Capítulo 199: Chapter 199
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Onoki ultimately decided not to mobilize his troops. However, not going to war didn't mean he would cease harassing the Dragon Nation and the surrounding smaller countries.
Interestingly, the Daimyo of the Land of Grass could no longer return home; even if he did, the citizens wouldn't welcome him.
Though nominally not under Dragon Nation's jurisdiction, the Land of Grass was aligning with the Dragon Nation in almost every other aspect.
With the additional tax revenue from the Land of Grass, Dragon Nation's economic deficit was significantly alleviated. However, the constant harassment from Rock Ninjas still negatively impacted the business environment within the Dragon Nation.
"Onoki managed to suppress his grief and refrain from attacking. I underestimated him," Kyomu said as he reviewed the documents, while Kakashi sat relaxed on a nearby sofa.
"But Onoki hasn't stopped harassing us. Although he no longer sends Rock Ninjas to attack, he is threatening the caravans within the Land of Earth," Kyomu continued with a chuckle. "It's just minerals. The Land of Earth doesn't have much else to offer. However, if they need to buy other goods, they have two options: costly sea transport or land transport, which must pass through our country and neighboring small nations. Who's really blockading whom?"
Kyomu turned to Kakashi. "Kakashi, it's time to incorporate the Land of Grass into our territory. I'll have Genma handle the Land of Frost."
"Acting now might provoke a reaction from the Daimyos of the Five Great Nations," Kakashi expressed concern.
"No worries," Kyomu reassured him. "The Great Nations are currently recovering. They won't act hastily until their next generation of ninjas matures. As long as we don't encroach on their territory, we'll be fine. Regarding the smaller nations, remember the Second Shinobi World War in the Land of Rain?"
"Hanzo of the Salamander's war?" Kakashi recalled.
"Yes, Hanzo. If he hadn't overstepped and provoked the Great Nations, he could've lasted longer. Our situation is similar, but our advantage is greater. If we proceed cautiously, we have nothing to fear."
"I understand," Kakashi nodded.
"The Land of Grass is yours to handle. Also, bring your ninjas over in batches. They need some training in administration and economics," Kyomu smiled. "And you too, Kakashi."
Kakashi's face fell. "I have to study as well? Isn't that a bit much?"
"It's necessary," Kyomu insisted. "If our regime is to be ninja-centric, our administration must be as well. If you don't learn, others won't either. Who will manage our future territories?"
Reluctantly, Kakashi accepted. "Alright, I'll do it."
"Good," Kyomu nodded. "Get ready; there's much to be done."
After Kakashi left, Kyomu quickly resumed his work, processing the day's documents.
"The Land of Fields has also reported the presence of Uzumaki clan members. Excellent news."
Reviewing Tsunade's report, Kyomu thought, "We've found seven Uzumaki clan members so far, but they're all women. Intermarriage seems inevitable."
Kyomu mused, "I'll settle them in the village and let them find love freely. Maybe placing them in the Senju clan's area might help. Who knows, the offspring of Uzumaki and Senju could be remarkable."
Having made his decision, Kyomu ordered the new Uzumaki members to be housed in the Senju clan's area. Then, he turned to the most urgent infrastructure projects.
"Yugito, how many merchants have shown interest in setting up in our country?" Kyomu asked.
"Twenty-seven so far."
"That's a good number."
"But they demand reduced or exempted taxes and refuse ninja oversight," Yugito reported, dampening the mood.
"Hmph," Kyomu snorted. "Old habits die hard. Time to change that."
"Who will handle it?"
"The Uchiha," Kyomu decided. "Their Sharingan will be useful. As for our own trade, do we have any suitable candidates?"
"Three families have shown promise," Yugito said, handing Kyomu their files. "Here, you can review them."
Skimming through, Kyomu made his choice. "Arrange it, and also send a command to the intelligence division."
"Go ahead," Yugito readied her pen.
"Find a rogue ninja named Hiruko, who was a contemporary of Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya. He's known to wrap himself in bandages. Also, locate a boy named Yakushi Kabuto in Konoha's orphanage. If possible, convince the head, Yakushi Nono , to move here with the orphans. Lastly, recruit scientists who enjoy inventing and offer them generous incentives to settle here."
"I've noted it down. Anything else?"
"That's all. Hurry with the arrangements."
"Understood."
After Yugito left, Kyomu relaxed, leaning back in his chair.
"Managing all this is exhausting. I need more capable people to share the load."
Contemplating, Kyomu decided to visit his mentor.
—
At the Dragon Hidden Village's Anbu base, Kyomu strolled through the tunnels until he reached a spacious chamber with a coffin in the center. Sakumo lay inside, surrounded by fresh flowers—an arrangement by Kakashi.
"Master, it's time to wake up," Kyomu said, placing a hand on Sakumo's chest, feeling his heartbeat.
From a once-every-ten-minutes beat, it had now increased to four or five times a minute. At this rate, Sakumo could fully awaken within a year or two. But Kyomu didn't want to wait.
Dragon Nation needed more competent people, and Sakumo was an ideal choice. Before his death, Sakumo was exceptional in strength and other aspects. With him awake, Kyomu could delegate many tasks and focus on broader strategies.
"Master, how will you react when you awaken?" Kyomu mused, channeling his yang chakra into Sakumo's body.
Thanks to absorbing a quarter of the Eight-Tails' chakra, Kyomu's yang chakra had significantly increased. Yang chakra, representing life force, was highly effective for healing and rejuvenation.
As the yang chakra flowed into Sakumo, his body began to stir. After ten minutes, Kyomu withdrew his hand, frowning.
"His body's fully activated, but he's still not waking up."
Realizing it might be a soul issue, Kyomu infused yin chakra into Sakumo. Yang chakra nourishes the body; yin chakra nourishes the soul. Combined, they began to show results.
Sakumo's fingers twitched, then moved again. Joy filled Kyomu's eyes as he increased the yin chakra flow. Soon, Sakumo opened his eyes, dazed and confused.
"Master."
"Kyomu, are you dead too?"
Kyomu laughed, pulling Sakumo up. "Not at all. We're both alive."
Sakumo looked at his hand, clenching it to feel the blood and chakra flowing. "Kyomu, what's going on?"
"Remember the pendant I gave you?"
Sakumo touched his neck, finding the pendant gone, and recalled Kyomu's words. "So it was..."
"Yes, a life-saving measure."
"And now it's..."
Pulling Sakumo from the coffin, Kyomu answered, "Five years later."
"Five years... Where are we?"
"The Dragon Hidden Village Anbu base."
"Dragon Hidden Village?" Sakumo frowned. "I know of Takigakure, but this?"
"I established it."
"You defected?!" Sakumo's voice rose. "Explain everything that's happened."
Relieved Sakumo wasn't immediately reprimanding him, Kyomu recounted the past five years. An hour later, Sakumo's emotions had ranged from shock to understanding. Finally, he patted Kyomu's shoulder.
"It's not your fault. They went too far," Sakumo said.
"You don't blame me?"
"I died once, Kyomu. When I took my life, I gave everything to Konoha. Now, I live for myself."
Joy filled Kyomu's eyes. "Master, I thought you might..."
"Death brings clarity. What once seemed insurmountable is now clear. I support you and Kakashi's decisions. I'm now a part of the Dragon Hidden Village, aren't I?"
"Of course," Sakumo laughed. "Kyomu, show me around. I want to see this village you've built."
Kyomu nodded, following Sakumo out of the base. As they stepped into the sunlight, Sakumo squinted, adjusting to the brightness.
"Sunlight feels good," he said, stretching and taking in the vibrant village. "This place is full of life!"
"Not just on the surface," Kyomu said.
"Then let's explore."
Kyomu followed, informing Kakashi of Sakumo's awakening.
It was time for father and son to reunite.
(End of Chapter)
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