(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Colt walked away carrying Sasuke and Naruto, who were still unconscious.
The Sage of Six Paths, however, remained, ready to speak with Gamamaru.
After all, this might be their last meeting.
The toad sage had suffered severe injuries and could barely open his eyes.
Colt glanced at the old toad before leaving.
He briefly considered whether to save Gamamaru and earn some system rewards, but the toad's mind was so deep and unpredictable that Colt decided to let things take their course.
If Gamamaru survived, then so be it. If not, there was nothing to be done.
As Colt returned, carrying Sasuke and Naruto, the ninja alliance saw his relaxed expression and knew the outcome of the battle.
Kushina and Minato rushed to Naruto's side.
"Is Naruto okay?" Kushina asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Don't worry," Colt reassured them, "The Sage of Six Paths just drained their chakra. They'll wake up soon."
Colt glanced around and noticed no one had come to check on Sasuke.
He felt a flicker of sympathy for him.
'Fine, I'll take care of him myself,' he thought.
At that moment, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya floated over, and everyone instinctively moved aside.
"Hagoromo?" she said, sensing Hagoromo's chakra still lingering in the world.
"I don't plan to kill him," Colt explained with a sigh, knowing how much Kaguya resented the Sage of Six Paths.
"He'll return to the Pure Land soon, and then you'll be free."
Kaguya nodded slowly, her gaze softening as she looked at Colt.
Meanwhile, Senju Hashirama, supporting the injured Madara, smiled at the other village leaders.
"Now that it's all over, we should clean up the battlefield and enjoy our victory."
The other Kages, including Ōnoki and Tsunade, nodded in agreement, and the ninja alliance erupted into cheers.
Smiles spread across everyone's faces despite the heavy losses. The war had ended with a good result, and the relationships between the major villages seemed to have improved.
However, Gaara furrowed his brow.
"Wait, where are they?"
Hashirama's eyes widened as he realized what they had forgotten.
"The tailed beasts!" He looked at Colt, who only smirked in response.
"They'll be here soon," Colt said nonchalantly.
A moment later, a rumble echoed through the sky, and nine massive meteorites descended, stopping just above the alliance's heads.
The alliance members collectively gulped.
Couldn't you have put those somewhere less... threatening? They all thought.
Though the village leaders breathed a sigh of relief that their "weapons" were still intact, Ōnoki grinned and spoke up.
"Colt, you even resealed the tailed beasts for us! You didn't have to go through the trouble—our village can handle them just fine."
The Fourth Raikage chimed in.
"We don't need to bind them. The tailed beasts will choose their own jinchūriki."
Looking at Ōnoki's wrinkled smile, Colt merely smirked.
He handed Sasuke to Minato and floated into the air.
"Everyone," Colt clapped his hands, drawing the attention of all.
"The war may be over, but there are still some unresolved matters," he began.
His voice echoed in everyone's ears as he continued.
"Since all five villages are gathered here, there are some things we need to discuss together."
Tsunade and the other Kage exchanged confused looks.
What was he talking about?
Only Uchiha Madara, had a knowing look in his eyes.
"First," Colt said, pointing to the nine meteorites above.
"I don't plan to return the tailed beasts to your villages."
The crowd erupted in shock.
Discussions broke out in confusion and anger.
"What are you planning?" the Fourth Raikage demanded, his fists clenched and voice trembling.
Ōnoki and Mei Terumi instinctively took a step away from the Konoha shinobis.
Colt shook his head and raised his hands.
The nine meteorites descended, kicking up a cloud of dust before revealing the resealed tailed beasts.
They stood tall, surrounding the alliance. Though weakened, their menacing presence was still enough to make many feel uneasy.
All nine-tailed beasts now had the tomoe Rinnegan, a sight that left even the most seasoned shinobis trembling.
"As the Sixth Hokage, I have some things to admit," Colt declared.
He turned to Hashirama, who looked puzzled.
"I have to say... It was a mistake for the First Hokage to distribute the tailed beasts to the other villages."
Hashirama's eyes widened in shock.
"The First Hokage had noble intentions," Colt continued.
"He wanted to create a world of mutual understanding where there would be no more war. But that idea was too idealistic. Look at you all and what you have done in this world since?"
Hashirama's expression turned somber.
Senju Tobirama, on the other hand, wanted to nod in agreement but restrained himself out of respect for his older brother.
"Hahaha!" Madara laughed heartily, nearly losing his breath.
"Hashirama, your dream is being denied by your own village's Hokage! What a twist!"
"Shut up, Madara!" Hashirama snapped, his face serious.
"Grandpa, Colt didn't mean it like that," Tsunade tried to explain, looking bewildered.
"He just has his own ideas."
Hashirama didn't respond to her.
He continued to watch Colt in the sky.
"I know, Tsuna. Colt is the Hokage now, the decisions lay in his hands," he said quietly.
"I'm just curious to hear how he evaluates me."
Having his ideals questioned by a member of his own clan and in front of so many people, definitely stung.
But Hashirama wanted to see where Colt's decision would lead them.