It had been almost two years since Shanks appeared. Ever since the Great Pirate Era began, the seat of the Four Emperors had remained empty.
Shanks' overwhelming power and the aura of someone who could suppress an era pushed the title of "Four Emperors" to an unbelievable height.
Although "Four Emperors" might not sound as mighty as "Rikudou Sennin," because of Shanks, the Four Emperors of this era, placed in any other age, would still be the ones ruling over it.
Jigen might not have gone through countless setbacks, nor made earth-shaking moves, nor even shown up much in front of the world's people.
But when it comes to this seat, Jigen's strength and aura were more than enough.
Compared to Orochimaru's endless efforts and schemes, what Jigen had to do was far simpler, because he was completely different from Orochimaru.
What he was born with already left Orochimaru far behind. If Orochimaru thought that just by working hard for a short time he could catch up to Jigen, that would truly be a fool's dream.
Jigen had too much backing: the accumulated power of the Otsutsuki clan, another Ten-Tails he secretly kept for himself, his own terrifying talent and strength, and the willpower forged after being betrayed and broken.
Thousands of years of history—this was Jigen's capital. From the moment he appeared, his identity was destined to be different from Orochimaru's.
But can you say Jigen isn't qualified? No—you can't. No one is more qualified than him.
When it comes to understanding the new era, Jigen has it.
When it comes to aura, Jigen has it.
When it comes to strength, Jigen also has it.
For everyone in the ninja world, Jigen's appearance was nothing short of unbelievable.
But reality is often even more unbelievable. Take someone like Huo Qubing—he grew up never knowing hardship, living in comfort with high status, and yet he was also a great fighter.
Some people are just born with more than you, with greater talent, and they still work hard.
Under those conditions, how could Orochimaru ever compete with Jigen? How could anyone compare to Jigen?
"Someone from an ancient nation? Thousands of years of accumulation really isn't a joke."
"Even if that's the truth, it's still hard to swallow."
The seat of the Four Emperors…
People stared at the newspaper in their hands. Printed on it was the name of the Daimyo, the Golden Lion "Jigen," along with a photo from his battle against Jiraiya in the Land of Wind.
Even with his body on the verge of collapse, Golden Lion gave off a terrifying presence. Just looking at the photo, you could feel that crushing aura.
In addition to the photos and reports of Golden Lion's actions, the newspaper also carried a description of the battle between Shanks and Golden Lion.
Those details were written based on the few words Shanks had left behind back then.
In short—Shanks was lightly wounded, while Golden Lion was badly hurt.
Even without much detail, just that was enough.
Because it showed everyone the gap, the gap between them and the Four Emperors.
Inside the tavern at Land, bounty hunters and merchant guards sat with gloomy faces. They simply couldn't accept something like this happening.
"Someone has already caught up to Shanks… this era has left us behind."
"How could someone gain such strength in such a short time? Even people from the ancient kingdom shouldn't be able to do that.
If they really could, they would have started a new era long ago."
"No way it's true… something like this…"
A drunk in the corner finished his drink in one gulp. They could accept the gap between them and Shanks.
Because to them, Shanks wasn't even human. But now someone had managed to catch up.
Golden Lion's existence was proof to the world that Shanks was also human. What Shanks could do, they could also do.
Because Golden Lion was too low-key. He didn't have the status of some "sage," nor the rank of a world noble. He only carried the forgotten identity of the "ancient kingdom."
To normal people, that identity had no value, no halo around it.
But Shanks was different. When he changed the world, his name gained a kind of "special meaning." Just the words "Red-Haired Shanks" carried a divine, unreachable weight.
Golden Lion was different. His very presence told the world that anyone could reach that height.
The reason you can't is because you don't work hard enough, you're not clever enough, not cunning enough.
It's because you're cowardly, afraid of death, because you carry the spirit of underlings unfit to live in the New World.
Jigen didn't say a word, but it didn't matter—he had already crushed the pride of most people in this world into the dirt.
"Instead of doubting, why not go to the New World and see if that lion really deserves to stand alongside the Red Hair?"
The tavern owner, Sanchai, tore Shanks' bounty poster from the counter.
"Boss, what are you doing?"
"Even if Golden Lion became one of the Four Emperors, Shanks is still the strongest among them. No need to tear it down."
"No, what I mean is… this place is moving. Today will be our last day of business here in Land."
Sanchai glanced at the newspaper. Aside from the reports on Golden Lion, there was something even more important—Red Line.
Most people ignored it, since to ordinary folks, that kind of land was nothing worth fighting over.
But to others, it was completely different. Sanchai could tell, though he had no ambition himself. He simply didn't want to waste money on land later.
Just as Sanchai explained, a whiff of floral fragrance drifted in, followed by a swordsman pushing open the tavern door.
He wore a colorful cloak that made him stand out among the crowd inside.
It was Eric, the Flower Samurai from the Flower Islands, carrying the unique dragon vein power of his homeland.
"Am I… coming at the wrong time?"
"No, perfect timing. Today's the last day. After this, I'm heading to the Red Line."
Sanchai smiled. Eric picked a seat and sat down, glancing around the tavern.
Some faces were filled with regret, some were struggling, while others seemed to have already made up their minds.
"Looks like Golden Lion becoming one of the Four Emperors has a huge impact on both the Shinobi World and the World Government."
Eric sighed. But for now, he knew it was impossible for him to stand before Shanks. The gap was far too great.
"That's true."
The owner of the tea shop handed over a cup of wine.
The fact that Golden Lion became one of the Four Emperors didn't just shock regular people. It also had a huge impact on the World Government and the ninja world.
Over in Konohagakure, when the different ninja clans saw the news in the paper, they all started feeling restless.
In the Hyuga clan's compound, the heads of the families and the elders had all gathered together.
No surprise there. After what happened last time, the Hyuga clan had truly become the strongest clan in Konohagakure.
A lot of things now had to revolve around the Hyuga clan. Luckily, Hiashi didn't mind sharing some benefits, because now the Hyuga clan had Toneri.
And even more important, through Toneri, Hiashi learned something else — this kid seemed to like Hinata.
And Hinata liked Naruto.
If things were normal, Hiashi would definitely try to get Hinata and Toneri together to make the Hyuga clan stronger.
But now? No way. Naruto is from the Uzumaki clan, and that name carries a lot of weight.
On top of that, Naruto himself has done well. He's now the ruler of the Land of Waves. So Hiashi could only grit his teeth and take Toneri in as his godson.
Toneri didn't mind either. After all, Hiashi once saved him from a deadly attack. That strong figure burned itself into Toneri's heart.
Plus, this move basically meant Toneri might even become the next head of the Hyuga clan.
Toneri's father agreed without hesitation.
As for the other branch of the Hyuga clan, since they didn't come to Konohagakure but went to the battlefield instead, by the time they returned, there were barely any left. They had no choice but to follow Hiashi's lead.
Sitting in the main seat, Hiashi couldn't help but sigh. It was all fate and timing.
Senju clan, Uchiha clan, Uzumaki clan…
Well, Uzumaki can be set aside for now.
Anyway, under Hiashi's wise leadership, the Hyuga clan had grown to where it stood today.
Hiashi felt he could allow himself a little pride.
After that moment of pride, he quickly changed his expression to one of flattery as he turned to Shikaku.
"Shikaku, just tell me what you need. Our Hyuga clan still has money.
We could even build a small city on the Red Line if needed. If you need people, that's fine too."
"And everyone, even though we once said having someone like Shanks in the clan was just wishful thinking, as long as we have enough resources, producing someone like the Golden Lion is still very possible."
Hiashi sighed. Forget other clans for now — with his godson's talent, Hiashi could really hold his head high now.
"That's true. If we can establish a country on the Red Line, that would be perfect for us.
We could use the remaining power of the Dragon Vein to train our future generations."
"Don't rush. Let's wait and see how the World Government moves. If we act, the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and the sages will definitely respond too. There's no way they can ignore the Golden Lion showing up."
Shikaku spoke while looking at the papers in his hands.
At the same time, he was glad Chiriku wasn't here. Otherwise, this guy would probably start another fight with these ninja clans.
"We've already called some of our people back. I've sent some to Sunagakure in the Land of Wind, and others have reached the South Seas to prepare.
Now we just need to wait for the World Government's move and get that qualification."
Shikaku paused to think. The ninja clans were in a hurry, but there's no way the World Government wasn't anxious too.
You could even say the World Government is the most anxious one. The sages might ignore some unimportant people or things, but they can't ignore the influence of a "Four Emperor."
"Is everything ready?"
Inuzuka Tsume had no idea when Shikaku made the arrangements. Their family's intel network in Konoha didn't even pick it up.
"It's not about arranging Marines or ninjas.
It's about lining up the merchants. Building a nation takes more than just us—you have to share some benefits too."
"Luckily, Konoha's strength is something merchants can trust. It's not just us thinking our clans might produce a Golden Lion. Even ordinary families might have a chance."
Shikaku said in a low voice.
Then he looked around the room.
"If you have time, spend more of it with the merchants. They're stronger than we think. They lost their last all-in bet, so this time they won't let the chance slip."
Shikaku gave this warning, especially to clans like the Inuzuka. These ninja clans don't mix enough with common people—and that has to change.
The more Shikaku dealt with these merchants, the more he saw how scary they really were.
These are people who push profit to the extreme—they're crazy for it.
They might not be strong, but they have sharp minds, and sometimes, they make shocking decisions.
Calling them merchants isn't even right. They're more like gamblers in the New World. They just didn't have the capital before. Now they do—and they've got a new chance to get back in.
Shikaku had truly seen how mad they were.
"I'll go and check them out more…"
Inuzuka Tsume nodded. She really had overlooked this.
And not just her—many ninjas had ignored it.
If they want to move away from being just ninjas, they need to blend in with normal people.
Everyone in the room agreed with Shikaku. The truth is, he's been getting involved in way too many things lately—even private matters of other clans.
But even so, no one thought it was wrong.
Right now, Konoha's clans are more united than ever, maybe even completely trusting each other.
Who deserves the credit for all this? Of course, the one who does nothing but stroll around the village all day—the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade.
But Tsunade isn't here now. The World Government's war in East Blue still needs her to show up.
So now, her strolling spot is the East Blue battlefield.
The war is over now, but the impact of the Golden Lion forced the sages and the leaders of all major ninja villages to gather again.
Even Master Genichi showed up this time.
Next to Master Genichi was the Third Tsuchikage. Beside him stood a clone of the Sage of Six Paths—but the clone used a transformation technique, so no one could tell.
Master Genichi didn't expose his identity either. It's not time for that yet.
"Everyone, you all know the intel about the Golden Lion."
"It seems we seriously underestimated the importance of the Poneglyphs to us. The East Blue war is over, but from here on, the World Government's plans in the ninja world have to start with the Poneglyphs. We need to see what else is hidden and stop another Golden Lion from popping up."
Master Genichi spoke as his eyes fell on the Sage of Six Paths. The Sage just closed his eyes.
Talk all you want. Why are you looking at me? What's that got to do with me?
I'm not the original sage—I don't know much about these Poneglyphs. You're the natives here. Shouldn't you know them best?
Seeing the Sage's clone play dead, Master Genichi didn't push. He didn't have time to waste.
Some forgotten parts of history really should be picked up and studied again.
The sages didn't keep very clear records of history. At least for now, they won't be able to discover much.
However, one thing is clear—The Land of Demons. The ruler of the Land of Demons isn't a Daimyo, but a priestess.
The sages actually dug this up.
And more importantly, the Land of Demons is not an allied nation of the World Government. In its records, there is mention of a terrifyingly powerful "demon" called Moryo.
"Since it's an evil demon harming the world, the World Government has the duty to completely wipe it out."
One of the sages spoke up. Of course, he was just talking—they don't have the final say.
The real decision-making power lies in the hands of the Five Elders.
But since it's a demon, that gives them a proper reason to act.
"Going after a whole country isn't that easy, right?"
Tsunade said in a low voice.
As soon as Tsunade finished, Terumi Mei smiled.
"Tsunade-sama, you're joking. This is for world peace—how can you call it attacking a country?
Since it's about eliminating a demon, just issue a Buster Call and let the Marines see the justice we're carrying out."
After saying that, Terumi Mei took the records about "Moryo" from the sages.
The other Kage who heard Terumi Mei's words felt a chill in their hearts.
This woman… her decisiveness is terrifying. So this is the Mizukage of Kirigakure?
"A Buster Call against the Land of Demons, huh?
---
You can read 50 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu