Gen's gaze swept across them, calm but firm.
"You haven't joined me yet, so I cannot reveal the full plan. But I can share a glimpse of what comes after unification."
His tone carried both gravity and conviction as he outlined his vision.
"Once the world is united, I will integrate the shinobi system with science and technology, researching methods to accelerate training. From the capital, we'll construct roads reaching every region. These will connect all lands, enabling trade to flourish and ensuring even the poorest villages are fed and clothed.
"But simple distribution won't solve everything. The true solution is to make poor regions self-sufficient and prosperous. By fusing ninjutsu and science, we'll determine the best crops for each land and reshape environments where people suffer.
"In harsh regions like the Land of Wind or the Land of Earth, we will plant vast forests. Wood Release is an ideal method. Of course, true environmental change will take generations—even if the First Hokage's Wood Release could be recreated, it cannot happen overnight."
His voice rose as he continued.
"Another reform will be in talent. At present, leadership belongs to nobles and their retainers. Commoners have no path to rise. That will end. I will build schools, provide basic education to the masses, and allow true talent to emerge through examinations."
"But these are secondary. The most important plan is the founding of a new country—with shinobi at its core."
"The root of tragedy in this world is the low status of shinobi. We are treated as disposable tools, our wills crushed beneath orders. That is why so many suffer. But if shinobi held the status of nobility, would such tragedies still occur?
Many shinobi know only how to fight, not how to govern. But governance can be learned. None are born rulers. At first, ordinary administrators can fill the gaps. Over time, new generations of shinobi, educated and trained, will grow into leaders."
"Then a new ruling system will emerge—one where New Age shinobi lead, and ordinary people assist. That is my vision. Yet my wisdom alone is limited. I will gather brilliant minds to refine and shape this country."
"As long as we eliminate the malcontents—those unwilling to see their nations and villages disappear—the founders of this new world will unite. Together, they will build lives more prosperous than anything before. And once the cycle of turmoil is broken, peace will endure for a very, very long time."
"If we ensure unity among the shinobi at the helm—if there is no infighting—peace may last forever!"
By the end, Gen's voice had risen into a fervent crescendo. His expression blazed with intensity, his words carrying the rhythm of a spell, a vision meant to seize their hearts.
And it worked.
For if shinobi stood united, what rebellion of common folk could ever threaten them? Even a massive uprising could be crushed. With ninjutsu like the Transformation Technique, rebels' leaders could be hunted and destroyed before they ever gained traction. Organization was the lifeblood of rebellion—and shinobi could cut it out at the root.
The common people had overthrown nobles before, but each time, shinobi swept them aside. To ordinary people, this world was more despairing than ever.
Jūzō and Kisame both felt their chests tighten. For them, Gen's words lit a spark of hope—perhaps peace was not just a dream. They could almost picture that future.
Fuguki's excitement was different. Peace tempted him, yes, but more than that, he envisioned his own place in it: a founding elder, a man of power, wealth, and glory in the new order. The thought alone thrilled him.
Gen extended a hand, palm open, and smiled slightly.
"Two of you… will you join me in creating this dream, a dream never before seen, not in a thousand years? If we succeed, even the Mist will receive favorable treatment."
Jūzō and Kisame exchanged a single look. Then, as one, they dropped to one knee.
"From this day forward—greetings, Lord!"
The vision was almost impossible, but even the faintest chance was worth staking their lives upon.
Gen's smile deepened.
"Good. From now on, we are one. Rise."
They stood respectfully, awaiting his next words.
"There are matters I must make clear. You know how sensitive my goal is. Should it ever be exposed, we will become enemies of the world."
Kisame spoke abruptly, but not rudely.
"Lord, I am willing to accept a restriction."
It was second nature for him—he had come from the Mist's Anbu, where such seals were common.
"I am willing as well," Jūzō added.
Gen regarded them warmly. "No need. Trust those you use, and do not use those you doubt. I believe you would never betray me, even at the cost of your lives."
Both men were moved by the show of faith.
But Fuguki, uncomfortable, stepped forward.
"Lord, safeguards are still wise. Better safe than sorry. If information leaks, you might not even discover who betrayed you. Traitors deserve death!"
Gen's gaze sharpened, displeasure darkening his tone.
"Watch your mouth. I said I trust them."
"You trust them but not me?" Fuguki pressed. "You left a safeguard on me. Don't be partial. I was your first follower."
Indeed, Gen thought, I don't trust you—you have no shinobi integrity. But aloud, he let a look of difficulty flicker across his face.
Kisame, ever perceptive, spoke quickly.
"Lord, we thank you for your trust. But fairness matters. Let's accept the same measure as Fuguki. Otherwise, he may resent it."
Jūzō nodded. "Agreed. Equal treatment strengthens bonds."
Both understood the act for what it was, yet they knew some initial safeguards would strengthen their Lord's position—and their unity.
Gen sighed, half reluctant, half sincere.
"Very well. Let us do it this way. Come forward."
The two stepped up, stopping three paces before him.
Gen advanced, raised his right hand, and pressed his palm to the back of their necks.
"It is done."
They blinked, startled. That was it?
Before they could ask, Fuguki chuckled knowingly.
"The Lord has placed a Flying Thunder God mark on you. No matter where you are in this world, he can sense you instantly."
Jūzō and Kisame froze in stunned silence…