Chapter 96: A Grand Goal
Chapter 96: A Grand Goal
Early the next morning, the newly appointed Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Dali, summoned the two senior advisors, the semi-retired Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the heads of Konoha's major clans.
His goal was simple—just two words: hold a meeting.
What kind of meeting?
A mobilization meeting, of course.
After spending the entire night thinking things through, Uchiha Dali decided it was time to take action—to unify the entire ninja world.
This was to better face the crises that lay ahead.
But the moment he voiced his plan, everyone in the office was left stunned, too shocked to speak.
It took quite a while before someone reacted, and it was Hiruzen Sarutobi who finally broke the silence.
"You intend to restart the war that we only just managed to end?" Hiruzen asked, staring intently at Uchiha Dali.
"It's not starting a war," Dali replied, spreading his hands. "I've made it clear—it's persuasion."
He repeated his earlier statements for everyone again, then turned to Namikaze Minato.
"Minato and I will personally visit the Land of Water, Land of Lightning, Land of Wind, and Land of Earth to engage the Kage of those villages and reason with them."
"I believe that with sincerity and goodwill, we can convince them to accept our proposal and help bring about peace and unity across the ninja world."
"Of course, the smaller nations and their shinobi villages also need to be contacted. I'm assigning that part of the task to all of you."
As he spoke, Dali looked toward Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, and the others.
He would personally handle the Four Great Nations, together with Namikaze Minato.
The clan heads would be responsible for approaching the smaller countries.
Given their capabilities, Dali believed they were more than up to the task.
This was the plan he had arrived at after a full night of deliberation.
Once he finished explaining, Sarutobi and the two advisors all frowned.
"What if they reject our proposal?" Koharu Utatane asked, concerned. "This could throw the entire ninja world into turmoil—possibly even ignite another war."
She, like the other high-ranking elders, thought Uchiha Dali had gone mad.
The heads of Konoha's noble clans clearly shared the same sentiment.
"I agree with the advisor," Hyuga Hiashi said, attempting to dissuade Dali. "We've just come out of a war. While we understand your ideal of unifying the ninja world, relying on strength alone won't make it happen…"
Nara Shikaku quickly added, "I think so too. We shouldn't be stirring conflict right now. We should be focused on economic development and allowing Konoha to recover."
When even Konoha's top strategist spoke up, the other clan heads naturally followed suit.
Unsurprisingly, nearly everyone was opposed to the idea.
Even Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Fugaku seemed visibly taken aback and confused by Dali's sudden proposal.
Though they didn't speak, it was clear they didn't support him either.
"I promise you, they'll cooperate obediently," Uchiha Dali said with a confident smile.
"Fourth Hokage, how can you be so sure?" Minato finally asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"Because we in Konoha possess the strength of martial virtue," Dali replied, locking eyes with him.
"I understand your concerns. The village is in no condition for another major conflict."
"But Konoha is badly weakened—aren't the other villages in the same state?"
"Anyway, I didn't call this meeting to solicit advice. What I've laid out isn't a suggestion—it's an order."
Dali's tone became sharp and unyielding.
The pressure emanating from him filled the office, rendering everyone silent once more.
They all understood: Uchiha Dali intended to unify the ninja world through overwhelming force.
Even if they were reluctant, none of them could object—what had just happened in the village was still fresh in their minds.
"How confident are you, exactly? Fourth Hokage?" Uchiha Fugaku finally broke the uneasy silence.
He wasn't fully on board with Dali's plan either, but knowing this man, he might actually pull it off.
With that in mind, he decided it was best to understand more before judging.
"One hundred percent," Dali said without hesitation. "You don't have to act right away. I'll go to the Land of Water myself and set the example. Once you see the results, you can decide whether or not to support me."
He gave a slight concession.
The clan heads exchanged surprised glances.
Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu all frowned even more deeply.
They couldn't understand why Dali would choose such a target.
The Land of Water had the most advantageous geography among the Five Great Nations.
Isolated overseas, it was largely shielded from direct threats by the other countries.
That made it a highly defensible nation.
If he were looking for a softer target, Sarutobi and the others would have expected him to choose the Land of Wind.
"Three days."
Before anyone could object again, Uchiha Dali raised three fingers.
"I only need three days to give you a clear answer."
He smiled confidently.
What more could they say at that point?
"This is too risky. What is your true goal in unifying the ninja world?" Hiruzen asked.
"To end war and bring lasting peace to the world," Dali replied. "Haven't any of you ever thought about that?"
"There's a massive gap between ideals and reality," Homura Mitokado finally interjected. "Wishing for something doesn't make it so."
"Then let's wait and see," Uchiha Dali said, unwilling to argue further.
Let the results speak for themselves—actions would be far more persuasive than words.
The office fell silent again.
No one knew how to talk him out of it.
After a while, it was Nara Shikaku, the strategist, who finally spoke.
"Fourth Hokage, we're willing to support your decision and your grand vision to unify the ninja world—but we have one condition."
"If you can fulfill it, then we'll give our full support, no questions asked."
(Support me and read ahead on Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslation. Thanks for your support! Don't forget to send Power Stones—300 Power Stones = +1 bonus chapter!)