Approaching the Royal Capital

Eight magnificent horses pulled a carriage that shimmered with magical light, slowly making its way along the road leading to the Royal Capital, [Riejet].

Starting from the harbor city of [Ye Nai'er], the journey passed through a large city to the south. Although a minor incident delayed the journey, the carriage was only half a day's travel time away from its destination, the Royal Capital.

As the distance to the Royal Capital gradually decreased, the number of travelers, merchant groups, and adventurers on the road increased, and wisps of smoke could be seen rising from the chimneys not far away from the carriage windows.

And the ninjas moving among them.

"Young Master Takeyasu, recently many powerful figures with unfamiliar faces have appeared in the Re-Estize Kingdom. They wear exotic attire, which is very different from that of the Re-Estize Kingdom and even neighboring countries such as the Council Nation, the Slane Theocracy, and the Empire. It's really strange."

Sukama, who was driving the carriage, was not wearing any cumbersome full-body armor. Instead, she wore a more practical half-body armor that was easy to put on and take off—a breastplate on the upper body, a skirt with metal plates for additional protection on the lower body, and matching metal boots on her feet.

With the magical runes connecting it, its physical defense is no lower than the previous full-body armor, and its magical defense is even higher. It also adds magical effects such as lightness and increased concentration.

This half-body armor, costing 20,000 gold coins, was a gift from Uchiha Takeyasu to the Female Warrior. It moved Sukama to tears that very day, and allowed the man to experience the pleasure of riding a warhorse.

"The sun rises and sets every day; it's just that there are a few more people, what's so strange about that?"

Uchiha Takeyasu, who had come out for some fresh air, reached out and touched the white thigh of the Female Warrior who was standing close to him, beneath her battle skirt. He enjoyed the smooth, firm skin of Sukama and, looking at her slightly flushed face, said leisurely.

"Wouldn't you be even more surprised if the Re-Estize Kingdom changed its flag someday?"

"Young Master Takeyasu, is this the Gunbai flag that has been replaced?"

The carriage window connected to the driver's seat opened, and Goddess Official Lilinet placed her hands folded on the windowsill, resting her round, jade-like chin on her hand, blinked, and looked at Uchiha Takeyasu.

The Jonin ' respectful attitude towards the carriage was genuine, and even a powerful figure who made the two men's hearts tremble came over to greet them, only to be casually dismissed by Uchiha Takeyasu.

Her nonchalant attitude, coupled with the unfamiliar address of "Your Leader," led Lilinet to deeply suspect that the Re-Estize Kingdom had undergone a dramatic transformation without their knowledge.

Under the expectant and curious gazes of the two women, Uchiha Takeyasu smiled and said, "Take a guess?"

"Hey, Wu'an girl, just tell us! Even if we're just playing around in the wild today, Sukama and I will cooperate fully."

Lilinet's sweet voice made Sukama turn his head and glare angrily at the prostitute Goddess Official.

"You shameless big cow, if you want to have fun, don't drag me into it!"

"Tch, last time someone got carried away and shouted loudly in the woods, attracting quite a few monsters and adventurers."

"Huh!"

Sukama let out a shy cry and reached out to push Lilinet, who had a playful smile on her face, into the carriage.

But suddenly, her hands lost their strength.

"Young Master Takeyasu, no!"

With a flick of his wrist, Uchiha Takeyasu caused Sukama's face to flush red. She placed her hand on her battle skirt and spoke with a trembling voice.

"Young Master Takeyasu, there are too many people here."

"Wouldn't you be more excited if there were more people?"

Uchiha Takeyasu's teasing made Sukama lower her head, and her ears, half-hidden by her silver hair, turned red. Behind her, Lilinet also started to play tricks, reaching out to pinch the Female Warrior's skirt.

"Alright, someone's here."

Upon noticing someone approaching, Uchiha Takeyasu withdrew his warm fingers, his expression returning to seriousness. Lilinet also refrained from further teasing.

"Stop over there for a moment."

"Understood, Young Master Takeyasu."

Sukama breathed a sigh of relief, gave Lilinet a "you'll be sorry tonight" look, and then focused on driving the carriage.

The three of them looked ahead and saw a six-man ninja squad. The leader of the squad was wearing Uchiha- style red armor with Gunbai and Konoha vortex emblem on his chest. His dashing appearance was none other than Uchiha Rai, the commander of the Konoha Central Ninja Army, who was currently stationed near the Royal Capital, Rei Yestege.

"Your Leader."

When the carriage came to a stop at the side of the road, Uchiha Rai and the people behind him bowed.

"Come with me into the carriage."

Looking at the faces of the five men, Uchiha Takeyasu knew they were all high-ranking members of the Central Ninja Army. He waved his hand, and the six of them sat down in the spacious carriage one after another.

"Gentlemen, please have some tea."

Lilinet, a noblewoman in public and a wanton woman in bed, took out a silver teacup and poured tea for the six people. Then, she sat gracefully beside Uchiha Takeyasu, a gentle, intellectual smile on her face.

Only then did the woman, dressed in clerical robes, begin to resemble a priestess.

"Thanks."

The other five men were all of sound mind, keeping their eyes down and completely ignoring the fact that Lilinet was a new female friend of Uchiha Takeyasu — the Leader's romantic affair. They wouldn't dare to think or spread rumors even if they had a hundred lives.

Then, Uchiha Rai glanced at Uchiha Takeyasu, and after receiving a nod from the other, he slowly spoke.

"Your Leader, this is His Mukai Senju, the Vice Commander of the [Central Ninja Army]. The other four are staff officers: Hyuga, Nara, Yamanaka, and Uzumaki."

As Uchiha Rai introduced the group, Uchiha Takeyasu was also watching the five people.

Mukai Senju is Kage Level elder of the Senju Clan. The other four are all Elite Jonin of the ninja clans. They are quick-witted and have considerable strength. If they exchange for a [Lava Release: Bloodline Seed], they have a certain chance of reaching the Kage Level.

After the five people briefly introduced themselves to Uchiha Takeyasu, Uchiha Rai continued.

"The preparations for the [Central Ninja Army] personnel are now complete. One thousand Combat Ninja Combat Ninja from Konoha, four hundred from Kirigakure, four hundred from Combat Ninja Iwagakure, and two hundred from Amegakure, totaling two thousand Combat Ninja Combat Ninja, are all in place. Due to the large number of personnel, the captains of each Combat Ninja are awaiting your arrival at the established military districts."

"Okay, set up the Flying Thunder God Array later, and we'll teleport there directly."

The inspection of the military region was also one of the tasks of the clone. After Uchiha Takeyasu agreed, he inquired about the affairs of the [Rei Yestege] Royal Capital.

"Back to the Leader."

Uchiha Rai composed himself and slowly said, "The officials of the Royal Capital have all been replaced by our ninjas. In preparation for His Leader's arrival, they underwent a cleaning campaign."

" Within the Royal Capital, criminal gangs like [Eight Fingers] have been completely eradicated."

At this point, a hint of displeasure appeared on Uchiha Rai's face. "But later, through memory searches, we found a guy named something like 'Phantom Demon' selling goods outside. However, please rest assured, Your Leader, we will soon find his whereabouts and make [Eight Fingers] a true thing of the past."

"No need. That person met me on the road and was easily killed by the Toad from Mount Myōboku that I summoned."

"We apologize for any inconvenience caused to Leader Leader's journey."

Uchiha Rai bowed his head respectfully, and the other five followed suit, apologizing as well.

My stay-at-home order is over. I have to go to work on the construction site today, so updates will only be available 4 times a day.