章節 215: Chapter 215
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On the slightly swaying deck, there were now many more people than when they had set out.
Among them were the Terumi clan, the Yuki clan, the Hoshigaki clan, a few remnants of the Kaguya clan, and some scattered non-bloodline Kirigakure ninjas.
"Kyomu."
Obito walked over, followed by a small white-haired boy with two red dots on his forehead. Kyomu turned to see Obito's awkward expression and the emotionless face of Kimimaro, who was clutching Obito's clothes. Kyomu couldn't help but smile.
"You have a follower now?"
Obito's face turned sour at Kyomu's remark. "I just found him in the Kaguya clan's dungeon and took him out. But he..."
"Did he ask you something?" Kyomu found the key point.
"Uh... yes, he asked if he was needed. Of course, I said yes, otherwise, why would I be in the Kaguya clan?"
"Since you said you needed him, he will only be loyal to you now." Kyomu tapped his temple. "Most Kirigakure ninjas are like this. They never live for themselves, only for others. Especially when they lose their purpose, if someone needs them, they will follow them to the death."
"It's a strange mindset, hard to understand," Obito sighed. "Kyomu, it's troublesome, especially since he's always following me."
Before Obito finished speaking, Kimimaro interjected, "Obito-sama, I can kill for you, do anything you ask, as long as you let me stay by your side."
Obito slapped his forehead, looking down at Kimimaro with a mix of pity and reluctance. "Can't you try to live for yourself?"
"My purpose is to be Obito-sama's tool."
"You..."
Kyomu interrupted Obito, "There's no need for that, Obito. Just treat him well and don't actually use him as a tool. This is their way of showing their existence and dependence."
Obito nodded helplessly, deciding to treat Kimimaro better. They didn't talk about Kimimaro anymore, and the boy's worried expression disappeared as he grabbed Obito's clothes tighter.
Kimimaro held on firmly. Obito didn't push him away this time, patting Kimimaro's head before looking at Kyomu. He pulled out a glass vial containing a pure white eye from his pocket.
"Here, this is what you asked for." Obito handed the vial to Kyomu.
"Thank you, Obito." Kyomu put the vial away and turned to Mei, who had noticed their exchange.
"Is Ao dead?"
"You killed him yourself; you should know."
Mei nodded. "Good. It was urgent at the time, no chance to finish him off."
Kyomu smiled, patting Mei's shoulder. "You're no longer connected to Kirigakure."
"Not now, and never again." Mei looked directly at Kyomu. "Right, Ryukage-sama?"
"Haha, when we get back to the village, you and your clan will be well accommodated."
"Thank you." Mei nodded, then changed the topic. "Who would have thought our Terumi clan would join Ryūgakure?"
With a sigh, Mei's eyes filled with emotion. "It's been five years since we last met, hasn't it?"
"It has been five years." Kyomu continued, "Back then, you were like a little lioness, always defiant. But now, well, haha."
Mei wanted to be angry but couldn't. "Who would have thought that five years ago, Konoha's genius twin stars would become the leader of Ryūgakure and the ruler of the Land of Dragons."
"Did you ever think about killing me?"
"After that mission, I thought about it every day and night." Mei glared at Kyomu, pulling down her collar. "I still have this scar!"
"It does affect your looks a bit, but it's a badge of honor. Keep it."
"Easy for you to say." Mei pouted. "With this scar, I can't wear pretty clothes."
"Then don't wear them. Off-the-shoulder clothes don't suit your age anyway."
"And later?"
"We'll see. At the time, you were outmatched, and you won't be able to get revenge in the future." Kyomu laughed. "Just accept it. Work hard for Ryugakure and the Land of Dragons."
Mei stomped her foot. Their grudge was now impossible to resolve. At the same time, she felt relieved. Not having to confront Kyomu was a good thing. His strength was terrifying now.
Letting go of her desire for revenge, Mei became more talkative. "Ryukage-sama, what can our Terumi clan do after joining Ryugakure?"
"Anything, really." Kyomu wasn't worried about their integration. "After completing the infrastructure, there's a residual effect that makes it easy for newcomers to develop a sense of belonging. They'll quickly integrate and become part of Ryugakure."
Including Mei, the Terumi clan would also be influenced. With Kirigakure's push, they wouldn't play both sides.
"I'm not joking, Ryukage-sama. I'll take it seriously."
"Of course, it's true." Kyomu gave an example. "Take Yugito for instance. She was Kumogakure's Two-Tails Jinchuriki, and now she holds an important position."
"How will you arrange for our Terumi clan?"
"No special treatment, but equal opportunities. Those with ability will rise, those without will fall." Kyomu shrugged. "Your Terumi clan is strong in Kirigakure, but in Ryugakure, you're only mid-level."
Mei pouted but didn't argue. Kyomu was right; Ryugakure's strength now surpassed even Konoha at its peak. They just needed a few more years to dominate the entire ninja world.
"Our Terumi clan isn't weak. Even if our bloodline isn't the strongest, we'll see what the future holds."
Kyomu didn't dispute her. "If you truly integrate, you'll thrive. That's a promise. For now, I'll give your clan command of the naval forces."
Mei's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Of course."
"And we'll lead..."
"Only your Terumi clan."
"Ryukage-sama, that's a big joke."
"It's not." Kyomu shook his head. "We don't have many water-based ninjas, but your clan excels in that. Leading the naval forces makes sense."
Kyomu looked over at Kakashi, then back at Mei with a strange expression. "Kakashi, you're getting along well with Haku?"
His shout drew everyone's attention to Kakashi and Haku. Kakashi blushed.
"Kyomu, you're blind. She's clinging to me, what's it got to do with me?!"
Kakashi's response was harsh, showing his anger. Kyomu didn't mind. Years of brotherhood meant he knew Kakashi well. But Kakashi's reaction confirmed something: his vow might no longer hold.
"Kakashi, calm down." Kyomu said gently. "I remember you swore never to be interested in women or be influenced by them."
"I haven't broken my vow!" Kakashi's voice was loud, pointing at Haku. "She just keeps saying meaningless things."
"Ryukage-sama, that's not true." Haku countered. "When we boarded, Kakashi said he needed me! Now, I'm already..."
"Shut up!" Kakashi drew his sword, placing it on Haku's shoulder. "Your loyalty should be to Ryugakure, not me. Don't confuse things. And if you keep saying nonsense, I'll kill you, and no one will say anything."
Kyomu's expression grew more curious. Kakashi, always calm, was flustered, using a crude threat.
"Kakashi." Kyomu intervened. "Understand that most Kirigakure ninjas are extreme due to the Blood Mist policy. It's not a big deal, just understand and move on."
He pointed at Kimimaro and three other Kaguya children. "It's not troublesome. Just understand."
"But she's so annoying!"
Kakashi stepped back, Haku following closely, nearly touching him. Kyomu stifled a laugh and turned to Mei. "Mei, what do you think of the relationships between Kakashi and Haku, Obito and Kimimaro?"
"Fate." Mei shrugged. "As you said, it's the Blood Mist policy. Kakashi and Obito give Haku and Kimimaro a new sense of belonging. It's natural."
"But we don't follow that in Ryugakure."
"Yagura's problem. Our clan will adapt. Just let Kakashi and Obito treat them well, and it's the best outcome. The Blood Mist policy ruined two generations."
Kyomu nodded, glancing at Kakashi. His face was still dark, but Haku looked content and reliant.
A cursed bond? Not really, just a matter of human relationships.
The ship continued its journey to the Land of Dragons.
Meanwhile, the events in Kirigakure were reported to the remaining four Kage. Some were happy, some gloating, others worried.
Ōnoki was pleased, as his master had perished alongside Kirigakure's Second Mizukage. Rasa and A doubted the wisdom of not acting against their own clans. Minato was purely worried.
The reason was obvious. The clans Kyomu took from Kirigakure were still powerful bloodlines. Given time, they would significantly bolster Ryugakure.
And by then, what would remain of the declining Konoha? Troubling!
"Shikaku, how are the ninjas' morale in the village now?" Minato couldn't help but ask.
"The trend of defecting to Ryugakure has been halted, but we still lost nearly 800 civilian chunin."
"As long as we can stop the trend, that's good." Minato flipped through the intelligence report, his expression tightening. "Shikaku, summon Jiraiya to my office."
Shikaku nodded and quickly returned with Jiraiya, who now had a much more serious demeanor and less of his usual carefree smile.
These days, Jiraiya no longer had the luxury to wander the ninja world. With Tsunade and Orochimaru gone, Konoha's top-tier ninjas were dwindling, and he had to take on the responsibility of leading the ANBU and assisting Minato in managing the village.
"Sensei, please take a look at this." Minato stood up and handed the newly received intelligence report to Jiraiya.
"Rinnegan?!" Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock. "This..."
His words trailed off, and Jiraiya silently set the report down. "Minato, I need to make a trip to Mount Myōboku."
"How long will you be gone?" Minato didn't stop him but asked about the time frame.
"I'm not sure. It depends on when the Great Toad Sage will awaken."
"But Sensei, Kushina is due soon." Minato hesitated. "This matter is critical. If you're uncertain about the timing..."
"I'll be back before then." Jiraiya promised without hesitation and used the Reverse Summoning Technique to teleport to Mount Myōboku.
He needed to ask the Great Toad Sage about the latest prophecy concerning the future; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to settle his mind.
(End of Chapter)
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