Chapter 264: Double Agent
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
(There is a poll on P.atreon for all members, so just join as a free member if you're interested to vote. It is about whether to finish this story first or add a new one that would have a slow release until this current one is finished)
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The air seemed to freeze for a moment. No one had expected Colt to still say that.
Senju Hashirama didn't understand, so Tobirama whispered to him what it meant.
He then scratched his head thoughtfully and spoke up.
"So even if we agree unanimously, we still need your approval?"
In that case, what's the point of the meeting in the first place?
Colt nodded and replied, "To some extent, that's true, but the situation isn't as bad as you think. I have a lot to manage, and for minor issues, you don't need my input. You can handle those based on the majority vote."
"If there's something I disagree with, I'll step in and correct it."
Clapping his hands, Colt continued, "In short, no need to find me for small matters. As for major issues, I'll express my stance."
Terumi Mei looked at him and asked, "What's considered a major issue?"
Colt tilted his head in thought before answering, "Say, destroying the world?"
Everyone felt a chill.
He waved his hand, smiling.
"Just teasing you lot! I'm not that evil."
Everyone groaned internally.
Who jokes about destroying the world?
In the case he'd want to destroy it, they would disagree, but with his veto power, they wouldn't be able to do anything…
Colt ignored them and asked, "Does anyone object to my policy? If so, speak now."
The four Kage exchanged glances, and finally, the experienced Onoki spoke up.
"Basically, what you've said is acceptable, but..." His gaze shifted to the Konoha representatives, who made up the majority of the candidates.
A trace of frustration crossed his face.
"Isn't Konoha a bit overrepresented? Doesn't this upset the balance?"
Colt scoffed as if he'd heard a ridiculous joke.
"Balance? Why should we be in balance in the first place? Do you think I'm as soft as the First Hokage?"
Hashirama's face darkened.
"Onoki, everyone else," Colt continued.
"This isn't the old era. Power is the future, and I... I am the most powerful of all!"
Colt stood up, and everyone tensed.
Madara, even more excited, rose as well.
"Why not just kill all who disagree? I've been saying for a while now that it's too much hassle. If we eliminate them, the rest will fall in line!"
Being too excited, he went and summoned his Susanoo before Colt even replied.
Seeing this, Sasuke activated his own Susanoo, the two colossal figures locking eyes.
The Kages guards from the other villages scrambled to protect their respective leaders.
They knew they couldn't withstand an attack from the two Uchiha, but they would die defending their Kages.
The atmosphere grew tense, and the Konoha ninjas instinctively drew their weapons.
Only Hashirama hesitated.
He didn't want it to come to this.
Things had been going so well—how did it escalate now?
"Calm down," Onoki said, raising his hands in surrender, trying to ease the tension.
"I'm only raising a concern, no objection here." He forced a smile, but his eyes never left Madara.
Of everyone present, besides Colt who was at lease reasonable, Onoki feared Madara the most.
He still remembered when he and the Second Tsuchikage had attended the first Five Kage Summit, only for Madara, in a foul mood, to unleash the Susanoo and nearly kill them both. That incident haunted Onoki to this day.
The other Kages remained silent, cursing Onoki internally for stirring things up.
Colt, satisfied that no one else dared to challenge him, sat back down.
"Since no one has any objections, this matter is settled."
With no one brave enough to resist any further, the rest of the discussions proceeded smoothly.
The first decision was the eradication of the nobility.
Information was gathered from the Anbu of the five great villages, and nobles were judged based on their actions.
Those who had behaved properly would only lose their titles and privileges.
Those beyond redemption? Their wealth would be confiscated, and they would simply 'vanish'.
Next was the integration of government across all nations.
The workload was immense, as the ninja world consisted of many countries, from small ones like the Land of Demons to larger nations with vast cities and villages.
However, Colt wasn't concerned with these details.
He appointed the Nara clan to lead the effort, supported by intelligent talents from other villages.
Two hours later, the general framework was established, and the meeting adjourned.
Gaara and the others left the room with weary expressions, preparing for the upcoming transitions in their respective nations.
Although they had anticipated the changes, facing them still felt overwhelming.
The Konoha delegation also departed, leaving the vast room empty except for Colt and Shion.
As she sat beside him, Shion asked curiously, "Aren't we leaving? Koyuki might be getting impatient."
The two had become close over time.
Colt shook his head.
"We're waiting for someone."
Shion, though puzzled, remained silent.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a small figure peeked in.
It was Onoki.
Seeing the room was empty, Onoki sighed in relief and hurried in, shutting the door behind him.
"Colt-sama, that was good acting earlier, wasn't it?" His tone was completely different from earlier, full of flattery.
Colt smiled, stepping down from the platform to sit opposite Onoki, adopting a friendly demeanor.
"As expected from the longest-reigning Kage, your performance was superb."
Onoki chuckled.
"Oh, it was nothing. Your overwhelming strength is what subdued the ninja world."
"Had it been Madara or Hashirama in charge, we'd all have resisted."
As they exchanged pleasantries, Shion watched in astonishment.
Weren't they just at each other's throats? Now they were talking like old friends.
'What was going on?'