The Konoha Eleven stared at the latest headline from the Shinobi World Times in stunned silence. The article detailed how the Land of Fields had united with the Lands of Waves, Grass, Taki, Iron, and Moon to form a new Shinobi Federation Government. Chiba Mokushū had been appointed as the head of state, overseeing both military and political affairs.
The Shinobi World Times was a publication Hyuga Gakuya had commissioned. With experience from two lifetimes, he understood all too well the importance of controlling public opinion.
Within a year, the paper had spread to every corner of the shinobi world, backed by wireless radio stations for long-range broadcasts.
"Wait, does this mean Mokushū has basically become a daimyo?" Naruto asked, puzzled as he held the paper.
Shikamaru caught the deeper implication.
"No, it's even more than that. A daimyo usually shares power—military and political leadership are separated in the Land of Fire. But Chiba Mokushū has both. He's not just a daimyo now—he's also essentially a Kage."
He broke it down in simpler terms for the others in the room.
"So, Mokushū is already a national leader… Man, when will I get to be like him?" Naruto muttered, his gaze lingering on the picture of Hyuga Gakuya standing on a high platform, addressing a cheering crowd. The look in his eyes revealed a longing—not just for power, but for recognition from the people of Konoha.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. That's at least a hundred times harder than becoming Hokage, he thought.
He couldn't help but wonder how those six daimyos had agreed to relinquish all their authority and become mere figureheads. Unless…
A chill ran down his spine.
Did Chiba Mokushū use genjutsu? That kind of mass manipulation would be a direct challenge to the entire shinobi world. Controlling six daimyos like that—it was a move so bold it bordered on reckless. If the Five Great Nations felt threatened enough, they might unite to crush the Federation.
No matter what, the Land of Fire's daimyo was probably seething. Shikamaru feared the Hokage might try to emulate Mokushū and declare himself a head of state too.
Meanwhile, Hinata stared quietly at the photo. Mokushū-kun had climbed to a height she could barely comprehend. She clenched her fists. If she wanted to keep up, she'd have to train harder—much harder.
...
Iwagakure
Onoki, the Tsuchikage, lounged leisurely in his chair. Even with the Federation established, it didn't border the Land of Earth, so it posed no immediate threat.
What worried him more was the Land of Lightning. His old friends in Kumogakure were already being hemmed in near their border. He guessed they were probably mobilizing troops by now—there was no way they'd let the Moon Country's gate fall into enemy hands.
As for the Land of Earth's daimyo, who was demanding immediate military action against the Federation? Onoki decided on a slow burn—he'd start with a month of war mobilization, just enough to show "sincerity." Then, once he saw which way the wind was blowing, he could decide whether to backstab someone and pick a side.
...
Sunagakure
Chiyo sighed as she read the intel. Even if she wanted to go to war, she had neither the strength nor the resources to do so.
After the assassination of the Fourth Kazekage, Chiyo had temporarily stepped in as the acting Kazekage.
Sunagakure was weaker than ever. The loss of their Kage wasn't their only problem—the Land of Wind's daimyo had slashed their military budget too.
They'd already had to cut most of their spending just to maintain their current number of shinobi.
Just then, someone burst into the Kazekage's office, beaming with excitement.
"Lady Chiyo! The daimyo has agreed to increase our military funding—on the condition that we join the war against the Federation!"
"Excellent!" Chiyo sprang to her feet. This war had to be fought. Even if they lost, Sunagakure had to make a move—especially against a newly born political entity.
"Contact Kumogakure. We need to coordinate a joint offensive."
...
Kirigakure
Mei Terumi licked her lips as she looked at the intel, her gaze lingering on the striking side profile of Hyuga Gakuya.
"Handsome. Shame he's probably not going to live much longer. Pity... could've been a good catch."
With that, she tossed the report aside and turned back to her paperwork.
The Land of Water was far removed from the mainland, and none of this turmoil would reach them. Frankly, Mei hoped the rest of the nations would fight each other to pieces. That'd be ideal.
...
Kumogakure
The Fourth Raikage, A, clenched a dumbbell in his left hand while gripping a stack of intelligence reports in his right. He pumped the weight rhythmically, trying to suppress the anger simmering within him.
But when he finished reading, he finally snapped. With a roar, he slammed the dumbbell down. The reinforced floor cracked under the impact.
"Mobilize the troops. We attack the Land of Moon—immediately!"
Beside him, Killer Bee broke into a freestyle rap:
"Big bro says he's a heroBut this time's gonna be zeroFace us in a fightHe'll go down like a weirdo—yo!"
"You're not going," A cut him off coldly. "I'm leading this army myself."
Bee pouted. "Aw, bro, you always do this. I guess I'll just keep training—solo style…"
But he didn't press the issue. He was already planning to sneak off under the radar and head to the frontlines on his own.
Mabui entered the room. "Lord Raikage, we've received a message from Sunagakure."
"Give it here."
A scanned the letter quickly. Chiyo was proposing a coordinated assault.
"Hmph. Tell her the Land of Lightning doesn't need her help. Prepare the troops. We march on the Land of Moon in one week!"
"Yes, sir!"
...
Three Days Later – Federation Conference Room
Hyuga Gakuya stood at the head of the table, surrounded by top Federation officials. A large map of the shinobi world was spread before them.
Konoha remained silent. But both Sunagakure and Kumogakure had fully mobilized their forces. The Federation now had to fight on two fronts.
Defeating both nations wouldn't be too difficult—the real goal was to make a statement. A decisive, overwhelming victory was needed to shock the Five Great Nations and force them to recognize the Federation's legitimacy.
"Kabuto."
"Supreme Leader," Kabuto Yakushi replied respectfully. After training under Danzō, one of his arms was now completely wrapped in sealing bandages.
"You'll take charge of the Sunagakure front. Command a force of five thousand troops."
"Mui will lead the Prisoner Corps. Each inmate will receive a disposable Sage Art Seal and a diluted dose of Hero Water from the Research Division."
"Yes, sir!" Kabuto and Mui both bowed in unison.
Kabuto had not only used science to create an organ that absorbed natural energy, he had also harnessed part of the power from the Box of Ultimate Bliss. His left arm had been willingly corrupted by it, granting him command over the monstrous creature known as Satori.
To put it bluntly, Kabuto's current strength was nearly on par with his peak in the original timeline. Even if the One-Tail showed up, he could hold his own.
With the battlefield in the Land of Grass under his control—300 elite prisoner-level jōnin plus the monsters from the Box of Ultimate Bliss—Hyuga Gakuya felt confident.
Sunagakure, weakened by military cuts, posed little threat. Their only edge might be in sheer numbers at the lower ranks. But when it came to elite forces and gear, the Federation held all the cards.
"The Land of Moon front—I'll lead it myself. Mifune will command two thousand samurai, while Mogi Shinobu will lead four thousand shinobi. We're also deploying Fu, the Seven-Tails jinchūriki."
Former Taki leader Shibuki stepped forward, concern in his voice. "Sir, about Fu…"
Before he could finish, Mogi Shinobu grabbed him by the collar.
"Are you questioning the Supreme Leader's judgment?"
"N-not at all…"
Hyuga Gakuya's voice cut through the tension.
"Mogi Shinobu, let him go. The council exists to voice concerns. Shibuki is just worried for his comrade. It's understandable."
He gave Shibuki a reassuring look. "Trust me. I'll ensure her safety."
The Land of Moon battlefield was the true crucible. They'd be up against at least two jinchūriki capable of full transformation, possibly even the Raikage himself—and the average strength of Kumogakure's forces was no joke.
But Hyuga Gakuya was supremely confident. If it came to that, he'd simply unleash his full power. Silver Wheel Reincarnation Explosion—and the battlefield would be his.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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