Chapter 340: Establishing the Ninja World Federation; A Faint Chakra "Signal" [HN]

One of the Three Great Sage Regions, Shikkotsu Forest.

Chiya had returned here once again.

He sat cross legged in the center of an open space in the forest.

His eyes were tightly closed, and his aura had completely merged with the entire Shikkotsu Forest.

He had previously cultivated here together with Tsunade and successfully mastered the Sage Jutsu of Shikkotsu Forest.

The Sage Chakra he had condensed back then had been vast and full of vitality, greatly increasing the power of his taijutsu and ninjutsu.

‘Where does Natural Energy actually come from? Why do only these special places possess it? Why is the Natural Energy around Konoha so thin?’

He could not figure out the answers to these questions.

So Chiya simply stopped thinking about them.

He took a deep breath and cast aside the distracting thoughts, allowing his consciousness to sink into his body.

He guided the Natural Energy flowing into him like a stream, but instead of combining it evenly with his physical and spiritual energy as he normally did to form balanced Sage Chakra, he deliberately and carefully guided the Natural Energy through his body.

Suddenly, his body stiffened.

The petrification began at the top of his head and spread downward.

Within only a few breaths, his entire body had turned to stone.

Then, with a bang, it disappeared.

“Looks like I failed!”

‘Why can’t Natural Energy be used directly? What is the principle behind this?’

Chiya’s main body stood to the side, his brows slightly furrowed.

“If I can’t use it directly, then I’ll try fusing it with my Kekkei Genkai and divine techniques!”

“The essence of Kamui is space… All Killing Ash Bones is a technique of the All Encompassing Bloodline. If Natural Energy is the foundation of this world, then using that foundation to control space and an All Encompassing Bloodline technique…”

With that thought, ten Shadow Clones appeared beside Chiya once again.

“Begin cultivating!”

The main body spoke to the Shadow Clones.

“Yes, Main Body!”

The ten Shadow Clones quickly answered and sat down to begin their cultivation.

Their understanding of space and their comprehension of the true meaning of destruction continuously collided and interacted with the vast knowledge of Natural Energy within Shikkotsu Forest.

After an unknown amount of time, only one Shadow Clone remained.

Patterns had appeared on both sides of his cheeks.

But upon closer inspection, faint silver spatial patterns and gray black strands of chakra could be seen winding around the edges of the markings.

Success!

He slowly raised his right hand.

A dark star like point of light danced at his fingertip.

“Sage Art: All Killing Ash Bones.”

He lightly pointed toward a huge rock in the distance, its surface covered with ancient moss.

There was no sound and no explosion.

The huge rock, along with the moss covering it, silently turned into the most basic particles and disappeared into the air.

It was not shattering.

It was not vaporization.

It was true erasure.

Not even dust remained.

Immediately afterward, the Mangekyō Sharingan pattern in his left eye flickered slightly.

“Sage Art: Kamui.”

The space ahead seemed to be cut apart by an invisible giant blade, creating a distorted, blurred rift dozens of meters long.

The scenery on both sides of the rift was completely separated.

Light, sound, and even the flow of chakra were severed.

This was not simply tearing space apart.

It created a persistent “absolute severed domain” that rejected everything attempting to pass through it.

These two powers had become even more terrifying and even more difficult to resist after being fused with the Natural Energy of Sage Jutsu.

Chiya withdrew his power, and the markings on his face slowly faded.

There was not much joy on his face.

“The power has increased, but I have even more questions about the nature of Natural Energy.”

Just then, there was a bang.

The smoke dispersed, revealing Tsunade.

“So, did you gain anything?”

Chiya looked toward her.

“Yes, a little. It seems that Natural Energy is not completely neutral. The power Sasori obtained before was like a trigger that revealed a certain possibility. I feel that there may be something we still do not understand hidden behind Natural Energy.”

Just as he was immersed in his gains from cultivation and deeper thoughts, a ringing sound came from Tsunade.

It was a communication device developed and issued by the Konoha Scientific Academy, something beyond a conventional phone.

Because it could be infused with chakra, it was more appropriate to call it a ninja tool.

Tsunade opened it, and a voice came from inside.

“Hokage, Lady Tsunade, there has been a change within the village. Regarding the ‘Federation Initiative’… there has been some unexpected resistance. Several clan representatives wish to speak with the Hokage in person. We need your decision as soon as possible.”

Chiya and Tsunade exchanged a glance.

…

When Chiya and Tsunade appeared inside the Hokage’s office, the somewhat oppressive atmosphere in the room finally eased.

Besides Nara Shikaku and Namikaze Minato, who were always stationed at their posts, Uchiha Fugaku and representatives from the Hyūga, Yamanaka, Akimichi, and other major clans were also seated there.

Everyone wore a different expression.

“Hokage, you’re back.”

Shikaku stood and bowed slightly.

“What happened?”

Chiya walked directly to the main seat and sat down, calmly sweeping his gaze across everyone.

The aura of his recent Sage Jutsu breakthrough had not completely subsided, making everyone present feel a faint sense of pressure.

Hiashi Hyūga cleared his throat and spoke first.

“Hokage, we are not questioning your previous decisions. However… your proposal for a ‘Ninja World Federation’ has recently spread throughout the village and caused quite a lot of discussion.”

“Konoha has endured several wars before finally earning the peace and position we have today. Is it not too risky to suddenly promote a ‘Federation’ and bring other villages, especially Kumogakure and Iwagakure, which have longstanding grudges with us, into the same system? Are we really supposed to share the glory we fought and sacrificed for with them?”

An elder of the Inuzuka Clan also spoke in a deep voice.

“Hokage, under your leadership, the Uchiha Clan has grown increasingly powerful, and we are happy to see it. But if the ‘Federation’ is established, power and resources will inevitably be redistributed. How can we guarantee the position and interests of our clans within Konoha? Will this move shake the foundation of the village?”

The Yamanaka representative did not speak, but the same concern could be seen in his eyes.

These voices were not born from hostility.

They came from fear of the unknown, dependence on the traditional structure, and the desire to protect Konoha’s own interests.

They respected Chiya.

Precisely because of that respect, they wanted him to provide a convincing reason, an answer that could allow them to see the future.

Minato spoke at the right moment to ease the atmosphere.

“Everyone, the Hokage’s proposal is intended to deal with threats that may appear in the future and surpass the level of individual ninja villages. Just like the strange Natural Energy that appeared during the Sasori incident, the consequences would have been disastrous if it had not been dealt with in time. A single village will always have limited strength.”

Shikaku pushed up his glasses and calmly analyzed the situation.

“In the long term, integrating resources and eliminating internal conflict is indeed the best way to strengthen our overall power. However, the short term pain and risks do exist. The key is how we take the first step and control those risks.”

Chiya quietly listened to everyone’s statements, his fingers lightly tapping the desk.

He understood their concerns.

His idea of unifying the Ninja World was far too advanced for people accustomed to conflict between ninja villages.

He slowly stood up.

His eyes were sharp, and although his voice was not loud, every person in the room heard him clearly.

“Everyone’s questions ultimately come down to three things. First, why should we unite with former enemies? Second, how do we protect Konoha’s interests? Third, how should we begin?”

Everyone’s hearts trembled.

The office instantly became silent as they all listened carefully for what would come next.

“First, why should we unite? Because the enemies we face may no longer be the ‘neighbors’ around us. Where did the power Sasori used come from? Orochimaru’s research has shown that it is related to some unknown existence far beyond our current understanding. What if next time, the one carrying this power is not a rogue ninja, but an army or an entire clan? Internal wars in the Ninja World consume our own human strength. Only by uniting can we gather enough power to face the true crisis. This is not about sharing glory. It is about sharing our fate.”

“Second, Konoha’s interests are rooted in peace and prosperity throughout the Ninja World. How long can Konoha remain untouched if the Ninja World is constantly at war and everyone distrusts one another? The ‘Federation’ is not annexation. It is an alliance and a form of cooperation. Konoha will use its overwhelming strength, most advanced technology, and most inclusive principles to become the undisputed leader and core of the Federation. Our interests will be protected through our leadership in establishing rules, exporting technology, and cultivating talent, rather than by remaining isolated in one corner. Konoha has the Senju, the Uchiha, the Sarutobi, and many other clans. All of them come from different clans, yet they came together for a common goal and formed Konoha Village. I, the Hokage, represent Konoha’s unity and inclusiveness. Konoha’s foundation will not be shaken. It will only become stronger as the Federation grows.”

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“The third question is also something we can begin doing right now!”

The people who had just relaxed immediately became tense again.

Chiya walked to the wall and stood before the map of the Ninja World, his finger moving across several regions.

“We will not start with the hardest obstacles.”

“Kumogakure and Iwagakure have a firm attitude, so we will put them aside for now. Our first step is to consolidate our friendly relationships and win over the neutral powers.”

“The Land of Hot Water has good relations with us and abundant tourism resources, but weak military strength. We can use ‘joint development of hot spring therapy and medical ninjutsu applications’ as our entry point. We can send medical teams to cooperate with them and provide ‘Chakra Hot Spring’ development technology in exchange for their support, while establishing the first ‘Federation Demonstration Zone.'”

“The Land of Grass is located at an important transportation crossroads and has long struggled to survive between larger powers. We can provide civilian versions of ‘scientific ninja tools’ to help strengthen their border defenses. At the same time, we can invite them to join the ‘Young Ninja Exchange Program’ and let them see the benefits of integrating into Konoha’s system.”

“As for Sunagakure…”

A faint light flashed through Chiya’s eyes.

“We can secretly support the more moderate faction and use food, water resources, and technological assistance to gain their support.”

He turned around and looked at everyone.

His voice was firm and decisive.

“The Federation is not a castle in the air. It will be built step by step through real benefits and shared security needs. When we form close alliances with the Hidden Village of Hot Water, Kusagakure, and even Amegakure, when our ‘exchange programs’ produce a new generation that identifies with Konoha’s principles, and when our technology and strength become something they cannot do without… then will Kumogakure and Iwagakure choose to join, or choose to become isolated?”

“Everyone!”

Chiya’s voice carried undeniable strength.

“Everything I am doing is not for personal ambition. It is so that Konoha can enjoy peace forever and our descendants can live in a world without needless war. This path may be difficult, but the direction is absolutely correct. I need your wisdom and strength, not to question the direction, but to think about how we can walk this path more effectively!”

His words contained both insight into the future and precise planning for reality, along with an unwavering determination.

The office fell silent.

The doubts on the faces of several clan elders who had originally opposed the proposal had not completely disappeared, but the resistance in their eyes had greatly weakened.

Chiya had not merely spoken about ideals.

He had provided a clear and practical path forward while placing Konoha’s core interests at the heart of the plan.

Recognition flashed through Shikaku’s eyes as he bowed.

“Understood, Hokage. I will immediately begin drafting detailed cooperation plans with the Land of Hot Water and Kusagakure.”

Minato also nodded.

“I will follow up on the exchange program and border defense cooperation.”

The others began expressing their positions as well.

“Since the Hokage has already considered everything so thoroughly, we will naturally support your decision.”

The initial internal resistance had temporarily been suppressed by Chiya’s strong personal authority and clear strategic planning.

But Chiya knew that this was only the beginning.

The struggle between the great powers outside the village and the subtle changes within it would all require his attention.

Just as he was preparing to make further arrangements, another communication from the Scientific Academy arrived.

It was marked “Top Secret, Urgent.”

After everyone had left, Chiya opened it.

There was not much information inside.

Orochimaru’s research had achieved a breakthrough.

Within the residual energy of the “Regeneration Core,” he had captured an extremely faint chakra.

The chakra was not pointing toward any known location.

Instead, it was pointing toward…

A certain region of the sky where, in theory, no object should exist.

Chiya took the report and looked at the calculated coordinates.

His pupils contracted slightly.

‘Could it be the moon?!’

‘If it is the moon…’

‘Could it be?’

‘Could this also be related to the place where Ōtsutsuki Kaguya was sealed?’