Inside the Hokage Building, Ryan sat in the Hokage's seat, his head pounding. He glanced over the piles of documents in front of him, his attention caught by reports concerning the Mist, Rock, and Cloud Shinobi—each preparing for their next move. The Third Ninja War was fast approaching.
Since being transmigrated into the world of Naruto and acquiring a range of abilities, Ryan had spent countless hours practicing ninjutsu, refining chakra, and learning from his sensei-Tsunade. He had even saved Uzumaki Kushina from certain doom. Over time, he had carefully positioned himself to become Hokage, all in preparation for the war he knew was coming.
Despite having reached the pinnacle of Kage-level strength, Ryan knew it wasn't enough. The powerful foes emerging in the later stages of the Naruto series—beings capable of destroying the entire ninja world—far surpassed his current abilities. Even with his kage level strength, he was unsure whether he could end the upcoming war.
Ryan had achieved his level of power without resorting to shortcuts, making him a standout among transmigrators. Just as he pondered how to confront the looming conflict, a sudden ding interrupted his thoughts.
Ding!
First Hokage Senju Hashirama has joined the group chat.
Second Hokage Senju Tobirama has joined the group chat.
Fifth Hokage Tsunade has joined the group chat.
A series of strange mechanical noises echoed in Ryan's mind. Still nursing his headache, his eyes widened as a brilliant rainbow light flashed before him. The long-awaited cheat had finally arrived.
In an instant, Ryan found himself standing in the middle of a vast white space. Before him loomed a massive round table, resembling the legendary Knights of the Round Table.
"Welcome to the Konoha Hokage Chat Group," a notification echoed in the room.
This chat group was unlike anything Ryan had ever imagined. It was a place where members could exchange information, intelligence, and supplies. It existed to provide cross-world assistance to its members. As the group's leader, Ryan was granted the ability to invite others, call meetings, and remove members as needed.
The message continued, explaining that the group needed at least five members to unlock the world leaderboard feature, and ten members to activate the conquest mode, allowing them to invade other worlds.
Intrigued, Ryan processed the information. He'd read about similar chat groups in fanfiction, typically restricted to one world. But this one had the potential to conquer other worlds. While it wasn't exactly like the stories he'd encountered, it was still impressive—an unexpected tool for the challenges ahead.
Ryan quickly realized that the members of this chat group were unlike those he had encountered in other stories. Instead of random characters from other animes, only the Hokages of Konoha were gathered here. In the future, they could potentially join forces to visit other worlds—a unique opportunity for anyone who is stranded in another world.
The only regret Ryan had was that the cheat had arrived too late. He had already become Hokage on his own, without its assistance. As he observed the virtual screen in front of him, Ryan glanced over the current list of members.
Group Members:
Fourth Hokage—Ryan (Group Admin)
First Hokage—Senju Hashirama (Group Member)
Second Hokage—Senju Tobirama (Group Member)
Fifth Hokage—Senju Tsunade (Group Member)
Surprisingly, three of the Hokages pulled into the group were from the Senju clan. Ryan couldn't help but smirk at the thought of replacing Tsunade with the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. It would be interesting to see how Hashirama and Tobirama would react when they learned that their beloved apprentices had wiped out the Senju clan. Given Tobirama's fiery temper, he imagined the man would be absolutely livid.
Ryan's attention shifted to the invitation button, which remained inactive, its dull grey color indicating that he couldn't pull any more members into the group for the time being. It seemed he would have to wait for the next meeting before the world leaderboard function could be activated.
Grasping the nature of the cheat, Ryan pressed the button to initiate a meeting. The chat group beeped in response, and a gate of shimmering light instantly appeared in the empty space before him.
...
In the Senju residence within Konoha Village, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, lay weakly on his bed. His wife, Uzumaki Mito, tended to him with gentle care, while his brother, Senju Tobirama, stood at the side, visiting.
"Ahem," Hashirama coughed, his voice fragile but filled with concern. "What's been happening in the village lately?"
Tobirama glanced at his older brother, his gaze laced with worry as he saw the toll Hashirama's health had taken. "Don't worry about the village, big brother. Your health is what matters most now. Other villages are likely watching your condition as well. If your health worsens, the ninja world might descend into chaos again."
Hashirama's gaze shifted to his frail body, and a sense of helplessness settled over him. His battle with Madara had left its scars, and his health had only declined steadily since. Time was running out.
Hashirama sighed heavily. "I've always tried to make peace… But if I'm gone, everything we built might just crumble. This world… it was always on the edge of destruction." His hand weakly clenched the sheets. "I wish I could do more, but I feel like I'm running out of time."
Tobirama's expression darkened, his usual sharp demeanor softening. "You've done more than anyone could ever ask, brother. But this—this world, it has always been fragile. I just hope the next generation can carry it forward." He clenched his fists, not for the first time questioning the fate of the village they'd worked so hard to build. "I won't let it fall apart easily, not while I'm still here."
Mito placed a soothing hand on Hashirama's shoulder. "Don't worry too much, dear. You've created something that will last. The people of Konoha won't let your dream be in vain."
Tobirama snorted, his tone more practical. "The dream, huh? It's always been more of a battle than a dream, big brother. Still, I'll see to it that we're prepared for whatever comes next. No matter how many times we have to rebuild it."
Hashirama gave a small, tired smile at his brother's stubbornness. "Always so serious, Tobirama. You're the one who will keep this place standing after I'm gone."
Before Tobirama could respond, a sudden, unexpected voice echoed in Hashirama's mind.
Ding.
You have joined the Konoha Hokage Chat Group. The group owner, Ryan, has called for a round table meeting. Please attend on time!
Startled, Hashirama's eyes widened, and he searched the room in confusion, looking for the source of the strange voice. There was nothing visible, nothing that seemed out of place.
Mito, ever calm, looked at him with concern. "What is it, dear? You look so confused."
Tobirama, frowning, turned his gaze from Hashirama to the room. "What's going on? Did you hear that, Mito?"
"No, I didn't hear anything," she said, puzzled.
Tobirama's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "That doesn't sit right with me. There are no chakra fluctuations, and there's no genjutsu. So what in the world is this voice?"
Hashirama's mind raced, and he focused on the thin screen that had appeared before him, displaying the words Hokage Chat Group. His curiosity piqued, and he decided to investigate further.
In the final moments of his life, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Hashirama gathered every ounce of strength he had left. "Count me in," he muttered, his voice resolute despite his weakening state.
The moment the words left his lips, a surge of vibrant, colorful light enveloped him. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, he was whisked away, and transported to the location of the meeting—leaving behind the world he knew.
Mito and Tobirama stood in stunned silence. Mito's hand went to her mouth, her eyes wide. "Hashirama..."
Tobirama grunted, a rare expression of frustration crossing his face. "I swear, big brother never listens." But there was a strange glint of concern in his eyes as he stared at the space where his brother had just been.