Chapter 219: Chapter 219
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A new month arrived, and Mikoto's belly had grown larger.
Rin examined Mikoto and estimated that by the end of this month or the beginning of the next, the Uchiha clan would have a new member.
Itachi was thrilled; he was going to have a younger brother.
The Uchiha clan was known for their intense brotherly bonds, but if not guided properly, issues could arise.
However, these problems had been resolved by Kyomu. The Uchiha clan was truly invested in Ryūgakure.
The Uchiha could not tolerate being looked down upon. If you respected them, they would repay you tenfold in times of need.
Kyomu had thoroughly understood the Uchiha's character. Similarly, the entire populace and ninjas of the Land of Dragons had figured out how to interact with the Uchiha.
Having found their life's purpose, the Uchiha naturally devoted themselves fully, working tirelessly and diligently.
When used well, the Uchiha were truly formidable.
Kyomu decided to apply this month's newly refreshed aura-type passive skill to the Uchiha clan.
"Let's give the future Sasuke some extra help," Kyomu murmured, looking at his new passive skill for the month.
Passive Skill: Talented Gathering
Skill Description: During the skill's duration, a bindable aura is generated, which can be bound to the owner's clan or an external clan.
Note: When bound to the owner's clan, newborns during the aura's duration will receive the "Talented Gathering" buff, enhancing their innate talent by one level.
When bound to an external clan, newborns during the aura's duration will receive both the "Talented Gathering" buff and an additional "Vassal" buff, unaffected by the aura's duration.
"Vassal" buff: As a vassal, also as a retainer, they will always be loyal to you, unbetrayable, with the motto "the lord's shame is the retainer's death." Additionally, the stronger the master, the stronger the vassal. If necessary, vassals can use or borrow some of the master's abilities.
Skill Duration: 30 days
Message: All Kings have three pillars: commoners, ministers, and generals. Which category do the Uchiha fall into?
...
Unconsciously, Kyomu smiled. The future of the Uchiha clan was firmly within his grasp.
"With this, I can wholeheartedly train Sasuke. As for Indra..." Kyomu's eyes gleamed, "If the Sage of Six Paths wants face, I'll give him face. But if he doesn't, heh! In the future, Sasuke might smack him around without me lifting a finger.
"Indra is Indra, and Sasuke is Sasuke. With my intervention, Sasuke will never turn out like Indra.
"Some old relics, having failed for thousands of years, should stop trying to perpetuate their ideas through such underhanded means."
Touching the hilt of Yoei, Kyomu took a deep breath, having made up his mind.
If Indra's chakra continued to influence Sasuke, Kyomu would try to reverse it. If he couldn't, then...
He would destroy Indra's soul, leaving only his chakra!
But when that time came, it would mean a direct confrontation with the Sage of Six Paths, inevitably leading to war.
"But who fears who?" Kyomu wasn't worried. "By the time I make a move, it'll be too late for you to stop me, Sage of Six Paths."
To be honest, Kyomu didn't have much fondness for Hagoromo.
He could have intervened in many issues in the ninja world but chose not to, for reasons unknown.
Kyomu wouldn't speculate on the reasons, but one thing was clear: a battle between him and Hagoromo was inevitable.
Kyomu was determined to conquer the Pure Land one day.
For Kyomu, the existence of the Pure Land was more of a liability than an asset. Who knows how many strong souls had been gathered there over the millennia, all under Hagoromo's control.
If Kyomu died, would his soul also fall under Hagoromo's control? Dream on!
Kyomu could ensure his own survival, but he might not be able to protect his subordinates and future family entirely.
Thus, the Pure Land must be under his control!
Such a significant benefit wouldn't come without disputes. A life-and-death battle was inevitable.
"Let's see how it goes," Kyomu decided to focus on the present.
"After Sasuke is born, Naruto should be born too," Kyomu pondered and then looked at Yugito. "Are there any women from the Uzumaki or Senju clans due to give birth next month?"
Shuffle.
Yugito flipped through her notebook, quickly finding the data Kyomu wanted.
As the busiest person in Ryūgakure, Yugito meticulously recorded everything, big and small, not knowing what Kyomu might ask next.
"Kyomu, the earliest newborns from both clans are due in four months."
Kyomu nodded, confirming that Asura's reincarnated chakra would still fall upon Naruto.
"Any news from the Akatsuki?"
"Yes." Yugito flipped through her notebook again. "Regarding the commission from Kirigakure, the Akatsuki agreed to give us sixty percent of the proceeds."
"That's fine. They did the work; we get sixty percent for nothing.
"But there's one more thing to reiterate to the Akatsuki. When they start collecting the Tailed Beasts and demanding ransoms or protection fees from the villages, we want seventy percent."
Shuffle.
Yugito noted Kyomu's orders and then looked up, "Kyomu, the Akatsuki also informed us that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is due in just over a month. They urge us to make arrangements."
"Let the Akatsuki handle it themselves. I already told them I wouldn't cooperate.
"Whether Nagato can handle it and make Konoha beg for my help depends on their abilities."
Yugito nodded, "Nagato might be confident in himself."
"So what if he is?" Kyomu shook his head. "The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's childbirth will attract more than just one person. If I named all the hidden figures or animals watching, it would scare Nagato, the fake god, half to death."
Kyomu saw it clearly. Naruto was known as the "Child of Prophecy" not because of his strength but because of the many powerful figures supporting him.
Kyomu didn't deny that he liked Naruto in his previous life and often felt indignant on his behalf.
But now, having his own stance and friends in this world, Kyomu wouldn't abandon his comrades to follow Naruto's ideals.
In this life, Kyomu stood with Sasuke because Sasuke was one of his own.
"Let's see. Nagato is likely to suffer a big loss," Kyomu concluded.
"Kyomu, that can't be," Yugito doubted Kyomu's judgment. "Konoha only has Minato and Jiraiya left. Together, they might barely match Nagato. "But the Akatsuki's other members, especially Orochimaru and his Edo Tensei of Hashirama, could give Konoha a hard time.
"And White Zetsu can bypass Konoha's intelligence defenses to pinpoint the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's location.
"In this case, the Akatsuki has the upper hand. Konoha doesn't stand a chance."
"On paper, yes," Kyomu nodded, then shook his head. "But you overlook the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku backing Jiraiya.
"The Great Toad Sage will intervene if necessary, no doubt about it."
"I'm confused. Why would Mount Myoboku intervene?" Yugito didn't understand.
"It's complicated. I can't say if it's a good scheme or a bad one. It's about choosing sides or placing bets.
"But there can only be one winner. Let's see what happens," Kyomu said, spreading his hands. "I can't see the future, but I believe it will be in my hands."
"What was the original future like?" Yugito asked.
"In the original future, you wouldn't be standing with me."
"Then that future can be discarded. I want to be with you," Yugito declared, raising another issue. "Terumi Mei is restless. She wants a role in the village administration. You need to address this."
"How does Mei feel about the village?" Kyomu asked.
"By your standards, Mei and her clan, along with the other newly joined ninjas, have quickly improved their strength and have strong loyalty to the village."
This puzzled Yugito the most.
Kyomu never planted spies among the new ninjas, only conducting regular strength assessments.
When their strength increased significantly, Kyomu deemed them loyal. Otherwise, he would start a screening process.
Even if Yugito didn't understand, this evaluation system had no errors so far.
Kyomu knew why.
The buff from the previous passive skill, "Home Guardian," only worked for those loyal to Ryūgakure and the Land of Dragons.
Thus, determining the loyalty of newly integrated ninjas or civilians was straightforward—just check their progress in strength.
With the "Home Guardian" buff, the Land of Dragons became a place of exceptional talent, and spies couldn't hide.
"If that's the case, they're genuinely integrated with no ulterior motives," Kyomu didn't explain to Yugito. "The capable rise, the incapable fall. If Mei is loyal, let's promote her and see how it goes."
Yugito pouted, "Kyomu, do you have a soft spot for Mei?"
"Not really, it's more of a reassurance," Kyomu glanced at Yugito. "Don't overthink it. Mei started late and can't compare to you."
Yugito was about to smile, but Kyomu's next words made her unhappy again.
"Of course, if Mei surpasses you, the position of Ryūgakure's secretary might change."
"I won't be worse than Mei!" Yugito retorted immediately. "She'll never surpass me or become your secretary."
"Not tired?" Kyomu raised an eyebrow. "I remember you complained all the time..."
"I'm not tired, not at all!" Yugito gathered a stack of documents in her arms. "Kyomu, if there's nothing else, I'll get back to work. And about Mei, you handle it yourself."
Tap, tap, tap.
Yugito hurriedly left with the documents, and Kyomu couldn't help but smile.
"The person who invented competitive promotion is a genius," Kyomu thought gleefully. "Now, with Mei, Yugito won't complain about being tired anymore. It's quite miraculous."
Turning, Kyomu called out to Shisui, "Call Mei to see me."
"Yes, sensei."
Shisui left and soon returned with Mei to the Ryūgakure office.
"Ryūkage-sama, are you assigning me a specific position?" Mei got straight to the point. "Finally, something to do. I've been bored."
"I do have something for you," Kyomu glanced at Mei, his gaze lingering on her exposed collarbone. "No more hiding scars?"
"Why hide them?" Mei's attitude had changed. "It used to be shameful, but now... it's an honor."
"Oh?" Kyomu raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Why? I'm the only one who survived a fight with you, Kyomu."
"Yugito too," Kyomu reminded.
"She's an exception. I heard you only wanted the Two-Tails' chakra. Yugito was a bonus." Mei pointed to her shoulder. "I'm different."
"Fine, consider it an honor," Kyomu hadn't expected this but didn't mind.
Now, he could be compared to the deceased Hashirama.
Kyomu might not be as strong as Hashirama, but he was alive, while Hashirama was dead. That was the difference.
"Back to the point, which position do you have your eye on in the village? Tell me, and I'll consider it."
"How about being your secretary?"
"No," Yugito walked in. "Kyomu already has me."
Mei ignored Yugito and looked directly at Kyomu, "One person having all the power isn't good. Right, Ryūkage-sama?"
Not feeling troubled, Kyomu looked at both women and nodded.
"Mei will be an apprentice Ryūkage secretary. If her performance is good, we'll discuss promotion or replacement."
Seeing Yugito's unhappy face, Kyomu turned to reassure her.
"Yugito, I see your capabilities. Mei is just an apprentice. If she doesn't surpass you, you'll remain my secretary."
Mei said nothing, but Yugito felt much better. They exchanged looks, beginning a silent competition.
Kyomu, meanwhile, sat back with a satisfied smile, feeling he had won.
(End of Chapter)
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