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The capital of the Land of Dragons is a newly built city located behind Ryūgakure, only about two kilometers away, a mere fifteen-minute walk.
A year after Ryūgakure was established, the construction of the capital began, and it took four years to complete.
Despite the long construction time, only the palace, main street, and part of the residential area are finished. The outer walls and entertainment districts are still under construction.
The most time-consuming part was the palace where Kyomu resides. Genma, who was in charge of this area, set very high standards.
If the requirements were slightly lower, considering the productivity of shinobi, a large and functional capital could have been built in three to five years.
But Genma's persistence and delays had their reasons and were not in vain.
"Genma, you did a great job," Kyomu said, looking around with shining eyes. "It's beautiful, grand, and exactly to my liking."
Patting Genma's shoulder, Kyomu continued to walk forward.
Genma, usually easy-going, now wore a serious expression. "Captain, it's my duty. You're about to become the emperor of the Shinobi World, and your residence should be nothing less than magnificent."
"But isn't it a bit too extravagant?" Tsunade chided Genma. "No wonder the construction department kept complaining about the lack of funds over the past few years. It all went into this."
"Tsunade-sama, wasn't it worth it?" Genma replied with a smile.
Tsunade glanced around at the luxurious and imposing buildings and couldn't help but nod. "Considering the money spent, this palace is indeed well-built."
"That's just the beginning. Come, let me show you around inside," Genma said proudly, leading the group and introducing the surroundings.
The tour took more than half a day, highlighting the palace's vastness.
"It's so big…" Yugito frowned. "How many people would it take to make this place lively?"
"It won't be empty for long," Ebisu interjected. "We've already planned it. When Captain ascends the throne tomorrow, all the necessary personnel will be in place."
Kyomu nodded, confident that Ebisu and the others would handle the arrangements well.
"Let's go eat," Kyomu said, touching his stomach.
Genma immediately called for someone to arrange the meal.
After a brief gathering, Genma and the others left, but Yugito and Mei stayed behind.
The two women were already designated as the Left and Right Empresses, and living in the palace was no problem.
Women love building their nests, and Yugito and Mei didn't cling to Kyomu for long. They had already chosen their preferred residences and were eager to set them up.
Kyomu looked around his room, feeling satisfied as he lay on his bed.
Tomorrow, he would become the first emperor of the Shinobi World.
...
The Next Day
Kyomu's enthronement ceremony was grand. Every ninja and civilian from the Land of Dragons who wasn't occupied with other duties attended.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live!"
The main street of Ryūgakure was filled with kneeling people, their unified shouts echoing in the sky.
Kyomu, dressed in a black dragon robe with a golden dragon, carrying the divine weapon Yoei, walked steadily forward in the midst of the ceremonial guards, moving from Ryūgakure to the palace in the capital.
Flowers were strewn along the way, and everyone who saw Kyomu knelt and paid homage. Kyomu only needed to nod in acknowledgment.
Amidst the sea of people, Kyomu walked from Ryūgakure to the capital of the Land of Dragons. As he entered the city gate, the people inside were already kneeling, awaiting their emperor's arrival.
A journey that normally took fifteen minutes extended to an hour as Kyomu showcased his authority and presence to the people of the Land of Dragons.
In front of the palace, the Dragon Guards, dressed in uniform black, stood tall and kneeled on one knee.
"Welcome, Your Majesty!"
"Rise."
Kyomu raised his hand, his voice full of authority.
Looking back at the still-kneeling crowd, his heart swelled with pride.
Finally, the Shinobi World was under his control, and he had become the emperor above all.
Relishing the moment, Kyomu stepped into his palace, flanked by the Dragon Guards, who replaced the ceremonial guards and led the way.
"The Emperor is here!"
Shisui stood midway up the long staircase in front of the palace, shouting loudly, temporarily playing the role of a 'eunuch.'
Of course, this was just temporary. Kyomu would never make Shisui do that permanently. Shisui's current role was more like the 'chief of the imperial guards.'
The sound of black boots echoed on the steps as Kyomu walked steadily to the top.
Lifting the hem of his dragon robe, Kyomu turned to look down.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live!"
Looking out, the ministers knelt and paid homage, their shouts deafening.
Leading them were Sakumo, Fugaku, Hiashi, Tsunade, Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy, among others, followed by the newly promoted officials and scholars.
"Rise!"
Kyomu raised his hand, and the ministers stood up, respectfully waiting for further instructions.
It was now Shisui's turn.
"Let the court session begin!"
At Shisui's call, Kyomu turned and walked into the spacious, bright, understated, yet luxurious hall, immediately noticing the dragon throne placed centrally.
Kyomu's steady steps echoed in the hall, followed by the ministers ascending the stairs and entering the hall.
Sitting on the dragon throne, Kyomu placed his hands on the armrests, feeling the golden patterns and the coolness, leaning back against the chair.
Once Kyomu was seated, the ministers took their places, looking up at Kyomu with serious expressions.
"Shisui." Kyomu glanced at Shisui standing below.
Shisui understood and took out a decree to read aloud.
The decree, prepared in advance, detailed the rewards and positions for the ministers, ensuring everyone received their due.
The list was long, and reading it took nearly an hour.
No one showed impatience, as the decree concerned their interests, and they wouldn't dare be impatient.
"Is everyone satisfied?" Kyomu asked after Shisui finished reading.
"We have no objections."
The ministers spoke in unison, and Kyomu nodded, continuing, "As I ascend to the throne, I will rely on you all for the future governance."
"We pledge our utmost loyalty!"
"Good. Are there any significant matters to discuss today?" Kyomu asked.
"Your Majesty, I have a matter to report." Sakumo stepped forward. "The former daimyos of the Four Great Nations refused to submit and raised arms against the royal forces. I request they be executed to set an example."
Sakumo's words were formal, reflecting his new status as a minister, with different conduct than before.
Though it felt odd to Kyomu, the formal setting required it.
"Approved!" Kyomu nodded. "Sakumo, how do you suggest we handle it?"
"Your Majesty, I recommend parading them before execution."
"Proceed as you suggested."
Kyomu's decision prompted Sakumo to bow and step back into the line.
"Your Majesty, I have a matter to report." Fugaku followed. "With your ascension, the matter of heirs must be addressed. I request that you expand the har-..."
"Let's set that aside for now," Kyomu waved his hand. "Discuss something practical."
Fugaku's scheme fell through, and he quickly adjusted. "Your Majesty, I suggest appointing Yugito and Mei as the Left and Right Empresses."
"Agreed," Kyomu nodded. "Fugaku, you can choose the date."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Fugaku bowed and returned to his place.
"Who else has matters to report?"
"Your Majesty, I have a matter to report," Tsunade stepped forward. "Though the mainland is unified, some remote small nations haven't submitted. I request permission to launch a campaign against them."
"Approved," Kyomu nodded, looking at Kakashi. "Kakashi, you'll handle this."
Kakashi stepped forward. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"I have a matter to report."
After Kakashi accepted the task and returned to his place, Obito stepped forward.
The matters discussed were pre-arranged, including the speeches by Sakumo, Fugaku, and Tsunade, though Fugaku's harem proposal wasn't part of the plan.
Fugaku aimed to have Kyomu marry more women, integrating Uchiha women into the palace, thus binding the Uchiha clan to Kyomu.
Obito, however, followed the plan.
Since these were pre-arranged, Kyomu handled them easily. The issues raised by local officials, though, were not pre-arranged.
Nevertheless, Kyomu addressed them quickly and accurately, having honed his skills over the years.
"Dismissed!"
As the sun was setting, the court session finally ended. Shisui announced the dismissal, and everyone, including Kyomu, let out a sigh of relief.
Court sessions were exhausting and tedious, with a slow problem-solving pace.
"In the future, court sessions will be held every six months. I'll set the overall guidelines, and local officials will handle the details, with their effectiveness included in performance evaluations."
On the way back, Kyomu instructed Shisui, "Discuss this with Sakumo, Fugaku, and Tsunade. Propose it tomorrow and finalize the development plans for the next three to five years."
Shisui quickly noted this. He had replaced Yugito and Mei as Kyomu's sole secretary.
With Yugito and Mei set to marry Kyomu, they were no longer suitable for administrative roles, especially after having children, as people would inevitably take sides, leading to internal conflicts.
After giving all the necessary instructions, Kyomu didn't keep Shisui but went alone to the side hall for dinner.
"Ryu-oh!" (Like it more like this, it means Dragon King)(
As soon as he entered the hall, a crisp voice accompanied by a tinkling sound reached Kyomu's ears. Looking up, Kyomu's gaze met with Ichikishimahime's.
"Finished your duties?" Kyomu asked, sitting down naturally.
"Just finished and came over," Ichikishimahime said, flicking the bells on her head. "Ryu-oh, the White Snake Sage wants to know when you'll have time to visit Ryūchi Cave."
Kyomu understood. "Is it time for me to train in Senjutsu?"
"Not just Senjutsu," Ichikishimahime smiled, her eyes cold. "It's also time to deal with Mount Myōboku."
"The White Snake Sage plans to act?"
"Yes, but she awaits your command, Ryu-oh."
Kyomu nodded. "I'll go once I finish matters here."
"When?" Ichikishimahime leaned closer. "I have a surprise for you."
"Two or three days," Kyomu gave a general timeframe, guessing the surprise. "Have you transformed into a dragon?"
"How did you know?" Ichikishimahime's eyes brightened but maintained a composed expression. "I didn't tell you."
Kyomu knew her intent and praised, "With your talent and strength, transforming into a dragon is no small feat."
"Haha, Ryu-oh, you really know how to make someone happy," Ichikishimahime beamed. "I won't stay any longer. I need to inform my sisters."
Tossing the bells on her forehead, she said, "Ryu-oh, don't forget to visit. Your Senjutsu training shouldn't be neglected even after becoming emperor."
"I won't."
Kyomu watched as Ichikishimahime turned into a puff of smoke and disappeared.
Clenching his fists, Kyomu's eyes deepened. "This is just the beginning. The Three Great Sage Regions, the Pure Land, and beyond the stars are waiting for me to conquer."
(End of Chapter)