!
"It's not that simple!"
Hashirama shook his head with a sigh. In good spirits, he began to explain, "The Fourth Hokage Summit was just a prelude to completing those two missions. Whether unifying the ninja world or establishing the Senju Nation, it's not something that can be accomplished merely by talking with a few people."
"Then how will it be done?"
The little creature asked with curiosity. It was eager for the host to complete the tasks quickly so that it could also reach its full capacity and restore the system's functions.
"It requires some time."
Hashirama said calmly. Unifying the ninja world was not the same as destroying it.
There were still many tasks to be completed.
Even with great power, everything cannot be achieved instantly; it still requires time.
"So, where does the host plan to go now?"
The little creature inquired about other matters. Previously, it could gauge the host's route based on mission directives.
Now, with these three long-term tasks, it was unclear where the host intended to go.
"I'm not going anywhere; I'm just moving to a quieter place to catch up with an old friend."
Hashirama smiled slightly, and with a flash of his figure, he quickly entered a forest at the foot of a mountain in the Land of Lightning.
Soon after.
Hashirama stood on the ground.
The area was deserted.
Moreover, he had never been here before.
"Come out."
Hashirama's calm voice echoed through the forest, sounding almost like a monologue.
After a moment.
A mass of dark, shadowy substance emerged from a gap in the ground, forming a dark figure in front of Hashirama.
"Lord Hashirama, what is your plan?"
A hoarse voice spoke.
The voice belonged to Black Zetsu.
The tone was extremely respectful, using formal language.
"You saw everything just now, didn't you?"
Hashirama looked at Black Zetsu casually. After dismissing him earlier, he had sensed that Black Zetsu had not actually left but was instead silently observing him.
It didn't matter.
This wasn't a big deal.
Hashirama was quite willing to demonstrate his power in front of Black Zetsu, letting him see just how formidable he was.
Black Zetsu had watched the entire process, observing every detail.
The Raikage was dead.
The Cloud Village was gone.
The remaining Four Kages had completely surrendered.
The tailed beasts were on the verge of falling into Hashirama's hands.
All signs indicated that if Black Zetsu wanted to successfully resurrect his mother, Kaguya Otsutsuki, he would have to cooperate with Hashirama.
Even if it were possible to revive Uchiha Madara, Black Zetsu had no idea what might happen afterward!
Based on Black Zetsu's understanding of Uchiha Madara, Madara was ruthless and decisive against anyone, but Hashirama Senju elicited different feelings.
After all...
Hashirama was the first person to look back and truly understand Madara!
Black Zetsu had learned this move from Hashirama, but now, facing Hashirama, he had no counter.
"I saw everything."
Black Zetsu nodded, acknowledging calmly. With the situation having reached this point, it was no longer something he could just endure.
This person who had emerged from the Impure World Reincarnation.
If he gathered all nine tailed beasts.
What would happen afterward, Black Zetsu had no idea.
Black Zetsu had been watching the ninja world for a long time. Since the Sage of the Six Paths scattered the Nine-Tails, they had only been gathered once.
That time was accomplished by Hashirama Senju!
(End of Chapter)