Chapter 129: The Ninja Tournament

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Hashirama came and went in a flash.

He arrived quickly.

And left just as swiftly.

He didn't linger at all.

The purpose of his visit to the Land of Rain was to check on the Akatsuki's current progress and to inform them about the Senju clan's affairs.

Mission accomplished.

There was no need for further delay.

Now, he was returning to Konohagakure.

Since the Land of Rain is adjacent to the Land of Fire and is relatively small, Hashirama could make the round trip in no time at all.

"I wonder if I can learn new jutsu now?" Hashirama mused while traveling. Although he currently could use jutsu, they were all basic techniques from his original world.

Indeed.

Wood Release is a basic technique.

As for other elemental techniques, Hashirama didn't know any.

"I wonder what it would be like to learn Edo Tensei. However, what I really want to master is the Flying Thunder God Technique. That jutsu is just too cool."

Hashirama began to dream about it.

Before long.

Hashirama returned to the area around Konohagakure, his appearance shifting back from the Fourth Raikage to Senju Hashirama.

On the way.

He didn't encounter anyone.

It was a long, empty cosplay.

However.

It was also a precautionary transformation.

At this time, the Senju clan was on the verge of establishment, and with the Akatsuki beginning their hunt for Tailed Beasts, Hashirama felt it was safer not to be seen interacting with the Akatsuki.

Upon re-entering the barrier around Konohagakure.

The ninja guarding the village's barrier felt a powerful chakra surge through, immediately breaching the thin membrane of the barrier. He gasped in surprise and then gave up resisting.

This wasn't the first time.

Not long ago, he had felt Hashirama leave.

Now, Hashirama was back.

It was no longer surprising.

The First Hokage had never bothered to lower the barrier, simply barging in and out as he pleased. Perhaps he enjoyed it that way.

After entering Konohagakure, Hashirama headed straight to the Hokage's office.

At this moment.

Jiraiya and Nara Shikaku were in the office.

They were analyzing the power structure of Konohagakure.

Knock, knock, knock...

The gentle knocking interrupted Jiraiya and Shikaku's thoughts, and their gazes immediately turned toward the Hokage's office door.

Soon after.

The door opened.

Hashirama, dressed in orange-red battle armor, walked in, catching the attention of both men and causing them to become stiff.

"Lord First Hokage!"

Jiraiya and Shikaku both stood up simultaneously, greeting Hashirama with serious expressions, looking very earnest.

"Hmm."

Hashirama nodded in acknowledgment, walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down opposite them.

"Please, sit and speak."

"Yes, sir!"

Jiraiya and Shikaku replied in unison, then both sat down straight, as if they had returned to their student days.

"Here's the current situation."

"We can't wait for half a month."

"That's too long."

"Shikaku, start drafting the scrolls now. In ten days, we will hold a ninja conference in Konohagakure."

"The conference will have two main topics."

"Those two topics we discussed earlier: the Hokage and the Senju clan."

"Each ninja village must send at least one influential ninja to represent their village."

"Not just the villages."

"Each nation must send at least one representative."

"Send out the scrolls immediately."

Hashirama gave these instructions with utmost seriousness, without any hesitation. With the Akatsuki already on the move, there could be no more delays.

The matter of hunting the Tailed Beasts.

Would undoubtedly attract the attention of the entire ninja world.

When that happens.

The progress of establishing the Senju clan will be affected.

This will directly impact the resurrection process.

"Understood!"

Shikaku immediately took note of Hashirama's words, his expression growing even more serious as he quickly recorded all the details.

"Um…"

"Lord First Hokage."

"Isn't it a bit excessive to invite so many people?"

"Perhaps it's enough to invite only the major nations and villages."

"Smaller villages are unlikely to send representatives."

"In that case…"

Shikaku looked up at Hashirama, feeling that including every village was unrealistic.

The same goes for nations.

Neutral countries like the Land of Iron.

Rarely participate in ninja world activities.

It's almost certain.

They won't send anyone.

"It's fine, I'm just waiting for them to make me a target!"

Hashirama waved his hand casually. He sought to establish a legitimate rule over the ninja world, creating the only country in the ninja world.

Without any justification.

It would be considered invasion.

"By the way."

"There's one more thing."

"When you send the scroll to Onoki, the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure."

"Add a little extra message."

"His promise needs to be fulfilled!"

Hashirama didn't clarify his words too much, leaving them somewhat ambiguous. At least, Shikaku didn't fully understand.

He only knew that the Tsuchikage, Onoki, had made some kind of promise.

But he had no idea of the specifics.

"Understood."

Shikaku recorded everything. From just these few sentences, he could almost foresee the major changes that would occur in the ninja world in ten days.

"Jiraiya, in the coming days, you must ensure that Konohagakure is fully under control. The village's power should not be too dispersed at this time."

Once Hashirama had given all his instructions.

There was nothing more to discuss.

The only thing left was to wait for the ninja conference in ten days.

…

Soon after.

Nations and villages in the ninja world received invitations from Konohagakure. These invitations were all handwritten by Shikaku, signed by Konohagakure.

Of course.

It deliberately mentioned Senju Hashirama.

In Kirigakure.

In the Mizukage's office.

When Mizukage Terumi Mei saw the scroll, a seductive smile appeared on her lips, and she pressed her fiery red lips onto one of the names on the scroll.

This scene.

Left Chojuro, standing behind her, stunned.

"Finally, it's here."

Terumi Mei immediately stood up and walked outside, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"Mizukage-sama, the ninja conference might be very dangerous. It says that only one representative from each village is needed. Shouldn't I go instead?"

Chojuro volunteered, not because he wanted to go or was particularly brave, but because he wanted to take on the risk for Terumi Mei.

"No need."

Terumi Mei casually shook her head, her smile growing more pronounced. She said, "I must attend this ninja conference personally!"

With that.

Terumi Mei, under Chojuro's watchful gaze, headed toward the office door.

"But… the conference is very dangerous!" Chojuro tried to stop her, his eyes filled with deep concern.

"Chojuro, if I don't return, you'll be the Sixth Mizukage!"

Terumi Mei suddenly turned, blowing a kiss to Chojuro, looking exceptionally cheerful as she prepared to pack her bags.

(End of Chapter)