Chapter 201: Chapter 201
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Why was Hagoromo called the Sage of Six Paths?
The fundamental reason was not his power but his creation of ninshū and teaching the world how to use chakra.
While Kyomu can't compare to Hagoromo yet, nothing stops him from turning the Dragon Nation and Dragon Hidden Village into the next holy land of the ninja world and the new ninshū.
"A holy land for ninjas," Kyomu mused. "It's not an impossible task."
The current ninja world, riddled with years of wars and inter-village rivalries over resources and grudges, had turned many jutsus into closely guarded secrets.
Within the ninja villages, clans without bloodline limits held on tightly to their jutsus and knowledge, treating them as critical to maintaining their status and power.
Clans acted like gatekeepers. If their secrets were learned by others, their competitive edge would be lost, and they would fall from prominence.
Each ninja village had tried to address this, with the most successful attempt being the establishment of ninja academies.
But, just as there are policies at the top, there are countermeasures at the bottom. While ninja academies were established, clan ninjas often withheld teachings or didn't put in effort.
What could the village do about it? The ninja clans formed the backbone of the villages, and opposing them risked the village's stability.
For example, Tobirama eventually had to compromise with the clans in Konoha.
Initially, the teachers at the ninja academy were mostly from the Senju clan. Over time, ordinary ninjas became teachers, but their foundation was limited.
The students they taught often couldn't compete with clan members.
This cycle perpetuated an imbalance, hindering the evolution of the ninja system to higher levels.
Villages wanted to solve this, but the clans' self-preservation and internal policies created a significant barrier.
Kyomu's Dragon Hidden Village, however, didn't have these issues. His subordinates were mostly commoners who had risen through battles and his teachings. They had no deep foundations to guard.
Among them, there was a strong culture of sharing knowledge and skills, something unthinkable in other villages.
The Senju descendants, Uchiha clan, and Uzumaki clan later joined, but their strengths lay in their bloodlines, not unique jutsus or esoteric knowledge.
Therefore, when Kyomu held his "lecture," no one opposed it. Instead, people eagerly gathered to learn.
By doing this, Kyomu broke the centuries-old monopoly of advanced ninja knowledge held by the clans.
He shared what he knew, making it accessible to more people. As knowledge spread, it became less secretive, and with the passive skill buffs in the Dragon Nation, the future promised a land where everyone could become as strong as dragons.
Kyomu wasn't worried about high-level jutsus and knowledge leaking. Just knowing something didn't mean one could master it. But within the Dragon Nation, those dedicated to it would receive various boosts, enhancing their learning, potential, and talent.
With talent, knowledge, and resources, given time, the Dragon Ninjas would transform this into strength. This was a long-term plan, a spontaneous but deeply impactful initiative by Kyomu.
"Kyomu's actions have likely angered the various clans in the ninja world," Sakumo observed. "In thirty years, clans without bloodline limits may decline significantly."
"Father, angering them is inevitable. Kyomu has already overturned the ninja world's order; he won't care about small reactions," Kakashi added. "Imagine what the Dragon Hidden Village will look like in twenty years."
Sakumo pictured it, his face showing admiration. "In twenty years, the Dragon Hidden Village will be a holy land for ninjutsu, like the Three Great Sage Regions. Kyomu's actions are fully realizing his vision—a world led by ninjas, with a central hub. Our village will be the center and the academic haven of the future ninja world."
Kakashi also looked forward, "Yes, when that day comes, a golden age for ninjas will truly arrive."
As the father and son discussed, the surrounding Dragon Ninjas sat cross-legged, listening intently to Kyomu's explanations on various jutsus.
Kyomu, teaching advanced ninjutsu to all the Dragon Ninjas, felt elated. It was an incredible accomplishment to spread knowledge so widely.
"A thousand years ago, there was the Sage of Six Paths. A thousand years later, there will be the Dragon Sage!"
Inspired, Kyomu used his flight technique to hover above the square, sitting cross-legged in the air, his clear voice reaching everyone.
At that moment, Kyomu resembled a god. The Dragon Ninjas no longer saw him merely as a leader but as a god akin to the Sage of Six Paths.
The lecture continued from morning until the starry night. "That's it for today," Kyomu announced. "From now on, I'll hold a lecture at the beginning and middle of each month. All Dragon Nation residents and ninjas can attend if they're free. Considering other factors, we'll implement a monthly rotation system for the Dragon Ninjas to ensure no one misses out."
He continued, "I also decree that anyone who develops a new jutsu will have the chance to give a lecture here, sharing their ideas, thoughts, and theories publicly. If you prefer not to, you can register your jutsu at the Dragon Shadow Tower in exchange for a jutsu of equivalent level."
When he finished, all the Dragon Ninjas and citizens stood up and bowed, paying deep respects to the floating Kyomu.
Kyomu accepted their reverence calmly, knowing he had earned it. This act solidified his semi-divine status, becoming a faith among the people of the Dragon Nation.
His decree ensured that the lecture series would become a hallmark of the Dragon Hidden Village, with many viewing it as a lifelong honor to teach there.
Holding back knowledge might happen, but the lecture square would become an academic sanctuary. To gain status and fame, one must present there—a transparent strategy that would become a trend.
"The foundation is solid now!" Kyomu looked up at the moon. "When the ninja world is full of dragons and chakra runs out, it won't be them taking chakra from us, but us collecting it from them!"
---
In Konoha Village, Minato was overwhelmed. It wasn't just about rebuilding Konoha but dealing with the internal unrest among the clans, triggered by Kyomu's public lectures.
Kyomu's actions shook the clans' foundations. Concerned for their future, the clans voiced their fears, not urging Minato to attack the Dragon Hidden Village but fearing he might adopt Kyomu's methods.
Kyomu's approach greatly benefited the Dragon Hidden Village, making it stronger, but adopting it in other villages meant reducing the clans' influence. The clans, holding three-fourths of the village's power, were a significant obstacle.
Minato felt stifled. He wanted to replicate Kyomu's lectures, knowing it would strengthen Konoha but faced immense pressure from the clans.
Since Kyomu left, Minato had been determined to prove himself, feeling his Hokage title was a hand-me-down rather than earned. Despite the truth, this feeling of inadequacy gnawed at him.
Kushina, heavily pregnant, comforted him, "Don't stress, Minato. Everything will work out."
Minato smiled weakly, "Yes, it will."
She embraced him tightly, "No matter what, I'm with you."
Minato nodded, leading her to bed. But late at night, an Anbu ninja arrived, and Minato had to leave.
"Seventeen more defectors, Hokage-sama," the ninja reported.
"Did you catch them?"
"They defected during a mission. By the time we knew, they had reached our borders and were received by Dragon Ninjas. We avoided conflict."
Minato's frown deepened. "What about the mission?"
"We've sent replacements, but our reputation has taken a hit, and recovery will be difficult."
Sighing deeply, Minato ordered, "Summon the clan leaders, department heads, and jonin to my office for a meeting."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
As the Anbu left, Minato glanced apologetically at Kushina, donned his Hokage robe, and headed to his office.
In the Hokage office, an unusual light shone at that hour—a sign of urgent matters.
"Everyone, let's hear your thoughts."
"Hokage-sama, we should tighten control over the civilian ninjas, using stricter measures if necessary."
"Agreed."
"Hokage-sama, we must address the civilian ninja defections decisively. We support any means necessary."
"Seconded."
The clan leaders spoke up, fully aware of the reasons behind the defections. But their priorities lay with their clans' interests, contrasting with the civilians. With the Dragon Hidden Village gaining legitimacy, the civilian ninjas' loyalty shifted.
Minato scanned the room, resisting the urge to retaliate. Kyomu's lecture series was a tempting idea, the real reason behind the defections, more so than their loyalty to Kyomu.
Glancing at the three half-kunai in his drawer, Minato felt a pang of regret. He should never have accepted them.
Now, with Kyomu's parting gesture, the civilians saw moving to the Dragon Hidden Village as simply switching homes, feeling no guilt.
To them, Konoha was the dumb sibling.
(End of Chapter)
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