Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

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If this continued, Konoha wouldn't even need to lift a finger.

Kirigakure would simply—implode, becoming the first of the Five Great Villages to naturally expire, due to economic stagnation, a dwindling ninja population, and a—plummeting birth rate.

Imagine Yagura, trapped in the "I'll be back next week" finally recovering, returning triumphantly to the village, ready to shout, "I'm back!" – only to find his village gone. How utterly ironic.

Lest anyone forget, Kirigakure had once known glory!

With all seven ninja swords, and a full roster of Seven Ninja Swordsmen, they could obliterate a small ninja village overnight!

The destruction of the once-mighty Uzushiogakure was inseparable from Kirigakure's involvement!

Reform was needed. Survival was at stake.

Baki paused, allowing his words to sink in, then spoke with deliberate gravity. "Everyone, we are gathered here today because we all comprehend the crisis. We face two paths. Either we are slowly bled dry by Konoha, swallowed whole—or we unite and fight!"

Risk.

"No! That's inaccurate. Your very presence here signifies a convergence of thought. The first path is untenable. We have only one path."

With the exception of Iwagakure, whose unwavering Stone Will guided their actions, both domestically and abroad, the other three great villages faced the threat of decline.

Inaction meant a slow demise under Konoha's encroaching influence. Their own leadership couldn't reverse the damage; the situation was dire. What could they do?

There was only one solution—war!

In the straightforward worldview of ninja, when faced with insurmountable problems, only one path remained—ignite the flames of war.

War was simply the continuation of politics.

Stated plainly, war and diplomacy were tools for ninja villages to compete for resources and influence. Within the political traditions of ninja villages, ninja war was the most effective means for villages to vie for dominance, expand their power, and resolve or redirect internal contradictions. This principle had been repeatedly validated by various ninja villages throughout history.

Sunagakure was dying of thirst. What was the solution? War! Kirigakure's ruling class was losing control. What was the solution? War! The warmongers of Kumogakure were growing restless. What was the solution? War!

In the recent history of the Shinobi World, whichever village's system was closest to collapse would invariably initiate a ninja war.

Once those who voiced dissent were eliminated, the dissent itself dissipated. If the problem couldn't be solved, the individuals raising the problem could be.

Some ninja wars were launched by the village Kage to divert internal strife, to open trade routes and expand markets, to secure absolute authority in a specific region.

A consensus had long existed in ninja relations:

Temporary peace served as preparation for ninja war, and ninja war paved the way for long-term peace. In the modern Shinobi World, the strength and standing of each village were frequently recalibrated, and resources redistributed, through a series of ninja wars.

Once each village's internal conflicts were resolved and resources reallocated, a more enduring peace could naturally be achieved.

However, no one had anticipated that, just two years after the Third Shinobi World War, tensions would escalate so quickly, to the point where war was the only solution.

Setting aside practical considerations, it was almost as if someone was deliberately spreading subversive ideas, enlightening the masses, encouraging them to pressure their village leaders to address their problems and achieve the same level of prosperity as Konoha—If they failed to do so, Iki had already illuminated a path for them, instructing them to "take it yourself"!

Now, three of the five great villages were facing escalating internal conflicts, fueled by Konoha's actions, to the point where their very survival was threatened. And the only solution was war.

Unlike previous conflicts, no single village could stand against Konoha. To resolve their internal issues without crippling their own strength, and to seize a share of Konoha's vast resources… a united front was their only option.

As for the post-war Shinobi World, the distribution of the spoils extracted from Konoha – that was a matter to be addressed after the Anti-Konoha Alliance achieved victory.

This was the ninja way of the Fifth Kazekage, Baki—the art of forging alliances and manipulating rivals!

A and Ao's eyes flickered; they were clearly intrigued.

Only Ōnoki remained seemingly unmoved.

Baki turned his gaze towards Ōnoki. "Tsuchikage-sama, what are your thoughts?"

"…Your village's internal conflicts are your own concern. We in Iwagakure have no such issues. Moreover, Iwagakure has signed the [Konoha-Iwa Non-Aggression Pact] with Konoha. Fifth Kazekage, are you suggesting that this old man become a treacherous ninja?"

"The education in the Will of Stone that I received does not permit me to engage in such dishonorable acts of breaking my word~" Ōnoki delivered his response slowly and deliberately.

Boom—!

The Fourth Raikage slammed his fist onto the table in a furious outburst. A, perpetually harboring a volatile temper towards this man who had slain his father, now resembled a lit powder keg, poised to unleash a fatal blow upon Ōnoki.

Ōnoki's reaction was equally swift. He instantly extended his palms, positioning them horizontally before his chest, prepared to activate Dust Release in self-defense.

And Mifune's samurai sword was even faster.

With a whoosh, it sliced down, interposing itself horizontally between the two, preventing the conflict from escalating further.

Just how fast?

Mifune activated the power of the Face-Face Fruit, and stated coldly, "I am unconcerned with your personal grievances. If you wish to engage in combat, depart from the Land of Iron. Otherwise, you are showing disrespect to me!"

The Face-Face Fruit…

Mifune had offered a way out. A, the Raikage, suppressed his rage, letting out a cold snort before resuming his seat. Out of respect for Mifune, the leader of this neutral nation, he conceded. He gave him face.

Ōnoki lowered his hands.

Such was the power of the Face-Face Fruit. Once activated, the opponent would typically concede, offering face!

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