Chapter 309: Everyone's Hope and Reliance
Uchiha Dali hadn't held out much hope to begin with. Now, seeing that no valuable information could be gained, he chose to end the topic.
"Enough, let's leave the matter of the barrier for now. It won't pose any threat to us in the short term anyway."
"Perhaps that thing even exists to protect our ninja world."
"Let's focus instead on discussing the matter of the new nation."
Had he not spoken, it would've been fine, but after hearing his words, everyone present only grew more worried.
Especially the smaller island nations.
At that moment, someone voiced their concern: "Fourth Hokage-sama, we don't mean to be alarmist, but is there a chance that the barrier is actually sealing away the Nine-Eyed God?"
"Yes, Fourth-sama, the legends say that the Nine-Eyed God was sealed by another powerful deity. Could it be that this mysterious barrier exists to prevent the Nine-Eyed God from threatening this world?"
"If that's the case, then it would be better not to investigate it at all!"
"…"
It was obvious that everyone deeply believed in the legends of the Nine-Eyed God.
At this moment, they were all filled with worry.
Seeing that the meeting could not go on like this, Uchiha Dali sighed helplessly.
"Don't worry. Whether it's the Nine-Eyed God or some strange deity, if they dare to threaten this world, I will act."
Though his words offered some comfort, easing part of their fears, it was clear no one could completely relax.
Even the leaders of other nations and the Kage of the Five Great Nations wore grave expressions.
Seeing the unrest, Yagura looked toward Uchiha Dali and spoke: "Our Five Elements Nation has already been established. We are all one family now."
"Since there may be a hidden danger that threatens our safety, why not take this opportunity to investigate thoroughly once and for all? That way everyone can focus on development without worry."
"What do you think, Fourth-sama?"
Many people agreed with Yagura's suggestion, and all eyes turned to Uchiha Dali, waiting for his decision.
This was exactly what he intended, so he readily agreed.
This was a good opportunity.
It could both unite the newly founded nation under a common goal and enemy, and further consolidate his prestige among them.
Moreover, the mysterious barrier also gave him an inexplicable sense of danger.
So, from every perspective, now was the right time to deal with the matter.
"However, I've heard some things and would like clarification while we have the chance," Ōnoki suddenly said, turning to Uchiha Dali.
Even without him speaking, Uchiha Dali already knew what he wanted to ask.
Revealing the information about Uchiha Madara and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's attempt to attack the ninja world had been his intention from the start, so that the attending Kage and leaders would be aware.
"Go ahead and ask."
Uchiha Dali nodded.
As expected, Ōnoki asked: "I heard that before we arrived here, Konohagakure was attacked. A man named Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, together with Uchiha Madara, attempted to overthrow the ninja world and steal our chakra."
"Is this true, Fourth Hokage?"
As Ōnoki finished speaking, everyone's eyes fixed on Uchiha Dali.
He was not the only one who had heard of it—every person present had.
But since none of them had seen it firsthand, and those outside the Land of Fire had not felt the crushing pressure, many remained doubtful.
"This is something you should be more qualified to speak about, Fourth Raikage."
Uchiha Dali looked at him with a faint smile.
The latter pondered briefly, then nodded: "At the time, a mysterious organization called Akatsuki infiltrated our village, trying to capture our tailed beasts."
"Their strength was overwhelming. If it hadn't been for Fourth Hokage-sama's intervention, we would have been finished."
As he spoke, the Raikage cast a meaningful glance at Yahiko.
He recognized Yahiko, but Uchiha Dali had already explained things to him in private, so he knew now that Yahiko and Konan were allies, on their side.
Retracting his gaze, the Raikage continued: "Later, through investigation, we learned that Uchiha Madara was the mastermind behind Akatsuki. But in truth, even Madara was merely being used. This whole matter is… long to explain."
Just as he finished, Nagato spoke up: "I was once Akatsuki's proxy. Let me explain everything."
Everyone's attention turned to him.
Nagato first introduced himself, then recounted Akatsuki's history.
After that, he explained everything about Uchiha Madara, Black Zetsu, and the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
Only then did everyone finally realize—they had been just one step away from the destruction of their world.
Their respect for Uchiha Dali deepened, awe written on every face.
"So it was Fourth Hokage-sama who stopped it all. Without you, our world would already have fallen to the Ōtsutsuki Clan…"
Rasa looked over with approval.
But Ōnoki frowned: "Since the Ōtsutsuki Clan is so powerful, could it be that the mysterious barrier was set up by them?"
"That is possible," Uchiha Dali nodded immediately.
The others grew even more worried upon hearing this.
Just from Nagato's description earlier, they had come to understand the terrifying might of the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
The Sage of Six Paths, who was said to have created the world, was from the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
The Sage's mother was also from the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
Even Uchiha Madara and the so-called "God of Shinobi" Senju Hashirama turned out to be their descendants.
These ninja were all legendary figures beyond compare when measured against ordinary people.
This alone showed how powerful the Ōtsutsuki Clan was.
Fortunately, Uchiha Dali had single-handedly stopped their invasion and crushed their ambition. Otherwise, the ninja world would already be lost.
At this moment, everyone's admiration for Uchiha Dali reached its peak.
The looks they gave him now were completely different from before.
Even if no one said it aloud, Uchiha Dali had already become everyone's leader—the hope and reliance of all.
"My clones are already investigating thoroughly. There's no need for you all to worry."
"Now that you understand the situation, let us put our full effort into studying this barrier and uncovering the truth behind it!"
Uchiha Dali reassured them.
"Then… what about Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, who escaped? Isn't he still a threat?"
Rasa immediately raised the question.