Chapter 257

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The Fourth Shinobi World War started quickly and ended even faster. In just five days, the Ryunin crushed the main forces of the Four Nations Alliance, cleaned up the remnants, and returned to Ryūgakure under the leadership of Kyomu.

But no war is without casualties. Even though the Ryunin were elite among elites, the ever-changing battlefield claimed lives due to moments of carelessness.

At the Memorial Garden behind Ryūgakure, dressed in black, Kyomu stood at the forefront, flanked by Yugito and Mei, also in black.

Behind them were Tsunade, Sakumo, Fugaku, Kakashi, Obito, and Guy, among others.

A large group of people stood solemnly, led by Kyomu, deeply bowing three times in reverence and offering white flowers one by one.

Kyomu did not make a speech. This was not a stage for winning hearts. He had no intention of making a show. He genuinely mourned the fallen Ryunin from the bottom of his heart.

"This prosperous era you envisioned has arrived," Kyomu murmured. "There will be no more wars in the future Shinobi World. Your loved ones will no longer feel uncertain about their future. I will take good care of them. Rest in peace."

With one last deep bow, Kyomu straightened up and led the way forward, followed closely by the high-ranking officials of Ryūgakure. The remaining Ryunin dispersed.

...

In the Ryukage Office.

"Captain," Genma, still using the old address, moved the senbon in his mouth up and down. "When will you get crowned? The brothers are all looking forward to it."

"I'm in no hurry. Are you that impatient?" Sitting in his chair, Kyomu tapped the desk. "Let's discuss it together and pick a time."

Genma grinned. "There's no need to discuss. I think tomorrow is perfect."

Clap.

Genma pulled out a black dragon robe like performing a magic trick. "I asked you before we left, and here it is, the black dragon robe you wanted."

"You're quick."

"Of course!" Ebisu interjected. "Captain, if you delay any longer, our lifelong events will also be delayed."

Before he finished, Genma elbowed him.

Is this the time to talk about that? Kyomu raised an eyebrow, looking between Genma and Ebisu, finally resting his gaze on Obito and Kakashi.

"Are you all planning to start families?"

Seeing no response, Ebisu spoke up, "Captain, you don't know, Obito and Rin, Kakashi and Hanare, Genma and… mmm…" (Yeah... there was a mistake in the translation in the past, the one that gots close to Kakashi was Hanare)

Genma covered Ebisu's mouth. "Shut up."

Kyomu chuckled, "Alright, Genma, Ebisu has always been like this since he was a child, and he hasn't changed now."

Ebisu, who was sometimes reserved and sometimes outspoken, was likely the number one ladies' man in Ryūgakure. In casual conversation, half of his words were about women.

Kyomu rarely had the chance to chat with Ebisu, but Kakashi often did, whispering together whenever they had the chance.

Despite his current disdain, Genma also often discussed women with Ebisu in their free time.

Men have two main interests: power and women. It's an innate trait.

"So, you're all waiting for me?" Kyomu shook his head. "Who would've thought? If I don't ascend the throne, you won't start families?"

"We want to do it together," Ebisu broke free from Genma's grip. "We've fought together, grown together, and now it's time to start families together."

Kyomu nodded. "We should do it together, but my situation is different from yours. I can officiate your weddings later."

Understanding Kyomu's point, Ebisu glanced at Yugito and Mei on either side of him, wisely avoiding further comments.

"That's fine, Captain. You ascend and get married first, then officiate our group wedding. It sounds perfect."

"Enough, Ebisu," Kakashi interrupted, steering the conversation back. "We're here to discuss Captain's ascension, not our weddings."

After Kakashi's comment, Ebisu stepped back and kept quiet.

"Captain, the Four Nations' daimyo seem unstable. We shouldn't delay any longer," Genma said, returning to the main topic. "Unlike the Daimyo of Fire, their mental state might not hold up."

"Then the day after tomorrow," Kyomu decided, pointing to the black dragon robe in Genma's hands. "Make some regular, training, and battle robes in that style."

"Leave it to me. I guarantee your satisfaction!" Genma agreed happily. "By the way, Captain, what about the crown?"

Taking pen and paper, Kyomu showcased his sketching skills, quickly drawing an emperor's crown.

Genma hurriedly took the drawing, giving a thumbs-up after a glance.

"This crown is much better than the daimyo's headgear. With the black dragon robe, it exudes authority fitting for an emperor!"

Kyomu nodded in agreement.

He modeled his imperial attire after the ancient Japanese Emperor's, naturally exuding unmatched authority, incomparable to the daimyo's attire.

"Let me handle the details of the ascension ceremony," Fugaku volunteered.

"Thank you, Minister Fugaku," Kyomu agreed.

With the high-ranking officials of Ryūgakure helping, Kyomu could relax and enjoy the process.

But Kyomu couldn't sit still.

As everyone busied themselves, Kyomu wandered to the Anbu base.

He held Madara's Rinnegan, contemplating how to handle it and seeking Tsunade's opinion.

Oh, and after the war, Orochimaru and White Zetsu submitted to him. Without much thought, he accepted them.

Orochimaru was perceptive. With everything settled, Kyomu wasn't worried about any tricks from him.

"Ryukage-sama."

Orochimaru greeted respectfully. Kyomu nodded. "How are you settling in?"

"Very well. It feels like I've found my old self," Orochimaru gestured to the scientific equipment behind him, smiling. "The wind I've been waiting for has swept across the Shinobi World. A new era has arrived, and there's no need to struggle anymore. I can finally focus on my own pursuits."

"You mean these?" Kyomu confirmed. "No other plans?"

"If possible, I still want a more advanced, even immortal, body," Orochimaru admitted. "That's one of my lifelong pursuits."

"I don't oppose your pursuit of immortality, but I can't support human experimentation," Kyomu set a boundary. "As for other research, as long as it doesn't cross moral lines, you have free rein. Funding will be provided."

"That's perfect," Orochimaru agreed. "I look forward to working with you, Ryukage-sama."

Kyomu nodded, leading Orochimaru deeper into the Anbu base, winding through corridors to Tsunade's medical lab.

Tsunade's medical skills were top-notch, and with additional expertise from Orochimaru, their combined research capabilities were unparalleled.

"Tsunade-nee."

"Kyomu, you're here," Tsunade smiled, glancing at Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, how are you?"

"I like the atmosphere here, much better than the dark, damp places before."

Tsunade knew what Orochimaru meant but didn't engage, focusing on Kyomu.

"Kyomu, finished with the ascension preparations?"

"Don't need me for that," Kyomu shook his head, pulling out a sealing scroll. "Nee-san, what should we do with these eyes? I wanted your opinion."

"Give them to the Uchiha?" Tsunade suggested after a thought.

"Those who can handle them don't need them, and those who need them can't handle them," Kyomu explained.

The Rinnegan, though it had specific dōjutsu, could be used immediately if one had the right talent.

Among the Uchiha, only Sasuke could match or surpass Madara's potential.

But Sasuke could awaken the Rinnegan on his own, without needing these eyes.

Sasuke's current potential was equivalent to or even greater than Indra, the Uchiha progenitor.

He could skip the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan stage and evolve his Mangekyō Sharingan directly into the Rinnegan.

Thus, Itachi wouldn't need to sacrifice his own eyes. Moreover, Tsunade had developed the White Zetsu cell cultivation and application technology to a highly advanced level.

Except for low production, it had no significant limitations.

So, Itachi and other Uchiha who awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan wouldn't need to worry about losing their eyesight from overuse.

Given this, their original Sharingan and dōjutsu would be more suitable than Madara's Rinnegan. Even with Itachi's talent, he couldn't fully utilize Madara's Rinnegan.

It would be a waste.

"Ryukage-sama, I think these eyes should be returned to their original owner," Orochimaru suddenly suggested. "I believe with Ryukage-sama's strength, you can suppress Madara."

Kyomu turned to look at Orochimaru, who met his gaze openly.

After a moment, Kyomu turned back to Tsunade. "Nee-san, what do you think?"

"This needs your decision. There's no rush to deal with these eyes. If you want, you can handle them yourself," Tsunade suggested.

Kyomu smiled, nodding as he put the scroll back in his robe.

"Let's wait until everything is settled before making a decision."

Although he said this, Kyomu had already made up his mind.

As Orochimaru suggested, these Rinnegan should be returned to their original owner.

And Kyomu was confident he could now suppress Madara. Besides, what he was doing now was what Madara had always wanted.

With the Shinobi World unified and peace established, Madara would likely join and protect this new order rather than pursue his extreme and unrealistic peace plans.

With this decision made, Kyomu was no longer in a hurry to deal with the Rinnegan. He turned his attention to Kimimaro's condition.

"Nee-san, how is Kimimaro?"

"I was about to find you," Tsunade said, eyes full of concern. "Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku is in the final stage of evolution. It will either become the legendary Dead Bone Pulse or kill him."

"He needs a lot of Yang chakra?"

"Yes," Tsunade nodded. "More than one tailed beast might be needed."

Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku evolution to the All-Killing Ash Bones required massive amounts of Yang chakra, and the Byakugan he used to suppress and balance the All-Killing Ash Bones also needed to evolve into the Tenseigan.

The Tenseigan, being on par with the Rinnegan, required immense chakra to evolve.

Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku, Byakugan, and body all needed to evolve simultaneously, making a single tailed beast's chakra insufficient.

"Will the chakra of three tailed beasts be enough?"

"It should be, but we'll only know after trying."

"In that case…" Kyomu summoned an Anbu ninja. "Find Itachi and have him bring the Jinchūriki of the One-Tail, Four-Tails, and Five-Tails."

"Yes, Ryukage-sama."

Kyomu nodded, pulling out another sealing scroll. His robe seemed like a dimensional pocket.

Unsealing the scroll, a withered wood-like, beam-sized object appeared before Tsunade and Orochimaru.

"Is this… part of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path?" Orochimaru exclaimed.

"Yes," Kyomu confirmed, stopping Orochimaru from getting closer. "Don't get too close, or it might drain you dry."

Orochimaru halted, eyes filled with interest. "Can I study it?"

"After dealing with Kimimaro, I'll give you a small piece for research."

Orochimaru smiled, already looking forward to his new research.

Soon, Itachi arrived with the Jinchūriki of the One-Tail, Four-Tails, and Five-Tails.

"Ryukage-sama, I've brought the Jinchūriki."

Kyomu nodded, glancing at the dazed Jinchūriki, then turned to Tsunade. "Nee-san, bring Kimimaro."

Tsunade went to fetch Kimimaro, while Kyomu directed Orochimaru and Itachi to stand back.

Once they were out of the way, Kyomu's right hand glowed with purplish-red natural energy. He reached for the beam-like object and pulled it closer.

With the natural energy as a barrier, Kyomu wasn't worried about the Demonic Statue's fragment affecting him.

He controlled the object, bringing its tip close to the One-Tail Jinchūriki.

The Jinchūriki's eyes filled with pain, body trembling as Shukaku was extracted and absorbed by the object.

The Jinchūriki died instantly from the extraction.

Kyomu moved to the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, repeating the process, extracting Son Gokū.

Lastly, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki faced the same fate.

After completing the extraction, Anbu ninja took away the corpses.

Tsunade returned with Kimimaro, and Kyomu signaled her to step back.

With everyone clear, Kyomu continued, instructing Kimimaro.

"Kimimaro, just focus on absorbing the tailed beasts' chakra."

"Understood, Ryukage-sama."

Kimimaro's voice was firm. Kyomu gently pushed the beam-like object, releasing a thick chakra into Kimimaro, merging with his flesh. This was different from simply sealing a tailed beast inside a body.

The Demonic Statue's fragment, being part of the Ten-Tails, naturally absorbed the tailed beasts, purifying their chakra before channeling it into Kimimaro.

Kimimaro felt the pure chakra repairing his body and pushing his Shikotsumyaku evolution forward.

The Byakugan, used to balance and control the Shikotsumyaku, absorbed the chakra, preparing for its evolution to the Tenseigan.

As more pure tailed beast chakra entered Kimimaro, he began to float, his skin turning pale, approaching snow-white.

Orochimaru watched with keen interest, eager to study Kimimaro further.

Since arriving at Ryūgakure, Orochimaru had found many new and fascinating things to research.

Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku, the Byakugan, and their interaction with his body were of particular interest.

Orochimaru knew he had to be cautious, though. Despite his curiosity, he couldn't overstep his bounds.

Kyomu ignored Orochimaru's thoughts, focusing entirely on Kimimaro.

Even if he knew, he would worry more for Orochimaru's safety. Kimimaro was no longer the same and wouldn't tolerate being a test subject.

Kimimaro's power had grown immensely, to the point where even Kyomu wouldn't dare touch his Dead Bone Pulse.

Time passed, and Kimimaro, floating cross-legged in mid-air, was enveloped in a light blue chakra cloak, his frown gradually easing.

From the surface, Kimimaro seemed to be in excellent condition.

Seeing this, Tsunade sighed with relief, smiling brightly.

It seemed Kimimaro had overcome his bloodline disease and was on the verge of becoming one of Ryūgakure's top fighters.

As Tsunade predicted, when the tailed beast chakra in the Demonic Statue fragment was fully absorbed by Kimimaro, his body and bloodline evolution were complete.

"Ha!"

Kyomu lowered his hand, sealing the Demonic Statue fragment again. Kimimaro, still floating, suddenly opened his eyes.

His eyes were still white, but now had a faint blue pupil, a sign of the Tenseigan's imminent evolution.

"How do you feel?" Kyomu asked.

Kimimaro landed, kneeling before Kyomu. "Ryukage-sama, I feel incredible, better than ever."

Tsunade hurried over, taking Kimimaro's hand to check his condition with chakra.

She suddenly smiled, eyes misting.

"You're fully cured. Your bloodline disease is gone for good, and your future will rival your ancestors'."

With Tsunade's confirmation, Kyomu had no more questions. "Kimimaro, follow me."

Kimimaro nodded, apologetically smiling at Tsunade before following Kyomu to the Anbu training ground.

Tsunade and Orochimaru followed, and Itachi hesitated but joined, curious about Kimimaro's strength.

Itachi wanted to see how powerful Kimimaro had become after using so many of Ryūgakure's resources.

(End of Chapter)