War

The curtains opened to show that the scene had transitioned to a new setting—the puppet version of Sunagakure.

The life-sized puppet of the first Kazekage opened the door and joined Hashirama and Gojo for a diplomatic meeting.

The puppeteer crafted the Kazekage's wooden features, depicting a leader contemplating a significant decision. My great great grandfather walked with the strength and dignity of a powerful ninja.

They sat around a round table as the Kazekage placed his clenched fingers under his chin with his elbows resting on the table. "I was told you have an offer for me."

"Yes. In order to prevent war among the new hidden villages, I offer a new tailed beast in addition to the one-tailed beast that Suna already possesses," spoke Hashirama's puppet.

"We also offer the seals required to create a stable jinchuriki." Gojo interjected.

The Shodai Kazekage, his wooden features displaying shrewd calculation, spoke up." How can I trust you? You come here along with your friend who is a known trouble maker and present a gift too good to be true. I repeat, how can I trust you?"

"There's no need for you to trust me Riku. Instead, you can trust in my purpose. You know just as much as I do that this peace won't last if I don't do this. Trust in my search for peace."

Silence filled the room as Riku (the shodai kazekage) contemplated. "Okay. I'll accept your offer but I want something else."

Gojo leaned forward in anticipation.

"Let me exchange the offered tailed beast for land instead. The Land of Wind doesn't have a large amount of fertile land. All we have is Sand. Let me sell the beast in exchange for fertile land in the Land of Fire."

The audience cheered the kazekage. I have to admit that was a nice decision. We already had a tailed beast. All we needed was food.

Hashirama nodded in agreement. "That can be arranged. We'll need to involve the daimyos but they should agree."

"Good. Now, let's begin the negotiations. Hundred Suna ninjas will be required for every square kilometer of the farmland."

"Hundred ninjas per square kilometer? Unacceptable! Why not just tell us you plan to build a castle on the land?" Gojo laughed.

"One ninja per square kilometer." Hashirama nodded.

"Ninety five." Riku countered.

The curtain fell to the applause of the audience. Suna does love its kages.

The curtains raised and fell to show scenes of Hashirama and Gojo traveling through the world, sharing the tailed beasts with other villages. Hashirama restrained and prepared the bijuus with his wood release while Gojo applied the seals on the selected Jinchurikis.

The curtains finally fell and the previous short herald walked onto the stage. "Hashirama and Gojo traveled the world sharing the tailed beasts. Suna chose to exchange the beast for land. Change spread through the elemental nations and peace gotten from the threat of mutual destruction filled the land. What next? We will find out after the intermission." He bowed and applause filled the air.

"That was so cool! Did you see how Hashirama captured the eight tailed beast?" Genki asked in excitement.

I couldn't follow the chatter as my brain was working at extra capacity. What could possibly be the consequence of sharing the tailed beasts? Nothing happened the first time around so how will a sealing master named Gojo Satoru with knowledge of the Naruto world change things? Honestly? I had no idea and it was super frustrating.

We filed outside and bought a few snacks that we munched on while waiting. Before long, we all filed in for the second part.

It began with the herald taking the stage again to set the tone before the curtains rose again.

It was a large room. The kages all sat with two guards behind them. Hashirama sat with Gojo and Madara standing behind him. Riku sat with two ninjas wearing scarves covering their faces.

Electricity was in the air as accusations were flung around the room. Everyone was with their power on full display.

The Mizukage slammed his fist on the round table. "A, how dare Kumo try to steal one of our ninjas?"

The Raikage stood up so fast he upturned his chair. "What did you say? Just because your ninjas were attacked by unknown ninjas near our border you're trying to pin this on us?"

"Come on! Everyone knows you were not able to persuade ninjas with bloodline limits to your village. You're trying to steal from us!"

"You take that back!"

"Guys, guys," Hashirama raised both hands, "calm down. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding. We can talk this out."

"Talk this out?" The raikage yelled. "You think you can just sit there, spotless like a higher being? You think I don't see those goddamn Uchiha roaming around trying to steal our jutsu."

"Watch what you say A, or you'll find out just what those Uchihas can do directly." Madara growled.

"Calm down Madara, you don't want a war now do you?" The Tsuchikage chuckled as he twirled his mustache.

"You shouldn't be that comfortable, Ishikawa. With all the resources Konoha has been giving Iwa, you should be subservient to us."

"You dare!" The tsuchikage roared as he leaned forward in his chair. "Hashirama! Contain your dog before I'm forced to put it down!"

"Dog? DOG?"

The room devolved into a giant argument. Insults and accusations flew around and before long, the first shinobi world War was declared.