Chapter 194

"Has it been half a year already? It's hard to believe."

Second Hokage Tobirama's thoughts were quite the opposite to those around him. He muttered to himself, prompting curious glances from those around him.

"What have you been up to lately?" Hashirama asked, unable to hide his curiosity. "You've been working so much lately that time seems to have lost all meaning for you."

Tobirama, perpetually sleep-deprived with dark circles under his eyes, had been absent from the chats for a while, rarely appearing to socialize. This was unusual, especially for someone as disciplined as him who loved to ridicule Madara and Hashirama about their stupidity any chance he got.

Hashirama, knowing his brother's personality well, found it puzzling. Despite Tobirama's serious demeanor, he usually enjoyed engaging in conversations. But lately, it seemed like Tobirama was isolating himself, locked away in a secret room, busy with something mysterious.

The other Hokages shared similar thoughts. Tobirama's recent behavior struck them as odd. However, Tobirama himself appeared unfazed by their concerns. "Really? It doesn't feel like I've been doing much. Just the usual research," he replied calmly.

The others were at a loss for words. They knew Tobirama's penchant for research was well-known, but his recent intensity was something else entirely.

"It's not easy for them to take me down this time!" Uchiha Madara exclaimed excitedly. "Do any of you have confidence in the progress of your worlds? I feel like I'll be number one this time! Hahaha!" His laughter echoed through the room, his confidence unmistakable.

Naruto enthusiastically responded, "The number one spot is mine this time! No doubt about it! After all, I did great my first time, and I will get excellent results the second time!" His confidence was infectious, though it caused some of the other Hokages to reconsider their standings.

Naruto's bold claim wasn't without reason. His world had developed significantly in science, something none of them had forgotten from the previous visit. Naruto had achieved impressive results even as a newcomer, and if it weren't for Ryan's exceptional performance, he might have taken the top spot.

The other Hokages, though initially confident, couldn't help but feel a bit of doubt. They remembered the level of scientific development Naruto's world had reached, and seeing it firsthand had shaken their confidence.

"Alright, let's focus," Ryan interjected, calming the excitement that had built up over the past six months. "It's almost time for everyone to start ranking."

The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the center of the conference room, ready for the results. Waiting for the rankings to start!

[Do you want to open the world ranking?]

The familiar voice of the chat group echoed.

"Let's start!" Ryan commanded confidently.

As his voice fell, the light curtain in the center of the round table began to shift and change. Countless words appeared, arranging and combining in an instant. The results were imminent, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the light curtain in front of them.

[World leaderboard ranking begins]

[Participating worlds: the First Hokage Hashirama, the Second Hokage Tobirama, the Third Hokage Kakashi, the Fourth Hokage Ryan, the Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato, the Fifth Hokage Tsunade, the Road to Ninja Tsunade, the Sixth Hokage Kakashi, Tsukyomi world Hokage Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Madara's World, 5.5th Hokage Sasuke, the Seventh Hokage Naruto]

[Please note!]

[The rewards of the leaderboard are proportional to the power level of the participating worlds!]

[To earn better rewards, increase the overall strength of your respective world as much as possible!]

The chat group issued a general reminder. All twelve Hokages were present, their expressions tense with expectation. 

The rewards for the top three rankings were undoubtedly the most lucrative, with the first place offering the most significant advantages. Each Hokage hoped to claim that top spot.

Even if they couldn't secure first place, being in the top three was still a significant achievement. Over the past six months, everyone had been intensely focused on improving their world's strength, striving to ensure a good ranking in this crucial meeting.

Soon, under the intense gaze of everyone, the light curtain revealed a line of large characters. When the words appeared, the Hokages' faces displayed mixed expressions, with some unsurprised and others showing disappointment. Ryan, however, wore a faint smile.

[First Place: Fourth Hokage Ryan's World!]

Upon seeing this ranking, Uchiha Madara and the others sighed in resignation.

Hashirama shook his head in disbelief, his eyes wide with astonishment as he took in the news. "Seriously? It's Ryan's world again?" 

Madara let out a deep, resigned sigh, his shoulders slumping as he took in the results. "I can't believe it. I thought I had a chance this time!" he murmured, the frustration and disappointment evident in his expression. He had been so sure that this time would be different, but the top rank eluded him once more.

Tsunade's eyes narrowed, her frustration barely contained as she exclaimed, "Who would have thought it would be that Ryan kid again?" Her tone was a mix of irritation and amazement, unable to wrap her mind around how Ryan managed to stay at the top despite the fierce competition.

Naruto's frustration was palpable as he clenched his fists, his face a mask of annoyance. "This is so frustrating," he muttered under his breath, feeling the sting of disheartenment. 

The Hokages voiced their frustrations one after another. Despite Ryan's world consistently ranking first, they still found it disheartening. Especially the most ambitious Hokages, who had dedicated themselves over the past six months to making their worlds stronger, were visibly disheartened.

Yet, there was still a sense of determination among them. If they couldn't achieve first place, they could still aim for the second or third spots, which also came with extra rewards. The thought of obtaining additional rewards offered a small consolation and kept their spirits from plummeting entirely.

"Come on, let's see what Ryan's world has developed into," Uchiha Madara said curiously. He wanted to understand the extent of the gap between his world and Ryan's. Even if he couldn't get first place this time, knowing these gaps would help him strategize for the next ranking.

Meanwhile, Ryan was in a jubilant mood. Securing first place again confirmed that the grand prize of this meeting would be his. He was eager to see what kind of rewards awaited him.

At that moment, the voice of the system echoed: [Do you want to showcase the major developments of your world?]

Ryan nodded in response. "Let's display the strength of my world."

With Ryan's agreement, the screen in the center of the room began to shift, revealing the world of Ryan as it gradually appeared on the screen.

[The major developments of fourth Hokage Ryan's world are about to begin!]

[3!]

[2!]

[1!]

As the countdown ticked down, the Hokages focused intently, eagerly awaiting the display of Ryan's world power. Finally, the countdown ended, and the power showcase of Ryan's world officially began. All eyes were glued to the screen, waiting to witness the results.