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Xiao Nan, representing the Rain Country, has made a decision. She is known within the Rain Country as the Angel.
In a certain sense, Xiao Nan is the de facto ruler of the Rain Country.
As for Pain, he is considered a god in the hearts of the ninja from the Hidden Rain Village.
Whoa!
Xiao Nan's words stirred the previously quiet venue, causing an air of unrest. More and more ninja countries began to join the Senju Nation, shattering the limits they had held in their minds.
This situation was difficult to accept.
It could be said that, for now, the Land of Fire was not included. The Senju Nation had already encompassed the island nation of the Water Country and the coastal nation of the Lightning Country.
Adding to that were the vast Land of Earth and the strategic Rain Country, acting as a pivot among the three countries.
In terms of territory, they already occupied a significant portion of the ninja world.
This development greatly surprised the ninjas present; no one expected such measures to be completed in such a short time.
The most precarious were the small countries caught between these four ninja nations.
These small nations, with their limited strength, often relied on friendly relations with neighboring ninja countries to ensure their survival.
"The Hidden Rain Village is joining the Senju Nation," Pain, the Deva Path, announced after Xiao Nan.
His declaration felt like an announcement.
It didn't cause much of a stir, especially since the Rain Country had already joined; there was no reason for the Hidden Rain Village not to follow suit.
Silence once again fell over the venue.
Hashirama looked at the fidgeting envoys and smiled, saying, "Are you all planning not to join the Senju Nation?"
In an instant, everyone's expressions changed dramatically.
No one dared to affirm his question.
They couldn't help but regret accepting this responsibility.
"Lord First Hokage, I am an advisor from the Iron Country. Our Iron Country has always maintained neutrality in the ninja world, fostering good relations with various powers and not offending any. Our Daimyo has clearly expressed a wish for the Senju Nation's success and hopes that the Iron Country can build a positive relationship with the Senju Nation to help maintain stability in the ninja world!"
The advisor from the Iron Country spoke up hastily; he was here with a clear stance, unlike those who were indecisive.
It was better to say such things sooner.
Given the current situation, it was likely that several more powers would join the Senju Nation.
It was better to speak up early than to be left behind.
"The Iron Country," Hashirama repeated calmly, fully expecting this neutral nation's choice.
"Yes!" the envoy from the Iron Country nodded in confirmation.
"Since your Iron Country will not be joining the Senju Nation, your delegation may return. There is no need to attend the upcoming formal ninja conference. Go back and inform your Daimyo to fulfill any uncompleted wishes and enjoy the best of times!"
Hashirama said this with a smile that seemed caring toward the Daimyo of the Iron Country, but his words left everyone feeling an unmistakable chill.
The implication was crystal clear.
Wasn't this a declaration of intent against the Iron Country?
"You..."
The envoy from the Iron Country's expression changed drastically; he understood the meaning behind those words and stared wide-eyed at Hashirama.
"Lord First Hokage, are you implying that not joining the Senju Nation means becoming an enemy?"
The envoy from the Iron Country's question resonated with many other envoys, and suddenly, all eyes turned to Hashirama.
"That's about right," Hashirama replied, nodding without any hesitation, directly addressing the Iron Country envoy's concern.
"…"
The envoy from the Iron Country fell silent.
The envoys who had yet to express their stance also went quiet. They understood that not joining the Senju Nation could potentially offend Hashirama, leading to future targeting.
But no one expected Hashirama to be so straightforward, not even attempting to disguise his intentions.
"You're being unreasonable!"
The envoy from the Iron Country strongly condemned Hashirama's domineering behavior. If they couldn't join, they would become enemies.
Who could withstand that?
Other powers might have been easier to deal with.
The Iron Country possessed a formidable military and strong warriors, so they weren't afraid of targeting from individual nations.
But this was Hashirama Senju, a man of great strength, leading the increasingly powerful Senju Nation.
Their might was not to be underestimated!
"I've given you face all along and haven't pushed too hard, hoping you would voluntarily join the Senju Nation to save some face," Hashirama continued. "Now that the matter is laid bare, let me be clear: in the end, there will only be one nation in this world."
"That nation will be the Senju Nation."
"You can either join the Senju Nation voluntarily now or wait to be swallowed by it."
"Joining willingly might grant you decent treatment, but if you stand against me, I make no promises to my enemies!"
A sudden chill filled the air as Hashirama's tone turned cold, enveloping the entire venue in a heavy tension.
"Uh… the Land of Soup joins the Senju Nation!"
The words came from the envoy of the Land of Soup.
The Land of Soup was a small nation.
Its strength was weak.
For years, it had been oppressed by the Rain Country.
It could only rely on the Land of Fire for protection.
The envoy from the Land of Soup had already decided on the way over—he would follow the stance of the Fire Country's envoy. If the Fire Country did not side with Hashirama, neither would they.
However, the current situation had changed.
The envoy from the Land of Soup began to feel uneasy.
He couldn't wait for the Fire Country's envoy to declare their position anymore. If he didn't declare his own stance now, he might be sent home to "enjoy himself."
"Good," Hashirama nodded with satisfaction. This was the result he wanted. The larger powers had mostly been predetermined, but the inclusion of small countries like the Land of Soup was a welcome step forward.
"The time has come," Hashirama announced. "Each of you must give me your position now."
"Join."
"Or leave."
"But I'll remind those planning to leave—be sure to settle any unfinished business when you return. Don't leave yourself with any regrets."
The more Hashirama spoke, the more terrified the envoys became. No one dared to leave.
"The Land of Wind joins the Senju Nation!"
Suddenly, the envoy from the Land of Wind, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.
The envoy from the Land of Wind knew well that the Hidden Sand Village wasn't present, and this might negatively affect their country.
Special treatment seemed out of reach.
So, it was better to join.
At that moment, the territories of the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth merged, with the Rain Country between them, directly connecting the landmass of the ninja world.
This development was the final straw that broke the camel's back.
The smaller nations surrounding them quickly followed suit, joining the ranks of the Senju Nation.
(End of Chapter)