Chapter 192

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] 

[Thank You For Your Support!]

====

[New Fanfics For The Week Poll!!] [THE POLL IS UP!! IT'S FREE!]

[I've Already Confronted the Five Kage, and the System Just Arrived!] 

[Savior in the DC Universe] 

[Marvel: I Started by Containing SCPs] 

====

[Remember, The Website is DOWN!]

Shisui and Itachi possessed high ideological awareness. Regardless of their morality, their ability to sacrifice personal ties for the greater good made them exceptional assets worth nurturing.

Especially under the guidance of a wise leader, their talents could be maximized.

Kyomu didn't see himself as the best leader, but he vowed not to let Shisui and Itachi become twisted like before.

Before reaching out to them, Kyomu had other matters to attend to.

The spoils from the Reaper should have been fully absorbed by Yoei by now.

Kyomu didn't know the exact grade of the Reaper's knife and prayer beads, but given their previous owner, they couldn't be mediocre.

After handling a stack of morning documents, Kyomu strolled back home.

"Good afternoon, Ryukage-sama."

"Good afternoon to you too. Have you eaten yet?" Kyomu chatted casually with everyone he met.

"Ryukage-sama is so approachable."

"You haven't been under Ryukage-sama for long," an old subordinate whispered proudly. "Let me tell you, in the past, our Ryukage-sama..."

Without Kyomu needing to promote himself, his subordinates spread his deeds throughout Dragon's Hidden Village and the Land of Dragons, boosting his prestige and gaining many devoted followers.

This was beneficial but also burdensome. The responsibility weighed heavily on Kyomu.

As the nation's infrastructure improved and landmark buildings increased, the benefits of the Homeland Guardian passive skill grew for all Dragon's Hidden Village ninjas and citizens.

This was for future generations, something Kyomu prioritized.

Walking home, Kyomu pondered encouraging more births among Dragon's Hidden Village ninjas and citizens.

"Population is vital. It's time to promote it," he decided. "By next year, the 'Blessed Land' buff will likely take effect, ensuring high-quality newborns."

Arriving home, Kyomu planned to check on Yoei's absorption process before issuing a decree encouraging marriage and childbirth.

"Welcome home, Ryukage-sama."

On the spacious stone-paved road, servants bowed as Kyomu passed.

Initially, Kyomu wasn't used to being served, but once accustomed to the luxury, he found it much more enjoyable than handling every little task himself.

He stretched out his arms, and two maids quickly approached, carefully removing his Ryukage ceremonial robe.

They were former servants of the Dragon Daimyo, but now, with Kyomu in power, they served him instead.

Kyomu wasn't picky; he only wanted his daily needs attended to, nothing more.

Another maid removed his ninja shoes and replaced them with slippers, and Kyomu entered the front hall.

Living alone in such a large house felt empty and lifeless without a few servants.

"Ryukage-sama, here is the lunch menu. Please take a look."

"No need for extravagance. The usual three dishes will do," Kyomu waved off, continuing forward.

After about five minutes, Kyomu reached his main residence's backyard, a picturesque area with mountains, water, birds, and fish.

"What a corrupt lifestyle..." Kyomu mused, though he couldn't help but smile. "But I enjoy it."

He naturally gravitated towards a finely crafted rocking chair in the center of the backyard, his favorite spot.

As soon as he lay down, servants came over to massage his legs and shoulders, making Kyomu close his eyes in comfort.

To his side, a sword stand held Yoei and the Reaper's knife and prayer beads.

"Not yet fully absorbed?" Kyomu noted with satisfaction. "The Reaper's weapons must be significantly stronger than the Three-Star Fan and the others."

With Yoei still absorbing the weapons, Kyomu wasn't in a hurry. He had two hours of relaxation ahead.

"Ryukage-sama." A pretty maid offered him a peeled grape.

Kyomu sucked it into his mouth, savoring the sweet taste.

"More pressure."

At his command, the maids increased their massage pressure.

If he wanted fruit, Kyomu just opened his mouth.

If he needed to spit seeds, a maid caught them before they fell.

Lunch, prepared swiftly, was not only delicious but also artistically presented.

Kyomu didn't need to lift a finger; he only needed to glance at the food. The rest was handled for him.

This was the life.

However, before he could finish his meal, Tsunade stormed in, frowning at Kyomu's indulgence.

"Hey, Ryukage-sama is living well?" Tsunade crossed her arms. "Nine people just to serve you a meal?"

"Of course. I've fought my whole life. Can't I enjoy a bit now?" Kyomu retorted, motioning for the servants to continue, ignoring Tsunade's glare.

"Kyomu!"

Tsunade grabbed his ear, pulling him off the chair.

"Let go!" Kyomu winced.

"Dare to glare at me?" Tsunade tightened her grip. "How about I serve you instead?"

"Well, that wouldn't be..." 

Tsunade twisted his ear harder, making Kyomu stand on tiptoe, gasping. "Sis, let go. Everyone's watching. I need my dignity."

"Hmph!" Tsunade released him but didn't relent. "Ryukage-sama, should I move in too, to make sure you're always properly served?"

"Just kidding," Kyomu quickly waved his hands, seating Tsunade on the chair and dismissing the servants.

Massaging her legs gently, Kyomu defused her anger.

"Little brother, you're not getting complacent, are you?"

"Of course not," Kyomu shook his head. "I'm just curious about how nobles live. Understanding your enemy helps you defeat them."

Tsunade flicked his forehead. "Enough jokes. We need to talk." She turned serious. "I've secured supplies from the Lands of Grass and Frost.

But Iwagakure and Kumogakure are causing trouble, attacking supply convoys and banning iron ore exports. Our construction projects are at risk."

Kyomu's eyes narrowed. "Iwagakure's defiance and Kumogakure's provocations..."

He glanced at Yoei. "Seems we need to teach them a lesson."

"Kyomu, are you planning..."

"Sooner or later, we must fight. The sooner, the better," Kyomu reasoned. "The Five Great Nations haven't united yet, hindered by self-interest and post-war recovery.

Iwagakure and Kirigakure are relatively intact, likely stirring the pot.

If they want a fire, I'll add fuel, showing we're not to be trifled with.

We must hit Iwagakure hard, to set an example and secure our resources."

Kyomu stood, examining Yoei. "Sis, gather Kakashi and the others for a meeting. Recall Obito from Kirigakure. Prepare to confront Iwagakure and test the Land of Grass."

Tsunade nodded, following Kyomu to Ryukage Tower.

After an hour, Obito returned, and the strategy meeting began.

Before starting, Kyomu checked on Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Obito, how's Yagura?"

"Easily controlled. Using the Mangekyō to control the Three-Tails and his inner darkness, he enforces the Bloody Mist policy on his own."

Obito was confident. "The Tailed Beast's negative emotions overwhelm Yagura's will, and the Mangekyō amplifies this."

"And your vision?"

"Still deteriorating. I'm about 300 degrees nearsighted," Obito admitted openly, fully trusting Kyomu.

Kyomu sighed inwardly. 

Despite Obito's full Mangekyō abilities, without White Zetsu's body, his eyes' toll was severe. Unlike the original story, Obito couldn't use his abilities as freely.

Turning to Kakashi, Kyomu asked, "Kakashi, has the Anbu intelligence network reached the Land of Rain?"

"Not yet," Kakashi shook his head. "We lack experienced intelligence personnel. Our network covers the Land of Dragons, partially extends to the Lands of Grass, Frost, and Water under Obito's watch.

Further expansion will take time."

Kyomu nodded, understanding the challenges.

Building a nation wasn't easy.

After a pause, Kyomu addressed the main issue. "Iwagakure is causing trouble, blocking our mineral imports and disrupting trade with mercenaries.

I've decided our first national war will be against the Land of Earth. Thoughts?"

"Is it full-scale war?" Fugaku asked. "A full war might involve the other Great Nations."

"Initially, a localized war," Kyomu decided. "The Land of Earth relies on routes through us and the Land of Grass. The Land of Rain is too costly for transport, so merchants avoid it."

He tapped the map. "From tomorrow, as rogue ninjas, we'll seize all key routes in the Land of Grass, intercepting trade to the Land of Earth. All goods coming to us will be absorbed. Nothing reaches the Land of Earth."

Kyomu laughed coldly. "The Land of Earth must realize we're in control now.

They block our trade, we choke their throat. They won't have what we can't have."

Slamming his fist on the table, Kyomu turned to Kakashi. "Kakashi, you handle the initial coordination. Can you do it?"

"No problem!"

"Good!" Kyomu nodded, giving final instructions. "Fight boldly. I'll cover you.

If Ōnoki intervenes, he'll learn to respect his betters!"

After the meeting, Kyomu planned to negotiate with Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning's Daimyo alone.

"A solo mission to warn Kumogakure should be manageable."

Smiling coldly, Kyomu resumed his paperwork, waiting for the right moment.

"I wonder what abilities Yoei will gain after absorbing the Reaper's weapons?"

Curious, Kyomu finished his duties and returned home early.

By then, Yoei had completed its absorption and evolved.

(End of Chapter)