Konoha, the secluded village—within the rear courtyard of the Hokage's private residence.
The moon hung high, its clear light washing over the earth.
The tense atmosphere that had been on the brink of conflict unexpectedly turned harmonious after several rounds of drinks.
Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, the once untouchable progenitor of chakra, now looked like a bewildered little rabbit as she was surrounded by Tsunade, Mei Terumī, and the others.
"Come, come! Sister Kaguya—this is Konoha's specialty sake. If you don't drink, you're disrespecting us!"
Tsunade slung an arm around Kaguya's shoulder and poured her glass after glass.
"I… I really can't drink anymore…"
Kaguya's face was flushed, her eyes unfocused, her rabbit ears drooping limply.
Under the pressure of Tobirama's "family rules," she didn't dare refuse and could only obediently open her mouth.
After a few more cups, the goddess completely loosened up and even started playing drinking games with Kushina.
Watching the lively, harmonious scene, Uchiha Tobirama sat in the main seat with a faint smile.
"Very good," he said calmly.
"It seems family harmony truly is the greatest productive force."
After several more rounds, the night grew deeper.
Tobirama slowly stood and set his wine cup down with a firm tap. The crisp sound instantly quieted the courtyard.
"I'm satisfied."
He loosened his divine robe, revealing a powerful, godlike physique. His heterochromatic eyes burned with intense light.
"Since everyone is here…"
"Let's hold a body-cultivation exchange tonight."
His gaze swept across the group.
"The people of Nadeshiko Village—haven't you always wanted to see my strength?"
"And Kaguya, as a newcomer, it's only proper to thoroughly assess your abilities."
The exchange lasted until dawn.
As Tobirama stepped out of the barrier, refreshed, he glanced back at the stunning figures resting quietly behind him.
A decisive victory.
…
Time passed in the blink of an eye.
Five months later, the ninja world had undergone changes unlike anything in its history.
With the final holdouts—such as the Land of Fushiko—removed, Konoha's steel tide swept across the entire continent.
Borders vanished.
Village headbands were collected.
A unified currency, laws, and standards were enforced under iron rule.
Spring, Year 39 of Konoha.
The ninja world—fully unified.
…
Konoha's core district, the Hall of Supreme Authority.
Once the Hokage Building, it was now known as the Imperial Shrine.
The vast circular council chamber was filled with the most powerful figures of the age.
On the left:
Uchiha Madara, Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, Sakumo Hatake, Minato Namikaze as the representative of the younger generation, Uchiha Fugaku, the Sannin, and other renowned powerhouses.
On the right:
Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hizashi, Nara Shikaku, Ōnoki, Kurenai Yūhi, and many more.
All eyes were fixed on the man seated upon the throne.
Uchiha Tobirama.
Wearing an imperial crown and a black-and-gold dragon robe, his natural authority alone made even Kage-level figures feel stifled.
"Gentlemen," Tobirama said softly, his voice echoing through the hall.
"The ninja world has been unified."
"The name 'Konoha' is no longer sufficient."
"I have summoned you today to name our new nation."
"Please name us, Your Majesty!"
Madara was the first to step forward and kneel on one knee.
Tobirama tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest.
"Then let it be called the Empire."
"I am the Emperor, ruling through all ages."
"Long live the Emperor! May the Empire endure forever!"
The thunderous roar shook the heavens. No one objected.
"Now that the nation has a name," Tobirama continued, "we must address internal affairs."
"The Empire is newly founded, and the imperial bloodline is thin."
"I intend to expand the imperial household and secure future heirs. Does anyone object?"
At once, the eyes of the clan heads lit up.
This was no burden—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If their families could be tied to an emperor who surpassed even the Sage of Six Paths, their clans would flourish for centuries.
"Your Majesty!"
Hyūga Hiashi rushed forward and knelt, his usual sternness replaced by eager smiles.
"The Hyūga Clan is willing to share Your Majesty's burdens!"
"My daughters, Hinata and Hanabi, possess the purest Byakugan blood—gentle, virtuous, and well suited to serve Your Majesty!"
"Furthermore, my cousin Hyūga Xia is willing to bring three hundred branch-family attendants to serve within the palace!"
"Hyūga Hiashi, you old fox!"
An Uchiha elder shoved him aside.
"Your Majesty, consider the Uchiha first!"
"My granddaughter, Uchiha Mikoto, is the pride of our clan—talented, awakened, and devoted to Your Majesty!"
"And the Yamanaka Clan as well!"
Inoichi spoke up quickly. "My daughter Ino excels in perception and understands Your Majesty best!"
"The Uzumaki Clan also has candidates—"
In moments, the solemn imperial court turned into a chaotic competition, with clan heads arguing fiercely, each eager to present their best.
Even civilian representatives hesitantly raised their hands.
Looking down at the fervent crowd, Tobirama smiled in satisfaction.
This was the flavor of power.
No need to seize or demand—by merely sitting there, the finest offerings came willingly.
"Enough," he said, raising a hand.
"I'll take them all."
Four simple words—absolute authority.
"The Hyūga daughters, Uchiha Mikoto, Ino Yamanaka—send them to the palace."
"And more than that," Tobirama continued, gazing beyond the hall toward the vast world outside,
"Issue my decree."
"From this day forward, a grand selection will be held across the entire Empire."
"No matter one's origin or lineage."
"Any woman of exceptional beauty and talent may enter the palace to participate."
"My imperial household must be vast enough to encompass the world."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The ministers knelt in unison, eyes burning with fervor.
With the issuance of the First Imperial Edict, the entire ninja world erupted.
Countless young women, filled with ambition and dreams, set out for the imperial capital.
Because everyone knew—
To be favored by that godlike Emperor was to rise in a single step to the peak of the world.