While the Land of Dragons developed with fiery intensity, the Five Great Shinobi Countries also began to make their moves.
"You summoned us, Lady Hokage?"
Kakashi and Sarutobi Asuma walked into the Hokage's Office, looking at the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade, who sat at her desk with a worried frown.
"Take a look at this." Tsunade handed a scroll from her desk to the two of them.
A secret scroll from the Daimyo's office?
Sarutobi Asuma's eyes flickered. He had once served as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja and was all too familiar with this type of secret scroll. After reading its contents, a hint of surprise flashed in Kakashi's eyes. The Fire Daimyo's office rarely interfered in shinobi affairs, yet now they had specifically issued a secret scroll to inquire about the Land of Dragons.
"As I recall, the Daimyo rarely concerns himself with such matters," Kakashi remarked.
"It's not just the Daimyo. Many nobles are also concerned about this." Tsunade crossed her arms, creating an impressive valley.
"Is it because the Land of Dragons abolished the aristocracy?" Kakashi asked. Over the years, he had handled many matters for the nobles of the Land of Fire and surrounding smaller countries, so he knew a fair bit about their ways.
"Not just that." Tsunade shook her head. "The more significant reason is that the Land of Dragons has yet to establish a hidden shinobi village."
Hearing this, Kakashi slowly closed the scroll. With his intellect, he naturally understood the implications.
Shinobi, as a concept, had never truly held a positive image, not from the beginning and not even now. Even within the Land of Fire, the vast majority of civilians regarded Konoha shinobi with aversion and distrust. Their usual politeness was merely due to the overwhelming power disparity. While a significant portion of this negative reputation was caused by wandering ninja, truth be told, even Kakashi himself sometimes felt that shinobi were essentially parasites of the era. A self-perpetuating menace, not engaged in production, considering themselves superior (a common perception among many ninja: Nobles > Shinobi > Civilians)...
Shinobi had many ingrained flaws, but one fact could not be ignored—they were overwhelmingly powerful. This was something everyone, from the Daimyo of various countries down to the common folk, had to admit. This was also the foundation upon which the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, had promoted the "One Country, One Village" system.
"If the Land of Dragons doesn't establish a hidden village, then the Dragon Heritage organization will consolidate political, military, and economic power. In that case, it won't just be the Fire Daimyo who has objections," Asuma said with a frown and a sigh. "Considering that, in what way is Konoha truly better off than Dragon Heritage in this political game?"
The wars between hidden villages were, to a large extent, instigated by the Daimyos. The Daimyos liked their villages to be strong, but that strength had to remain within their control. If a pet dog's claws grew too long, it would be taken to the pet shop to be filed down. For the Daimyos, hidden villages were their fiercest guard dogs.
"What do you need us to do?" Kakashi asked, as calm as ever. For him, as long as friends or family weren't involved, a ninja's duty was to accept and complete missions. Excessive emotion only hindered mission completion.
"I've exchanged opinions with the other Kage these past two days. Just as Asuma said, the Daimyos of other countries are also displeased by this," Tsunade informed them of the latest consensus from her discussions. "Given Uzumaki Naruto's presence, initiating a war would benefit neither side. Therefore, our intention is for each of the major villages to dispatch a Jonin to the Land of Dragons to 'guide' them in establishing a hidden village."
"Of course, it's merely guidance in name only."
"Is something so superficial really necessary?" Asuma voiced his confusion. The nobles of the Land of Dragons had all been dealt with by Dragon Heritage. It was no exaggeration to say that the Land of Dragons was now Uzumaki Naruto's one-man show.
"This is also what the Daimyos want. For them, as long as shinobi are formally affiliated with a hidden village and nominally answerable to the Daimyo, the structure is maintained." Tsunade explained. "As long as the foundational system isn't challenged, Uzumaki Naruto and Dragon Heritage will simply be the new power holders in the Land of Dragons, continuing to uphold the 'rights and privileges' that belong to the nobility."
"..." Kakashi and Asuma were silent. This reality was disheartening.
"The only suitable Jonin currently free in the village are you two. Who will go?" Tsunade's sharp eyes swept between them.
The two looked at each other, silent for a few seconds. Ultimately, Kakashi stepped forward. After all, the current Daimyo of the Land of Dragons had once been his student, however briefly.
"I'll go."
Tsunade nodded. Truthfully, she had leaned towards Asuma, as Kakashi, having mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, would be somewhat overkill for such a mission—like using a butcher's cleaver to kill a chicken. However, she had overworked Kakashi quite a bit recently. If she didn't give him a break soon, it would be rather unfair. I am, after all, a Hokage who cares for her subordinates, Tsunade thought to herself.
...Land of Dragons.
Inside a newly inaugurated research institute.
The Asura Path, led by a ninja, was familiarizing himself with its layout. After gaining a basic understanding of the institute, the Asura Path headed straight for the conference room. There, the scientific talents scouted by the Dragon Heritage organization since its inception were waiting for him to preside over a meeting.
In the conference room, large enough to accommodate three hundred people, one hundred and thirty-two researchers were seated neatly.
A set of footsteps echoed. Everyone focused their gaze and saw a middle-aged man with pale hair, flanked by the former Junior Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs of the old Ministry of Education and Science and a retinue of officials, slowly take the main seat. While the middle-aged man in the main seat observed the people below, they too were carefully observing him. Neat, slicked-back hair, a sharply defined square face, a lean figure, and a uniform—all combined to give him an air of authority that commanded respect without any display of anger.
The Asura Path looked towards a few individuals seated centrally in the front row.
In the very center was Kayaba Shuto, specializing in telecommunications technology. Before joining Dragon Heritage, he was primarily engaged in communication and information science research; he was one of the key developers of the short-duration video call technology currently used only by the top echelons of the Five Great Shinobi Countries. To Kayaba's left was Mizuno Otoko, an expert in guidance and control systems; that large aerial fortress from Soragakure was his design. Second from the left was Nakamoto Masaki, a communications and information expert, primarily focused on the theory and research of wireless transmission. To Kayaba's right was Tojo Mieko, an expert in obstetrics and gynecology, whose standing among the populace was comparable to Tsunade's in Konoha. Second from the right was Kuroki Sanbugyo, a materials scientist, an eccentric genius from Takumi Village.
Besides these five, of the remaining one hundred and twenty-seven researchers, nearly twenty were absorbed from Soragakure. Many more had been gradually recruited from various countries through means including, but not limited to, money and land.
"Good day, everyone."
The Asura Path cleared his throat twice, ensuring everyone's attention was on him, then gave a brief self-introduction.
"...I will serve as the Head of the newly established Department of Scientific Research. Kayaba Shuto and Mizuno Otoko will serve as Vice-Ministers."
The first part was fine, but upon hearing the latter half, a commotion went through the researchers. Since when could people like them hold such high official positions? But the reality before them was undeniable.
"Looks like the guys who sweet-talked us into joining weren't lying after all."
"Such generosity! A huge commitment! Generous bonuses, an independent research environment... I thought the conditions couldn't get any better, but it seems there's still more to strive for."
If the onlookers felt this way, imagine Kayaba Shuto and Mizuno Otoko themselves. Although they had received prior notice, the joy they felt when the appointments were officially made was beyond words.