Chapter 231

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"How are you faring in Ryugakure, Arato?"

Yugito stood outside a two-story house, holding a notebook, and inquired about the former Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

"Thank you for asking, Lady Yugito. I'm doing very well and living happily. My health is good, and I sleep peacefully without nightmares."

"If that's the case, do you still wish to move back to your original residence?" Yugito asked again.

"No, no, I don't want to move back. My previous place can't compare to here. This place is great, absolutely wonderful."

Nodding, Yugito smiled. "If that's the case, I'll report back to Lord Ryukage." She turned to leave but stopped after a few steps. "Hino, if you need anything, feel free to ask. As long as it's within my capabilities, I will fulfill your request."

"Thank you, Lady Yugito. I'll remember that."

As Yugito's figure disappeared from view, the former Daimyo of the Land of Fire, now known as Hino Arato, wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh.

He was grateful to be alive and didn't dare to ask for anything more. Just looking at his neighbors was enough to remind him of his place.

Uchiha, Senju, Uzumaki, and Hozuki families— all of them were loyal to Kyomu. Any sign of rebellion and any one of these families could wipe him out without Kyomu having to lift a finger.

Closing the door, Arato looked at his wife and children.

"Arrange for the children to start school tomorrow."

After giving this instruction, he retreated to his study. Although he had lost face in front of Kyomu and the other dragon ninjas, he could still maintain some authority at home.

He understood that any thoughts of restoration were impossible. The only viable option was to fully integrate into the Land of Dragons and become a useful brick wherever needed.

Didn't want to? He could, but his future status and quality of life would be uncertain.

The scene shifted to the Ryukage Office.

"Haha, he's really enjoying himself, isn't he?" Kyomu laughed loudly, slapping the table. "He's quite a talent, just to my liking. If I have any governance issues in the future, I can consult with him."

"Kyomu, do you think he'd dare speak up?" Mei retorted. "Don't scare him to death."

Yugito didn't argue or respond but brought up another matter. "Kyomu, Arato has several wives. Do you think we should address this?"

Mei glanced at Yugito and added, "Kyomu, this is indeed a problem. The entire Land of Dragons practices monogamy. His special status might cause unrest."

Pointing at himself? Kyomu looked at Mei and then at Yugito. "He's a special case because of his previous status.

Besides, if we were to separate his wives, what do you plan to do with them?"

Yugito and Mei didn't say anything further, and the discussion ended there.

They continued reporting on other matters.

"Kyomu, Genma has taken over all defenses of the former Land of Fire without any movements from the Four Great Nations."

"Ebisu has taken control of all towns and villages in the former Land of Fire. The people's hearts are with us, and no unexpected incidents have occurred."

"Ministers Tsunade and Fugaku have reached the ruins of Konoha, but the damage is severe, and rescue is no longer feasible. After establishing a large cemetery, they are leading the remaining Konoha ninjas back. They should arrive by tomorrow."

Kyomu listened intently, absorbing the information. With the "True Sight" ability, he could also glean additional information unknown to the two women.

This month's passive skill was quite useful.

After handling all the affairs, Kyomu stood up to stretch and decided to visit the Anbu. He still had seven pairs of Byakugan that needed a place to be used.

"I'm heading to the Anbu. Keep busy," Kyomu said to the two women as he left the Ryukage Tower and headed to the Anbu base.

"Lord Ryukage." Kabuto greeted him respectfully.

Kyomu patted Kabuto's head. "Kabuto, how's your learning going?"

"Lord Ryukage, with the guidance of Lady Tsunade, Lady Rin, and Lady Nono, I've learned a lot about medical ninjutsu."

"Keep it up. The village's future belongs to you."

"Lord Ryukage, I will. I won't let you down!"

Kabuto's face turned red with excitement, his eyes filled with admiration and longing for Kyomu.

It wasn't just Kabuto. All the new generation in the Land of Dragons aspired to follow Kyomu and become his right-hand men.

"Haha." Kyomu laughed heartily. "Kabuto, take me to see Kimimaro."

"Follow me, Lord Ryukage." Kabuto led the way, quickly bringing Kyomu to Kimimaro's medical lab.

"Lord Ryukage!"

Kimimaro stood up with a serious expression, ignoring the sensors attached to his body, and bowed respectfully to Kyomu.

Kyomu waved his hand, helping Kimimaro back to his bed. "You're still recovering. No need for formalities."

Sitting by the bed, Kyomu felt Kimimaro's forehead and asked, "How are you feeling, Kimimaro?"

Kimimaro blinked, one eye now a Byakugan. "My body is much stronger than before. The random severe pain is gone. The vision is a bit strange, though. I need more time to adapt."

Kyomu nodded. As they chatted, Rin entered the room.

"Kyomu, you're here."

"Rin, does Kimimaro's body have any remaining issues?"

Rin, dressed in a white coat, looked very professional and had a gentle demeanor.

She flipped through Kimimaro's medical records. "Kimimaro's body has fused well with White Zetsu's cells. However, with only one Byakugan, his Kekkai Genkai disease cannot be completely eradicated. Over time, as his strength grows, the disease may resurface."

Kyomu nodded, patted Kimimaro's shoulder, and then pulled Rin aside.

"Rin, I have seven pairs of Byakugan. Choose the purest pair and transplant them into Kimimaro."

"Kyomu... where did you get these?" Rin's eyes widened. "If the Hyuga clan finds out, they might..."

"The Hyuga clan can't intimidate me," Kyomu interrupted. "I'll handle any trouble. Just focus on treating Kimimaro and your medical research."

Rin nodded, taking the sealing scroll from Kyomu.

"If we transplant a pair of Byakugan into Kimimaro, his body will undergo significant changes."

Intrigued, Kyomu asked, "Oh? Tell me more."

"Come with me," Rin led him to a heavily secured room.

Inside were the medical records and research materials spearheaded by Tsunade, Nono, and Rin.

Not only did it contain research on the Kaguya clan, but also on the White Zetsu, Uchiha, Senju, Uzumaki, and Hozuki clans.

This place was a veritable archive of Kekkai Genkai.

Rin expertly found a file cabinet and pulled out some key documents.

"Kyomu, take a look." She handed the documents to Kyomu while explaining. "Our research shows that Kimimaro's bloodline and the Hyuga clan's Byakugan have a unique synergistic effect.

It's similar to the synergy between White Zetsu cells and the Sharingan. Together, they can pave the way to a higher level.

We are still researching the exact reasons, but we have a hypothesis.

We suspect that the ancestors of the Kaguya clan and the Hyuga clan might be related, similar to the relationship between the Senju and Uchiha ancestors.

The Shikotsumyaku Kekkai Genkai could be a form of 'Sage Body,' and the Byakugan, a 'Sage Eye,' distinct from the Sharingan.

Based on this, we boldly speculate that the Byakugan is merely the initial stage of the Hyuga clan's eye, much like the Sharingan, and it possesses a higher form."

Pausing, Rin continued, "Kyomu, if you want to persuade the Hyuga clan, this might be a good breakthrough point."

"Rin, you've grown a lot," Kyomu praised.

Rin smiled shyly. "I've learned a lot, managing more people and handling more responsibilities."

Kyomu nodded. "Rin, please make a copy of this information. I'll need it tomorrow."

"No problem." Rin agreed readily.

After a brief chat, Kyomu left the room, returning to Kimimaro's medical lab. He spoke a few encouraging words to Kimimaro before leaving the Anbu base.

"Kimimaro might just develop the Tenseigan, and his Shikotsumyaku could evolve into All-Killing Ash Bones," Kyomu thought as he walked. "All-Killing Ash Bones, a deadly touch. With that, I'll have another top-tier subordinate."

Pleased with his thoughts, Kyomu returned to the office to continue working.

Soon, the busy day ended, and a new day began.

...

"Lord Ryukage."

Around nine in the morning, Minato arrived with the clan leaders of the Hyuga, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans at the Ryukage Office.

Sitting in his chair, Kyomu rested his chin on his interlaced fingers, silently observing the respectful group before him.

The roles had reversed.

Without speaking, Kyomu gave the necessary cold reception, maintaining his silence.

Minato and the others dared not straighten up, remaining in their bowed positions.

After a while, Kyomu raised his hand. "Everyone, you may rise."

The clan leaders stood up, collectively sighing in relief.

Though they had lost face, their essence remained, which was the best outcome for these "lost dogs."

"Everyone, it's been a while," Kyomu continued. "Welcome home."

Minato and the others forced smiles, unsure of what to say.

They say thirty years is the cycle of the river's change. For Kyomu, it hadn't even been three years, and the tables had already turned.

"I will quickly have your formalities processed, and as for your clansmen..." Kyomu glanced out the window. "There aren't many, but they need a place to stay.

You should understand the rules of Ryugakure."

His gaze fell on the non-bloodline clans, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Inuzuka, and Aburame.

"Shikaku, I remember the otoshidama you gave me back then. And Choza, I remember the life-saving medicine you gave me." Kyomu wasn't trying to ingratiate himself but making a point.

Kyomu remembered kindness and held grudges. Although they couldn't cancel each other out, kindness could earn a slight favor from Kyomu.

Shikaku understood Kyomu's meaning and wouldn't miss this chance.

"Lord Ryukage, as new members of Ryugakure, we will naturally abide by all rules." Shikaku was the first to express his loyalty. "The Nara clan is willing to donate all our books, including our secret techniques."

"Lord Ryukage, the Akimichi clan will do the same."

"Lord Ryukage, the Yamanaka clan will do the same."

"Lord Ryukage, we..."

Relying on others meant sacrifice. Of course, Kyomu wouldn't annihilate them. Integrating these clans would also enhance the Land of Dragons.

In the upcoming world war, they would play significant roles.

"Thank you all for your generosity," Kyomu smiled. "In return, Ryugakure's library will be open to you, and you can participate in the 'Knowledge Exchange Conference' at the beginning of next month to share or learn about the latest ninja techniques and theories."

Shikaku and the others sighed in relief, repeatedly thanking Kyomu.

Though they lost their family heritage and monopoly, their bloodline could continue, which was a blessing in disguise.

"Lord Ryukage, this is the Book of Seals," Minato offered Konoha's Book of Seals and all their ninjutsu knowledge.

"And these are books from the Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, Utatane clans, presented on this occasion."

"Thank you, Minato." Kyomu nodded, signaling Mei to store them.

With this, everything from Konoha was completely absorbed by Ryugakure.

"Yugito, show Shikaku and the others to their assigned residences." Kyomu instructed Yugito, then turned to Hiashi. "Hiashi, please stay. I have something to discuss with you."

Hiashi looked at Kyomu, uncertain of what awaited him.

(End of Chapter)