The Ten-Tails howled in agony under Hikaru's relentless blows. It staggered and fled into the distance, turning back with its large, pitiful eyes full of grievance and pain, as if asking:

Why would Master hit me when I was helping him fight the enemy?

Hikaru shot it a glare, then sighed.

Ever since it was captured three years ago, the Ten-Tails had become more and more like a domesticated pet.

Because of its massive body and immature mind, Hikaru had chosen to let it roam freely within his personal space.

Originally, he had planned to put on a show this time… but completely forgot the Ten-Tails was there.

So when the enemy entered his space, they were immediately greeted by a Tailed Beast Ball right to the face.

Hikaru had more than enough strength to block it, but chose not to. After all, these people were his enemies.

There was no need to shield them.

He glanced at the Ten-Tails. The big guy was hanging its head low, seemingly remorseful for its behavior.

"Forget it, I'll let you off this time," Hikaru sighed, his tone helpless. "But don't do that again, got it?"

At his words, the Ten-Tails instantly lifted its head, joy flashing in its eyes.

It let out a low growl, as if promising it wouldn't make the same mistake.

Hikaru smiled slightly, raising a hand to gently stroke the massive beast's body.

After calming it down, he left the space and returned to the Hokage's office.

At that moment, Mito Uzumaki and the others had already arrived. Seeing Hikaru return, they all looked at him with concern.

"What just happened? That chakra fluctuation was insane," Mito asked urgently.

The others also looked at him with curiosity, waiting for an explanation.

Seeing their anxious expressions, Hikaru gave a faint smile and calmly recounted everything that had happened.

He neither exaggerated nor concealed anything—just relayed the truth.

When they heard that Hikaru had taken down all four Kage, Madara Uchiha suddenly shuddered.

Then, leaning back, he let out a booming, unrestrained laugh.

"Hashirama, did you hear that? In the end, I won!"

He declared loudly, his face beaming with pride—as if this moment had fulfilled a lifelong dream.

"The Fifth Hokage aligns more with my ideals than yours!"

Madara's eyes gleamed with provocation as he stared at Hashirama Senju, waiting for a reaction.

To Madara, this was more than just a simple declaration of victory—it was the conclusion of decades of rivalry with Hashirama.

Ever since they'd met, the two had constantly competed—in strength, in ideals, in everything.

Now, Madara finally felt he had gained the upper hand in their long-running contest.

He was elated—vindicated. Every effort he'd made had paid off.

Yet Hashirama didn't respond with frustration or discouragement.

Instead, he burst out laughing. "Madara, this time you win!"

There was no trace of resentment in his voice—only acceptance and peace.

The two locked eyes and shared a knowing smile.

Mito Uzumaki rolled her eyes at the display.

Though she was used to their rivalry, watching them act like this always left her speechless.

Turning to Hikaru, she asked, "So what now? The Chūnin Exams are probably scrapped, right?"

Hikaru gave a carefree smile. "It doesn't matter. The purpose of this exam was to observe the stance of the Four Nations. Whether it proceeds or not is irrelevant."

"And since they've chosen war, we can't be the ones to back down."

Just then, someone knocked on the office door.

Hikaru frowned slightly, just about to speak, when the door opened on its own.

An Anbu member strode in, looking slightly flustered.

"Hokage-sama, forgive my rudeness," he bowed and offered a sealed intel scroll. "Urgent intelligence has arrived."

Hikaru took the report and gave a nod for the Anbu to leave.

He opened it and skimmed the contents, and his expression gradually turned strange.

He murmured, "A desperate gamble, huh? They've really decided to go through with this?"

Then, focusing his mind, he addressed everyone:

"I've just received word—the Four Nations have officially declared war on the Land of Fire."

He paused, letting the weight of the news sink in.

Then continued:

"The forces of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure are already massing at our borders. This scroll is a call for aid."

Tension immediately filled the room. Every face turned grave.

Madara was the first to speak.

"The Four Nations allied? They truly dare to invade our borders? Hmph. They're walking to their deaths."

Fury and bloodlust radiated from his voice. Clearly, he was not amused.

With a cold snort, his chakra surged—like a beast ready to be unleashed.

"Let's see just how strong this so-called allied army really is."

Hikaru smiled. "I'll leave Amegakure to you then. How about we let the younger generation stretch their legs this time?"

He turned his gaze to the four women in the room—Tsunade, Nonō Yakushi, Hinata Hyūga, and Chiri Uchiha.

"Do you have confidence in defeating them?" he asked, his voice full of trust and expectation.

Tsunade smirked proudly. Her expression brimmed with confidence and strength.

"No problem. We'll show them what the wife of the Fifth Hokage can do."

Nonō nodded as well. Her voice was calm, but resolute.

"My strength may not compare to the others, but I have confidence I can deal with them."

Hinata gave a slightly bashful smile, her tone soft but firm.

"Hikaru-kun, if it's for you, even I will do my best to defeat them."

Chiri said nothing at first. She simply stared at Hikaru.

Her eyes slowly morphed into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Hikaru-kun, watch me carefully." Her voice was low and powerful.

"I will bring you victory."

Mito watched all of this unfold, her heart both proud and anxious.

She knew just how strong Hikaru was—and she also believed in the strength of the women who followed him.

But for one person to take on an entire village?

In the past, only Hashirama and Madara had ever achieved such a feat.

So even though her trust was unshaken, a trace of worry still lingered in her chest.