Chapter 190

In the new office, Kyomu sat at the head of the table, followed by Tsunade, Fugaku, Kakashi, Might Guy, Rin, Genma, and Ebisu.

"Kyomu, I'm not cut out for this," Might Guy said awkwardly. "Everyone knows I can't figure out many things myself. How can I take on..."

"You can learn," Kyomu interrupted. "You only need to handle disputes and cases fairly as the Minister of Justice. It doesn't require much brainwork."

Might Guy's honest and passionate nature made him ideal for ensuring justice. 

"Besides, Takizuke will assist you. If you have any questions, you can ask him," Kyomu added, pointing to Takizuke at the end of the table. "Takizuke, as Deputy Minister, can you help Guy?"

"Dragon Shadow-sama, I will assist Minister Guy well."

Kyomu nodded and turned to Tsunade. "Sis, could you..."

"Dragon Shadow-sama, please address me by my name or title in formal settings," Tsunade corrected, emphasizing the need for formality as the Land of Dragons progressed.

Kyomu smiled wryly and nodded. "Tsunade, what are your thoughts on the economic issues we face?"

Tsunade, appointed as the Minister of Finance, managed the village's finances. Despite Kyomu holding both military and political power, everyone knew he was the true leader.

"The Five Great Nations have taken action," Tsunade said seriously. "They haven't coordinated their troops yet, but economic sanctions have begun.

They've embargoed essential war materials like iron ore, raised prices of goods sold to us, and lowered the purchase prices of our exports."

She handed a stack of documents to Kyomu. "Dragon Shadow, take a look. These are the details."

Kyomu felt a headache coming on as he looked at the thick stack of documents. Holding power was good, but it was also tiring.

"You're the Minister of Finance. What's your plan?" Kyomu asked, skimming through the papers without looking up.

"My plan is..." Tsunade outlined her strategy, and Kyomu nodded repeatedly. "Let's proceed with your plan. Start with the Lands of Grass and Frost; they should be more compliant."

With that settled, Kyomu looked at Kakashi. "Kakashi, how's the organization of the Anbu?"

"Dragon Shadow-sama, it's arranged. The intelligence network has started to spread nationwide. I estimate it will cover the entire shinobi world within a year."

Kyomu nodded and gestured to Tsunade. "Kakashi, assist Minister Tsunade with the affairs in the Lands of Grass and Frost.

If bribery doesn't work, use ninja methods to remind those merchants that we ninjas call the shots."

"Yes!" Kakashi agreed.

Kyomu then turned to Fugaku. "Fugaku, how are the arrangements for the ninja academy?"

The Uchiha clan's strong foundation meant they excelled not only in combat but also in their vast knowledge. While they might not be great teachers, sharing their knowledge was feasible.

"Dragon Shadow-sama, it's arranged, but shouldn't we adjust the education system?" Fugaku asked.

"We can't change it," Kyomu shook his head. "The nine-year education system is ideal. After the six-year elementary phase, we can determine who's suited to be ninjas and who should become scholars."

Fugaku looked troubled.

Being appointed Minister of Education wasn't something he had anticipated. Although he had no objections, education wasn't the Uchiha clan's forte—they preferred combat.

Kyomu understood this and wasn't trying to suppress the Uchiha clan. His goal was to tap into the clan's extensive library.

That was a treasure trove!

Besides, Kyomu had also made Obito the Minister of Military Affairs. With two ministers from their clan, the Uchiha had no reason to complain.

"Dragon Shadow-sama, we are ninjas. Our knowledge of literature and science is limited..."

Kyomu cut him off. "Minister Fugaku, there are always solutions. If we lack expertise in literature and science, we can find it within the Land of Dragons.

If not, we can look outside. Scholars don't betray like rogue ninjas."

"I'll try," Fugaku agreed reluctantly. "But with the nine-year compulsory education and six-year advanced training, it'll be thirteen years before the first batch graduates. We might face a ninja shortage during this period."

Kyomu knew the risk. While the Great Nations bickered over interests and personal agendas, they would eventually recover. Once they did, they could easily muster 5000 ninjas each. Combined with small nations, they could field an army of 40,000.

That would be the toughest time for the Land of Dragons.

"We can retrain former Takigakure ninjas and those genin who have seen battle," Kyomu proposed. "We can also expand our recruitment. We've abolished the ninja-for-hire system, so early graduation isn't necessary."

As Fugaku nodded, Tsunade interjected.

"Dragon Shadow, this complicates things. Without ninja-for-hire missions, balancing ninja incomes with national finances will be tough."

Kyomu shook his head with a smile. "This is a necessary step towards a ninja-centric system.

Without hiring missions, we can pay ninjas fixed salaries based on their ranks. The funds will come from national taxes."

"Just support them?" Tsunade questioned.

"This is essential for a professional ninja military," Kyomu explained. "After eradicating banditry, trade caravans will be safe within our borders.

We may lose some revenue from missions, but the favorable business environment and extensive transportation network will attract merchants.

We border the Lands of Earth, Lightning, and Fire. Once things improve, we'll become a major trade hub, and tax revenue will suffice."

Tsunade pondered, then nodded uncertainly. Trusting her little brother's plan seemed simpler than overthinking.

Lastly, Kyomu addressed Rin, Genma, and Ebisu.

Rin was the Minister of Health, Genma the Captain of the Dragon Shadow Guard, and Ebisu the Minister of Infrastructure.

"Rin, the hospitals are your responsibility. They shouldn't be limited to Dragon's Hidden Village and the capital. Each town and village needs a hospital.

Work closely with Ebisu for construction support."

"Genma, I don't need you with me all the time. Focus on guarding the Dragon Daimyo and other officials. Ensure the guards are sharp and quick learners to absorb knowledge on governance and administration."

With that, Kyomu dismissed the meeting. "Alright, that's it for today. Everyone, get to work. Tsunade, stay behind."

Once alone, Kyomu vacated his seat and began massaging Tsunade's shoulders.

"What's this about?" Tsunade asked with a hint of laughter, though her eyes showed affection.

"I've been busy. You promised to consider teaching me the Reaper Death Seal, but there's been no word," Kyomu reminded.

"I don't know it," Tsunade shook her head. "Why do you need it?"

"To kill Reaper and get some gold coins!" Kyomu replied through gritted teeth.

"Ridiculous!" Tsunade leaned back, glaring at him. "The Reaper Death Seal is a forbidden technique that costs your life. Do you need it now?"

"Please, Sis, I really need it, and I promise I won't die," Kyomu assured her.

Tsunade stared into his eyes for a long moment. "You're not lying?"

"Never to you."

"I can't teach you... but I can give you Mito-sama's notes."

Kyomu's eyes lit up. Uzumaki Mito's notes would undoubtedly contain various sealing techniques from the Uzumaki clan.

"What about our second grandfather's..." Kyomu began to ask more.

"No!" Tsunade playfully bumped her head against his chest. "Do you think you can have everything?"

Fair enough.

Kyomu nodded quickly. "How about our grandmother's notes?"

"Don't be-!" Tsunade's cheeks flushed as she quickly retrieved a sealing scroll from her pouch and placed it on the desk. "Here, this is it. Figure it out yourself."

Tsunade hurriedly left, rubbing her cheeks to compose herself once outside.

Better to stay busy than to overthink.

Tsunade threw herself into her work, while Kyomu delved into Mito's notes, studying the various sealing techniques within.

The Uzumaki clan's heritage was invaluable.

Kyomu prioritized learning the Reaper Death Seal. He had no intention of learning the Reaper Death Seal: Release. Using the Reaper Death Seal would summon the Reaper. Killing it would render the technique useless.

And in the future...

"Without the Reaper, this technique becomes obsolete," Kyomu smirked. "Once my plans unfold, Konoha's days will be numbered."

Thinking of the three broken kunai he left in Konoha, Kyomu felt a surge of anticipation.

"Who will come to seek my help?

When they do, I'll gladly take what remains of Konoha's resources."

With these thoughts, Kyomu continued his study of the Reaper Death Seal, occasionally attending to administrative duties.

The Homeland Guardian passive skill accelerated Kyomu's efficiency and that of everyone in the Land of Dragons.

For instance, at the Dragon's Hidden Village ninja academy.

The Uchiha clan members, reluctantly conscripted as teachers, found that teaching wasn't as frustrating as they had imagined.

"These students are quite promising," one Uchiha teacher remarked during a break. "They're slow, but with patience, they learn."

"I had to explain a Clone Technique three times before they got it!" another Uchiha teacher complained. "I felt like killing them, they were so stupid."

"Scold them," a Senju descendant suggested. "But it might not help much."

The Uchiha teachers fell silent, their expressions awkward.

"It's all because of Kyomu-sama... Why did he print that annoying booklet? It's frustrating!"

"I hate the way they look at me!"

"If they weren't from our village, I'd definitely teach them a lesson."

The Uchiha chattered away, speaking more than usual, making the Senju descendants in the office smile.

Only Kyomu-sama could handle the Uchiha.

"Well, you get gifts from students every day. We only get them occasionally."

At this, the Uchiha teachers' lips twitched slightly, hinting at smiles.

"Who cares about trivial gifts?"

The Senju descendants glanced at the well-maintained flowers on the windowsill but said nothing, amused.

The Uchiha had little left besides their pride. With Kyomu-sama's booklet, interacting with the Uchiha became a mandatory part of life in the Dragon's Hidden Village and the entire Land of Dragons.

In time, everyone found the Uchiha's stubborn pride rather endearing.

After all, everyone understood the Uchiha's nature.

Time moved steadily, and the Land of Dragons flourished. The number of newlyweds surged this month.

With stability, people began to think about their personal lives.

Kyomu supported this, even officiating a large wedding for his subordinates.

Many of the newlyweds were both ninjas, but more were marriages between ninjas and civilians from the former Land of Waterfalls, marking a successful initial integration.

Kyomu and his followers had firmly established themselves in the Land of Dragons.

Next, it was time to settle scores.

Reaper, your days are numbered!

(End of Chapter)