章節 236: Chapter 236
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In the Daimyo's residence of the Land of Earth.
Onoki's hand, holding the teacup, suddenly froze in midair.
The Daimyo of the Land of Earth exhibited a similar reaction, if not more severe than Onoki's.
The calm and composed demeanor from earlier had vanished, replaced by beads of sweat on his forehead.
"Conquering a nation in half a day?" The Daimyo's voice was dry, and he quickly drank half a cup of tea to calm himself. "What does the Tsuchikage think about this?"
"Just watch," Onoki replied nonsensically, his gaze becoming more profound.
The Daimyo of the Land of Earth did not laugh but asked again, "Tsuchikage, what do you think of Kyomu and his army now?"
"Daimyo, keep calm and focused. Ultimately, victory will be ours."
"I feel that our development might not keep up with the Land of Dragons," the Daimyo said, clearly losing his previous confidence. "And I worry that Moryo, sealed in the Land of Demons, might not be able to defeat Kyomu."
"We can't know until the results are in," Onoki said, feeling increasingly agitated. "Daimyo, don't lose your composure because of this. I don't believe the Land of Dragons will maintain such strength in five years."
Hearing this, the Daimyo's tension eased slightly.
Although Kyomu had swiftly conquered the Land of Rain, his ninja were all his old subordinates, so their combat prowess was expected.
But the new generation's strength was uncertain. In the future Fourth Great Ninja War, they still had a chance.
The bet was on the new generation of the Land of Dragons.
Taking a deep breath, the Daimyo put aside his pride and personally poured tea for Onoki. "Tsuchikage, I apologize for my earlier outburst."
"It's understandable. I had a similar reaction when I first heard the news," Onoki responded, restoring the previous calm atmosphere between them. "However, this news should be quickly relayed to all the Daimyos of other nations."
"I agree," the Daimyo said, his eyes flashing with hatred. "Kyomu truly aims to dig our graves. Even after the Daimyo of the Land of Rain surrendered, he still killed him without hesitation!"
"To destroy him, we must first drive him mad. Kyomu is digging his own grave," Onoki said firmly. "This will expedite our alliance. Does he really think he can challenge the entire world?"
"Exactly," the Daimyo said, his hope rekindled. "I'll spread this news throughout the ninja world immediately."
Meanwhile, as the Daimyo of the Land of Earth took action to label Kyomu as the 'grave digger of the Daimyo-ninja order,' Kyomu and his seven hundred Ryunin had already crushed all resistance in the Land of Birds.
It took them only half a day.
However, the common people of the Land of Birds had a strong sense of national belonging and generally viewed Kyomu and his forces as invaders, causing some issues during the takeover.
Kyomu's response was simple.
Kill some, win over others, and relocate people from the Land of Dragons, offering numerous benefits, primarily land ownership.
The people of the Land of Dragons eagerly responded, seeing this as an opportunity for wealth and a benefit for future generations, a calculation they understood well.
After setting this general direction for governing the Land of Birds, Kyomu ignored the minor details.
Regardless of whether he intervened, the outcome would be similar.
The people of the Land of Birds would not have an easy life.
Conquest and subjugation naturally led to hardships. Kyomu was no saint; he cared only for the people of the Land of Dragons.
He adhered to the principle of 'my heroes, their villains,' without allowing excessive sympathy to cloud his judgment.
"Rest here for the night. Tomorrow, we'll attack the Land of Demons."
Kyomu jumped down from Ichikishimahime's back and gave his orders to his subordinates.
"Victory to Ryukage-sama!"
The Ryunin dispersed, each ninja squad finding a place to rest, either setting up camp or preparing meals, and the tense atmosphere gradually eased.
"Kyomu, you didn't bring any supply units?" Ichikishimahime looked at Kyomu. "You're quite bold."
Since becoming the guardian deity of the Land of Dragons, Ichikishimahime no longer called Kyomu 'little Kyomu.' She acknowledged her position and recognized herself as Kyomu's mount, demonstrating her awareness of the times.
This saved Kyomu a lot of effort, and there was no need to reprimand such a perceptive ally or Ryūchi Cave.
"It's not about being bold," Kyomu said, dusting off the ground before sitting down. "I simply don't think they deserve it, that's all."
"Arrogant, but I like it," Ichikishimahime said, settling beside Kyomu. "When did you become so strong?"
"I've always been strong."
"No, you weren't," Ichikishimahime said, looking up at him. "Back then, I had to protect you."
"Now I'll protect you," Kyomu grinned. "Consider it repayment."
"I don't need your repayment."
"What do you want then?" Kyomu leaned back. "Remember, we're different species, so don't ask for anything unreasonable."
"Kyomu!" Ichikishimahime playfully punched him. "Stop talking nonsense. I just want you to... help make Ryūchi Cave the foremost sanctuary in the ninja world."
"Just kidding. And you didn't need to say it; I was going to do that anyway," Kyomu's expression turned cold. "Mount Myōboku opposes me. If they lose in the future, they'll be held accountable."
"How do you plan to hold them accountable?" Ichikishimahime asked, curious. "You wouldn't..."
"We'll see how they react," Kyomu said without giving a definitive answer. "It depends on the situation."
Turning to Ichikishimahime, he added, "But let me make one thing clear. If Ryūchi Cave wants to be the sacred land of the Land of Dragons, devouring summoners must stop."
Ichikishimahime nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, Kyomu. The White Snake Sage has already started restraining the snakes of Ryūchi Cave."
"Not easy, is it?" Kyomu gave her a sideways glance. "Otherwise, you wouldn't mention it."
"It's more than difficult. To ensure success, the White Snake Sage has executed several snakes."
"Centuries-old habits need strong measures to change," Kyomu nodded. "Since the White Snake Sage is sincere, I won't break my promise.
When the Land of Dragons' banner flies across the ninja world, Ryūchi Cave will become the sole sanctuary for summoning beasts."
Ichikishimahime's face lit up with joy. She hugged Kyomu, her expression playful. "I knew from the first time I met you that you had great potential and were a reliable summoner."
"Ichikishimahime, you didn't say that back then."
"Hmph, and you didn't call me this back then either," she pouted. "In Ryūchi Cave, strength is everything. I was strong then, and you're strong now. It's only natural."
Kyomu nodded, flicking the bell on Ichikishimahime's dragon horn. "The third branch is almost fully grown. You're much stronger now than before, aren't you?"
"I am stronger, but I still can't see through you," she said seriously, her cheeks blushing. "Your powerful presence fascinates and terrifies me."
"Uh... be normal," Kyomu pushed her away. "I'm still young, nine hundred years younger than you."
"By my lifespan, I'm about thirty in human years, and..."
"Stop!" Kyomu interrupted. "Let's discuss this later. I'm very resistant to interspecies romance."
"I asked the White Snake Sage. When I become a true dragon, I can freely switch between human and dragon forms without using transformation techniques," Ichikishimahime's face reddened further. "I'll have everything a human woman has, and better..."
Kyomu immediately covered her mouth. "Stop it. If you keep describing, you'll turn into a pervert dragon!"
"Mm mm mm..."
Ichikishimahime tried to speak, but Kyomu wouldn't let go.
As he exhaled in relief, her tongue flicked against his palm.
He jerked his hand back, looking at her in disbelief.
Ichikishimahime's big eyes blinked at him, then she lowered her head, fiddling with her clothes, showing a shy, girlish demeanor.
"Kyomu, don't misunderstand. I couldn't help it. I wasn't trying to scare you..." she whispered, her voice growing softer. "Since evolving into a dragon, my emotions and body..."
"Alright, I get it," Kyomu interrupted again. "Let's talk about this after you become a true dragon."
"Okay." Ichikishimahime nodded, becoming silent.
Kyomu felt more troubled.
Ryūchi Cave was a place where the law of the jungle was taken to the extreme, and the admiration for strength was too widespread.
If Ichikishimahime remained a snake, her personality would be fixed by nature, and she wouldn't develop feelings of admiration or affection for a human.
But now she was a dragon, evolving towards a true dragon. Her bloodline and character were changing with her evolution.
Dragons, though auspicious and powerful, were also...
"Ichikishimahime, focus," Kyomu said seriously. "Your goal is to become a true dragon. Don't let your thoughts stray. It will hinder you, slow you down, and you might end up with nothing."
"But I..."
"No buts," Kyomu shook his head. "This is a challenge for you, an obstacle in your evolution. If you overcome it, you'll become a true dragon. If not, all will be lost."
Ichikishimahime froze, as if enlightened, or perhaps reminded of something. The emotions in her eyes receded, and the blush on her cheeks quickly faded.
"Kyomu, I understand," she nodded solemnly. "I'll focus on becoming a true dragon before thinking about anything else."
"That's the spirit."
Pursuing one's career should be the only goal in life. Romance, which consumes both energy and time, was unnecessary, especially during the launch of one's career. Matters between men and women should be avoided at least till you stabilize your life.
He patted Ichikishimahime's head, feeling gratified. "Go rest now. Tomorrow, we'll face a significant challenge."
"What challenge?" Ichikishimahime's interest piqued. "Is it a strong enemy, or something like the Dragon Vein?"
"It's Moryo."
With White Zetsu acting as a spy, the meetings and contents of the Four Great Nations' Daimyos were no secret to Kyomu.
"Moryo?" Ichikishimahime's voice rose in surprise.
"You know him?"
"Of course!" Ichikishimahime's eyes flickered. "He is a mass of natural energy that gained a soul. When he rampaged through the ninja world, we three great sanctuaries considered taking action."
"Moryo is like the Dragon Vein, an energy entity with self-awareness?"
"Yes!" Ichikishimahime was excited. "His essence is natural energy, and he has deep connections with Ryūchi Cave."
Interesting, very interesting.
Kyomu's interest was piqued. He truly didn't know such secrets.
He immediately asked, "Ichikishimahime, can you tell me about these connections?"
"Natural energy exists everywhere, but due to a great change over a thousand years ago, its quantity drastically reduced, and most of it concentrated in the three great sanctuaries."
Ichikishimahime explained, "But natural energy and chakra are both forms of energy and can be tainted.
"Part of it is our fault. You know that the hearts of our snakes are quite ruthless, especially after the great change and being suppressed by Mount Myōboku, which made controlling our emotions difficult."
Kyomu nodded, spreading his hands. "So, some of the natural energy was corrupted by your negative emotions, even gaining self-awareness."
"We're partly responsible, but the main culprit was humanity," Ichikishimahime explained further. "Like the tailed beasts, who initially weren't as evil or temperamental.
"Absorbing the negative emotions released by humans, they became what they are now. Moryo is similar.
We expelled some corrupted natural energy into the ninja world, but didn't anticipate that human negative emotions would birth a monster like Moryo."
"So Moryo is a mass of natural energy?" Kyomu grasped the key point. "A sentient mass of natural energy."
"Exactly. But Moryo's combat system is entirely different from chakra. He uses pure senjutsu, without any chakra mixed in."
Ichikishimahime's expression turned serious. "A fully realized Moryo is very troublesome. Pure senjutsu is incredibly powerful.
And because he's a natural energy entity, he can utilize all the natural energy in the environment. His power never depletes."
"How was he sealed?" Kyomu asked.
"It's simple, really. Have you heard of the Tenbin clan?"
Ichikishimahime's words enlightened Kyomu. If it was the Tenbin clan, everything made sense.
(End of Chapter)
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