Kapitel 203: Chapter 203
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Kyomu spent nearly five years planning and three years executing his strategy before officially establishing himself as a ruler.
His plan wasn't flawless, but it had many contingencies.
Hyuga Ren was Kyomu's plant within Konoha and the Hyuga clan.
While the branch family of the Hyuga clan couldn't match the main family, individuals like Ren, who was part of the first generation branch family, had Byakugan with purity and potential comparable to the main family, hindered only by the Caged Bird Seal.
This situation was similar to that of Hinata and Hanabi.
If left unchecked, Hinata, as the elder sister, would be the main family, while her sister Hanabi, regardless of her Byakugan's purity and talent, would be a branch family member and bear the Caged Bird Seal.
Does that mean Hanabi was inferior to her sister? Not necessarily.
Ren's situation was like this. Born minutes after his older brother, he had the same potential but ended up in the branch family.
This stark difference despite being born of the same parents was the main conflict between the Hyuga main and branch families. As long as the Caged Bird Seal existed, this conflict couldn't be resolved.
It wasn't Kyomu exploiting the Hyuga clan's conflict to force Ren to become his agent; Ren voluntarily aligned himself with Kyomu from the start.
A fly doesn't land on a seamless egg.
Kyomu treated Ren sincerely. Initially, he didn't fully trust him, but now Ren had proven himself, and Kyomu considered him one of his own.
"Kyomu, some of the Dragon Ninja are clamoring to invade the Land of Fire," Yugito reported, interrupting Kyomu's thoughts.
"Is it serious?" Kyomu asked.
"Not yet, but it's spreading. If not controlled, most Dragon Ninjas will follow suit. They're mainly former Konoha ninjas, and the Fire Daimyo's order to arrest and execute some Konoha residents has enraged them."
"It seems their hearts can be used," Kyomu nodded, then inquired about Sakumo, "Is there any issue with Sakumo-sensei leading the reception team?"
"Sakumo-sensei encountered Jiraiya."
"Oh? How did it go?" Kyomu asked with interest.
"Jiraiya retreated, but according to Sakumo-sensei's report, Jiraiya didn't use his full strength."
"Full strength?" Kyomu sneered. "Even if he did, what's the big deal? It's just Sage Mode."
Jiraiya's strength didn't trouble Kyomu. Even with Sage Mode, he wasn't afraid.
Speaking of Sage Mode, Kyomu pondered briefly but decided to wait. Ryūchi Cave wasn't easy to deal with. Despite Kyomu giving them significant benefits, the White Snake Sage still ruled.
"Continue to have Sakumo-sensei lead the team to receive the defectors from Konoha," Kyomu ordered. "If they want to fight, let them. We aren't afraid."
"Got it, Kyomu," Yugito noted and brought up another matter. She had adapted well to her role as Kyomu's secretary, saving him much effort.
"Tsunade reported that she has gathered the scattered Uzumaki clan members and will return soon."
"Good news," Kyomu nodded. "How are the arrangements for the Uzumaki clan's settlement?"
"Everything is ready. They're just waiting to move in," Yugito reported, then raised a concern, "But based on Tsunade's report, the Uzumaki clan members, besides their bloodline, aren't particularly strong."
"They've lost their heritage. Anyone would be like that. But we have time to let them grow," Kyomu replied.
Yugito continued, "Obito reported that Yagura has resumed his reforms due to continuous psychological manipulation. He realizes the hindrance the ninja clans pose to the village's development and plans to act against them.
However, under Obito's influence, Yagura is targeting all clans indiscriminately, including the notable Bloodline clans like Hozuki, Kaguya, and Yuki.
According to Obito, the internal conflict in Kirigakure is reaching a tipping point. If unchecked, Yagura might be forced to step down under the united pressure of the clans."
Kyomu couldn't allow that. If Yagura stepped down, the next Mizukage wouldn't be as easy to control, especially without a tailed beast within them to amplify their darker side for manipulation by the Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Tell Obito to push Yagura to focus on the Bloodline clans. The non-Bloodline clans should be recruited. This way, Yagura can satisfy the middle-level ninjas and calm the non-Bloodline clans, allowing us to benefit."
"Got it," Yugito noted, then asked, "Do we plan to bring the Yuki, Kaguya, or even the Hozuki clans to the Dragon Hidden Village?"
"Forget the Hozuki clan. They're deeply tied to Kirigakure and would be hard to win over. But the Yuki and Kaguya clans can be managed. The Uchiha can handle them, but we need to approach this carefully," Kyomu said.
After some thought, Kyomu added, "Yugito, inform Obito to have Yagura specifically target the Yuki and Kaguya clans. Make the people of the Land of Water hate them. Though it might seem like coercion, it's the choice of the Land of Water and Kirigakure. Everything is for the Dragon Nation."
Yugito noted this, then asked, "Who will go to the Land of Water to receive them?"
"How about we go together?" Kyomu suggested, eager for action. "The Land of Water is surrounded by the sea, and we lack ninjas skilled in naval combat. I don't trust anyone else for this mission."
"Sensei, I want to go too," Shisui interjected.
As Kyomu's Shadow Guard Captain, Shisui followed him closely and was privy to many matters. Kyomu didn't hide anything from him.
"Alright, you can come. You might even meet another of your idols."
"I'm looking forward to seeing Obito and learning from him," Shisui said eagerly, his primary goal being to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Kyomu understood this. Shisui awakening his Mangekyo Sharingan wasn't a matter of if but when. However, what abilities it would grant was now uncertain, given Shisui's changing ambitions.
"That's the Uchiha clan's own business," Kyomu didn't intend to interfere but suddenly thought of Itachi. "How's Itachi doing lately?"
"He's enrolled in the ninja academy," Yugito answered after checking her notes. "It happened last month, but it was a minor event, so I didn't report it."
"Not a big deal," Kyomu agreed. "Is he five or six now?"
"Five," Shisui replied.
"Enrolled a year early?" Kyomu glanced at Shisui. "Did Fugaku approve it?"
"Yes," Shisui admitted awkwardly. "Several promising young ones were allowed early admission after passing tests."
"I expected that," Kyomu chuckled. "Fine, but in the future, academic performance should weigh equally with skill in advancing grades and graduating early. We're not just training killing machines; we're cultivating strong, cultured leaders. Make sure Itachi understands this. He looks up to you."
Scratching his head, Shisui finally showed a youthful expression. "Sensei, Itachi used to follow me everywhere, but now you're his first idol."
"Not surprising," Kyomu wasn't modest. "Tell Itachi to work hard. The Shadow Guard will always be open to him."
"Thank you, Sensei," Shisui beamed.
Nothing was more meaningful and joyous than gathering like-minded individuals. When trusting people unite, the result is extraordinary.
Shisui and Itachi were a perfect match.
Kyomu wondered about Sasuke. "Shisui, when will Itachi's sibling be born?"
"Next year."
"Soon, with New Year's just a month away," Kyomu remarked. "In a blink, I'll be thirteen."
Yugito, daring to tease Kyomu slightly, remarked, "Feeling old? Or waiting for praise for your accomplishments at such a young age?"
Kyomu glared at Yugito, who shrank back, sticking out her tongue behind her notebook.
Ignoring this, Kyomu resumed discussing business with Yugito.
"Continue the report."
"Yes, Kyomu," Yugito quickly focused. "Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure have also started some reforms, similar to Konoha, compromising with the clans."
"Releasing some C-rank jutsu to common ninjas and exchanging ninja ranks for high-level jutsu?" Kyomu asked.
"Yes."
"Short-sighted and ineffective," Kyomu scoffed. "Let's release another big move."
"I've already issued the relevant orders as you instructed," Yugito said, checking her notes. "The response from our citizens and ninjas is positive, but none of the other four major villages have had ninjas defect yet."
"Expected," Kyomu said, unsurprised. "I've been too harsh in the past. When hatred is involved, benefits don't work. And I don't want those who seek only profit and betray their own country and village."
He distinguished clearly between those defecting from Konoha and those from other villages. The former were returning to the true path, uniting under a single banner, while the latter would be outright traitors.
However, Kirigakure was an exception.
Kyomu hadn't slaughtered the Kirigakure ninjas; there were no major new grudges, and the Dragon Nation and Dragon Hidden Village were different from the Fire Nation and Konoha.
Hence, accepting Kirigakure's common ninjas and some Bloodline clans seemed feasible.
"How's the library system functioning?" Kyomu asked, referring to a supplementary measure introduced after the "Lecture Series" to further divide the ninja clans and common ninjas, establishing the Dragon Hidden Village as a true sanctuary for ninja learning and practice.
The library system's key feature was unconditional borrowing of its books, made possible by the Uchiha clan's extensive collection. Their archives alone could sustain a top-tier power.
While library borrowing was free, it wasn't without limits. Kyomu's concern was whether these restrictions impacted the Dragon Ninjas.
"No one has questioned the system. Instead, they're worried that opening it up might let enemy spies take advantage," Yugito reported.
Kyomu laughed. "That's human nature. When it affects everyone, they'll naturally organize counterintelligence efforts."
"That must be what you mean by uniting the majority against a few," Yugito noted. "Kyomu, your wisdom is truly admirable."
Kyomu modestly replied, "I'm just learning from others."
"Is there anyone else in the ninja world like you?" Yugito tilted her head. "Are you planning to..."
"Calm down!" Kyomu glared at Yugito. "Anything else? If not, get me some tea."
Yugito stuck out her tongue and left quickly. After handling the day's business, Kyomu called Shisui and left the office for Dragon Shadow Square.
Here, a sign reading "Lecture Hall" had been erected, and the place was packed.
It was the middle of the month, time for Kyomu's lecture.
"Sensei!"
The unified greeting and synchronized salutes were pleasing.
Creating a golden age, teaching thousands—if Kyomu wasn't a saint, who was qualified?
"Rise."
Kyomu lifted his right hand, using Sky Walk to step into the air, standing in the square's center with his hands behind his back, facing away from the crowd.
Although not facing them, Kyomu's image was deeply imprinted in the hearts of the Dragon Ninjas and citizens below.
A saint likely looked like this.
(End of Chapter)
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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