Chapter 241

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"Itachi!"

"Shisui-nii!"

At the entrance of Ryukage Village, two outstanding Uchiha prodigies met, with Shisui accompanied by a little shadow.

It was Sasuke.

"Brother, how long will you be gone this time?" Sasuke peeked out, his eyes filled with reluctance.

"Sasuke." Itachi squatted down, gently poking Sasuke's forehead with affection spilling from his eyes. "This mission is easy; I'll be back soon."

"How soon is soon?" Sasuke insisted, needing a precise time.

Ruffling Sasuke's hair, Itachi stood up. "When the moon becomes full again, I'll be back."

"You promise? No lying."

"I promise." Itachi smiled, guaranteeing, then looked at Shisui. "Shisui-nii, please take care of Sasuke while I'm gone."

"I will." Shisui responded with a smile, "I didn't expect you to be assigned a mission just two days after graduation."

Itachi remained silent, feeling the weight of Kyomu's trust in him.

"Oh, and here's your graduation gift." Shisui removed a straight sword from his waist. "Take it. The Kusanagi Sword is more useful to you now than to me."

Itachi didn't refuse, accepting the Kusanagi Sword and attaching it to his waist. Although it wasn't the best fit for his height, the sword would significantly boost his combat capabilities for the mission.

"Goodbye, Shisui-nii, Sasuke." Smiling and waving, Itachi left the village with Kisame and Haku, following the caravan.

"Let's go back." Shisui said, taking the reluctant Sasuke's hand.

"Shisui-nii, when can I start school?" Sasuke asked, finally returning to his senses after losing sight of Itachi.

"When you turn six."

"But I want to start early." Sasuke pouted. "The kids my age in the clan and village are too dumb. I don't want to play with them."

Shisui laughed softly.

Sasuke had the typical Uchiha pride and an exceptional talent, surpassing all previous Uchihas. He could grasp any concept at a glance and master it with a bit of study. Besides his learning ability, Sasuke had strong practical skills, becoming the leader of the village children, followed by many.

Despite his awkward demeanor towards his followers, they remained loyal, sticking to Sasuke like glue.

While Sasuke enjoyed his leadership role, his ultimate goal was to graduate early and join his brothers on missions.

"You'll have to ask Ryukage-sama about that."

"Ask Ryukage-sama..." Sasuke repeated, lowering his head. "That means it's not happening. Ryukage-sama looks so serious."

"Not really. Once you understand Ryukage-sama's character, you'll see he's considerate of everyone."

Talking about Kyomu, Shisui's eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Shisui-nii, is your goal to become like Ryukage-sama?" Sasuke asked, noticing the light in Shisui's eyes.

"Yes." Shisui nodded, then asked Sasuke, "What about you? What do you want to become?"

"I want to be a genius like you and Itachi-nii!"

"You already are a genius." Shisui patted Sasuke's head. "You can aim even higher."

"Then..." Sasuke thought for a moment, his eyes shining with determination. "I want to become the second Ryukage!"

"Haha, then you need to work hard. Ryukage-sama is only 16 and at his peak."

"I'm not weaker than anyone, including Ryukage-sama!" Sasuke clenched his fists. "Shisui-nii, I'll go back to studying."

"Have you learned all the kanjis?"

Shisui's unexpected question made Sasuke blush. "I know the common ones..."

"Remember, don't just study ninjutsu. You need to learn academic subjects too. If you don't excel in academics, surpassing Itachi or even Ryukage-sama is impossible."

"Don't underestimate me." Sasuke let go of Shisui's hand and ran off. "I'll graduate early like Itachi-nii and become a great ninja like Ryukage-sama!"

With a declaration, Sasuke disappeared from sight.

Shisui shook his head, smiling, unwilling to dampen Sasuke's spirits.

Surpassing himself and Itachi was possible for Sasuke, but surpassing Ryukage-sama...

As difficult as climbing to the sky!

"Having an ambitious goal is good." Shisui muttered, heading towards the Ryukage building.

"You're back, Shisui," Kyomu greeted without looking up from his work.

"Thank you for your concern, Ryukage-sama." Shisui bowed slightly, standing beside Kyomu. "I went to see Itachi off on his first mission."

"Did you give him the Kusanagi Sword?" Kyomu paused, glancing at Shisui's waist. "You really let it go."

"Itachi is more talented than I am. The Kusanagi Sword suits him better. Besides, Itachi will pass it on to Sasuke when he grows up."

"You think far ahead." Kyomu shook his head, turning to business. "Shisui, I need you to do something."

Shisui straightened up, his expression serious.

"Temporarily take over Obito's position and let him return to the village for a while. Also, manage the western province's affairs and closely monitor the Land of Water's movements."

Shisui nodded. "Yes, Ryukage-sama!"

Kyomu waved, indicating Shisui should leave immediately.

After Shisui left, Yugito and Mei walked out from the office's inner room.

Today, Yugito had her hair in a braid, looking fresh and capable. Mei, with her usual hairstyle, wore a light blue dress, exuding the charm of a mature woman.

Each had her unique appeal, with distinct clothing styles, making it hard to choose between them.

"Did you change outfits again?" Kyomu touched his nose. "I think the regular ninja uniform looks fine. No need to..."

"Do you think the ninja uniform looks better, or my light blue dress?" Mei placed her arms at her waist, not pressing, but still showing an impressive figure.

"The dress..."

"Kyomu, what about mine?" Yugito interrupted before Kyomu could finish, putting her hand on her hip and striking a pose that highlighted her slim waist and long legs.

Yugito's outfit perfectly showcased her curves. From the front, it was striking, but from the back, it was a visual assault.

With her braid, she looked stunning.

"Yours is also good, along with Mei's..."

"Who's better looking?" Mei interrupted.

"..."

Kyomu fell silent, choosing not to answer and quickly changing the subject.

"Any news from Minato and Kushina?"

Yugito and Mei's eyes dimmed briefly but quickly returned to work mode.

"Minato sent a message this morning. Jiraiya left the Fire Temple with Naruto, and their whereabouts are unknown." Yugito reported.

Mei checked her notes and continued, "Kyomu, I contacted White Zetsu from Akatsuki. He also has no information on Jiraiya."

After thinking for a moment, Kyomu decided, "Don't recall Minato and Kushina yet. Let them continue searching the ninja world. Also, give them another task."

Pausing to ensure Mei and Yugito were ready, Kyomu continued.

"Have them search for a secret organization called 'Kara.' Its leader is a monk named Jigen." Kyomu opened a drawer. "This is a drawing I made. Jigen looks like this."

Mei and Yugito took the drawing, impressed.

"Kyomu, you're a great artist!" They exclaimed.

Kyomu smiled, pleased. "I practiced sketching out of boredom in school."

"Can you draw me sometime?" Yugito asked before Mei could, "I want to learn too. It would help my work."

"Me too," Mei quickly added. "I have some background in it and would learn fast without taking much of your time."

Kyomu felt a headache coming on again.

"Alright, we'll talk about it later. For now, get back to work." He waved them off, finally getting some peace.

...

But within half an hour, Sakumo, Fugaku, Tsunade, Kakashi, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu entered one after another.

"What are you..."

"Ryukage-sama, how much longer do you plan to delay?" Sakumo spoke first. "I've been stationed in the southern province for three years, submitting requests for three years, and waiting for nothing. So, we had to come and force the issue."

Kyomu sighed. "Can't it wait a bit longer?"

"Are you struggling with personal matters?" Tsunade asked, blinking. "A Daimyo can have multiple wives. The ninja code doesn't restrict you."

"It's not that, I mean..."

"Ryukage-sama," Genma interrupted. "If you don't ascend the throne, our rewards are in limbo. We've followed you for years and need some assurance."

"Yeah, Ryukage-sama," Ebisu chimed in. "I can't settle down with my own life until you do. Just the other day, I turned down three sisters and two younger girls, and it broke my heart."

Kyomu looked at Kakashi for support, giving him meaningful looks, but Kakashi shook his head and delivered a final blow.

"Ryukage-sama, I researched this. While most Daimyo ascend at 18, if necessary, they can do so younger. In the Warring States period, 70 years ago, 16-year-old ninjas could marry and have children. Though times have progressed, exceptions can be made for you."

Seeing no escape, Kyomu sighed.

"Are you really forcing me?" Kyomu spread his hands. "Not giving me any time to prepare?"

"We've prepared everything." Sakumo glanced at Genma, who promptly presented the daimio's robe and crown.

"Ryukage-sama, it's time to change your robe." Genma smiled. "We once draped you in the ceremonial robe, now it's fitting to crown you."

"You guys..." Kyomu shook his head, looking at the robe and crown. "Alright, alright. But I don't like this crown. If I wear it, I'll be on par with the other Daimyo. Redesign it to be more imposing, and I'll ascend when I'm satisfied."

Everyone knew this was Kyomu's delaying tactic but didn't push too hard.

Sakumo asked, "What style do you prefer?"

"An emperor's crown, of course." Kyomu said matter-of-factly. "But I don't have a clear idea. Check historical records, you might find something. If not, I'll design one myself."

"That works." Fugaku finally spoke, delivering a knockout blow. "But should we draft the ascension edict now?"

Kyomu stared at Fugaku, taking deep breaths. "Fine, draft it now."

"Please, Ryukage-sama, start writing." Genma still smiling, "If you delay, we'll bring all the old comrades here tomorrow with banners."

"Fine, I'll write it!" Kyomu reluctantly agreed.

He called out, "Yugito, bring me the ink. Mei, fetch Shikaku to review the draft."

Yugito entered with a smile, while Mei didn't argue, quickly leaving to find Shikaku.

This couldn't be delayed.

As Kyomu prepared to ascend the throne, both women had the same thought.

When Kyomu becomes emperor, will I...

Yugito and Mei, feeling the urgency, knew they had to secure their place in Kyomu's heart.

This couldn't be delayed either!

(End of Chapter)