Chapter 75: I Gave Them a Chance!

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After bidding farewell to Kakashi and Sasuke, Hashirama refrained from continuing his leisurely stroll through the village.

There was no point.

Attracting too many people would be troublesome.

Soon after, Hashirama returned to the Hokage's office.

When he arrived, besides the Third Hokage, Nara Shikaku was also present.

"First Hokage!"

Both of them stood up immediately upon seeing Hashirama Senju enter, bowing respectfully.

"What are you discussing?" Hashirama first glanced at the Third Hokage, then directed his gaze to Nara Shikaku.

This man was the father of Nara Shikamaru, highly intelligent, the leader of the Jonin squad in Konoha Village, and an advisor to the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"First Hokage, we were discussing the success rate of the Five Kage Summit," Nara Shikaku replied.

"Tell me more," Hashirama's lips curled up, showing interest in the topic.

"According to my predictions, the success rate of this Five Kage Summit is extremely low. There's a high probability it will be either a Three Kage Summit or a Four Kage Summit," Nara Shikaku shared his thoughts.

"Explain in detail."

Hashirama narrowed his eyes slightly. To him, the significance of the Five Kage Summit lay not in the discussions but in the presence of the Five Kage. Both of his missions were related to them. Whether it was defeating the Five Kage together or individually, the key was having all five present. Missing even one would render the mission impossible!

Hmph!

Hashirama snorted internally. He had even put his name on the invitation; if anyone dared not to honor it, he wouldn't be polite.

Nara Shikaku gave Hashirama a deep look, nodded, and began to analyze the reasons.

"Hmm, we were just discussing this. From a historical perspective, the only complete Five Kage Summit was the first one you attended, First Hokage."

"Since then, the ninja world has held two more Five Kage Summits, but both were actually Three Kage Summits."

"This was due to the absence of a person with strong influence!"

"Such a person must either be someone within the Five Great Shinobi Villages who can command the respect of all Five Kage or someone outside the villages who can instill fear in all Five Kage!"

"Although the invitation this time bears the name of the First Hokage, the entire ninja world knows you have been deceased for many years. Therefore, it is unlikely that everyone will attend."

"That is my conclusion."

Nara Shikaku analyzed the situation methodically, approaching the problem from two angles.

In truth...

His thoughts were pretty close to the reality.

The first Five Kage Summit was held due to the overwhelming influence of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.

The fourth Five Kage Summit, during the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces, was due to the threat posed by Uchiha Madara. Even then, the Five Kage were not fully united.

The other two Five Kage Summits were smaller peace talks following the ninja wars, where they discussed ceasefire terms and compensation agreements.

"Who do you think won't come?"

Hashirama's face grew cold. As he asked the question, he was already mentally preparing for the possibility of some Kage not attending.

"Well… First Hokage, it's hard for me to say who might not come. The situation in each village is very tense right now. I can only predict who is likely to come," Nara Shikaku replied, rubbing his chin. This kind of prediction was challenging, but he would use his intelligence to make an educated guess.

"Then tell me who you think will come."

Hashirama was very curious about Shikaku's answer. He thought about the other four Kage but couldn't immediately guess who would or wouldn't attend.

"Among the Five Kage, the Hokage's presence is guaranteed. That goes without saying."

Nara Shikaku glanced in the direction of the Third Hokage, then took a deep breath, his eyes shining with thoughtful brilliance.

"Apart from the Hokage, the Kazekage will definitely come! The First Hokage was resurrected during the Chunin Exams jointly held by the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. Other villages might not believe it, but Sunagakure certainly will! Additionally, the Land of Wind has recently re-signed an alliance treaty with us. So, no matter what, the Kazekage will come. Even if they have to immediately select a new Kazekage, they will attend the summit."

Nara Shikaku analyzed seriously, presenting a well-reasoned and convincing argument.

"Another guaranteed attendee is the Tsuchikage from Iwagakure. The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, is even older than the Third Hokage. He is one of the few who lived through the Warring States period and deeply understands the strength of the First Hokage! Ōnoki is from the village founded by the First Tsuchikage and is a disciple of the Second Tsuchikage. This emotional connection is something other Kage do not have.

What I mean is…"

"The Third Tsuchikage will be very aware that the Third Hokage would not joke about the First Hokage's presence. Even though the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire have long been enemies, I believe he will come! Among the current Five Kage, only Ōnoki truly understands the significance of your name, First Hokage!"

"As for the others…"

Nara Shikaku shook his head and looked up at Hashirama.

"The Land of Lightning, situated in the northeastern coastal area, has always been at odds with the other nations. Since the Third Raikage, they have claimed to have the strongest Kage in the ninja world. After the first Five Kage Summit, they have never attended another one. I can't be certain if the Raikage will come."

"The Land of Water is even more problematic. The 'Blood Mist' reputation hasn't faded, and they remain completely isolated from the rest of the ninja world. I don't even know who the current Mizukage is, so I can't be sure if they will come."

"Therefore…"

"First Hokage, you must be prepared for the possibility that this could be a Three Kage Summit."

Nara Shikaku analyzed seriously, pointing out that the three countries he mentioned—Land of Fire, Land of Wind, and Land of Earth—are the ones with the most friction in the ninja world.

The Land of Rain, situated between the three major nations and the smaller nation, is caught in a geographic squeeze. Due to these geographical factors, the three major nations and the small one are frequent participants in every ninja world war.

"Interesting," Hashirama said, his eyes narrowing slightly. After Nara Shikaku's analysis, he had a clearer idea of the situation.

"This Five Kage Summit is organized by me personally!"

"If anyone fails to show me the respect I deserve…"

"I'll have no choice but to move the summit to their doorstep!"

As Hashirama spoke, he exuded a chilling aura, as if the temperature in the room had dropped significantly, creating a deep sense of pressure.

"First Hokage, what do you mean?"

The Third Hokage felt a buzzing in his head, sensing that something major was about to happen in the ninja world, but he couldn't quite grasp what it would be.

Hashirama sneered, his eyes flashing with a murderous intent.

"My meaning is quite simple!"

"If I can't invite them, then I'll have to go find them myself!"

"I've given them a chance!"

"I won't let the entire ninja world see me as a joke!"

"In just a few decades…"

"Do they dare to dismiss me?"

(End of Chapter)