Chapter 307: Who's in Favor, Who's Against
The ninja leader who had spoken was from the Land of Demons, named Onikimaru. The Land of Demons was a small nation located in a remote region.
Clearly, the name "Land of Five Elements" displeased him. He felt that, in the end, it still revolved around the Five Great Shinobi Nations as the central power.
In that case, the so-called idea of establishing a unified shinobi world—a fair and equal nation—was nothing but a joke. When it came down to it, the great nations still held all the control.
For smaller nations, there wasn't much benefit to be gained, so their motivation was clearly lacking.
As soon as Onikimaru finished speaking, other leaders of small countries immediately chimed in with support.
Their words caused the faces of the Fourth Raikage, the Third Tsuchikage, the Fourth Mizukage, and the Fourth Kazekage to instantly darken.
Uchiha Dali, however, remained calm and indifferent, as if he didn't mind at all.
"Let's discuss this properly. The reason I invited you all here was so everyone could speak freely and express your true thoughts.
"If the name 'Land of Five Elements' makes you uncomfortable, then let's set it aside. Bring up some fresh ideas instead."
When Uchiha Dali finished speaking, he looked at Onikimaru—the one who had just voiced his discontent—with a half-smile.
Onikimaru was momentarily stunned.
He had originally thought the leaders of the great nations would scold him, or even turn hostile, using their superior power and status to pressure him.
Unexpectedly, Uchiha Dali was so agreeable.
After a brief moment of surprise, Onikimaru thought for a moment, then gave a cold snort. "It was you who proposed establishing a unified nation. Naming it should, of course, be your responsibility!
"Why push it onto us now? Aren't you just shirking responsibility?"
His words carried a tone of pressing the advantage and refusing to let go, which immediately displeased the other four Kage once again.
The hot-tempered Fourth Raikage stood up at once. "What kind of attitude is that? We invited you here to deliberate, not to vent your frustrations!
"What? Do you not wish to join the unified nation?"
"Fourth Raikage, is that how you speak? Heh… The new nation has only just been founded, and everyone is still getting used to it. Yet you're already trying to pressure us smaller leaders with your status and strength as a great nation's Kage?
"According to the original plan, once the new nation was established there would no longer be distinctions of high and low, noble and humble. Everyone would be equal. So you'd better mind your words!"
"You…"
The Fourth Raikage was left speechless, able only to glare in fury.
For a moment, the atmosphere inside the conference room grew tense.
The leaders of the smaller countries began whispering among themselves.
It was obvious to everyone that this was really about power struggles.
The establishment of a new nation inevitably involved the question of governance.
Who would be in charge—that was something that had to be made clear.
Uchiha Dali had originally intended for everyone to sit down and talk things through, to get to know one another and build rapport.
He hadn't expected things to turn out like this. His brows furrowed, and his patience ran thin.
"I invited you to deliberate, not to quarrel.
"If you'd rather use a less civilized way of communicating, then I'll play along."
With that, Uchiha Dali suddenly stood.
Leaping lightly, he landed with ease on the long, wide conference table.
Standing at its center, his gaze swept across everyone. "Who wants to come up here and talk to me?"
His words made the entire room fall silent.
Who didn't know of his strength?
At this moment, many of the small country leaders didn't even dare meet Uchiha Dali's eyes.
Their gazes flickered, and one after another they lowered their heads.
"The new nation will be called the Land of Five Elements.
"Who's in favor, and who's against?"
Uchiha Dali repeated as he looked around when no one spoke.
At his words, many people looked over in shock.
"But… Fourth Hokage-sama, didn't you just say that name was discarded?" someone asked hesitantly.
Uchiha Dali ignored the question and once again swept his gaze across the room. "Who's in favor, and who's against?"
Now everyone understood he was doing this on purpose.
They realized that it was because their earlier actions had angered him, leading the normally considerate Fourth Hokage to change his mind.
If they continued to provoke him now, no one could predict the consequences.
In the room, whether it was the Kage of the five great nations or the leaders of the smaller ones, no one dared make a sound.
After a long pause, it was Sarutobi Hiruzen who finally spoke first. "As for the name of the new nation, we of the Hidden Leaf have no objections. I can decide on behalf of everyone here. The rest of you should also state your stance."
Following his lead, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, said, "The Land of Earth has no problem."
"The Land of Lightning has no problem either."
"The Land of Water has no objections."
"The Land of Wind as well."
Once the five great nations had all voiced agreement, what more could the smaller nations say? It was clear that the new nation would still be led by the five great powers.
However, at least on the surface, everyone was now one whole, and conflicts between nations would not so easily erupt again.
"From here on, economic policy will favor underdeveloped regions. Furthermore, for areas with harsh conditions and poor environments, all citizens will be allowed to relocate to suitable places to live.
"This is one of the welfare policies for the people of the Land of Five Elements. Of course, migration will not be forced—those who wish to remain in their homeland may freely do so. Once you return, be sure to spread the word."
Uchiha Dali addressed everyone present.
His words immediately improved the mood of the small country leaders.
This was indeed a great boon.
One after another, they expressed their thanks, and then the meeting continued, discussing other details. Naturally, with the founding of the new nation, there were countless matters to be arranged and managed.
After a while, someone suddenly asked, "Fourth Hokage-sama, we've heard that you are investigating matters concerning the overseas lands?"
"That's right. Do your nations' historians have any records about overseas—especially the older, the better?"
Uchiha Dali brought up the matter of the barrier.
Upon hearing this, one of the small country leaders immediately responded. "Yes, in our land there has long been a legend…"
"Oh? Which country are you from?" Uchiha Dali asked with interest.
"I am the leader of the Land of Craftsmen, Yano Takumi.
"The Land of Craftsmen is a small overseas nation, far from the mainland. It lies southeast of the Land of Fire and southwest of the Land of Water."
With this introduction, Uchiha Dali understood.
"Go on, tell me about the legend from your land."
Though it was an obscure country, it might just hold clues regarding the mysterious barrier.