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In the Hokage's office.
An eerie silence enveloped the room.
Hashirama had managed to arrange the future of the three high-ranking members of Konoha, including the current Hokage, with just a few words.
No matter how tired you are.
Either way, you're tired!
"I haven't finished speaking yet."
Hashirama shifted his gaze to Danzo.
Danzo was still wrapped in bandages, though the area covered had significantly reduced. The arm he had hidden for many years had long since been absorbed by Hashirama.
"Danzo Shimura."
"You have long been in charge of the Anbu and the Root organization."
"It has been hard work over the years."
"Your dedication to the stability of Konoha is commendable."
"It is no easy task."
"I know you are also tired."
"Transfer the Anbu and Root organizations to Jiraiya, and then retire to enjoy your remaining years at home!"
Hashirama waved his hand dismissively.
Two decrees.
Four elderly officials were removed from their positions.
This caused great pressure on Jiraiya and Nara Shikaku, who were present.
"Understood."
Danzo nodded in acknowledgment, without arguing or explaining. After the previous events, he realized that his dream of becoming Hokage would never come to fruition. He felt disheartened and deeply saddened.
"From now on, you are no longer high-ranking members of Konoha. This high-level meeting is for you to handle as you wish."
Hashirama finished speaking and fell silent, watching the four individuals.
First, he looked at Mito Gate Kuranai.
Then he turned his gaze to Tsunade.
Finally, he looked at the Third Hokage and Danzo.
Each person under Hashirama's gaze felt an intense sense of pressure.
"Lord First Hokage, we'll take our leave now!" Mito Gate Kuranai was the first to rise, then hurriedly left the Hokage's office.
"Lord First Hokage, I realize I am indeed a bit tired. Since my presence is no longer needed here, I will take my leave as well!" Tsunade followed suit.
"Ahem, well, I am leaving too." The Third Hokage also stood up.
Danzo said nothing, merely following them out in silence.
Thus,
The high-level meeting of Konoha became a meeting with only three people remaining.
Besides Hashirama and Jiraiya, only Nara Shikaku stayed.
At this moment,
Nara Shikaku was extremely anxious.
Uncertain whether he should be relieved.
"Nara Shikaku, you are very perceptive. Your family, the Nara clan, has always been loyal to Konoha, and I am aware of this. I hope you will assist Jiraiya well."
Hashirama looked at Nara Shikaku and spoke.
This person needed to stay.
Otherwise, with Jiraiya's laid-back nature and approach to work, Konoha might soon be in chaos.
"Yes!"
Nara Shikaku responded immediately, breathing a sigh of relief. The heavy burden on his heart had finally been lifted.
The advisor position was very important to him.
It's not that he desperately needs this position.
Rather, this position grants the Nara clan some influence in Konoha.
"Jiraiya, I've handed over the Hokage position to you, removed the constraints of the advisor role, and placed the Root organization under your control. My intention is to ensure you have no restrictions, so you can freely govern Konoha."
Hashirama understood very well that if the village's high-ranking officials were all conservative and stubborn, any transformative change in the village would be nearly impossible.
No matter how radical the younger generation might be,
They would be firmly suppressed by these old-timers.
Now, the skies above have been cleared for you.
How you proceed
Is up to you.
"I understand."
Jiraiya nodded seriously, finally grasping that this was an unavoidable destiny.
To put it more positively, the constraints are gone.
But…
At the same time,
The help to share the burden is also gone.
Only Nara Shikaku remains.
The same pressure now falls on Nara Shikaku. With only the Hokage and himself as the high-ranking members, he will be responsible for many decisions and must be cautious and prudent, no longer able to act as he did before.
"Let's continue the meeting."
"I need to address the third point."
"This is also a very important matter."
"The ceremony!"
Hashirama raised his third finger. With only three people remaining in the meeting room, both Jiraiya and Nara Shikaku became highly focused.
"I will divide this ceremony into two parts."
"One is the inauguration ceremony for the Fifth Hokage, officially announcing to the entire ninja world who Konoha's Fifth Hokage is."
"The other is the establishment ceremony for the Senju Nation. I plan to create a new nation called the Senju Nation, with Konoha as its first village."
"I've allocated approximately half a month for this."
"Jiraiya, you must complete the full transfer of power in Konoha within this period, leaving no loose ends."
"I will send invitations to the daimyos of each country and the leaders of each ninja village."
"Inviting them to participate in the establishment of the Senju Nation!"
Hashirama's expression grew serious. He had not mentioned these details while the four others were present, preferring not to make them the first to know.
They no longer had that privilege.
They would learn of it just like ordinary citizens.
It wasn't about secrecy.
Since they are no longer high-ranking officials, there is no need for them to know about future plans in advance.
Phew!
Jiraiya and Nara Shikaku both took a deep breath. It was their first time hearing the name "Senju Nation."
Neither of them had expected this.
Or even dared to imagine it.
Hashirama Senju actually wants to establish a nation!
If they hadn't heard it with their own ears, it would be hard to believe—such a revolutionary idea was truly astonishing!
For a moment,
Both understood why the First Hokage had severed Konoha's ties with the Land of Fire.
This man
Had already positioned himself on equal footing with the Land of Fire.
"Nara Shikaku, I need you to come up with a plan and detailed implementation steps for this matter."
Hashirama immediately assigned the task. For such strategic matters, it was best left to Nara Shikaku, given his high intelligence.
"Understood."
Nara Shikaku's expression was serious. This undertaking was even more shocking than the founding of Konoha.
It needed careful planning.
It absolutely couldn't be rushed.
This was the nation of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju—the first nation ever founded by ninjas in the ninja world.
"This is roughly the idea."
"Handle it as you see fit."
"It's fine to make the ceremony grand."
"Feel free to let your imagination run wild."
"There's nothing that can't be done."
Hashirama stood up. Having finished his instructions, he walked towards the door, leaving Jiraiya and Nara Shikaku to exchange glances.
When Hashirama opened the door,
He immediately saw a ninja standing at the entrance—it was Iron Steel.
Upon seeing Hashirama, Iron Steel quickly knelt on one knee and reported urgently.
"Lord First Hokage, there's bad news. We've just received an urgent report from Sunagakure. The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, has been kidnapped by a mysterious organization. His fate is unknown. We request immediate assistance!"
(End of Chapter)