Uchiha Hikaru's lofty declaration surged like a violent storm, shaking the heart of every villager in Konoha to its core.
His voice stirred countless waves in their hearts, as if igniting their beliefs and passions all at once.
The people of Konoha erupted in cheers, their voices rising and falling like ocean tides, merging into a thunderous roar.
They clapped excitedly, pride and honor radiating from their faces.
In stark contrast stood the representatives from the other nations, each of them wearing complex expressions.
When a nation holds absolute power, you'd better pray that it's a benevolent one.
But clearly, Hikaru's words were anything but benevolent.
Just as their hearts became entangled with anxiety and dread, Hikaru spoke again on the screen:
"Now, I shall issue my first command as the Fifth Hokage."
His words carried the weight of a storm heralding a new era. Everyone present held their breath, awaiting what he would say next.
"I plan to conduct a second joint Chūnin Exam with the other nations. This time, the wager will be… your nations' existence."
His tone was calm, as if he were discussing something as ordinary as the weather.
Yet in the ears of those foreign representatives, it exploded like a bombshell, triggering waves of terror and disbelief.
Their eyes widened in shock as they stared at Hikaru on the screen, desperately trying to find even a hint of jest in his expression.
Unfortunately, Hikaru's expression was as solemn and firm as iron—without a trace of humor.
He continued, "That's right. If you still can't win this time, then you have no right to exist."
The words pierced the hearts of every representative like cold steel needles.
They understood—Hikaru wasn't joking. He meant it.
Silence engulfed the entire plaza like a suffocating fog.
Just moments ago, Konoha's people had been basking in the pride and joy of Hikaru's inauguration. Now, that pride was replaced by stunned silence.
Their wide eyes locked onto the screen, expressions shifting into a mixture of shock and disbelief.
The announcement was too shocking, too unexpected, leaving them unable to react.
Meanwhile, the other nations' representatives were deathly pale, filled with despair and fear.
They knew—this time, the wager was far beyond what they could bear.
The sheer strength and confidence in Hikaru's voice pressed down on them like an invisible mountain.
And even now, Hikaru wasn't done speaking.
He added indifferently, "The people of Konoha need not panic. If they lose, I'll erase them myself."
As he spoke, he extended a finger toward a nearby forest. "Just like that forest—I'll wipe them out completely."
As his voice fell, he casually snapped his fingers.
The next moment, something that shook both the hearts of Konoha's citizens and terrified the other nations' representatives took place.
That lush, thriving forest vanished in an instant—as if erased by a giant rubber eraser. Not a single trace remained.
It was as if the forest had never existed at all.
([Spatial Banishment])
This astonishing display not only demonstrated Hikaru's overwhelming power and resolve, but also reaffirmed Konoha's strength and dominance.
The villagers of Konoha erupted in cheers once more, their pride swelling at having such a powerful and confident Hokage.
But the representatives of the other nations stood ghost-pale, drowning in fear and unease.
They understood that the upcoming Chūnin Exam would be a matter of life and death—they had to give it everything they had.
"Now then, does anyone still have objections?" Hikaru's voice rang out again.
Yet faced with such overwhelming power and ruthless threat, the representatives could only remain silent.
None dared meet Hikaru's eyes. They didn't even look toward the now-erased forest.
They knew—any protest or resistance would be meaningless and would only bring disaster upon their nations.
Hikaru nodded with satisfaction and continued:
"Very well. Since there are no objections, the second Chūnin Exams will be held one month from now. You may return and prepare. I hope you'll bring out your true strength by then."
As his final words fell, the image on the screen gradually faded, dissolving into darkness.
But the tension in the plaza did not dissipate. No one dared to break the silence.
Konoha's people began whispering among themselves, excitedly discussing the upcoming Chūnin Exams and the immense strength of their new Hokage.
Meanwhile, the foreign representatives lingered for a moment before quickly departing.
They understood all too well: the next month would be critical to their nations' survival. Not a second could be wasted.
Back in the Hokage's office, Hikaru sat calmly behind his desk, arms crossed, deep in thought.
Suddenly, a steady voice broke the silence—it was the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
He looked at the Fifth Hokage with visible concern on his face.
"Hikaru… don't you think this is a bit too extreme?" Hashirama asked slowly.
"Shouldn't we consider a more peaceful way to build relations with other nations? These kinds of threats and pressure might provoke even greater conflict and resistance."
"Peaceful?" Hikaru turned to meet Hashirama's gaze directly and replied:
"In this world of the strong devouring the weak, peace only makes us weak."
Hashirama was about to argue further, but Hikaru raised a hand to silence him.
Taking a deep breath, he continued:
"I understand your concern, Hashirama. But every era has its own mission."
"You brought the shinobi world into the era of hidden villages—you created peace and prosperity. But now, it's my time to unify this world."
Hearing this, Tobirama Senju nodded in agreement:
"Hikaru's right. The era you led, Brother, didn't achieve true peace. It's time for a new change."
Madara Uchiha stood silently nearby, watching Hikaru with a complicated look in his eyes, as if deep in thought. His gaze held emotions that were hard to describe.
At that moment, Mito Uzumaki gently tugged on Hashirama's sleeve, who was still trying to argue, and softly said:
"That's enough, wood-head. You're already dead—why worry about things like this?"
Hashirama was momentarily speechless, then let out a helpless sigh.
"I know…"
Mito's words rang true—he no longer held the power to change things. In this era, he was no longer a leader… only an observer.