The discussion became lively, with Ruri taking the central role. Hashirama participated without hesitation, readily agreeing to any tasks requiring Wood Release without any reluctance.
"Then it's settled! Let's adjourn!"
Hashirama was extremely satisfied with this Six Kage Summit. Not only had they facilitated the Shinobi World Peace Agreement, but they had also fostered cooperation between the nations. As long as this cooperation deepened and the nations became economically intertwined, it would be much harder to start a war again.
Although the Land of Fire hadn't received any development policies from Ruri, it had still gained significantly. In exchange for helping the Land of Water build bridges and the Land of Wind with afforestation, Hashirama secured large sums of money and resources. Combined with the funds the other nations provided to purchase the Tailed Beasts, Hashirama could confidently state that even if all the other countries' funds were combined, they wouldn't be wealthier than the Land of Fire.
As the six Kage prepared to leave, satisfied, Ruri was suddenly called back.
"Lord Takikage, you previously had little fame and no notable battle achievements. Although the Five Kage have acknowledged you, the Daimyo of the various countries do not know you!"
Tobirama's voice made Ruri feel targeted once again.
However, Tobirama had a point. The Kage represented a nation's highest combat power and controlled the entire shinobi village, but the country's leader was still the Daimyo. The Kage had a degree of autonomy but were still subordinate to the state. Simply put, the Kage was the nation's Minister of Defense, but the final decision-maker was the national leader, the Daimyo.
Ruri could make the Five Kage recognize his strength and status because, at the Kage level, they could judge another's caliber through subtle interactions. But the Daimyo were different; they were ordinary people. To gain their recognition, he needed corresponding battle achievements and reputation. Otherwise, no matter how much the Five Kage vouched for him, it would be "hearing is vague, seeing is believing."
"If Lord Takikage wishes for the title of Takikage and the Land of Waterfall to be recognized by the Five Great Nations and the entire shinobi world, you need to produce some battle achievements."
Tobirama spoke slowly, his intention clear to everyone.
A fight? Ruri wasn't opposed. Having just used the Phantom Dragons Nine Sealing Formation to seal the Seven-Tails Chōmei inside himself, the beast could now provide him with a continuous stream of chakra. With this chakra reserve, he could extend the usage time of his Truth-Seeking Ball significantly.
He might not be able to defeat everyone present, but he could certainly maintain a stalemate. As for Tobirama, who hadn't yet reached his peak, he was even less of a match.
Hearing Tobirama's words, the Five Kage didn't mind whether Tobirama, as merely the Hokage's guard, was overstepping his authority. Instead, they pondered carefully. Whether it was Ruri building the house or blocking Byakuren's Water Release, both happened in an instant. Ordinary bystanders wouldn't have been able to see it clearly let alone spread the tale.
The only event with significant commotion—sealing the Seven-Tails—was done inside a sealed house. Aside from them, there were no other witnesses.
This made them consider: when they mentioned that all the development policies came from a shinobi of a small country and village, would it be recognized?
Would the fact that Ruri, under the title of Kage from a small nation, participated in the Five Kage Summit and even gained their acknowledgment make the Daimyo and other shinobi look down on them?
"Big Brother..." Tobirama nudged Hashirama from behind. Hashirama paused for a moment, then understood.
He didn't have as many convoluted thoughts as Tobirama. Whether it was the Tsuchikage, Mizukage, Kazekage, or Raikage, none had gained the recognition of the entire shinobi world. As the "God of Shinobi," acknowledged by all, he was the most suitable opponent for a sparring match.
Hashirama was also very interested in Ruri's true strength. Bizarre ninjutsu, Wood Release, sealing techniques... what other surprises did he have in store?
Thinking this, Hashirama suddenly felt a surge of excitement. He desired peace, but that didn't mean he wasn't battle-hungry. The strong were often fond of combat.
After all, strength was honed through battle. Someone who disliked fighting could never become truly powerful. It was just that he had rarely fought in recent years, partly due to being busy with the village's development, and partly because there were few left in the shinobi world who could ignite his desire for battle.
"Lord Takikage, fight me!"
Hashirama said with a hearty laugh.
Ruri did not refuse. Battle achievements commensurate with his strength were something he urgently needed now. With a strong reputation, everything would be easier. In the past, he had lain low due to insufficient strength, but now things were different.
The other four Kage watched Hashirama and Ruri with great anticipation. They all knew Hashirama's strength, but he hadn't fought in a long time, and they didn't know if he had grown stronger in recent years. Ruri's strength remained truly unexposed, making him even more mysterious.
Although it was now a time of peace, probing the strength of another nation's ultimate combat power was very necessary.
System, use all the lottery draws from that achievement.
A fight with Hashirama was unavoidable. Pre-battle reinforcement was essential. Although the lottery typically gave items to help the village develop, given the precedent of the Four-Pillar House Technique, who's to say he couldn't draw something like the Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees?
Wasn't that the jutsu Hashirama planned to use for the Land of Wind's afforestation? It could definitely help the village develop! Takigakure also urgently needed greening!
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the "Complete Guide to Steelmaking Technology."]
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining a "Michelin Three-Star Sushi Chef."]
Wait, stop for a moment! The steelmaking technology was understandable. It happened to be a great reward, especially with the Steel Release Kekkei Genkai clan in the village. But what was with the Michelin Three-Star Sushi Chef?
[Cuisine is something that brings people happiness! Especially gourmet food; it can enhance the villagers' sense of happiness. Please do not overlook this, Host.]
So, this Michelin Three-Star Sushi Chef is an actual living person...?
[Correct. He is a culinary-nin wandering the shinobi world. Apart from top-tier culinary skills, he also possesses decent combat prowess! He will arrive at the host's village soon. Please return quickly to receive him.]
Fine, cuisine does bring happiness. Maybe next time I can draw a Sichuan Cuisine Master!
[Sorry, Sichuan cuisine does not conform to this world's dietary culture and is therefore not in the reward pool. However, the host can research and develop it independently.]
Ruri thought about it. With his level of dark cooking skills, he could probably only manage a low-grade street stall. Better to just use the last lottery draw...
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining "Amaterasu."]
Amaterasu??? Is this god-tier?!
This isn't logical! The lottery shouldn't be able to draw a Mangekyō Sharingan-exclusive ocular jutsu, right?
[Please rest assured, Host. This is the civilian version of Amaterasu. The black flames of Amaterasu can burn any target to ash... except for people. So, it's a very safe source of fire~]