The impact of the Akatsuki's surrender began to spread, and the Ninja World became turbulent.
Inside the council halls of the Land of Earth, Land of Lightning, and Land of Wind, the slogan "Fight to the death!" still echoed thunderously.
The noble lords pounded their chests and swore, "We will live and die with the country!"
But after night fell, hurried figures could be seen in the secret alleys of the capitals of various countries.
In the black market bank of the Land of Earth's capital, candles burned all night.
Several nobles, dressed in luxurious court robes and wearing black masks, were handing over boxes of gold coins, precious gems, and storage scrolls to secret merchants sent by the Land of Water.
"All their assets have been transferred to secret accounts in the Land of Water, leaving no trace."
At this moment, the nobles' eyes were filled with panic, completely lacking the impassioned speeches they had given in the council hall during the day.
The butler behind him carefully counted the valuables.
Everyone now knew that going to war with the Land of Water was like striking a stone with an egg, preserving their assets was the top priority.
On the desert trade routes of Sunagakure, camel caravans were endless, ostensibly transporting grain and medicine, but in reality, the cargo boxes on the camels' backs were filled with the nobles' gold, silver, jewels, and secret treasures.
The caravan leader, holding a pass secretly issued by a high-ranking noble, traveled unimpeded towards the Land of Water's border, a knowing smile on his face.
These nobles, while shouting "Sacrifice for Sunagakure," had in fact already prepared their escape routes, transferring most of their clan assets.
The port of the Land of Lightning was also brightly lit, with large cargo ships quietly leaving the shore under the cover of night, loaded with resources plundered by the nobles, precious Lightning Release Ninjutsu, ninja tools, and large amounts of gold.
The ship owner stood on the deck, looking in the direction of the Land of Water, his eyes full of awe.
Shun's strength and Nagato's surrender had already made them see the situation clearly. Being able to board the Land of Water's ship and preserve these assets was incredibly important to them.
The common people and low-ranking ninjas of various countries watched, their hearts growing colder.
The nobles who usually called on them to die for their country were now secretly paving their own way, and the so-called "fight to the death" was merely to make them cannon fodder.
At the same time, the weaker small countries, struggling to survive, had completely seen through the situation.
Within three days, more than a dozen small countries, including the Land of Demons, the Land of Bears, and the Land of Tea, sent envoys with lavish gifts to the Royal Palace of the Land of Water, actively expressing their willingness to surrender.
The envoys knelt in the Palace square, their attitudes extremely respectful.
"Shun-sama, we are willing to join the Land of Water, build a new order for the Ninja World, and abide by the Peace Alliance, only asking for the protection of the Land of Water so that we no longer suffer the hardships of war."
Shun sat on the throne, reviewing the letters of allegiance from various countries.
"After your allegiance, your countries will retain their complete structure, your people will share the resources of the Ninja World, and ninjas will also be able to participate in the Ninja World Competition. But remember, if you dare to violate the Peace Alliance, you will be severely punished."
The envoys repeatedly kowtowed, their faces full of gratitude and awe.
Now, joining the Land of Water was the only way to survive.
The three-day period quietly ended amidst the anxiety and undercurrents of various countries.
The first ray of morning sun shone on the top of the Royal Palace of the Land of Water.
The golden flag of the Land of Water fluttered in the wind, and the sound of war drums boomed, echoing throughout the entire Land of Water.
The final battle to unify the Ninja World officially began.
On the border of the Land of Lightning, smoke filled the air.
Minato wore a white cloak, his yellow hair shining brightly in the sun.
He held a Flying Thunder God Kunai in his hand, and behind him were over ten thousand Konoha ninjas.
Minato's voice, amplified by Chakra, spread across the battlefield.
"Ninjas of the Land of Lightning, lay down your weapons and surrender to unification, and you will gain peace and dignity. If you insist on resisting, we will show no mercy."
Before his words finished, a dazzling blue light pierced through the morning mist.
Boom... Boom...
A, like a blue lightning bolt, tore through the air at an astonishing speed, appearing at the very front of the battlefield.
"Minato! Don't think you've won! We ninjas of the Land of Lightning are not spineless!"
He had fought Minato for many years, and had long figured out his tactics. Without further ado, he directly ordered an attack.
Thousands of Kumo ninjas behind him instantly scattered and launched their attacks.
Blue electric snakes danced at their fingertips. Some threw out lightning chains, heading straight for the Konoha ninjas in the distance.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
Minato's figure instantly disappeared, and the next second, he appeared behind A, his Flying Thunder God Kunai pointing directly at A's back.
A reacted extremely quickly, turning sharply, his fist smashing fiercely towards Minato. The two instantly engaged in fierce combat, yellow and blue light constantly colliding, showcasing speed and passion.
The surrounding Konoha ninjas refused to be outdone.
Whoosh... Whoosh...
The sound of Kunai tearing through the air, mixed with the explosion of explosive tags echoed continuously, and every inch of the battlefield vibrated continuously.
...
On the border of the Land of Earth, Shisui was dressed in a black combat suit, his crimson pupils reflecting the Iwa ninjas waiting in strict formation ahead.
The ninja troops behind him had already occupied advantageous terrain, and Earth Release traps and Ninjutsu scrolls were all ready.
"Ōnoki-sama, Kurotsuchi-sama asked me to deliver a message. Peace is not out of reach. Only if you abandon resistance can Iwagakure continue."
Earth Release: Light-Weight Rock Technique
Ōnoki's figure suddenly soared into the air.
Looking at the dense Land of Water troops below, his aged face was filled with complexity.
Remembering Kurotsuchi's letter and Nagato's words, the defense line in his heart had long since loosened.
But the nobles below were still shouting: "Tsuchikage, kill them! Our Land of Earth will never surrender!"
Ōnoki took a deep breath and said, "Shisui, it won't be that easy to defeat us."
Shisui remembered Kurotsuchi's concern. This old man was her most beloved grandfather. He already had a plan in mind.
"Ōnoki-sama, do you think you can escape like this?"
Green Chakra suddenly erupted around Shisui.
Bones, muscles, and armor layered one after another.
Perfect Susanoo!
A giant green construct, over two hundred meters tall, stood between the mountains, with a pair of spread green wings on its back, fanning to create a gale that sent shattered rocks flying everywhere.
"That's... Perfect Susanoo? Shisui can also use this move?"
"How are we supposed to fight this? Should we surrender?"
The Iwa ninjas' faces were pale, their eyes filled with fear and shock.
With a flap of the Susanoo's wings, it instantly soared into the air, chasing after Ōnoki. He deliberately controlled his speed and attack intensity, confronting Ōnoki in the air.
Ōnoki gritted his teeth, Chakra gathering in his palm.
Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!
But just as the Dust Release was about to form, Shisui's Susanoo suddenly accelerated, the frequency of its wings flapping abruptly increased, and the emerald green figure instantly appeared in front of Ōnoki, its giant palm gently striking Ōnoki, forcefully interrupting his Ninjutsu.
"Ōnoki, you are too slow, surrender."
Shisui's calm voice came through the Susanoo, as if he were just chatting.
He had deliberately controlled the force just now. This blow only dispersed Ōnoki's Chakra and did not harm his body, otherwise Ōnoki would have been taken out of the fight prematurely.
Ōnoki's body flew back dozens of meters. He could feel that Shisui had not intended to kill him.
This feeling of being unilaterally restrained made him both angry and frustrated, so he could only fly into the distance.
Shisui did not hesitate at all, controlling the green Susanoo to follow closely.
The two, one fleeing and one chasing, flew further and further, gradually moving out of the battlefield, and soon disappeared.
—
In the desert of the Land of Wind, Nawaki, clad in red battle armor, his black hair tied behind his head, wore a confident smile.
He held a greatsword in his hand, surrounded by dense Wood Release Chakra.
"Rasa, we are all aware of Sunagakure's predicament. After your allegiance, the Land of Water will provide Sunagakure with water and food, and share resources. This is the way forward for Sunagakure."
Rasa stood at the top of the desert castle, gold dust swirling around him, still clutching Temari's letter.
He looked at the powerful Land of Water troops below, his inner struggle reaching its peak.
He remembered the roar of the Daimyo of the Land of Wind.
"Rasa, act! Even if you die in battle, you must uphold the dignity of the Land of Wind!"
Rasa closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he roared helplessly, "Nawaki, I, the Kazekage, cannot easily surrender!"
He waved his hand, and gold dust, like a tsunami, surged towards Nawaki's troops.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
Nawaki's Wood Release Chakra erupted, and giant trees rose from the desert, forming a solid barrier that blocked the impact of the gold dust.
The trees grew rapidly, their branches and leaves lush, turning the desert into a green battlefield.
Three major battles erupted simultaneously, and the Ninja World was engulfed in flames of war.
The Land of Water's troops achieved continuous victories due to their powerful strength, tacit cooperation, and advanced tactics.
The troops of the Land of Earth, Land of Lightning, and Land of Wind were repeatedly defeated, the nobles' confidence completely collapsed, and those nobles who had secretly transferred their assets had already fled, leaving only ordinary ninjas and common people struggling on the battlefield.
The Daimyos of various countries, looking at the constantly arriving information, finally understood that resistance was futile, and the so-called "dignity" seemed ridiculous in the face of absolute power.
On the throne of the Royal Palace of the Land of Water, Shun looked at the battle reports from various places, his face showing no ripples.
His four Queens stood behind him, their faces full of relief and worry.
"Shun, will they surrender?" Kurotsuchi asked softly, her eyes full of anticipation.
Shun held her hand and comforted her, "They will, but it will take a few battles. Only then will they not have any illusions."
On the battlefield, the fighting continued, but the scales of victory had already tilted.