Chapter 234

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Kyomu and Obito didn't stay long in the Mountain Graveyard after gathering all valuable items.

They quickly returned to Ryugakure. Obito didn't accompany Kyomu back to his office; instead, he took the crucial Uchiha texts that Madara had taken and brought them back to the Uchiha compound.

With the Uchiha fan strapped to his back, he couldn't wait to find Kakashi and show off.

Obito remained true to himself, always seeking opportunities to flaunt his achievements to Kakashi, and the two often sparred afterward.

Generally, Kakashi won these sparring sessions as Obito refrained from using his eyes abilities.

However, with the Uchiha fan, the tide had turned, and Obito now had the upper hand, often defeating Kakashi.

Kakashi, relying on his talent, hard work, and Kyomu's assistance, achieved remarkable success. Still, the inherent differences in their bloodlines became more pronounced as they advanced, putting Kakashi at a disadvantage. He accepted this reality but remained slightly dissatisfied, focusing on developing more powerful techniques to enhance his strength.

Despite his busy schedule, Kakashi didn't disturb Kyomu. Kyomu, on the other hand, welcomed Tsunade with a bright smile.

"Big sister, have a seat," Kyomu greeted her warmly.

Tsunade looked as youthful and vibrant as ever, her skin smooth and her figure voluptuous, showing no significant signs of aging. Sitting on the guest sofa, she beamed at Kyomu.

"Little brother, how did you convince the Hyuga clan to let me study their Byakugan?" Tsunade asked.

"I reasoned with them and, when necessary, exerted some pressure," Kyomu admitted honestly.

"I figured," Tsunade flicked Kyomu's forehead playfully, her demeanor affectionate. She handed him a thick file. "Here are my preliminary research results."

Kyomu skimmed through the file, his smile broadening. He gave Tsunade a thumbs up, appreciating her work.

Tsunade's research confirmed that the Kaguya clan's cells enhanced the Byakugan, and conversely, the Byakugan improved the Kaguya's Shikotsumyaku, reducing its harmful effects.

"Thank you, sister," Kyomu said, returning the file to Tsunade. "How's the research on White Zetsu's cells progressing?"

"We've only conducted initial transplantation experiments. Kimimaro's results are promising, but further clinical trials are needed for substantial progress."

"If you need help, consider talking to Obito," Kyomu suggested, remembering Obito's predicament. "His Mangekyō Sharingan has been heavily strained over the years."

"I'm aware," Tsunade replied, her expression serious. "But we need to proceed cautiously. Once my research advances further, I'll approach Obito."

"Whatever you decide, sister," Kyomu gave Tsunade considerable autonomy. He then expressed concern for her well-being. "Don't overwork yourself. If you need more hands, let me know."

"You care about me, huh?" Tsunade teased, her eyes filled with fondness. "You're the one who's overworked. Compared to you, I'm fine."

"With Yugito and Mei helping me, it's manageable," Kyomu reassured her.

Mentioning Yugito and Mei, Tsunade's expression subtly shifted. "You'll have to choose between them eventually," she remarked bluntly.

"I'm still young, five years away from adulthood," Kyomu deflected with a smile. "Besides, who knows what the future holds?"

"Hmph!" Tsunade flicked his forehead again. "You must be enjoying this."

Standing up, Tsunade prepared to leave. "I have a lot to do. I'll see you later."

Kyomu saw her off and then called Yugito and Mei into his office. Seated in his chair, he appeared relaxed, though his eyes held a steely determination.

With the annexation of the Land of Fire, Ryugakure's financial strain had significantly eased. It was time to take action. The reactions of the four great nations were not his concern.

Additionally, his new passive skill was perfect for expanding territory:

Passive Skill: Founder of a Nation

Skill Description: During the skill's activation, the growth rate of your strength will be linked to the increase in your national territory. For each 10% increase in territory, your strength will permanently increase by 10%.

Note: The new territory must be land, not sea, and fully controlled, with no resistance forces, political control established, and over 60% of the population willing to submit.

Skill Duration: 30 days

Message: Use your might to measure greatness and territory. Remember, truth lies within the range of your power.

Kyomu realized he was a warmonger, a hawk by nature. Conquering the world was one of the ultimate pursuits for a man, without a doubt. This month's passive skill made the task of annexing surrounding small countries even more appealing, promising a significant power boost.

Increasing his strength by 30% might seem modest, but given his current power level, it would be a substantial enhancement. Kyomu's current self could easily defeat his previous self with such an increase.

"Yugito, can our war reserves support a few battles?" Kyomu asked directly.

"With the annexation of the Land of Fire, our national strength has increased significantly. Not only can we support a few battles, but we could also sustain a war with the four great nations for half a year if needed," Yugito reported confidently.

Nodding, Kyomu smiled and turned to Mei. "Mei, send diplomatic notes to the daimyos of the Lands of Rain, Bird, Demon, Iron, River, and Bear. The message should be simple: surrender or fight. Let them choose."

Mei noted his instructions and then asked, "Kyomu, are we starting the Fourth Great Ninja War?"

"The Third Ninja War ended not long ago. The great nations won't be eager for another," Kyomu replied. "We're only targeting smaller nations, not igniting a full-scale war."

Kyomu's assessment of the current geopolitical landscape was accurate. The great nations were still recovering, rebuilding their strength. They had no desire to clash with Ryugakure unless provoked excessively.

Mei nodded. "I'll draft the diplomatic notes. The daimyos will be informed within three days."

"I'll coordinate our departments for war preparations," Yugito added.

Watching them leave, Kyomu crossed his hands under his chin, determined to lead the campaign himself. With only a month to work with, time was of the essence.

The next afternoon, the daimyos of the four great nations received pleas for help from the six smaller nations.

"Has Kyomu lost his mind?" the Daimyo of the Land of Earth snarled. "Is he trying to start the Fourth Great Ninja War?"

"He doesn't intend to start a world war; he knows we won't act rashly," the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning said calmly. "And he's right. My nation won't intervene."

"Neither will the Land of Wind."

"Nor the Land of Water."

"Are you all out of your minds?" the Daimyo of the Land of Earth slammed the table. "Once Kyomu annexes the smaller nations, he'll come after us."

"Kyomu attacking or not attacking the smaller nations doesn't change his future intentions," the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning countered. "We need to endure and build our strength. Confronting him now would lead to disaster."

"Indeed, no one in the current ninja world can defeat Kyomu," the Daimyo of the Land of Water added, his tone bitter. His Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, and the Three-Tails had been slain by Kyomu.

The Daimyo of the Land of Wind knocked on the table, drawing attention. "I have an idea."

"Spit it out."

Smiling slyly, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind revealed his plan. "The leader of the Akatsuki, Nagato, wields the Rinnegan. Though he couldn't defeat Kyomu, his power is formidable. If we hire him to oppose Kyomu, it could bog down Ryugakure."

Though the Daimyo of the Land of Wind spoke passionately, the other three were skeptical.

"Do you know Akatsuki's goals? Do you trust them?"

"Exactly. According to our intelligence, Akatsuki has infiltrated Sunagakure. Explain that."

"I agree. Akatsuki is uncontrollable. If they gain too much, they might become another Kyomu."

Facing their opposition, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind's face darkened. "Fine, let Kyomu do as he wishes. When he eventually turns on us, we'll talk then."

As he moved to leave, the Daimyo of the Land of Earth called him back. "Wait. Akatsuki can be a backup. I have a better idea."

The Daimyo of the Land of Wind stopped, intrigued. "Speak quickly. I don't want to waste time."

"Have you heard of the priestess of the Land of Demons?" the Daimyo of the Land of Earth asked.

"The Land of Demons?" The Daimyo of the Land of Water scoffed. "Who pays attention to such a remote place?"

The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning remained thoughtful, while the Daimyo of the Land of Wind's eyes lit up. "You mean..."

"Yes," the Daimyo of the Land of Earth confirmed. "Three hundred years ago, the demon Moryo and his undead army nearly destroyed the ninja world. A priestess sealed him away. Her descendants now reside in the Land of Demons."

"You're suggesting we release Moryo?" the Daimyo of the Land of Wind warned. "Have you considered the consequences?"

"We're already desperate," the Daimyo of the Land of Earth retorted. "Let Kyomu face Moryo. Whether he wins or loses, we benefit."

The Daimyos of the Lands of Wind, Lightning, and Water exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

"Then, it's settled," they concurred, planning to coerce the priestess of the Land of Demons into releasing Moryo.

The Daimyo of the Land of Earth snapped his fingers. "Easy. With their country on the line, the priestess will comply."

"Unlikely," the Daimyo of the Land of Wind shook his head. "She exists to guard Moryo's seal. Even if her country falls, she won't budge."

"People can be persuaded," the Daimyo of the Land of Water said sinisterly. "Internal pressure might do the trick."

"True," the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning agreed. "Will you handle this?"

"Simple," the Daimyo of the Land of Earth agreed readily. "But we need to share the burden."

He mimed counting money. "Each of us contributes ten million ryo, half now, half later."

"Deal."

The Daimyo of the Land of Earth agreed, and they dispersed. As the Daimyo of the Land of Earth returned home, Kyomu stood in the Ryugakure training grounds.

With Yoei at his waist and the young dragon princess Ichikashihime by his side, he addressed his troops.

"Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to fight alongside you again."

His words were met with a deafening cheer, nearly lifting the village's rooftops.

(End of Chapter)