The next morning, dawn broke over Konoha.
Golden sunlight streamed through the Hokage Office windows, bathing the room in brilliant light. Yet it could not dispel the heavy pressure lingering in the air, so thick it almost felt tangible.
Today, Konoha's new center of power...
The Hokage Cabinet...
Was holding its first official meeting.
The Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Chiya, sat at the head of the table.
Dressed in his black ceremonial robes, he made no deliberate effort to project authority, yet an overwhelming aura of composure and absolute control naturally surrounded him.
His calm, unfathomable gaze resembled an endless sea of stars.
A single casual glance from him was enough to make the three advisors unconsciously straighten their backs, their nerves tightening.
Nara Shikaku, the representative of the ninja clans and the symbol of Konoha's wisdom.
His brows were tightly furrowed as his fingers unconsciously traced imaginary flowcharts across his knee, weighing every possible consequence each decision might bring.
Minato Namikaze, the banner of civilian ninja and the legendary Yellow Flash.
A sharp light gleamed in his blue eyes like a sword leaving its sheath. His mind had already entered battle mode as he considered how to turn overwhelming strength into absolute authority.
Teuchi, owner of Ichiraku Ramen and the representative of Konoha's ordinary civilians.
Wearing freshly washed but faded clothes, he nervously clasped his hands together as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
His presence seemed out of place, yet it was indispensable.
He symbolized Chiya's iron rule:
Strength and loyalty came first, regardless of one's origins.
He also represented the true foundation of Konoha's prosperity...
The unwavering support of countless ordinary citizens.
Without any unnecessary pleasantries, Chiya went straight to the main topic. His voice was steady, carrying the unmistakable finality of a verdict. It sounded less like a proposal and more like a future that had already been decided.
"The Cabinet has just been established. There is only one matter for today's meeting."
"We will convene the Five Kage Summit... here in Konoha."
The moment those words fell...
It was as though all the air inside the office had been sucked away.
Shikaku's breathing stopped for an instant as countless strategies collided and evolved within his mind.
Minato's pupils contracted as his body instinctively leaned forward like a predator sensing its prey.
Teuchi sucked in a sharp breath, his heart pounding wildly.
He knew little about politics.
But even he understood the storm those few words would unleash upon the ninja world.
As if oblivious to their reactions, Chiya calmly continued.
"Konoha has ended the war. But the fruits of victory must be secured through new rules and a new order."
"Chaos and compromise are breeding grounds for the weak."
"Konoha is no longer weak."
"The old balance of the ninja world has collapsed."
"Now, the victors will draw the new borders and establish the new order."
"And everything will begin with this summit... held in Konoha."
His gaze slowly swept across the three of them.
It was not sharp.
Yet it carried the overwhelming pressure of someone who saw through everything and controlled everything.
"Tell me your thoughts."
"I want your honest judgment based on your respective positions."
"Do not tell me what you think I want to hear."
Shikaku took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within him before speaking in a calm, steady voice.
"Lord Hokage, your decision is remarkably bold."
"Holding the summit in Konoha would undoubtedly demonstrate the authority of the victor while allowing us to control the entire pace of negotiations."
"There is no questioning its advantages."
He paused, his expression growing even more serious.
"However, this is an unprecedented show of dominance."
"It is equivalent to demanding that the other four Kage abandon every guarantee of their own safety and personally enter the heart of the nation that has just defeated them."
"This is the ultimate form of psychological intimidation..."
"But also the ultimate risk."
"The four great nations possess not only military strength, but generations of pride and resentment."
"If they conclude this is a trap meant to destroy them, they may set aside everything and secretly unite..."
"Perhaps even forming a temporary alliance against Konoha before the summit begins."
"Even though we are stronger, we may end up facing an enemy cornered into desperate unity."
"That would greatly complicate negotiations..."
"And could even cause them to collapse completely, triggering another unpredictable conflict."
"I ask that you carefully consider these dangers."
Minato immediately followed.
His clear voice carried the decisiveness forged upon countless battlefields, directly responding to Shikaku's concerns.
"What Mr. Shikaku speaks of is the foresight of a statesman."
"But now..."
"What we need is the absolute confidence of the victor."
"The eternal truth of the ninja world has always been this..."
"Strength reigns supreme."
"Konoha possesses the power to end wars."
"Therefore, Konoha possesses the right to determine the postwar order."
"We are not inviting them here to negotiate."
"We are ordering them to come."
"This is the final test of whether they will submit to the new order."
His burning gaze locked onto Chiya.
"As for whether they dare unite against us..."
"Before overwhelming strength, every alliance is merely a tower of sand that collapses with a single push."
"If they still possess even a shred of reason..."
"They should understand that refusing Konoha's invitation carries consequences far more terrifying than setting foot upon our soil."
"It is not humiliation."
"It is the only choice granted to them by the name..."
"Lord Fourth Hokage Uchiha Chiya."
"As for security..."
"There is nothing to worry about."
"Every ninja in Konoha is a fortress."
"If they harbor ill intentions..."
"Then let Hidden Leaf Village become the final resting place of the Four Kage."
His declaration overflowed with dominance.
It reflected complete confidence in Konoha's strength and treated Chiya's overwhelming power as the foundation of every rule.
Listening to the exchange between such influential figures, Teuchi nervously swallowed several times.
He rubbed his hands together before finally summoning the courage to speak.
"Lord Hokage... Lord Minato..."
"I'm just a ramen shop owner."
"During the war, I watched everyone carrying worried expressions."
"Prices kept rising."
"So many familiar customers..."
"Never came back."
"All I wanted..."
"Was a day when I could peacefully run my shop again."
"A day when everyone could enjoy a hot bowl of ramen..."
"Without worrying about tomorrow."
"If..."
"If inviting them here helps establish peace sooner..."
"Then I think that's a good thing."
"Our village has you now."
"And everyone is united."
"We're not afraid."
"If they come and see how wonderful Konoha has become..."
"Maybe..."
"Maybe they won't come to argue."
"Maybe they'll come begging us for peace instead."
His words were incredibly simple.
There were no strategic calculations.
No military analysis.
Only the purest desire for peace and heartfelt trust in his village.
Yet they perfectly captured the true source of Konoha's strength...
The people's support.
After listening to all three, Chiya lightly tapped the polished tabletop with one finger.
Tap.
A soft sound.
Yet it echoed like a great bell, instantly silencing every wandering thought.
"Shikaku's concerns are the wisdom of a strategist."
"He saw the risks."
"But his thinking remains confined within the framework of the old era."
He continued calmly.
"Minato's judgment reflects the stance of the strong."
"He understands the nature of power."
"But even he still views everything through deterrence and consequences."
After a brief pause, his gaze grew immeasurably profound, as though seeing beyond the walls and into the future of the ninja world.
"And Boss Teuchi's hope..."
"Is the root of Konoha."
"It is both the beginning and the destination of everything."
He slowly stood.
Though not physically imposing, he seemed to merge with the entire Hidden Leaf Village itself, radiating an overwhelming presence that left everyone breathless.
"But none of you..."
"Have completely escaped the thinking of the old era."
His voice rose slightly.
It carried the cold indifference of divine judgment.
"Whether they feel humiliated..."
"Whether they unite..."
"Whether they harbor ill intentions..."
"Does any of that matter?"
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
It was slight.
Yet cold enough to freeze one's soul.
"When did victors ever need to concern themselves with the emotions of the defeated?"
"Konoha does not care whether beaten dogs bare their fangs."
"They only need to understand one thing."
"Submission..."
"Is their only path to survival."
"This is neither conspiracy..."
"Nor open strategy..."
"It is not even an order."
His gaze drifted beyond the office window toward the bustling streets of Konoha.
"It is a notice."
"A notice from the new era to the remnants of the old."
"Coming to Konoha..."
"Is simply reality."
"If they refuse..."
"They are choosing to be crushed by the new era."
"When that happens..."
"I will personally visit each of their villages."
"And by then..."
"The terms on the negotiating table will no longer be treaties."
"They will be..."
"The proclamation of a conqueror."
His voice remained calm.
Yet it contained such terrifying confidence and overwhelming strength that one's soul trembled.
To him...
The Four Kage and even the Four Great Ninja Villages were merely pieces on a chessboard that could be erased at will.
"Minato."
"You will oversee all security."
"Sakumo will carry out the operation."
"I do not want an iron bucket."
"I want a heavenly net from which nothing can escape."
"Mobilize the ANBU."
"Push the Barrier Team to its absolute limit."
"I want everyone who steps into Konoha..."
"To clearly understand from the very first moment..."
"They are standing at the summit of the ninja world."
"And the one seated upon that summit..."
"Is me."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
All three immediately acknowledged his command.
Finally, Chiya delivered the unquestionable final order.
Each word settled into the room like an immutable law.
"In the name of the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Chiya..."
"I hereby issue the highest-level summons."
"One month from today..."
"The Five Kage Summit will convene in Konoha."
"Each Kage, or an acting Kage, must personally attend."
"Any delay..."
"Or sending a representative instead..."
"Will be considered a declaration of war against Konoha."
"I will determine whether to personally visit..."
"Or dispatch an army..."
"To carry out the final reckoning."
He paused before adding with cold amusement.
"And inform them..."
"The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, and the Third Raikage, A, are currently recuperating comfortably in Konoha."
"They deeply miss their old friends..."
"And eagerly await their reunion."
"In addition..."
"During my inauguration..."
"Someone attempted to assassinate me."
"Although they failed to harm me in the slightest..."
"They stained Konoha's dignity."
"I hope the Four Kage can provide me..."
"With an interesting explanation."
By elevating his staged assassination attempt into an international diplomatic issue and demanding an "interesting explanation," this was no longer simple political pressure.
It was psychological domination at its absolute extreme.
Like a lion leisurely toying with prey beneath its paw, savoring every ounce of fear and humiliation.
"Understood!"
The three advisors were thoroughly overwhelmed by Chiya's unimaginable dominance and ruthless confidence.
Their voices rang out together, filled with admiration and reverence.
Konoha's great machine immediately roared into motion.
An official summons, worded with overwhelming authority and the detached indifference of a ruler standing above all others, was dispatched to the four great nations at the highest possible speed.
...
Hidden Stone Village.
Tsuchikage Office.
"UCHIHA CHIYA!!"
"How dare he humiliate Hidden Stone like this?!"
Acting Tsuchikage Kitsuchi roared so loudly that the entire building shook.
He clenched the scroll from Konoha so tightly that his arm trembled violently.
Veins bulged across his forehead as fury twisted his face.
"This is the greatest humiliation imaginable!"
An elderly elder pounded his own chest in despair.
"He wants our Kage to walk into enemy territory like prisoners?!"
"How dare he!"
"He has trampled upon the honor of every Tsuchikage before us!"
"Our Lord Tsuchikage is still in their hands!"
Another senior official shouted with bloodshot eyes.
"If we don't go..."
"Are we supposed to abandon Lord Tsuchikage?!"
"Then we fight!"
A radical jonin drew his kunai and slammed it into the floor.
"Mobilize the entire army!"
"Even if every last one of us dies..."
"We'll make Konoha pay!"
"Pay?"
A suppressed voice suddenly echoed through the room, instantly freezing everyone.
"What exactly do you intend to make Konoha pay with?"
"Have you already forgotten the sight of Uchiha Chiya suppressing both the Third Tsuchikage and the Third Raikage?"
"Every word in this summons radiates overwhelming power."
"It is not a discussion."
"It is not even a threat."
"It is simply a notice."
"An ultimatum."
"Refuse?"
"Do you want Uchiha Chiya to personally come to Hidden Stone and demonstrate absolute power all over again in front of every villager?"
Despairing silence consumed the room.
Kitsuchi clenched the scroll so tightly that his nails pierced his palms.
Blood quietly dripped between his fingers.
He did not even notice.
The crushing humiliation...
And the even greater terror inspired by the power called Uchiha Chiya...
Nearly shattered his mind.
Finally, as though every ounce of strength had left his body, he forced out a broken, hoarse reply.
"...Respond to Konoha..."
"Hidden Stone..."
"Will..."
"Arrive on time."
Every word sounded like his soul breaking apart.
...
Hidden Cloud Village.
Raikage's Office.
Boom!!
The entire office exploded with violent lightning.
Brilliant electric light flashed everywhere as walls and furniture instantly blackened and shattered.
The Fourth Raikage, A, was wrapped in berserk Lightning Release chakra.
Blue arcs of lightning danced wildly around him with explosive crackling sounds.
"Bullshit!"
"He can keep dreaming!"
"I'm going to Konoha right now and split him in half!"
His furious roar exploded like thunder.
His murderous intent flooded the room.
"A! Calm down!!"
Dodai shouted desperately despite enduring the painful pressure of the Lightning Release.
"This is exactly what he wants!"
"He's trying to provoke us!"
"Then let's show him whether Hidden Cloud's lightning is sharp enough to cut through his arrogance!"
A's eyes were bloodshot as lightning surged around him with even greater intensity.
"And then what?!"
"What about the Third Raikage?!"
"What about the village?!"
Dodai's voice trembled with despair.
"We can't afford this gamble!"
"Uchiha Chiya's strength..."
"It isn't something we can oppose!"
"He didn't go to the Valley of the End to fight."
"He went there to harvest."
"The meaning of this summons is obvious."
"Obey..."
"And come negotiate."
"Refuse..."
"And he'll personally carry out the final reckoning."
"How are we supposed to oppose that?"
"With the lives of everyone in the village?!"
The lightning surrounding A flickered violently.
His chest heaved as he let out a roar filled with unbearable frustration.
Finally...
The violent lightning unwillingly subsided.
He slammed his fist into the ground.
Boom!
A massive crater exploded beneath him as cracks spread across the entire room.
Breathing heavily, his blood-red eyes burned with humiliation as he forced out every word through gritted teeth.
"...Tell him..."
"Hidden Cloud..."
"Will go..."
"Bring the old man home."
He deliberately emphasized "bring home."
It was the last scrap of dignity he could cling to...
Even though everyone knew how empty those words truly were.
...
Hidden Mist Village.
Mizukage's Office.
Cold mist drifted silently throughout the room.
The Third Mizukage stared at the scroll for a very long time without speaking.
His fingers trembled slightly.
Even the arguments below sounded weak and hopeless.
"This goes too far..."
"Is there really no room for negotiation?"
"Negotiation?"
"What can we possibly negotiate with?"
"The Tsuchikage and the Raikage are already the perfect examples..."
"..."
The Third Mizukage slowly closed his eyes.
In that instant, he seemed to age ten years.
Wearily waving his hand, he spoke in a dry, hoarse voice.
"Enough."
"Reply to Konoha."
"Hidden Mist..."
"Will arrive on time."
His voice carried helplessness and fear buried deep within his bones.
Before overwhelming strength...
Every scheme became laughably meaningless.
All he could do now was pray...
That Konoha's blade would not fall upon Hidden Mist too quickly.
...
Hidden Sand Village.
Kazekage's Office.
Bang!
An expensive porcelain cup was crushed into powder by Rasa's Gold Dust.
His face was deathly pale.
His chest rose and fell violently with anger and humiliation as golden sand floated restlessly around him.
"Konoha..."
"Uchiha Chiya..."
"Is he determined to destroy us completely?!"
His hoarse growl was filled with powerless resentment.
Hidden Sand had only just suffered devastating defeat.
Before they had even recovered...
An even heavier burden had already descended upon them.
"Lord Kazekage..."
"The situation is beyond our control..."
"Perhaps..."
"If we show weakness during the summit..."
"We might still secure..."
"..."
"Enough!"
Rasa sharply interrupted his subordinate.
His eyes were terrifyingly gloomy.
More than anyone else, he understood that all resistance before such overwhelming power was futile.
He could almost feel Uchiha Chiya's cold gaze emanating from the words written upon that scroll.
It sent chills through his body.
Taking a deep breath, he forcefully suppressed the rage and humiliation threatening to erupt before speaking as steadily as possible.
"Reply to Konoha."
"Hidden Sand..."
"Fourth Kazekage Rasa..."
"Will attend on time."
He had no choice.
If there remained even the slightest chance for Hidden Sand to survive the coming storm...
He had to seize it.
...
Four replies.
Each carrying the same humiliation...
The same fear...
And the same helplessness.
Like four funeral bells...
They echoed above the Four Great Ninja Villages before finally arriving in Konoha.
At that very moment...
The man dressed in black stood atop Hokage Rock.
Calmly overlooking everything.
"You were the ones who started this war."
"What has happened now..."
"Is nothing more than what you brought upon yourselves."
"The Five Kage Summit..."
"Is only the beginning."