章 129: New System
At first, the other four Kages felt the proposal was a bit too extreme, but after some consideration, they realized it wasn't as serious as they had imagined. It would be better to simply add a strong guarantee to the originally scheduled peace period.
After the end of the First Ninja War, both the victorious and defeated countries suffered severe losses. It would take at least a few years for them to recover. Unless a daimyo was eager for retaliation, war would not be likely under normal circumstances.
The agreement proposed by the Hokage allows them to use it as a reason to obey the daimyo, ensuring that the daimyo doesn't suddenly have doubts and issue orders that shouldn't be made. If it were only one country, the daimyo might still act impulsively, but with the joint statement from the the other four countries, a wise decision should be made as long as they are not truly foolish.
"I support the Hokage suggestion." The Second Raikage was the first to speak. In this battle of the Ninja World, Kumo Ninja Village suffered significant losses due to the civil war and urgently needed recuperation. Fearing that Iwa Ninja Village would become a hindrance, he insisted that this resolution pass.
"Me too," the Third Mizukage added, followed by the Second Kazekage. Ōnoki hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed.
Seeing this, Tobirama knew that an important goal had been achieved. Under these conditions, if war were to start again, they would at least need to draw another country as an ally. Due to various factors, it was likely that there would be no war for at least ten years. Even the ambitious new daimyo of the Land of Fire felt frustrated after this battle and had no desire to pursue further conflict.
The new daimyo realized that with the current national power of the Land of Fire, no major country could be completely destroyed. Many officials in the court suggested a truce, allowing the peace proposal to pass easily, winning the approval to sign a long-term peace treaty.
Of course, this is only a guarantee for peace during the period of national recuperation. Once national strength is restored, there are no assurances. Therefore, to extend the period of peace, they decided, after prior discussions with Sarutobi Hiruzen and Fumori Masaki, to propose an additional measure after conferring with Tobirama.
"After the country's armistice, communication should not be lacking. I believe there should be more exchanges between the Ninja Villages to enhance relationships," Tobirama said.
"I'm curious what form of communication you propose, Hokage-sama?" the Third Mizukage asked cautiously.
Although Tobirama insisted it was to foster friendly relations, the other 4 kages didn't believe that this was truly his only goal. Even if fighting stopped now, no one would agree to act as if nothing had happened.
Besides, being a ninja is a profession that places great importance on secrecy.
"Nowadays, besides what we refer to as kage, the identity of a ninja is classified into three levels: Genin, Chūnin, and Jōnin," Tobirama explained. "The Genin ninjas are all newcomers who have just become ninjas. After rigorous training and internal tests, they prove their ability to become chūnin. I believe this is true for every village."
For other clans, this is also the traditional method of promotion within the ninja clan. Although there is no clear hierarchy of Jōnin, chūnin, and genin, the process remains the same.
"The communication method I propose now is to introduce a new form to the traditional promotion test, specifically a joint chūnin exam held between different Ninja Villages!" Tobirama said solemnly.
"What are you saying?"
"Seriously, Hokage-sama?"
"Incredible…"
The reactions from others were even more intense than to the previous national system of checks and balances. Even Shinosuke glanced around in surprise, almost thinking he had misheard.
As previously mentioned, ninjas value their secrets highly. The more information they reveal, the more dangerous it becomes. In the most severe cases, even fathers and sons may not know each other's hidden cards, as there is no guarantee that one won't betray the other.
Tobirama's suggestion is obviously groundbreaking. Allowing theirs Village's genin ninjas to be tested together, without revealing the test's content, would certainly expose their abilities, which is completely contrary to the original intention of keeping information confidential.
"I'm serious." In response to their shocked expressions, Tobirama calmly continued, "I know it may be difficult for you to accept, but I hope you can listen."
"Currently, the importance of Ninja Villages to the country is gradually increasing. I believe the daimyo will rely more on Ninja Villages in the future. We will also become the main force in warfare. However, this also means that after every war, Ninja Villages will incur huge losses. As the leader of a Shinobi Village, whoever it is would hope to minimize their own losses, right?"
"But what does this have to do with co-hosting the chūnin exam?" Onoki couldn't help but ask.
"Young man, don't worry." He glanced at Ōnoki and continued, "As ninjas, we must obey the orders of our employers. Therefore, the decision-making power regarding war often lies with the daimyo, not with us. In other words, the best way to avoid war is to make the daimyo unwilling to initiate one. Under what circumstances would a daimyo refrain from waging war? The answer is simple, make them realize that initiating war brings no benefit."
"So that's it," the Second Raikage and Second Kazekage remarked, seeming to grasp the concept, and they agreed with him.
Onoki and the Third Mizukage initially struggled to understand, but they knew this matter must relate to the chūnin exam. After contemplating for a while, recalling what was just said, they suddenly comprehended the point.
In future battles of the Ninja World, Ninja Villages will be the main forces on the battlefield, meaning the outcome of war will largely depend on the strength of the Ninja Villages. As long as the strength of the Ninja Villages is known—even if it's not very precise—it will give a rough estimate of the war's outcome.
However, under the secrecy of the Ninja Village system, it is impossible for the daimyo of the enemy country to know the strength of the Ninja Villages without going through war. Therefore, the true purpose of jointly holding the chūnin exam is to inform the daimyo of each country about the strength of the Ninja Villages. Although it only represents the strength of chūnin, it embodies the emerging power of the Shinobi Village and reflects its potential in warfare.
If the daimyo understands the specific situation of the chūnin exam, they can make inferences about the strength of the enemy's Shinobi Village. Knowing their opponent's strength and that there is no advantage to be gained will lead them to reconsider the prospect of starting a war.
"I hope you will consider the advantages and disadvantages of this proposal and whether you can accept it. I don't expect an immediate answer. I merely raised it during this meeting, and it's fine to reply later. After all, it will take time for our next generation to grow up," Tobirama said.
The other four Kages frowned. This matter was too important. While it offered certain benefits, it also broke with ninja tradition. There was hesitation about allowing the younger generation to perform in front of others. Even though they would see their own side, people were still reluctant to agree easily.
As they pondered this issue, the Kages discussed other matters, such as attitudes toward other countries and rules governing ninja activities abroad. By the end of the meeting, they still could not provide an answer, but their hesitance hinted that it was very likely to succeed.
Under the witness of Shinosuke, the Five Kages solemnly signed the agreement. At this moment, this agreement would take effect, establishing the new order of the Ninja World for the future. As for when this new order would become invalid, that remained to be seen.
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