After hearing the system's explanation, Zhang Miao was utterly stunned.
"Damn, I was just joking. I can't believe it actually came true. I can't give birth to a child! Is there no other way?"
"Absolutely not!"
The system shattered his unrealistic hopes before Zhang Miao could even finish his sentence.
"The Death God's soul has already merged with yours. Only when you give birth will his soul separate from yours. So, you have no choice but to go through with it!"
Zhang Miao: "…"
This is like trying to get a rooster to lay an egg! I can't do this!
Feeling bitter, Zhang Miao sighed deeply.
"System, wasn't recruiting usually just forming a hand seal? Why is it different this time?"
Facing Zhang Miao's confusion, the system explained again.
"The ninjas you previously recruited were at the human level, so the system could use the world's will to summon them from worlds on the brink of collapse. But the Death God is different—he is a god!"
The system's voice grew solemn.
"A god is inherently a part of the world's will or a manifestation of it. Only worlds with a complete world will can give birth to a god, meaning gods are unique. Even the system cannot recruit or create a god!"
"Huh?" Zhang Miao's eyes widened again. "You mean the Death God inside me now is not recruited from another world but the Death God of this world?"
"Yes!" The system confirmed immediately. "The Death God is unique, and in terms of world will level, he is on par with the system, making recruitment impossible!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Miao's face turned even more bitter.
"Damn, so even if I give birth to the Death God, I can't gain his abilities. I should have just used the Death God mask for the Reaper Death Seal instead. I really lost out on this deal!"
With that, Zhang Miao sat down and held his head.
"I'm so foolish... really..."
While Zhang Miao was regretfully wallowing, the system's voice again said, "You're wrong, Your Grace. You've actually gained a lot from this!"
"Gained a lot? How so?" Zhang Miao looked surprised, knowing the system wouldn't lie to him.
Facing his confusion, the system explained again.
"Since the Death God is a manifestation of this world's will, gaining his acknowledgment means you've gained acknowledgment from half of the world's will. This brings you closer to the goal of becoming a true god!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Miao realized something, and his eyes lit up.
"You mean that if I gain acknowledgment from 100% of the world's will, I can become a true god even without recruiting 223 ninjas?"
"Yes!" The system confirmed immediately. "Gaining 100% acknowledgment from the world's will allows you to become a true god. At that point, you can stabilize other collapsing worlds, making them as stable as this one. That's the power of a true god!"
"Wow, the power of a true god is incredible. I was too narrow-minded before. Compared to this grand goal, what do ninja abilities matter?"
Reflecting on this, Zhang Miao exhaled with a sense of determination.
"Alright, I've decided to give birth to the Death God properly. System, tell me how to do it. I'm ready to go through with a C-section if necessary to become a true god!"
Upon hearing Zhang Miao's resolve, the usually responsive system suddenly fell silent for about ten seconds before replying.
"Your Grace, I don't know the specifics either. The system has never witnessed the birth of a god. But rest assured, with your body, giving birth will not be fatal, so don't worry!"
Zhang Miao: "…"
Damn, now I'm even more worried after hearing that!
But given the circumstances, Zhang Miao knew there was no turning back, so he sighed deeply.
"Well, let's take it one step at a time. Until then, I'll continue with my usual tasks."
With that, Zhang Miao took a kunai from the system space, marked it with his Flying Thunder God seal, and placed it in the desk drawer.
Having completed this, he walked out of the office, took to the air, and flew toward the Land of Fire.
Since obtaining the Six Paths body, Zhang Miao could hover and fly without manipulating sand, and his speed was relatively fast. He soon reached his destination—Tanzaku Town.
When Zhang Miao returned to the inn he had previously stayed at, he saw Tsunade and Kankyo drinking together. The table was littered with sake bottles, cups, playing cards, and dice, indicating they had been gambling.
Seeing this, Zhang Miao smiled slightly.
"Two people who love drinking and gambling with equally bad luck must get along well. If Kankyo leaves, Tsunade will be lonely. But the patients at the Land of Waves hospital are waiting!"
With this thought, Zhang Miao waved at the two women drinking.
"Hey, Aunt Tsunade and Aunt Kankyo, I'm back. By the way, Aunt Kankyo, you forgot to take in your clothes outside!"
"My clothes outside?"
Kankyo paused, confused. Just then, a voice sounded in her mind.
"You and Shizune can return to the Land of Waves now. Go directly to the hospital in the ninja village to take up your posts. Also, Nawaki and Dan are in the village. Go now!"
This was Zhang Miao using the Mind Communication Technique to convey his command. Hearing this, Kankyo, who was slightly drunk, immediately sobered up and stood up.
"I'll get the clothes. Shizune, come help me!"
With that, Tsunade hurried outside, and Shizune quickly followed.
Once outside, the two women headed straight to the Land of Waves, eager to reunite with Dan and Nawaki.
Unaware of their departure, Tsunade continued drinking alone, her cheeks flushed.
After finishing a bottle of sake, she looked out the window, her hazy eyes filled with confusion.
"It's been half an hour. Why aren't they back yet? Does it take this long to gather clothes? Shizune, go check!"
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
Hearing Tsunade's command, Shizune immediately complied and headed outside. Seeing this, Zhang Miao's lips curved into a smile.
"If they find them now, that would really be a miracle!"
Kankyo and Shizune would have already left Tanzaku Town in half an hour, making it impossible for Shizune to find them.
Unexpectedly, Shizune returned with two people, one of whom Zhang Miao recognized.
Upon seeing the familiar face, Zhang Miao's eyes flashed with surprise.
"Huh... the Fourth Raikage?"