"Effort determines success. I hope everyone here can embrace this mindset: Man can conquer the heavens!"
Hui spoke earnestly.
He was reminded of his previous life's nation, one that firmly believed in the idea that human will could overcome even the might of nature.
They worshipped many deities, but in their mythology, gods were born from humans, and gods could also be defeated by humans.
In their myths, when faced with natural disasters, people seldom prayed to gods. Instead, they relied on their own strength to overcome nature.
This was a spirit, a great spirit that allowed that nation to stand at the pinnacle of the world for thousands of years.
Hui felt it was essential to pass on this spirit in this world.
Hearing his words, everyone in the meeting room was shaken once more.
They all nodded solemnly at Hui, a gesture of their promise to him.
"Let us return to the previous topic, about governing this world's nations and villages.
"First, this world is vast, and it's impossible for Konoha personnel alone to manage everything.
"Although we have outwardly conquered the entire world, what they fear is our overwhelming power.
"If we send Konoha's people to govern, the few we dispatch may appear to command obedience on the surface, but it is certain they would face covert resistance, an appearance of compliance, but defiance in secret.
"After all, many people harbor hatred toward Konoha.
"Our unification of the world essentially means we have destroyed their countries and villages.
"Thus, regarding the governance of nations and villages, my plan is to abolish all national names entirely. Going forward, the world will be organized by villages as the primary units.
"The concept of nations and their noble titles will also be abolished completely, and all aristocratic systems will be dissolved.
"As for the current officials of the various countries, they will remain in place temporarily.
"Furthermore, I will first divide the entire world into five major regions.
"The regions will be named after the five great nations: the Region of Fire, the Region of Earth, the Region of Wind, the Region of Water, and the Region of Lightning.
"The purpose of these names is to give people a sense of belonging.
"After dividing the world into five major regions, I will appoint five regional leaders to oversee all affairs within their respective territories.
"The primary task of these five leaders will be to stabilize and control their regions.
"To enable them to complete their tasks more effectively, they will be granted both military and administrative powers.
"They may assign personnel to manage various areas within their regions as they see fit.
"As for the methods of governance, after the five regional leaders are confirmed, they will form their own teams and propose plans to be discussed at the next meeting.
"Remember, regardless of the region, one principle must be upheld: the rule of law.
"And the ultimate goal of governance is to align with Konoha!"
Hui's declaration was like dropping a bombshell.
Five major regions and five regional leaders, this announcement caused many in the room to feel an immediate surge of ambition.
"Now, let's discuss the candidates for the five regional leaders. Please step forward if you believe you are qualified."
Hui's words made everyone in the room subtly hold their breaths.
"I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Minister of Konoha's Comprehensive Department of Management, recommend myself."
Hiruzen rose immediately, speaking without hesitation.
This was his dream. Once, he had aspired to become Hokage to lead Konoha's people toward a brighter future.
Unfortunately, that dream could no longer come true.
After becoming the Minister of the Comprehensive Department of Management, however, he found a new way to channel that ideal.
Over the years, Hiruzen had performed his duties diligently, sparing no effort.
In this role, he had managed Konoha's comprehensive affairs with exceptional skill. Konoha's current development owed much to him.
After all, Hui merely set the grand direction, defined overarching goals, and broke them into smaller objectives.
But how to ensure that the villagers accomplished those objectives? That was something Hui left entirely in the hands of his ministers.
Hiruzen had undoubtedly proven himself capable.
Returning to Hiruzen, as the Minister of the Comprehensive Department of Management, he had poured his heart and soul into his work, dedicating himself tirelessly without regret.
Now, he faced an even larger stage.
A stage far greater than what Konoha had offered, a platform that could fulfill his ambitions and ideals.
This was an opportunity he could not miss, would not miss, and did not want to miss.
"I, Sakumo Hatake, Minister of Konoha's Administrative Department, recommend myself."
Sakumo also stood up and spoke.
Truthfully, he wasn't particularly eager to take on the role of one of the Five Regional Leaders.
He preferred to stay in Konoha, spending time with his family and enjoying life with his friends.
However, he understood that the position of the Five Regional Leaders was far too important.
It required extraordinary abilities and strength to fulfill its duties.
Among Konoha's populace, his combined abilities and personal strength were among the best.
In such a critical moment, when someone like him was desperately needed, he had to step forward.
"I, Uchiha Fugaku, Minister of Konoha's Police Department, recommend myself."
Uchiha Fugaku also stood up and spoke boldly.
This former admirer of Hui had grown into a capable adult, now serving as the head of the Uchiha Clan and the Minister of Konoha's Police Department.
His admiration for Hui remained unwavering, he admired Hui's strength, vision, and the bright future he had brought to Konoha.
Even in his twenties, he still regarded Hui as his life goal and spiritual role model.
Now, presented with an opportunity to change the lives and futures of many across the world, he was equally unwilling to let it pass by.
"I, Shimura Danzo, Minister of Konoha's Legal Department, recommend myself."
Danzo, too, stepped forward to recommend himself.
Though his mind was now filled with laws and legal principles, his original dream had been to become the village's leader.
This opportunity rekindled that ambition, and he was not about to let it slip away.
"I, Hyuga Hizashi, an elite ninja of Konoha, recommend myself…"
One by one, individuals stood up, most of them being clan heads from Konoha's major ninja clans, recommending themselves for the position.
The role of the Five Regional Leaders was one that, whether for public or private reasons, no one wanted to miss.
Of course, not everyone chose to recommend themselves. Some nominated others.
Most of these nominations were for Hiruzen and Sakumo.
After all, as the Minister of the Comprehensive Department and the Administrative Department, these two had long impressed others with their capabilities.
Even Tobirama felt a momentary urge to nominate himself.
However, he ultimately gave up on the idea.
Compared to managing a region, he was more interested in researching techniques, particularly the Eight Gates Sage Ascension Technique, natural energy, and the Otsutsuki Clan's physiology.
Orochimaru held a similar view.
Rather than becoming a regional leader, he preferred staying in his laboratory.
He had governance capabilities comparable to those of Sakumo and Hiruzen but chose to dedicate himself to his research instead.
As for Tsunade, she had no interest in the position.
Her sole desire was to remain by Hui's side.
As the self-recommendations and nominations came to an end, the meeting room gradually fell silent once more.
Everyone turned their gaze to Hui, awaiting his decision.
Hui considered the input for a moment before speaking.
"After evaluating everyone's suggestions and my own thoughts, my decision is this: Sakumo Hatake and Sarutobi Hiruzen will serve as two of the Five Regional Leaders.
"Minister Danzo will remain in the Legal Department, but with expanded responsibilities. You will establish five sub-departments across the five regions, handling legal matters for the entire world.
"As for the remaining positions, they will remain undecided for now. Those interested in becoming one of the Five Regional Leaders must prepare detailed governance plans. At the next meeting, you will present your proposals, and we will decide collectively."
This decision left Hui confident in Sakumo and Hiruzen, but he wanted to see governance plans from the others before making further appointments.
Those aspiring to be regional leaders nodded, their minds racing to formulate effective plans for governing the Five Regions.
Hui then spoke again:
"Now, let's proceed with the division of the Five Regions."
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