Inside the great hall, both sides finally sat down to discuss matters properly.
“So who is currently on the list of fighters heading to Ragnarok?” The Raikage was the first to ask.
The other Kage were equally interested in the answer.
“I only have a preliminary roster in mind.” Ren sat at the center, with Madara, Hashirama, and the others beside him.
“The final lineup may change, but I can tell you the current candidates.” “The first is Madara Uchiha.” No one objected.
They had all witnessed Madara’s strength.
Calling him a monster on the level of a god did not feel like an exaggeration.
“The second is Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage.” Again, no one disagreed.
Hashirama had not earned the title of God of Shinobi for nothing.
Even Madara had lost to him more than once.
“The third is Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.” The Raikage considered it for a moment before nodding.
“The Yellow Flash deserves a place among the thirteen.” “The Fourth Hokage was an exceptional shinobi.” Tsunade agreed.
“I have no objection to his inclusion.” “The fourth candidate is Nagato Uzumaki, wielder of the Six Paths of Pain.” Nagato offered a reserved smile when his name was announced.
“Him?” Ōnoki frowned.
“What has he done to deserve a place on the roster?” “He was once the leader of the Akatsuki,” Gaara added, assuming Ōnoki might not know the full extent of Nagato’s strength.
“The Six Paths of Pain once destroyed Konoha.” Tsunade’s expression became serious.
“We experienced his power firsthand.
I have no objection to him being selected.” Even Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, had died fighting Pain.
Had Naruto not lost control of the Nine-Tails during their battle, defeating Nagato would have been far more difficult.
Ōnoki still looked unconvinced, but Ren ignored him and continued.
“The fifth candidate is Itachi Uchiha.” “Itachi Uchiha?” The Raikage looked puzzled.
“Is he truly that strong?
Wasn’t he Sasuke’s older brother—the one Sasuke killed?” “Does someone like that really qualify to fight a god?” “Watch your mouth, young Raikage.” Madara immediately spoke in Itachi’s defense.
“Are you looking down on the Uchiha Clan?” “Itachi merely kept his strength hidden.
Had he fought without restraint, he could have flattened Kumogakure.” The Raikage’s temper flared.
Had anyone else spoken to him like that, he would already have rolled up his sleeves and started a fight.
But the man opposite him was Madara Uchiha.
After seeing Perfect Susanoo, even the Raikage could not bring himself to challenge him.
“The sixth candidate is Jiraiya.” Ren continued without paying attention to their argument.
“Jiraiya?” Tsunade abruptly rose from her seat.
“You revived him?” Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged a glance.
Their little Tsuna’s reaction seemed unusually intense.
“Not yet.” Ren shook his head.
“I sent Hiruzen to recover Jiraiya’s body.” “I see…” The excitement faded from Tsunade’s face as she slowly sat down again.
“Jiraiya was one of Konoha’s Legendary Sannin.” Ōnoki gave a slight nod.
“I suppose he is barely qualified.” By now, he had realized that Ren alone decided who entered Ragnarok.
There was little point in arguing over every name.
“Now for the living candidates.” “The seventh is Obito Uchiha—the masked man all of you already know.” The Five Kage understood how dangerous Obito was, so no one questioned his inclusion.
“The eighth is Sasuke Uchiha.” “The ninth is Naruto Uzumaki.” “The tenth is Might Guy.” Ren announced the remaining names in quick succession.
Two other candidates were already part of his plans, but he chose not to reveal them.
Their identities would be too shocking.
He also made it clear that the roster was temporary.
Some names might later be removed, while others could be added.
“Wait.” Ōnoki could no longer remain silent.
“What are Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha doing on that list?” “They are only Konoha genin.
What qualifies them to fight gods?” It was the strongest objection anyone had raised so far.
“I have the same question.” The Raikage leaned forward.
“Who is this Might Guy, and why does he deserve a place?” Ren rubbed his forehead.
Did they truly not understand that Konoha’s genin were often more terrifying than its official leaders?
And Might Guy had nearly killed Six Paths Madara with a single kick after opening all Eight Gates.
Yet these people were questioning his qualifications.
“I don’t have time to explain every decision.” Ren turned toward Tsunade.
“Have Might Guy come to see me.” “And where is Naruto Uzumaki?” “Yes.
Where is Naruto?” Minato’s expression brightened immediately.
“I’ve waited a very long time for this.” Only Gaara and Mei noticed something even stranger.
Tobirama Senju had not been selected.
The Second Hokage himself had been excluded, while Naruto, Sasuke, and Might Guy had been chosen.
They could not begin to understand what Ren was planning.
“Hold on.” Ōnoki looked over the roster again.
“Why are nearly all the selected fighters from Konoha?” “Are you saying the other shinobi villages have no powerful warriors?” “Exactly!” The Raikage slammed one hand against the table.
“Kumogakure has no shortage of strong shinobi.” Not a single person from his village had been chosen.
It was a complete humiliation.
“Ōnoki.
Young Raikage.” Madara folded his arms and tapped one finger against his sleeve.
“Have you grown tired of living?” “If you object, we can settle it outside.” The chakra leaking from his body alone caused cracks to spread across the hall.
“If either of you has a problem with Konoha, feel free to say it clearly.” Hashirama and Tobirama rose at the same time.
The Raikage and Ōnoki swallowed.
Neither of them dared to add another word.
Some disputes were better left alone.
CREATORS’ THOUGHTS KageNaruto Liked it?