Chapter 204: Chapter 204
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The Kingdom of Dragons and the Hidden Dragon Village enjoyed the trust and loyalty of both its populace and military.
Consequently, there were growing calls for Kyomu to take the next step and declare himself daimyo.
However, Kyomu wasn't in a rush; he believed in letting the situation develop further.
At the end of the month, Kyomu reflected on the gains of the past month. Beyond the goodwill and benefits from his strategic maneuvers, the most significant gains were in his own strength.
Due to the "Lecture Series," all the ninjas and civilians of the Hidden Dragon Village could be considered Kyomu's disciples, perfectly aligning with the month's passive skill effect.
As a result, Kyomu's foundation became more solid, and he could effortlessly utilize advanced chakra techniques as if they were second nature.
"If I combine the natural five chakra natures with yin and yang, I might be able to achieve a Kekkei Mōra," Kyomu mused. However, he quickly shook his head. "The timing isn't right. My body is still developing, and pushing it could be disastrous."
He understood the risks: attempting to achieve a Kekkei Mōra prematurely could deplete his body's potential and even lead to self-destruction.
Moreover, the nature of the Kekkei Mōra was still unclear to him. Was it a gift from the God Tree's fruit, or could it naturally occur by merging the five basic and two advanced chakra natures?
"This requires research and extensive data," Kyomu thought, his desire for research talent growing stronger. He considered and dismissed Orochimaru. Despite Orochimaru's exceptional research abilities, he was difficult to control and solely driven by his own interests.
"Maybe Orochimaru sees me as another Sasuke," Kyomu speculated, thinking that Orochimaru might be testing him to see unexpected results.
"Why should I cater to his expectations?" Kyomu shook his head. "The dynamics have shifted, Orochimaru. This planet will continue without you, and I can conduct research without you."
Kyomu considered other candidates like Hiruko, Kabuto, and the newly born Amado as suitable alternatives who could be loyal to the Dragon Kingdom.
With this plan in mind, Kyomu returned to his quarters. As soon as he entered, several maids attended to him, helping him relax.
Despite the luxurious life, Kyomu refused any inappropriate behavior, maintaining his focus on his mission.
The next morning, Kyomu woke up to the dawn of a new year, now a year older.
The new year's passive skill refreshed at midnight. While the ninja world lacked the festive spirit of a new year, Kyomu was accustomed to it.
Passive Skill: Lion King's Heart
Skill Description: During the skill's duration, each of your positive decisions and beneficial orders or initiatives will yield double the results.
Effects include but are not limited to: increased cohesion, combat power, potential, and talent among your subordinates and your faction.
Duration: 30 days
Note: Be like a pride of lions led by a Lion King, that's the idea, right?
Knowing the month's passive skill, Kyomu saw no need to spend valuable gold coins to change it. These coins were precious, and unless urgently needed, he preferred to save them.
"A solid foundational skill," Kyomu thought, accepting it as it was.
Standing in his bedroom, Kyomu allowed the maids to dress and groom him. Afterward, he left for his office, ready to start the day's work.
"Ryukage-sama."
"Good morning, Ryukage-sama."
Along the way, respectful greetings echoed around him. Everyone bowed deeply, showing reverence and trust. Such absolute power was hard to resist; it was the ultimate dream for any man.
Upon entering his office, Kyomu found the high-ranking officials of the Hidden Dragon Village and the Kingdom of Dragons, including the puppet king, all gathered.
There were no holidays; only the annual review of the past year's achievements and planning for the new year.
"Ryukage-sama!"
The unified greeting stirred Kyomu's emotions.
"Please, be seated," Kyomu said casually, taking his seat. "Yugito, summarize last year's achievements."
As Kyomu's secretary, Yugito wielded significant influence despite her lack of official power. Her role was indispensable.
Clearing her throat, Yugito began, "At the founding of our nation, we had a population of 230,000, with 2,200 ninjas. Of the population, 73% were able-bodied adults, and 80% of the ninjas were Chūnin."
"At the beginning of this year, our population grew by 30,000, with fewer than 1,000 new births among ninja families. The territories of the former Grass Country, Land of Fields, and Frost Country have been integrated into our nation, expanding our land area beyond that of the Land of Water, one of the Five Great Nations."
"Infrastructure has developed extensively. A comprehensive road network connects all cities and towns. Key buildings like hospitals, schools, and local administrative offices have been established even in villages."
"Financially, last year's revenue was 2.3 billion, mainly from commercial and agricultural taxes, with no income from ninja missions. Total expenditure was 1.8 billion, primarily for infrastructure, ninja salaries, and public education and talent recruitment."
"Our fiscal pressure is already high and will only increase," Tsunade, responsible for finances, noted.
Kyomu nodded. "Yes, population is our Achilles' heel. Therefore, everyone, we need to set an example by having more children."
The room burst into laughter, and Kyomu's close allies gave him knowing looks.
Ignoring the banter, Kyomu set a serious tone. "Each ninja family must have at least one more child this year and another next year. The state will cover costs, and additional children will receive various benefits, including ninjutsu and other support."
"For ordinary citizens, any child born in our country will receive land and partial tax exemptions for three years. Agricultural taxes will be waived for three years, and commercial taxes halved. This policy applies for the first three years after the decree is issued. After ten years, all tax exemptions will revert to normal levels."
Kyomu's decree was unprecedented in the ninja world. This policy would lead to a population boom in the Kingdom of Dragons.
"Tsunade, our finances need to be bolstered. The fiscal pressure from this decree will be immense, possibly creating a deficit."
"You're aware of that?" Tsunade frowned. "Our financial pressure is already high, and this will make it worse."
Kyomu smiled. "I have a solution for generating revenue. We'll discuss it after the meeting."
"Really?"
"Yes, and it will bring in money quickly," Kyomu confirmed, then continued the meeting, setting a general strategy for the year.
After the meeting, the officials returned to their duties, leaving Tsunade behind.
"Spill it, brat. What's your money-making idea?"
"Sister, you're aware of the Akatsuki organization that offered us information on the Uzumaki clan?"
"The one that provided the locations of the scattered Uzumaki clan members?"
"Yes, them," Kyomu nodded. "Their goals align with ours but are more radical. We can cooperate with them."
Kyomu outlined his plan, not worrying about Zetsu's potential surveillance. This was an open strategy, not a secret one.
"You want Akatsuki to capture Jinchūriki?" Tsunade's eyes widened. "Kyomu, isn't that too much?"
"The leader of the Akatsuki can handle it," Kyomu said, referring to the Rinnegan's power.
"The Rinnegan..." Tsunade was familiar with the legendary eyes. "But why would the Akatsuki share the ransom with us?"
"Because our village's development is crucial. If we don't grow, the Akatsuki can't achieve their goals. It's a symbiotic relationship," Kyomu explained. "They fund our growth, and we bring the pain of war to the Five Great Nations. The method of unification can be discussed later."
"It sounds... unconventional," Tsunade admitted. "But why would they agree?"
"Ask Zetsu," Kyomu suggested, looking around. "You there, Zetsu?"
"You truly have sharp senses," Zetsu's spore clone appeared, cautious as always.
"Just a guess."
"You are indeed as sincere as rumored," the spore clone flattered. "Is this your proposal for cooperation?"
"Yes," Kyomu confirmed. "I look forward to your leader's visit."
(End of Chapter)
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