A massive map unfolded before everyone, stretching endlessly like a grand painting. Every river, every mountain range, and every city had been meticulously illustrated.
The rulers from outside Konoha all harbored different thoughts. Their eyes flickered with their own ambitions and desires as their gazes roamed across the map, as if they could already see the glory and prosperity of the future.
The power holders within Konoha were no less eager. A blazing fire burned in their hearts, each yearning to carve out their own domain in this new world.
The commanders of the three military regions—Uchiha Lei, Uchiha Naka, and Uchiha Barū—stood before the map with blazing eyes, as if they could already see the day they would conquer this land.
They had once enjoyed the prestige of ruling their own territories. Now they desired even more—to engrave their names upon the monuments of history.
The vast new world was more than enough to unleash their ambitions and allow their dreams to take root.
The Ino–Shika–Chō alliance, the Hyūga clan, and the Inuzuka and Aburame clans all wished to establish themselves firmly in the new world.
With fertile land and abundant population resources, the growth and prosperity of their clans would become something tangible and inevitable.
"The development of the Shinobi Continent hasn't even reached its bottleneck yet, and now we've acquired half another continent. Once the remaining forces are eliminated, it will take the shinobi world at least a hundred years to fully develop the northwest of this continent."
Standing above the crowd, Uchiha Soren's sharp gaze swept downward.
From his elevated vantage point, the surface thoughts in their minds were laid bare before him.
While thinking, he also recalled the Great Tomb of Nazarick and the Dragon Emperor.
Both forces had one thing in common—their suicidal tactics were extremely disgusting to deal with.
"I wonder if my current Susanoo could withstand Ainz self-destructing with the Momonga Orb…"
The thought appeared briefly in his mind before he dismissed it.
A battle that brought no benefit and had a high chance of mutual destruction held absolutely no appeal for him.
It was far more worthwhile to consider how to use the World-Class Item — Downfall of Castle and Country.
Soren vaguely remembered that Momonga removed the orb when he bathed. Perhaps he could find an opportunity to use Downfall of Castle and Country to seize control of him in a single move.
Or perhaps he could try controlling him using the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan—or even Uchiha Zhilli's Kotoamatsukami.
"So far their level-100 combatants have already lost Demiurge, Cocytus, Pandora, along with numerous undead armies and high-tier monsters."
"If nothing unexpected happens, Momonga only has two options left."
"Either stay inside Nazarick and defend it to the death…"
"Or abandon everything and flee."
How could he tolerate another power sleeping peacefully beside his own territory?
Until the Great Tomb of Nazarick and the Dragon Emperor were completely dealt with, the shinobi world could never truly become the rightful ruler of the Magic Continent.
If Nazarick were to obtain more World-Class Items or resources, the hundred-plus high-tier monsters they currently possessed would certainly not be their limit.
And if Nazarick were to join forces with the Dragon Emperor—or even the Ōtsutsuki brothers—even Soren would find the situation troublesome.
Suppressing his wandering thoughts, Uchiha Soren shifted his gaze toward Uzumaki Minako.
Remembering his plan to reform the shinobi world, he slowly spoke.
"Renaming the territories of the Magic Continent is not something we need to rush."
"What I believe is more important… is that the Shinobi Continent itself is approaching the moment of unification."
The moment those words were spoken, the entire hall was shaken.
Especially the shinobi villages outside Konoha—many of them widened their eyes in shock.
But only a few seconds later, their emotions returned to calm.
Reflected in their eyes was Uchiha Soren's calm expression.
Everyone understood perfectly well—
Any opposition at this moment would be suicide.
The best possible outcome would be the same fate as the Fourth Tsuchikage Rōshi—digging a pit and burying oneself alive.
"It was only a matter of time."
The Fourth Mizukage Genji sighed inwardly.
From Konoha's expansion—recruiting new personnel, increasing education programs, and enlarging the administrative structure—Genji had assumed these preparations were for developing the Magic Continent.
He had never imagined the true target was the shinobi world itself.
"But perhaps this is actually a good thing."
Under a great tree, it is easier to enjoy the shade.
With a being like the Dragon Emperor roaming the Magic Continent, Kirigakure alone had absolutely no ability to resist him.
Previously, when Kirigakure led its own forces, Genji had even worried that Uchiha Soren might deliberately delay his assistance and watch Kirigakure suffer casualties.
Now, however, if Kirigakure fully merged into Konoha—
They would become true allies instead of external forces under the Military Affairs Department.
At that point, Soren would surely intervene in time.
Deep in his heart, Genji had long suspected that the tragedy of Iwagakure had been orchestrated deliberately by Uchiha Soren.
But that thought would remain buried forever.
He would never speak it aloud.
"So we'll merge into Konoha… Then Sunagakure will never have a Kazekage again?"
Chiyo felt a strange emptiness in her heart.
All the effort she had poured in recently suddenly felt almost like a joke.
"What absolute dominance… what overwhelming authority."
The Fifth Tsuchikage Han felt both envy and jealousy, yet at the same time believed it only natural.
The strong had the right to take whatever they wished.
The fact that Uchiha Soren was even "discussing" the matter with them was already generous.
If he refused such generosity—
Today might become the anniversary of his death.
The Konoha faction, of course, had no objections whatsoever.
Uchiha Soren had expanded the size of the cake dramatically, and they were the ones who would benefit most.
Only a fool would oppose him.
As for the inevitable conflicts of interest that would come from merging the shinobi villages—
The ninja clans of Konoha feared none of it.
Even a mighty dragon crossing a river must respect the local serpent.
And outsiders were far from being dragons.
"Since none of you have any objections," Soren said with a faint smile, "then two days from now we will convene a Shinobi World Conference under my authority."
"At that meeting we will determine the arrangements for the unification of the shinobi world."
"I hope everyone will attend on time."
"We obey the Supreme Leader's command!"
Everyone answered in unison.
Afterward, Uchiha Soren left the palace and headed directly to the Konoha Scientific Research Division.
Inside a spacious laboratory, he saw Orochimaru and Hiruko, both already showing signs of becoming future scientific madmen.
Nearby stood members of Root, their expressions filled with fanatical devotion.
"Teacher Soren!"
Smiling, Soren patted the shoulders of his two disciples.
"How is the research on the Dragon Emperor's Claw progressing?"
After listening to Root's detailed explanation, Soren nodded in satisfaction.
Then Orochimaru handed him an unexpected surprise—
Bloodline Seed — Wood Release.
Mana surged violently.
In an instant, Soren refined the Wood Release Bloodline Seed.
Feeling the power within his body grow stronger, he waited with satisfaction for the Shinobi World Conference that would take place two days later.
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