Konoha: The Soul King from the Uchiha Clan

Two weeks later, in Konoha Village, at the Hokage Building, Konoha's high-ranking officials entered the small conference room one after another, including Kushina Uzumaki.

Once everyone had arrived, Uchiha Gen, wearing the Hokage hat and the Hokage robe, strode confidently into the small conference room.

"Hokage-sama!"

Apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi, the previous Hokage, who was theoretically on equal footing, everyone else stood up and bowed.

Uchiha Gen nodded slightly: "Please be seated, everyone."

After Uchiha Gen sat down, everyone else sat down as well.

Uchiha Gen asked in a deep voice, "Orochimaru-sensei, how is the C1 research project progressing?"

The code C refers to Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation), and 1 refers to restoring the original as much as possible and strengthening the power of the Edo Tensei user.

Orochimaru smiled confidently and said, "Although it hasn't reached the point of being enhanced, it's almost a 100% accurate recreation."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Gen praised, "As expected of Orochimaru-sensei, your research progress is completely on par with my plan."

"It's not entirely my credit; Dou contributed a lot to the C1 project."

"Then credit him for this."

The others who overheard the conversation between the master and apprentice were completely confused and wanted to hear it more clearly.

Tsunade glared at Uchiha Gen and yelled, "Hey, what's Project C1?"

Uchiha Gen smiled slightly and said, "Don't be in a hurry, you'll find out in a little while."

Tsunade rolled her eyes: "So mysterious, it doesn't sound like anything good..."

Uchiha Gen didn't seem to mind. After coughing twice, he said seriously, "Let's begin the meeting now."

Upon hearing this, everyone perked up and focused their attention on Uchiha Gen.

With so many people gathered here, today's meeting must be about something important.

"More than ten years have passed since the Third Shinobi World War. Now, the major shinobi villages have either recovered to about 70-80% or have completely recovered their strength."

"It's foreseeable that the Fourth Shinobi World War isn't far off..."

"Because the other ninja villages have been coveting the land of the Land of Fire for more than just a day or two, they won't give up."

"In my opinion, instead of passively waiting, it's better to take the initiative and nip the problem in the bud!"

Upon hearing Uchiha Gen's words, those who disagreed with him or had only just heard about him all turned pale.

"Does the Hokage intend to start a war?"

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other two could speak, Kakashi, as the leader of the Jonin team, couldn't hold back and spoke first, his face serious.

The Third Shinobi World War left a very deep shadow on Kakashi, making him extremely sensitive.

Uchiha Gen said with a half-smile, "Why, is it not allowed?"

"Other ninja villages have initiated battles more than once or twice, and they have invaded the Land of Fire more than once or twice."

"If the enemy can go, so can I!"

Kakashi, his expression extremely grave, said, "I oppose starting a war."

"Konoha's peace is hard-won and cannot be easily destroyed. Once war breaks out, countless families will be torn apart and lives lost..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Kakashi an approving look; Kakashi truly possessed the Will of Fire.

He then glanced at Uchiha Gen with a gloating look. "Tikakashi is the leader of the Jonin class, and he opposes you on his very first speech. He's really shooting himself in the foot."

Even as his thoughts raced, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't forget to express his support for Kakashi and his opposition to Gen Uchiha's instigation of war.

After Hiruzen Sarutobi expressed his opposition, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Jiraiya followed suit.

Orochimaru expressed his support, as did the Deputy Chief of Police, Uchiha Setsuna.

The remaining members, such as Tsunade, Nara Shikamaru, and the others, were conflicted and did not immediately express their opinions.

Although the majority of people opposed it, Kakashi and the others were not very happy, because as Hokage, they could act arbitrarily.

If Uchiha Gen insists on going his own way, they will have no choice but to obey orders, as openly disobeying orders will have very serious consequences.

Therefore, Kakashi and the others frantically winked at Tsunade and the others, hoping to gain their support.

Only in this way is it possible to change Uchiha Gen's mind...

Uchiha Gen leaned back in his chair and said with a faint smile, "You've misunderstood."

"This war is different from the past. We will not deploy a large force of ninjas beforehand. Only Konoha's elite forces will be deployed. The main force will only be used for cleanup afterwards."

"My idea is for Konoha's top combat forces to launch a direct surprise attack on the major ninja villages, using overwhelming power to break through their defenses and force their leaders to surrender."

"Then take control of the high-ranking officials of the major ninja villages, causing the main forces of the major ninja villages to lose their core combat power and command system."

"Finally, by utilizing the high-ranking officials of the major ninja villages, absolute power, and the families of the ninja villagers, we can force the main force of ninjas to surrender through a three-pronged approach."

"If handled well, it's not impossible to unify the five great ninja villages without losing a single person..."

"To tell you the truth, I've already taken care of Sunagakure."

"Sunagakure has decided to surrender to Konoha and integrate its vassals into Konoha."

"Now, the power of Sunagakure is the power of Konoha!"

Everyone was stunned by Uchiha Gen's power, speechless and dumbfounded; some even lost the ability to think.

Silence fell over the small conference room. After a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a hoarse voice, "You personally forced Sunagakure to surrender using force?"

Uchiha Gen scoffed, "What else can we use besides force?"

"Are we trying to force Sunagakure to surrender through love, justice, tolerance, and mutual understanding?"

"The Five Great Ninja Villages are powerful, but in reality, they aren't as powerful as you imagine..."

"Gurgle..."

Upon hearing Uchiha Gen's words, the sound of drooling clearly echoed in the small conference room.

The power that forced a great ninja village to surrender was beyond their comprehension...

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and the others remained silent, their expressions complex, their hearts trembling.

Could it be that the most direct method is really the most effective method?

Forcing a major ninja village to surrender and merge into Konoha is something that no Hokage has ever accomplished before!

Perhaps the First Hokage had the ability, but his principles prevented him from doing so.

Therefore, this is the first time in history that such a thing has ever happened. If it is true and spreads, the man's reputation will probably skyrocket to an unimaginable height...

This is a world-changing event!

If Sunagakure were to truly integrate into Konoha, as long as the interests of both sides are properly coordinated and guaranteed, their respective combat strengths can be fully utilized.

So why should Konoha fear taking on three opponents at once on the front lines?

At that time, the ninja world will probably become a bipolar world, and small ninja villages will only be able to rely on one side or the other, with no room for maneuver.

Even forming a small ninja village alliance cannot counteract the bipolar structure. Neither side will allow any force that might gain an advantage to exist; they will definitely be the first targets to be attacked!

"I'm telling you, my mind is made up to start a war, and no one can change it."

"The reason for holding this meeting is to unify thinking, consolidate resources, facilitate follow-up work, and prevent anyone from delaying the resolution of the issue."

"Nowadays, it seems that language alone is still somewhat insufficient."

"Let's go, I'll show you the power I've prepared to deal with the Five Great Shinobi Villages and unify the shinobi world..."

"After reading this, I believe you will have no more doubts."

After saying this, Uchiha Gen stood up from the Hokage throne and walked towards the door.

Seeing this, the others suppressed their complicated thoughts and quickly got up to follow.

A series of piercing creaking sounds rang out, and the small conference room was soon empty...

(End of this chapter)