The elites at the scene chattered endlessly until Ren arrived, and then everyone fell silent.
This leader of Uzushiogakure had a reputation that shook the entire ninja world. Within the village, he had implemented several systems and was the most respected figure in the nation.
"Everyone, I've called you here today to end our status as a neutral nation," Ren said directly.
Though surprised, the crowd didn't argue. They waited for him to continue.
"I know you may have questions, like the promise I made to other nations about remaining neutral. But that agreement is now void. Why? Because I am the strongest. Is that acceptable?" His words were full of authority.
"Ren-dono is so commanding," some of the women murmured. Though middle-aged, Ren still looked young, making many fans in the room swoon.
"Ren-sama, how should we participate in this war?" Shikaku asked. War needed a reason, especially if a neutral nation was abandoning neutrality.
"Just be ready for combat. The reason will become clear soon," Ren replied.
At that moment, Shikaku thought of Ren's daughter, Yuki, who had once been their comrade.
"Also, though the Uzushiogakure is strong, I still need to inform you of this." Ren handed out a stack of papers.
They were death benefits for those who might die on the battlefield. The recipient line was blank, meant for them to fill in themselves. The weight of the papers made everyone's hearts slow. War was closer than ever.
"Command will be under Shikaku," Ren began assigning roles for the upcoming battle.
"Yes," Shikaku stepped forward to accept the task.
The reconnaissance units would be led by Hyūga and Uzumaki. The Ino-Shika-Chō team formed a small squad. Each unit had its own mission, and soon everyone went to prepare.
"What? I'm stuck with reconnaissance?" Kushina said with little enthusiasm.
"Isn't reconnaissance fine? You won't be on the front lines as often," Hyūga male said.
"I want to fight," Kushina rolled her eyes.
"Darling, once Yuki learns the truth, she'll definitely dislike you," Akie sighed, her worry for their children growing.
"She will only know that a father who loves her will handle all her mistakes," Ren said with satisfaction.
"You're such a doting father," Akie rolled her eyes at him.
Ren didn't respond. He headed toward the location where the Tailed Beasts resided. Over the years, they had grown too comfortable, and it was time to make them contribute to the Uzushiogakure.
...
Uzumaki Yuki was indeed powerful, but not strong enough to intimidate the ninja world like Ren.
Trying to stop a war alone was basically just running from one fire to another—there was no way to truly put it out.
Though the ninja of the Four Nations were fighting, they coordinated well. Whenever Uzumaki Yuki approached, they would retreat individually.
Whenever she moved to another location, it was the same. She had all the strength in the world, yet couldn't unleash even a fraction of it.
Konoha.
"Hiruzen, you can use Uzumaki Yuki to win this war," Danzo said coldly. Konoha's situation was grim. The village had barely survived the First and Second Ninja Wars.
Now, with the loss of White Fang, Konoha's strength had sharply declined.
The Uchiha and Hyuga were focused on self-preservation, many elite ninjas refused to fight, and the smaller clans lacked power. Konoha's current strength was in a very awkward position.
If this continued, Konoha would undoubtedly lose. If it lost, its territory would be divided, which was unacceptable.
Hiruzen inhaled deeply, not arguing with Danzo. He knew Konoha's situation well. The village must never fall while he was in charge, and he would not hesitate to use any dirty method necessary.
"Hiruzen, Konoha cannot lose." Danzo's words struck straight at Hiruzen's heart.
"Huff… Danzo, leave no traces," Hiruzen said, resolute. For Konoha, he could do anything.
"Yes," Danzo replied and left. The next step was to set up a scapegoat. The target had already been chosen: the neighboring Wind nation, which posed the greatest threat to Konoha.
The ninja of the Uzumaki Nation waited for the right moment to enter the war, and the situation in the ninja world became relatively stable. Major conflicts no longer occurred.
Meanwhile, Ren traveled alone to the Land of Demons. With its high priestess, he was unconcerned about the ninja world. With his clones monitoring the area, nothing could go wrong.
Even though wars had broken out several times, this nation had remained untouched. Ren knew why: the high priestess here and the monstrous spirits were beyond what the ninja world could handle.
Thus, the major nations tacitly treated the Land of Demons as neutral, and no wars occurred here.
"Lord Ren, the high priestess requests your presence," a man said, approaching as if he had already expected Ren's arrival.
"Mm." Ren followed him. This place was less a nation than a small village. All resources were devoted to dealing with the monstrous spirits, leaving development slow.
They walked to the shrine, where inside sat a young girl.
"Thank you for coming such a long way, Lord Ren." The high priestess sitting on the high platform bowed to Ren.
"I…"
The maiden interrupted, "I am Miroku, the high priestess here. Lord Ren, please rest for a moment. I already know the purpose of your visit."
"Is that so." Ren stiffened slightly. This was the first time he had felt completely seen through like this.
"Hehe, Lord Ren, do you feel like you've been seen through?" The girl said teasingly.
"Ha, by the way, isn't your ability to foresee events before a person dies? Now it feels like you can see the future itself." Ren scratched his head. He was middle-aged, yet a young girl had seen right through him.
"Where did you hear that, Lord Ren? That's completely wrong. I only saw that in my future, I would come into contact with you." Miroku explained her ability as a high priestess.
"Aren't all high priestess able to foresee things?"
"Yes, but the content we foresee differs. I cannot see other people's futures. But in return, I can foresee my own future, whether good or bad." Miroku explained.
"So you know your own ending?"
"I knew before, but after foreseeing your existence, Lord Ren, everything changed." Miroku said softly.
"Do you believe in fate?" Ren asked with curiosity. People with future prediction ability usually experience what they have seen. They cannot avoid it, which is why it is called unavoidable fate.
"Yes, and no." Miroku nodded, then shook her head.
Seeing Ren confused, she continued, "Lord Ren, I would call this ability observing the possibilities of the future. If it were fate, it would not have changed completely the moment I foresaw your presence."
"You are remarkable."
"No, Lord Ren, you are remarkable." Miroku smiled at him.
As for the bodyguard, he was completely bewildered. He didn't understand a word the two mysterious people were talking about.
He felt deeply confused but could not ask, which made him even more uneasy.
**********
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