Inside Taiji Hall, a gilded bronze throne stood atop nine stone steps. Hashirama tapped his fingertips against its armrest, while Tobirama stood proudly to the left, his expression stern.
Officials of every rank filed in...
The first row: the queen, the prince, and other important figures.
The second row: the Cabinet ministers.
The third row was arranged by the four districts of Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Water. Their individual governors need not be listed again.
Everyone below stood waiting in silence...
Tetsuhiro cleared his throat. "Ahem! I will now announce the following."
First, appointments.
Crown prince and minister of revenue-Senju Shumao.
Imperial grand marshal and Hokage of Konoha-Madara Uchiha. Deputy: Izuna.
Capital prefect (governor of Pangaea Castle)-Shimura Tenzo.
Chief palace steward-Might Guy.
Secretary of state and director of the research institute-Tobirama Senju.
Chief Cabinet minister-Sarutobi Sasuke.
Ministers of deliberation-Hyuga Rihui, Nara Shikashi, Yamanaka Ri, and Aburame Shimura.
Minister of finance-Senju Toka.
Minister of education and deputy director of the research institute-Reto.
Tetsuhiro stressed one point. "Every district must guard against a backlash from its nobles. The Cabinet should consult the crown prince and queen to draft the regulations. You only need to submit the final version to me."
At this, the ministers reacted fiercely. "What? We stand ready to fight, yet Your Majesty intends to flee? Absolutely not!"
"A man's energy is limited. I need only set our course. Discuss the rest among yourselves. That settles it!"
Then he descended the steps, took Madara by the hand, and led him up to the throne, intending to have him sit beside him.
Sarutobi Sasuke and the others immediately protested. "Your Majesty, you must not! What would become of imperial dignity? Whose orders would we follow?"
Madara had been about to sit, but abruptly stopped. He decisively took his place to the throne's right, like a guard.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Had he actually sat down, the empire would have been thrown into chaos. Tobirama, standing on the left, surprisingly only glanced at Madara and said nothing.
Perhaps Madara's willingness to risk his life to save Tetsuhiro had changed his opinion somewhat.
"All right, sorry to put you out." Tetsuhiro nodded apologetically to Madara.
Then he said solemnly, "Now that the world is united, it is time to recuperate, recover, and consolidate our reforms. But some hidden dangers remain unresolved!
Second, strategic deployments.
1. Send people to absorb the remaining small nations as well.
2. Every district will hold its annual chunin ninja exams in Konoha.
3. Transport the Lightning District's Chakra Cannon and Six Paths Tools to this city. They may receive equivalent resources or points in exchange.
4. Mobilize the entire nation to invite a monk named Jigen here. I have an important use for him.
5. There is a harmful object called the Star Core in Hoshigakure, in the Land of Bears. Give it to Tobirama to study. Also, find a young man named Shinnō in the primeval forest along the Hokage's border. Tobirama, your little assistant is on his way."
"Oh?" Tobirama immediately took an interest in Shinnō and decided to investigate personally.
"Go to Hozuki Castle to find the Box of Ultimate Bliss, and deal with the demons and Moryo in the Land of Demons."
Tetsuhiro turned to Madara beside him. "Interested in the Six Paths Tools?"
"Oh? That does sound promising."
"Then we'll take a look when the time comes. By the way, your Rinnegan can summon the Ten-Tails here, can't it?"
"How did you-right, you've met the Sage of Six Paths. Yes, that's the surprise I mentioned."
"I see. Once we're finished, we'll summon it."
"Let's settle the Uzumaki Clan's affairs first. Summon the Uzumaki Clan Leader into the hall!"
Soon, the red-haired Uzumaki Clan Leader entered with measured, somewhat haughty strides.
"Hashirama, you wanted me?"
His disrespectful attitude made everyone frown. Madara was ready to lash out on the spot.
"Are you looking to die?" A powerful repulsive force crushed him to his knees.
Tetsuhiro demanded sharply, "Uzumaki Clan Leader, do you admit your wrongdoing?"
"What have I done wrong? Is this how you treat an allied nation?" Even on his knees, he remained arrogant.
"The Five Great Nations have now all fallen. You must join the empire as well. This is for peace and the future!" Tetsuhiro's tone was gentle but firm.
"So you really are taking this step after all. I suppose the Land of Whirlpools will be destroyed in an instant if I object?" He surveyed the officials throughout the hall before finally resting his gaze on Mito Uzumaki.
Mito answered gravely, "Father, it won't. Hashirama promised me. But the clan's conduct has been growing worse lately. I have to make them change!"
"I understand now." The Uzumaki Clan Leader immediately grasped the situation. "Even you support Hashirama. Hmph, a married daughter really does forget her family..."
"How have I forgotten you? It's precisely because I'm worried about you that I have to push these reforms forward! Otherwise, why would I care whether you lived or died?" His words instantly ignited Mito's temper.
Father and daughter began arguing fiercely right there in the hall...
Irritated, Tetsuhiro simply had Madara take the clan leader to the Land of Whirlpools and settle matters with them.
After the two left, Tetsuhiro gave a few more instructions, then hurriedly dismissed the court!
Tetsuhiro rushed into Liangyi Palace with Mito!
(Ten thousand words omitted.)
The maid guarding the palace entrance began another agonizing ordeal. She silently made a wish.
Heavens, please grant me a man as strong as His Majesty~
Just then, Might Guy passed by on patrol, leading his team with a crutch.
This cripple... could this be heaven's arrangement? The maid stared fixedly at Might Guy.
Lost in her fantasies, the maid grew increasingly restless. As Guy receded into the distance, she said urgently, "Watch my post for a while, little sister. I'll be right back."
"Then hurry."
After that maid left, the other remained alone to endure the torment. Four shift changes later, when her turn came again, she finally wondered whether His Majesty had been at it the entire time.
She glanced at the sky and estimated that it was now the hour of the Dragon (nine in the morning).
"Big sister, what did you go off to do yesterday?" Seeing the other woman's rosy complexion, she asked curiously.
"I took care of a little personal business. That man really... er..." She corrected herself. "That man helped me with a small favor."
"That man?"
"It's nothing. Just a little matter."
As the two chatted quietly, someone suddenly appeared and knelt on one knee to report that Lord Hokage had returned.
An authoritative voice came from inside. "Good. You may withdraw!"
Before long, Tetsuhiro emerged with a flushed Mito.
Mito nestled against his chest, reluctant to part.
"Be good~ wait at home for me."
Mito gave him a quick kiss and said affectionately, "I'll wait for you..."
After bidding Mito farewell, Tetsuhiro arrived at Taiji Hall...
"How did it go? The Uzumaki Clan didn't suffer many casualties, did they?"
Madara raised an eyebrow, looking bored. "Not one of them had any backbone. A little show of strength brought them to their knees."
"Good. That makes it easier to explain things to Mito."
"Big brother, you wanted me?" Tobirama suddenly appeared beside him.
"Here's the situation..." Tetsuhiro gave him some instructions before leaving.
"Understood. I'll keep an eye on those children." Tobirama seemed to be in a good mood.
[Ding! Your Lottery opportunity has refreshed!]
Only then did Tetsuhiro remember that he could use the Lottery again.
"System, I want to use the Lottery!"
Before you continue