Chapter 188

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Of all the powerful passive skills Kyomu had refreshed in the past, the one he regretted the most missing out on was Rewards Diligence.

This passive skill had four MAX-level attributes, tailor-made for training. However, back then, Kyomu's foundation was still shallow, and the skill's duration was only one month. Despite training desperately, the effect only amounted to about a year's worth of hard work in a month.

It was indeed a pity.

But given Kyomu's current foundation, if he had another chance, he couldn't even predict how much he could improve in a month.

Now, with only 25 gold coins, Kyomu could only use the Rewards Diligence passive skill for a maximum of two months.

"Reaper still needs to be killed early."

Kyomu touched his blade, Yoei, with one hand. "Even if Reaper has intricate ties with the Sage of Six Paths, this month's passive skill will allow me to kill the Sage of Six Paths as well."

After some contemplation, Kyomu had a plan.

During this month, anyone older than him and hostile, who he couldn't kill, would be marked with the 'Second Assured Kill' buff. The next time he met them, as long as he could touch the 'Second Assured Kill' buff mark, they would die, no matter who they were.

Kyomu wasn't sure if he could confront the Sage of Six Paths, but with Yoei by his side, he had several chances to go all out.

"Let's play it safe for now."

However, after some thought, Kyomu decided to prioritize stability. "This month, I'll learn the forbidden technique Reaper Death Seal, then use the Rewards Diligence passive skill for two months to improve my strength. In the third month, I'll deal with Reaper.

By then, even if the Sage of Six Paths shows up, with enough gold coins to support me, choosing past refreshed passive skills or new useful skills will be very secure."

Having made his decision, Kyomu put aside his thoughts and focused on the many tasks at hand.

Expanding and renaming Takigakure, personnel arrangements, area division, and the proper placement of original ninjas and residents of Takigakure—all these required Kyomu's personal attention.

Most importantly, establishing a stable governance system not just for Takigakure but for the entire Land of Waterfalls was a massive and mentally exhausting project.

Fortunately, ninja techniques could be used. Earth Release techniques were essential for construction. It took less than ten days to rebuild and complete the initial expansion of Takigakure.

As time passed, Kyomu's monthly passive skill refreshed.

Passive Skill: Homeland Guardian

Skill Description: During the skill's duration, you can bind yourself to a chosen faction, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

During the binding period, each new landmark building will enhance the faction's potential, personnel potential, and cohesion.

When basic infrastructure is fully met and surpasses that of equivalent factions, the 'People and Land Prosper' buff is granted.

The faction leader, when within the faction's territory, gains different multipliers to combat power based on the number of landmark buildings.

If more than half of the landmark buildings in the territory are destroyed, the 'Nation Still Stands' buff is triggered. If 100% are destroyed, the 'Great Wall Vigilance' buff is triggered.

Note: When the passive skill ends, completed and formed landmark buildings will still provide bonuses, but these will be invalid if destroyed, and newly built landmarks won't provide benefits.

People and Land Prosper: Newborns have a 1% chance to be super geniuses, a 10% chance to be geniuses, a 59% chance to have high talent, and a 30% chance to be average.

Nation Still Stands: All combatants receive a 100% all-round enhancement, and faction war potential increases by 100%.

Great Wall Vigilance: All personnel receive a 500% all-round enhancement, and war potential increases by 500%. The probability of heroes appearing increases by 500%.

Skill Duration: 30 days

Message: Conquest and destruction are the ultimate romance for men, but personally building and creating the strongest is also the ultimate romance. And they are not mutually exclusive.

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Kyomu took a deep breath, looking at this month's passive skill. He abandoned the idea of replacing it with the old Rewards Diligence passive skill.

"Alright, I'll use this passive skill for a month. If next month's passive skill isn't powerful, I'll refresh it then."

With a plan in mind, Kyomu quickly summoned Tsunade, Fugaku, Kakashi, Might Guy, and others for a meeting in his office.

Sitting at the head of the table, Kyomu saw Tsunade to his left and Fugaku to his right, followed by Kakashi, Might Guy, Genma, and Ebisu.

"Little brother, you're 12 this year, right?" Tsunade patted his shoulder before he could speak. "A 12-year-old village and nation leader—you're the first in the ninja world."

"I was so busy I forgot yesterday was New Year's Day." Kyomu smiled. "I'm still young, so I'll need a lot of help from you, sister, and Fugaku-kun."

With that, Kyomu laid out a map of the entire Land of Waterfalls on the table.

"I'm planning a major construction project." Kyomu pointed to the center of the map. "The capital of the Land of Waterfalls is very close to Takigakure. Now that Obito has controlled the Daimyo, nobles, and high officials, I plan to expand Takigakure towards the capital and connect them."

He traced a line from the capital outwards, explaining his construction plans. "A country with good potential must have solid infrastructure and a complete industrial chain. We need to arrange everything from smelting and manufacturing to handicrafts.

Besides that, all rogue ninjas and bandits within our borders must be eradicated. Our future economy will rely on domestic production and foreign trade, so ninja for-hire missions can be cut.

Kakashi, you'll be responsible for eradicating the rogue ninjas and bandits."

Kyomu glanced at Kakashi, who nodded, and continued.

"We also need to build ports and fortifications as they are crucial. They will be our first line of defense and a major source of revenue. Roads suitable for heavy trade must be constructed, durable and covering all towns and villages in our territory.

We need our goods to go out and foreign goods to come in, or at least pass through our land."

After laying out the general plan, Tsunade and Fugaku wore worried expressions.

"Kyomu-kun, how much will this cost?" Fugaku asked. "You should know we spent nearly all our funds just rebuilding Takigakure. Expanding further without ninja for-hire missions will bankrupt the entire Land of Waterfalls."

Tsunade nodded. "Little brother, I've used up all my savings and our clan's remaining funds. I can't help with money matters anymore."

Tsunade had once been wealthy, her gambling losses never leading to bankruptcy. But now, she avoided casinos altogether, not daring to gamble.

"I have a way." Kyomu smiled, pulling a sealing scroll from his ninja tool pouch.

With a flick, several perfectly formed Lightning Release chakra crystals spilled onto the table, emitting bright blue arcs.

"These should be enough." Kyomu picked one up. "Fugaku-kun, how much would weapons made from these fetch?"

"If we use the Ninja Cats, each weapon would be worth at least 30 million ryo," Fugaku estimated. "Selling them all could net us around 200 million ryo."

"But that's still not enough," Tsunade said. "We need at least another 200 million ryo to cover all our projects."

"I could hit the black market for some money," Kakashi suggested. "I found a black market within our borders. Kyomu's bounty is 1 billion ryo, and there are other ninjas with bounties ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions or even billions."

"That's a good idea." Kyomu nodded, then turned to Kakashi. "You wouldn't be planning to claim my bounty, would you?"

"It's not like I haven't tried." Kakashi smirked. "But Kyomu, you're rushing things. We've barely been established for a month. Pushing too hard could cause problems."

Kyomu knew he couldn't be too aggressive, but the passive skill lasted only a month, and he had to act quickly. If he couldn't finish in a month, he'd have to use his 25 gold coins to select skills.

Compared to personal strength, Kyomu now valued enhancing his faction's power for long-term plans. Too many people depended on him.

"Tsuna-neesan," Kyomu said, eyes lighting up with an idea. "How about you take the money from selling weapons and make it grow?"

"You want me to gamble?" Tsunade's mouth fell open.

Usually, Tsunade wouldn't admit she was unlucky, always saying she'd win next time and then losing more. But now, she couldn't afford to lose everything.

"Haha..." Tsunade laughed awkwardly. "Little brother, I've recently quit gambling. I'm too busy to go."

Really?

Kyomu eyed her skeptically, noting her rare blush.

Without calling her out, he looked at Genma and Ebisu. "You two go with Tsunade, bet opposite her. Bet as big as you can. And don't let anyone recognize her. Change locations and identities frequently, and prioritize safety."

"Kyomu!"

Bang!

Tsunade smashed the table into pieces with a furious roar. "What do you mean by that? Are you doubting my gambling skills?"

"No doubt, just a small precaution..." Kyomu trailed off. "Neesan, bear with it this once. Once we're on track, you can spend as you please."

Still fuming, Tsunade crossed her arms. "Just this once. Don't let it happen again!"

"Just this once, just this once." Kyomu nodded quickly, relieved as Tsunade's anger subsided.

It was hard to imagine Tsunade's contrasting temperaments, sweet yet deadly.

"No time to waste. Fugaku-kun, take these Lightning Release chakra crystals to the Ninja Cats. Takizuke, handle the sales. Kakashi, lead the team to eradicate the rogue ninjas and bandits.

The rest, stay and discuss the details with me. Let's aim to have a plan ready tonight and start working tomorrow. Mobilize the entire nation to speed up construction. We need results in a month."

"A month?!" Tsunade and the others exclaimed. "How can we finish in a month?"

"That's where ninja techniques come in," Kyomu replied. "Every ninja who knows Earth Release will participate in construction. The civilians can handle the rest."

"But what about wages and materials..."

Kyomu had a plan. "We won't delay civilian wages, but we'll pay every ten days. By then, we should have the 400 million ryo, maintaining our credibility.

As for materials, merchants are profit-driven. If we offer good terms, the Daimyo won't interfere.

Even if merchants don't come, the resources within the Land of Waterfalls are enough. If needed, I'll borrow from neighboring countries."

Kyomu's expression hardened. "In any case, the primary construction projects must be completed within a month. That's an order and a mission!"

"Yes!"

Everyone responded, and Fugaku, Kakashi, and Takizuke immediately left to carry out their tasks.

The remaining members created shadow clones to expedite the discussion and refinement of construction details.

After working all night, the specifics were finally sorted, with priorities and secondary tasks established.

Kyomu knew the project couldn't be completed in a month, but he set a strict deadline to motivate everyone.

"If not this month, then next month. If not next month, then the month after. And if not, I'll kill Reaper for more gold coins!"

Slamming the table, Kyomu declared, "The mega infrastructure project officially starts now!"

(End of Chapter)