Hiss—
Uchiha Kai's words struck everyone like a bolt of lightning, leaving them wide-eyed and shaken.
Yes.
Think about the three Shinobi World Wars.
Was peace ever begged for?
No.
It was bought with the blood of wave after wave of shinobi who charged forward without fear of death.
What right did they have to forgive the enemy in their stead?
Instinctively, many in the hall felt Kai was right.
Peace wasn't begged for—it was fought for!
Better to sacrifice this generation if it meant a century of peace for their children.
That line—it lit a fire in their hearts.
Truth be told, even Hiruzen Sarutobi felt his blood stir.
He wanted to refute it.
But for the moment, he could think of no way to do so.
Because Kai's words… were simply too damned true!
Who dared claim that Konoha's peace hadn't been bought with countless lives?
If Hiruzen himself said as much, his reputation would collapse in an instant.
Even the Ino–Shika–Cho looked at Kai with complicated eyes.
Because this was what a true leader should say.
Compared to him, Hiruzen looked nothing more than a politician.
But what could they do?
Dreams were one thing, reality another.
For the sake of their clans, even if they inwardly approved of Kai, they had no choice but to stand with Hiruzen.
Still, in their hearts?
That was another matter.
One thing was certain: many were already silently resolving that once this meeting ended, they would begin placing more of their elite shinobi under Uchiha command.
"The Aburame Clan, oppose!"
"The Inuzuka Clan, oppose!"
"The Moonlight Clan, oppose!"
"The Mitarashi Clan, oppose!"
"Yukawa Uino, oppose!"
"Fujishima Kawaki, oppose!"
"…!"
Facts spoke louder than words.
Kai's speech carried terrifying weight.
Not only had the Aburame, Inuzuka, and other early allies stood with the Uchiha, but many wavering minor clans—and even a number of civilian shinobi—now openly declared for them.
In short—
Even if they couldn't stop Hiruzen outright, the Uchiha had already won big.
And once Kai's words spread through the streets of Konoha, their full power would show.
Then the Uchiha's reputation and influence would soar to new heights.
Undoubtedly, more and more would flock to their banner.
On the other side, the Hokage faction was dead silent.
Yes.
They understood everything Kai had just said.
But damn it all—how could a few blood-stirring words, words not even as elaborate as their own "Will of Fire," have such an overwhelming impact?
Worse still—
It wasn't just that Kai was strong and cunning.
Even his rhetoric, even his ability to sway hearts, was overwhelming.
How were they supposed to compete with that?
Especially Danzo.
In truth, he too wanted to oppose Hiruzen's proposal.
Whatever his other flaws, he was unyielding against external threats.
But Kai had spoken first.
And he'd spoken so well.
If Danzo stood up now, wouldn't that make him look like Kai's follower?
So he could only keep his mouth shut.
Koharu and Homura both frowned deeply.
Kai was becoming too dangerous.
They had to find a way to stop him.
But how?
If they refuted him outright, they would only destroy themselves.
So they sat there, paralyzed by indecision.
Hiruzen, meanwhile, ground his molars as he glared at Kai.
Almost reflexively, his gaze turned toward Nara Shikaku.
"…"
Shikaku's lips twitched.
This was a trump card—what answer could even he provide?
At last, all he could do was shrug and shake his head.
Hiruzen's chest tightened.
But he knew the meeting couldn't be allowed to continue.
If it went on any longer, this assembly of Jounin would become nothing more than Uchiha Kai's personal stage.
He had no counterargument, true—but he could still cut things short.
So he cleared his throat.
"Enough. Since the voting has concluded, let's tally the results."
"Koharu, announce them."
Koharu instantly understood.
It was, after all, the only way left.
She quickly conducted the count.
Ten minutes later, she stood.
"After tallying the votes, the approvals outnumber the rejections by twenty-seven."
"Therefore, the motion passes."
"Konoha will formally propose a Five Kage Summit to the shinobi world.
The meeting will be held in the Land of Iron."
Silence.
Utter silence.
None had expected this result.
Before the room could react, Hiruzen rose abruptly.
"That is all."
"With the matter decided, I declare this assembly concluded. Dismissed!"
His voice was glacial.
Not waiting for rebuttals, he strode out at once, the three elders close behind.
Only when the "Konoha F4" were gone did the chamber erupt in noise.
Plainly, discontent was everywhere.
But so what?
He was still the Hokage.
Most didn't dare speak aloud.
At most, they would mutter in private.
Among the Ino–Shika–Cho:
"We've got work to do," muttered Inoichi Yamanaka.
"This Uchiha Kai is no simple man."
Akimichi Chōza and Akimichi Torifū both nodded.
Indeed.
Recalling Kai's thunderous words, even they had felt stirred to follow.
Too rousing!
Shikaku chuckled.
"Enough thinking. Let's get to preparing."
His tone was meaningful.
The others smiled knowingly.
In the Hyuga Clan:
"That Uchiha is far too arrogant!" Hyuga Hizashi snapped.
"To stand openly against the Hokage is the act of a fool!"
Hyuga Hiashi only shook his head.
Casting a glance at the Uchiha, he said quietly:
"Who can say? Let's go."
"The affairs of others don't concern us.
We'll just live quietly as we always have."
As for the minor clans and civilian shinobi—
The look in their eyes toward the Uchiha had already changed.
Yes.
Kai's words today had struck them deeply.
"I'm planning to join the Uchiha."
"Me too."
"Good. Let's go together."
"…!"
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