Hokage Building.Conference Room One.
A long table sat in the center of the room. At this moment, the core high-ranking members of Konoha, led by Kakashi, were all gathered here. Kakashi sat at the head of the table, with the others seated in order along both sides.
Might Guy, Tenzo, Hayama Shiragumo, Itachi Uchiha, Shizune, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Hiashi Hyūga, Shibi Aburame, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Katasuke Tōno.
"This is the first time we've all been here together."
"The last time everyone was this gathered... was the last time."
Perhaps because the shinobi world had been unified—meaning there would be no more wars for a long time, perhaps for decades or even centuries—Jiraiya was in a remarkably good mood.
"What are you even saying?"
"If you have nothing useful to contribute, keep your mouth shut."
Tsunade rolled her eyes at Jiraiya.
"Come now, don't be so fierce. I'm just speaking from the heart," Jiraiya said, spreading his hands with a look of helplessness.
Kakashi watched the scene of everyone gathered before him, feeling a slight sense of emotion in his heart. It had taken years of effort to finally unify the shinobi world. However, now was not the time to relax.
"Everyone."
Kakashi tapped his finger lightly on the table, drawing everyone's attention.
"Now that the shinobi world belongs entirely to Konoha, it is necessary to completely integrate the entire world. The old systems are no longer suitable for the current situation. Does anyone have any thoughts?"
Kakashi's voice was calm. Everyone present understood his meaning; it was no surprise. After putting in so much effort, if they still used the old systems, wouldn't all their work have been in vain?
"It should definitely be about making everyone's lives better," Jiraiya said almost without thinking.
Kakashi ignored him.
"I propose that we establish a nation. The title 'Land of Fire' is no longer appropriate for the current situation," Hiashi Hyūga said after a moment of reflection.
The others looked over, somewhat surprised. It was certain they would establish a nation, but it was unexpected that the head of the Hyūga Clan would proactively suggest abolishing the Land of Fire's title. Even if they continued to use the name "Land of Fire," it shouldn't have been a major issue, right?
"Decades of war have caused the other nations to view the Land of Fire as the enemy—especially the people of the Wind, Lightning, Water, and Earth nations," Hiashi explained calmly as the others pondered his words. "Now that the world is unified, if these people suddenly become citizens of the Land of Fire, trouble will inevitably arise."
"Add to that the war that just ended. Although we emerged as the ultimate winners, the old hatreds still linger. If they are forced to become citizens of the Land of Fire, how will those people feel?"
Though it was just a name, as Hiashi said, it could very likely trigger unnecessary incidents. In that case, changing to a new national title was the most appropriate course of action.
"Agreed. Regarding the new national title, does anyone have any ideas?" Kakashi nodded slightly.
Several people in the room fell silent. Most of them were rough men who spent their lives on the battlefield; they were experts at cutting people down, but this kind of thing? Better not.
"Huiyao."
At that moment, Shibi Aburame spoke up, uttering two characters.
"The radiance of glory, signifying the light of the Empire shining upon the shinobi world. At the same time, it represents light and heat—a new entity born from the Will of Fire."
Shibi's words were concise and comprehensive, causing everyone to nod in approval. Kakashi also agreed; as long as they didn't use the Land of Fire name as Hiashi suggested, it was fine.
With the national title decided, the discussion moved toward the system of government—especially regarding the noble officials. That morning, the Daimyō had just handed over the national seals; they were the greatest of the nobility.
To implement a new system, a significant number of officials would be required. If they dismissed a large number of officials all at once, it would certainly cause chaos.
"We won't move the officials for now. We will temporarily use their abilities to stabilize the situation, then select outstanding individuals from among them to establish schools," Kakashi pondered aloud, his brow slightly furrowed. "We will train new administrative personnel from the commoners, then gradually replace all these noble officials."
"At the same time, we must keep those former nobles in check. Even if we have to seize their property, we need to pick out a few 'early birds' to make an example of."
"But doing that will inevitably cause a backlash from them," someone noted.
"When that time comes, Tenzo, you will handle them. Beyond that, the ANBU's authority to monitor various departments must be maintained, and that authority will be expanded to the entire shinobi world..."
"However, that will lead to a shortage of manpower. If the experts from the other hidden villages surrender and offer their loyalty, we can let bygones be bygones and use their prestige in their respective regions to implement the new policies..."
"Also..."
Kakashi continued to speak, drawing on various systems and dynasties from his past life's memories. Everyone present recorded the various systems coming out of Kakashi's mouth at high speed.
"In short, stabilize the situation first. If people surrender, regardless of whether they are sincere, put them to work. The Huiyao Empire is newly established; we cannot afford any mistakes. Furthermore..."
Kakashi looked toward Inoichi Yamanaka, who was writing furiously.
"Tell Shikaku Nara not to just sit around at home anymore. Considering how complicated affairs are now, I can let past matters slide. This is my final show of trust in him. If he makes another mistake, it won't be as simple as being given the cold shoulder. Tell him exactly that."
Inoichi's pen stopped. He stood up and hurriedly agreed. Seeing Inoichi's slightly agitated state, Kakashi signaled for him to sit back down.
Kakashi didn't particularly care about reinstating Shikaku Nara. He believed that after being sidelined for several years, Shikaku had put away thoughts he shouldn't have had. Shikaku was a smart man, but unfortunately, he was too smart, always thinking about maximizing benefits. There was nothing wrong with that in principle, but he shouldn't have interfered in matters within Kakashi's scope of power. Given Konoha's current situation, Kakashi believed Shikaku could see things clearly now and set aside any improper ambitions.
After mentioning Shikaku, the core meeting in the conference room continued until late at night. Kakashi essentially copied policies from various dynasties in his past life's memories. Because of the existence of Yin Release in this world—and Kakashi being a master of it—he could recall those memories whenever he wished.
Looking at their notebooks filled with information, the others couldn't help but be amazed. They hadn't expected their Hokage-sama to have such profound insights into governance.
"Alright, it's late. Go back and rest. We will continue tomorrow."
Kakashi rubbed his aching brow. He didn't feel any pride or ego regarding their amazement. He had simply copied it; it wasn't his own wisdom. But that was hard to explain, so he could only let them believe it.
After everyone left, Kakashi sat alone in the meeting room, looking at the empty space. He stood up, preparing to leave as well.
Walking out of the Hokage Building, Konoha was still bustling with crowds. Fireworks exploded in the sky, and the streets were brightly lit and incredibly lively. Konoha's unification of the shinobi world had exhilarated the villagers, to the point where even late at night, it was as festive as New Year's.
Kakashi took a look at the scene before heading home via a small path. During this period, because he needed to monitor the war situation constantly, he hadn't been home much. Mirai and Ichigo hadn't seen their father in a long time. In their lives, this was the first time they had gone so long without seeing him.
Walking along the dim lakeside path, Kakashi felt the chill of the night wind and stopped. Watching the shadows beneath a tree ahead, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Th-that..."
"Ho-Hokage-sama, hello..."
A small figure stepped out from under the tree. The bright moonlight shone on her, revealing her true appearance.
Karin?
Back during the Chunin Exams, Kakashi had forcibly ordered people to keep Karin in Konoha. However, due to the subsequent war, Kakashi had forgotten about her. He hadn't expected to run into her here.
Under the moonlight, the red-haired girl looked at Kakashi with some restraint. Kakashi looked at the fishing rod in her hand and her "angler" appearance, feeling somewhat puzzled.
"In the middle of the night... you're fishing? Is no one giving you living expenses?"
Karin felt a bit embarrassed. She really just had nothing to do. Since being left in Konoha, no one had told her what she was supposed to do. Every day was just eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. It was incredibly boring.
"Ah, yes... that's right... because I didn't know what I was supposed to be doing..." Karin scratched her head awkwardly.
Kakashi understood. He then spoke up: "How about this? Tomorrow, go to the Senju compound and find Tsunade. Tell her I've introduced an apprentice to her."
Karin froze.
Tsunade? That Lady Tsunade?!
Tsunade's name was so legendary that even in a place like Kusagakure, Karin had heard of her. This caused her face to light up with joy.
"Re-really? Is that true?!" Karin said excitedly. As for being an apprentice? That definitely meant a medical apprentice!
"Yes. It's late, go back and get some sleep."
Kakashi nodded slightly and stepped forward, ruffling Karin's smooth red hair. This caused Karin's body to stiffen slightly. She hadn't expected the Hokage to be so approachable.
"Yes, Hokage-sama! I'm going back now..." Karin's face flushed red as she spoke softly.
Kakashi waved at the little girl and walked away. Watching the white-haired man's back, Karin couldn't help but smile, subconsciously touching the strands of hair Kakashi had just ruffled.
The Hokage of Konoha was truly a kind person. So yasashii...
Having Karin seek out Tsunade was an idea Kakashi had even before the Chunin Exams. After all, she was a top-tier medical talent who could heal injuries just by being bitten. Kusagakure was simply wasting a god-given gift; they didn't know how to train her properly and instead treated her like a resource to be drained. It was incredibly short-sighted.
Karin's arrival would also serve to put some pressure on Sakura Haruno. Studying without a rival was too boring. Look at Naruto and Sasuke—even though both protagonists' personalities had changed a lot, that bond engraved in their bones still drove them to compete with one another.
Naruto and Sasuke had their bond. Then for Sakura and Karin... would it be the Saku-Karin bond?
Kakashi smiled wordlessly. Without realizing it, he had already reached his front door.
"Yo, out tricking little girls?"
Kakashi pushed the door open, not expecting it to open on its own. At the same time, a voice called out. It was Hikari.
"Nothing of the sort. I just found a new disciple for Tsunade."
Kakashi smiled and walked into the courtyard.
"If Tsunade finds out you've stuffed another disciple onto her, she'll probably explode," Hikari teased. She had been there when he had shoved a six-year-old Sakura Haruno onto Tsunade.
"The capable should do more work. I, the Hokage, only just finished work now; how can she, a subordinate, be slack?"
Kakashi laughed as he picked up the conversation, pushing open the front door and entering the living room.
"I saved some food for you. I'll go heat it up."
Kurenai was sitting on the sofa, bored while watching TV. Today, no matter the channel, Konoha TV was talking about the future development of the village. For her, a housewife, it was quite dull. Seeing Kakashi come home, she immediately stood up to heat the food.
"Where are Mirai and Ichigo?"
Kakashi scanned the room, and not seeing the children, he asked.
"You think everyone is like you? They're already asleep," Hikari said crossly, while simultaneously taking Kakashi's coat and hanging it on the rack.
"For the next period of time, I might be very busy. And in the future..." Kakashi sat on the sofa and looked at the TV, speaking calmly.
The shinobi world was unified. Konoha held the world in its hand, establishing the Huiyao Empire, and as the Hokage, he would naturally be the first Emperor. Hikari and Kurenai, as Kakashi's wives, would naturally have to participate. Even Mirai and Ichigo wouldn't be able to avoid it.
"It's fine, as long as you are always here," Hikari said, standing behind Kakashi and reaching out to gently massage his temples.
"I will always be here..."
An unknown corner of the shinobi world.
In a dilapidated, cold room, a paralyzed man slowly opened his eyes.
An unfamiliar ceiling...
Gazing at the unfamiliar environment, the man's expression was somewhat dazed.
"You're awake?"
A familiar voice called back the man's senses.
"Konan!"
His pale purple, ripple-patterned eyes suddenly widened. Nagato finally remembered what had happened. He had been prepared to face death, but Konan had knocked him unconscious, letting Zetsu take him and flee while she faced the Hokage alone!
"Zetsu! Where is Konan?!"
Nagato looked at the person before him, like a drowning man clutching at a straw. He hoped to hear good news from Zetsu. He hoped to hear that Konan was alive and just out temporarily!
"Dead."
Black Zetsu looked at Nagato and spoke calmly.
"Wh... What?!"
Nagato's Rinnegan trembled uncontrollably. A sense of suffocation washed over him. He opened his mouth, wanting to speak, wanting to roar, but...
"Heh... heh..."
He couldn't say a word. He pressed his hand tightly against his chest.
Pain.
Unbearable pain.
Unstoppable pain.
Unendurable pain!
Once again.
Once again!
His companion was dead! Last time, it was Yahiko who had died by his own hand to save Konan. This time... it was Konan who had faced an impossible enemy to protect him!
And him? He had run away like a stray dog?!
This... I...
Useless!
"This is Konan's suicide note."
While Nagato was filled with despair, a piece of paper covered in writing fell before him.
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