(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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The air seemed to have stopped flowing at that moment.
The tension in the room was palpable, with only the sound of breathing breaking the silence.
No one would accept what Colt was suddenly saying, but even if they disagreed, they still had to choose their words carefully simply because this was Colt they were talking to;
"Even so..." Terumi Mei took a deep breath, looking resolutely at Colt.
"The Three Tails and Six Tails are both Kirigakure's property, and our initial acquisition came at a significant cost."
"You want to reclaim all the tailed beasts now; don't you think that's excessive?"
Colt regarded her with some surprise. He hadn't expected the first to stand up to be her; he had anticipated it would be the hot-tempered Fourth Raikage.
But he could understand.
"The Mizukage speaks the truth," another Kage chimed in.
"Our villages invested real resources to acquire the tailed beasts."
Colt acknowledged their statement but continued calmly.
"However, it seems the Akatsuki has captured all the tailed beasts, not me..."
"This only proves that your connection to these tailed beasts has run its course."
Colt pointed at the beasts surrounding them.
"I will not overwhelm you with force, nor will I claim all these tailed beasts for Konoha."
"The ninja world has suffered because too many use the Jinchūrikis and tailed beasts as instruments of war, resulting in countless tragedies."
His expression grew grave as he reflected on those lost at the hands of tailed beasts.
"So, I've decided to open a large sanctuary on the outskirts of Konoha, where all the tailed beasts will reside."
Colt smiled slightly at the shocked faces around him.
"Humans will not be permitted to enter that area, and the tailed beasts will not stray from the designated boundaries."
"Of course, if anyone wishes to bond with the tailed beasts, I will make accommodations for them."
A deep silence fell over the gathering.
Was he going to build a zoo for the tailed beasts?
Ignoring their bewilderment, Colt elaborated.
"For example, take Naruto. He has become the perfect Jinchūriki; I won't strip him of the tailed beast within him. Instead, I'll merge the Yin Nine Tails and the Yang Nine Tails."
"After all, Kurama is now following Naruto voluntarily."
Inside Naruto, Kurama managed a smile before quickly hiding it.
"Stinky brat, who said that I'm following Naruto voluntarily, huh?"
"Kurama, what do you mean?" Naruto quickly jumped on that.
Meanwhile, the other Kage simmered with frustration.
They found themselves in a bind, unable to contact the tailed beasts, yet Colt claimed that he wouldn't prevent the tailed beasts from following humans of their own volition.
Colt seemed to sense the growing tension but remained unfazed.
"Perfect Jinchūriki or not, it all hinges on fate."
He kindly urged.
"Consider this: even if you reclaim the tailed beasts, you won't be able to defeat Hashirama-sama or Naruto, let alone me."
The atmosphere thickened with an uncomfortable silence.
'Is he trying to comfort us? Or threaten us?'
This thought flashed through several Kage's minds, only to be dismissed quickly.
This was a threat!
Despite their reluctance, they could only agree to Colt's terms.
After all, he had a point.
Even Gaara, who shared a close bond with Colt, felt some dissatisfaction at this moment; his village's interests were at stake.
What they didn't realize was that this was merely the beginning.
"Ahem!" Colt pretended to cough and launched into a new speech.
"When I became a ninja, after my first mission, I found myself questioning the world."
"Why, with our earth-shattering power, do we consistently pledge loyalty to the Daimyos first?"
Colt feigned confusion, as if genuinely perplexed.
"Those nobles sit with their fat bodies, hoarding most of the world's wealth."
"By what right do they do so?"
Several Kages, including Tsunade, shifted uncomfortably.
"Colt, don't talk nonsense!" Tsunade interjected, her voice urgent.
"Ninjas are the military power of a country, and we maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the Daimyos."
"Without the Daimyos, who will fund the Shinobi villages and assign missions?"
Tsunade appeared alarmed. Despite having some dissatisfaction with the daimyos, she knew their importance.
The other Kages shared her thoughts.
Colt remained unfazed, pointing at a random ninja in the crowd.
"What do you think? As a ninja, how do you feel when those nobles bark orders at you?"
Swish!
Thousands of eyes turned toward him.
The chosen ninja hesitated, taken aback by being singled out.
"Uh... some resentment."
Her words struck a chord with many.
In this world, ninjas were said to hold high status, yet they often found themselves bending to the whims of nobles.
When Asuma had idolized the Daimyos, it left an imbalance in many hearts, but no one dared to voice their concerns; it had become a subconscious norm.
Until Colt spoke up at this moment.
Everyone suddenly recognized their hidden dissatisfaction.
Seeing the realization spread across their faces, Colt smiled triumphantly.
"Everyone! I believe you now see that the Daimyos and nobles are parasites, sucking the lifeblood from our world!"
"Without them, the world wouldn't descend into chaos; it would become a better place!"
Colt's tone grew intense, resonating deeply with many.
"My friends, I have a dream..."
"I dream of a day when everyone in the world is treated equally, without divisions based on their origins."
"I dream that one day, all villages' ninjas can gather on the Hokage Rock in Konoha to celebrate together."
"I dream that one day, whether from the five great nations or smaller ones, no one will feel inferior due to the strength of their nation."
"I dream of a day when valleys rise, mountains fall, and the roads ahead become smooth, illuminated by light."
"This is my dream. I aim to transform a ninja world that has been torn apart for thousands of years and change the fate of all ninjas."
"Do you agree with my dream?"