At the Umbrella base, inside a spacious conference room, Shisui and the others were gathered, discussing how to face the looming threat.
"Even Uzumaki Nagato, who possessed the Rinnegan, was killed," Zabuza said grimly. "That alone proves the enemy has methods we don't understand."
Zabuza was the first to speak. The bandages wrapped around his body had noticeably decreased, revealing a hardened, resolute expression beneath.
Hearing this, Ao nodded in agreement, his face equally solemn. Even in his current condition, he knew he would have stood no chance against Nagato wielding the Rinnegan.
And now… even Nagato was dead.
This ninja world was becoming more incomprehensible by the day.
"Let's set that matter aside for now," Shisui said calmly. "Nagato will be avenged. What matters most is how we deal with the crisis ahead. What are everyone's thoughts?"
His gaze swept across the room before finally settling on Shikamaru, the youngest present.
Shisui greatly admired this young man. In his eyes, Shikamaru possessed talent and strategic insight that even surpassed Shikaku. With time and refinement, he would become an exceptional commander.
As for Sasuke, Shisui did not yet believe he was ready to participate in a meeting at this level.
But Shikamaru was different. His composure and intellect already met the standard.
"Shikamaru," Shisui said with a faint smile. "What do you think?"
The others turned toward him with teasing expressions. Everyone knew Shisui was deliberately testing him.
Shikamaru let out a quiet sigh, looking helpless. He hadn't wanted to attend this meeting in the first place—but since Shisui had called on him directly, there was no escaping it.
Still, beneath that reluctance, a subtle excitement stirred.
Reaching his current position at such a young age was proof of his ability. And no matter how lazy he appeared, Shikamaru was still a young man with pride.
Crossing his arms, he thought for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Based on what we know so far, our information on the enemy is limited," Shikamaru said. "But at the same time, they don't know much about us either."
"With our current strength, the chances of outright defeat are extremely low. The project in the Wind Capital desert is nearly complete, and a new generation of Chakra Cannons has already entered production."
"Armored vehicles, Chakra Cannons—we're fully equipped. And that's only our hardware."
"Our actual combat strength includes the Martial Arts Corps and the Chakra Army, totaling tens of thousands. If we also count forces stationed across other regions of the ninja world, we can mobilize roughly two hundred thousand personnel."
As Shikamaru spoke methodically, Shisui nodded in approval. "Go on."
Shikamaru returned the nod.
"These are all things everyone here already knows, so I won't dwell on them. As for low-level personnel, they're not worth deploying unless absolutely necessary. If it comes to that, it would mean the enemy's strength far exceeds our expectations."
As he spoke, Shikamaru raised his hand and pointed toward the massive map of the ninja world hanging on the wall.
"Our diplomatic ties with the major ninja villages aren't particularly strong," he continued. "Iwagakure's stance, in particular, remains unclear. But in the face of overwhelming power, even the Third Tsuchikage will have no choice but to acknowledge reality."
"The enemy's objective is already obvious from previous intelligence—the Tailed Beasts."
Shikamaru paused and glanced around the room.
Seeing everyone nod in agreement, he continued, "They'll likely launch direct assaults on the major ninja villages to capture them. And inevitably, we'll be one of their targets."
He tapped several locations on the map.
"This region here is a vast plain—ideal for large-scale warfare. And these areas as well. All are suitable battlefields."
Shikamaru finally spread his hands, a helpless expression crossing his face.
"I just can't imagine what kind of trump card the enemy is relying on to challenge the entire ninja world… especially given the resources we currently possess."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Then—
"Hahahahaha!"
Laughter erupted all at once.
Everyone present was stunned for a split second before breaking into laughter, clearly amused by Shikamaru's candid conclusion.
They all shared the same unspoken thought.
With their current strength, they could be said to be unrivaled in the Ninja World. Compared to them, the former Five Great Nations weren't even qualified to carry their shoes.
Among everyone present, only Shisui slowly shook his head.
At that moment, Shikamaru spoke again, his eyes sharp as he looked toward Shisui.
"Lord Shisui's objective isn't just dealing with the impending crisis, is it?" he said. "Otherwise, you wouldn't look this serious."
Shisui smiled faintly.
"You really are sharp."
"That's right. While the enemy is indeed powerful, mobilizing our entire organization would consume an enormous amount of resources," Shisui continued calmly. "This time, my goal is more than just countering the threat."
"I intend to fully integrate the Ninja World."
"The smaller ninja villages and minor nations must merge with us. Only by unifying the Ninja World can we truly consolidate and maximize all available resources."
Shisui paused briefly, then his expression grew grave.
"However, you're underestimating our opponents."
"We will be facing a pair of Rinnegan, as well as Mangekyō Sharingan users. Moreover, according to my intelligence, the Masked Man has already obtained the Edo Tensei technique from Danzo."
"At present, numerous clan graveyards across the Ninja World have been desecrated."
"This means it's highly likely that we'll be facing former fellow shinobi… perhaps even our predecessors and ancestors."
"And among them—"
Shisui's gaze sharpened.
"—Uchiha Madara, the so-called Asura of the Ninja World, whose name once stood alongside the First Hokage's."
As soon as Madara's name was spoken, the atmosphere in the room visibly changed.
Everyone's eyes narrowed, and more than a few eyelids twitched.
A man's reputation was like the shadow of a towering tree.
The names Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara represented the very pinnacle of legend in the Ninja World—symbols of absolute power. Even the Tailed Beasts would bow before them.
No one here was ignorant.
They all understood what lay ahead: Edo Tensei, an immortal army, and legendary shinobi whose names were etched into the history of the Ninja World.
And yet—
"Hahahahaha!!"
A wild laugh suddenly rang out.
"My blade has been thirsting for battle for a long time!!"
Zabuza laughed loudly, his killing intent surging. Even in the face of Uchiha Madara, he showed no fear.
Having reached this point, his mindset was no longer what it once had been.
Under Naruto's leadership, the Ninja World had changed completely. What they had achieved was unprecedented—something no era before had ever accomplished.
Zabuza had his own pride.
Aside from Shisui, he was the only one who had followed Naruto from the very beginning until now.
"Uchiha Madara, huh?" Uchiha Yu laughed as well. "I'd like to see just how powerful my ancestor really is!"
Though his strength was not outstanding, he still dared to draw his blade against even greater foes.
"This old man would also like to test Uchiha Madara's might."
At this moment, Takuma Genji, the former Konoha Dragon God, spoke up. He was representing the Martial Arts Corps at this meeting.
A veteran from the Third Hokage's era, Takuma knew better than most just how terrifying Madara truly was.
And yet, the Martial Arts Corps behind him was his confidence.
He wanted to know—whether, by uniting everyone's strength, they could truly challenge Uchiha Madara and confront the legendary Rinnegan head-on.
Seeing this, Shisui smiled.
This was the organization they had built.
"Since everyone is so confident," Shisui said calmly, "then we'll convene a Ninja World Conference."
"And officially—"
"We declare war on the Masked Man."
(End of Chapter)
💎 100 P.S = +1 Bonus Chapter
⚒️ Pa-treon-com/LordMerlin
😊 Thank you for your support!