"Indeed, Genya's demands are too extreme!" Dodai took a deep breath, his tone heavy with concern.
As the strategist of the Land of Lightning, he naturally understood how the current situation should be handled.
But the request Genya had put forward was simply outrageous.
To make the people of the Land of Lightning submit? Forget whether the high-ranking officials would agree—just the civilian alone would never accept such a thing.
The civilians had lived on this land for generations, and they already felt a deep attachment and sense of belonging to their country.
Letting go of their national identity to join another power was simply impossible for them.
"But the ninja world doesn't need war. If multiple nations continue to exist, conflicts will never end!" Killer B spoke slowly, his voice tinged with helplessness and worry.
"If everyone keeps scheming against each other, constantly stirring up disputes, the ones who ultimately suffer are the people and the ninjas of our village!"
In Killer B's heart, war brought only pain and death. He had seen too many people close to him—including his trusted teammates and familiar companions—lose their lives over countless missions and battles.
The faces that had once been so vivid were now only memories, fueling his deep hatred for war.
"Killer B, are you scared of that brat from the Uchiha clan, that's why you're saying this?" Raikage Ai looked at him, his eyes full of anger and disbelief.
He had fought alongside Killer B on countless missions, protecting the Land of Lightning together.
Yet now, he never imagined Killer B would speak like this, and the disappointment he felt was immense.
Once, they had risked everything for the honor and dignity of their country, but Killer B's words now made him feel a strange distance.
"Brother, it's not like that!" Killer B quickly explained, his eyes sincere and resolute.
"Most of the time, when our village wages war against others, isn't it just to take their land? Even if someone as strong as Hashirama could suppress all five nations with overwhelming power, what happens after he dies? War would break out again. If someone could truly unite all the villages, perhaps there would be less chaos."
Killer B had spent these days thinking deeply. By nature, he was kind and averse to war, and deep down, he had always longed for peace.
Over the years, he had witnessed too much cruelty in war, watching his comrades fall one by one, filling his heart with sorrow.
To him, as long as the endless disputes between nations continued, the ninja world would remain trapped in an eternal cycle of conflict, with no chance for peace.
Instead of resisting, it would be better to try merging. At least this way, many unnecessary deaths could be avoided.
"Killer B, your heart is confused!" Raikage A said angrily, his fury growing more obvious. "It seems you really need some serious time to reflect!"
As he spoke, his muscles tensed, and his fists clenched, as if he was about to strike at any moment.
His expression was extremely grim, and in his mind he thought, I just hope to encounter Uchiha Genya. Otherwise, I'll make that kid understand that the authority of the Land of Lightning cannot be challenged. I want to see just how capable this reckless young man really is.
"Ai, it's not that my heart is confused. This is my genuine thought after careful consideration!" Killer B said solemnly, looking at the Raikage.
"Until now, there was never a real opportunity to achieve peace and unity. Now, that opportunity has appeared."
In Killer B's heart, although Genya was young, his strength and determination to unify the ninja world and achieve peace gave him a glimpse of hope.
He believed that perhaps Genya could accomplish what others could not.
"Fine, very fine!" Raikage A ground his teeth and said, but still tried to control his anger. "You really think Uchiha Genya can unify the entire ninja world? Ridiculous… He's just a child. I don't believe he can do it!"
Raikage A's heart was filled with doubt and disdain. In his eyes, although Genya was strong, unifying the ninja world was pure fantasy.
The ninja nations had been at odds for a long time, with intricate conflicts of interest and deep historical grudges. How could a mere youngster resolve all of that so easily?
"Perhaps he can…" Killer B murmured, his voice quiet but serious.
He had personally witnessed Genya's power, and when Genya spoke of his grand vision for peace and unity, Killer B had been deeply moved. In that moment, his heart stirred. He saw a glimmer of hope for peace.
"You… you…" Raikage A was completely enraged. He looked at Killer B, a mix of disappointment and determination in his voice. "Killer B, you are no longer fit to be involved in the affairs of Kumogakure. Hideki, take good care of him!"
After speaking, he signaled Hideki to take Killer B away. He felt that Killer B had been influenced by Genya and that his thoughts were skewed. He needed time to calm down.
"Ai, you will regret this!" Killer B shouted as Hideki led him away. "My thoughts are correct. Uchiha Genya will change this ninja world! Even talking won't save the endless wars we face now…"
Killer B's voice gradually faded until it disappeared from everyone's ears.
Only then did Raikage A turn his attention to the stage and continue, "Next is the Chunin Exam. Who should we send?"
The Chūnin Exams were no ordinary tests. In these exams, each village had the authority to assess the strength of their own ninjas.
It wasn't just a measure of ability—it was also a prime opportunity for villages to showcase the strength of their younger generation.
For this reason, every village would send their best young ninjas to participate, demonstrating both their power and potential.
Dodai fell into thought, quickly running through suitable candidates in his mind. "Send…"
Konoha Village.
At this moment, Genya was lazily lying on a large tree, basking in the sunlight. Warm rays filtered through the leaves, casting mottled patterns across his body. He looked utterly relaxed, enjoying the moment to the fullest.
Meanwhile, Hinata and Shino were helping an elderly lady look for her lost cat.
Since returning from the Land of Lightning, the Hokage hadn't assigned them any important missions.
Most of their tasks were minor and inconsequential, which made Genya feel considerably more at ease.
He took the chance to slack off a little, enjoying the comfort of an easy life.
After all,
The future might not remain so peaceful.
"Hey, I just grabbed a 'C'-rank escort mission on the side!" Shino said as he hurried over, holding a mission scroll and handing it to Genya.
"Escort a bridge builder named Tazuna back to the Land of Waves," Shino explained, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. "Once we complete this mission, we can sign up for the Chūnin Exams!"
Shino had longed to participate in the Chūnin Exams. He wanted to prove his strength and show how much he had grown.
Huh?
Genya's previously lazy body snapped upright. He stared at the mission scroll, his eyes narrowing slightly as thoughts raced through his mind like tangled threads.
Wasn't this the same mission that Kakashi and Naruto had done?
He remembered clearly: it was during this very mission that Naruto faced countless trials and hardships, ultimately understanding the depth of his own determination and achieving a major step in his growth.
But now, everything had changed.
This C-rank mission, which originally belonged to Kakashi's team, had somehow become his.
Could this be the so-called "butterfly effect"?
Since arriving in this world, many things had quietly shifted. Perhaps Naruto no longer needed that experience to solidify his resolve.
If that was the case, then he would take this journey himself. Who knew—maybe along the way, he might even encounter Zabuza.
****
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