The flocks Pot Chicken had left scattered across the land erupted into an uproar, all arriving at the same thought-rally to the king!
The chickens launched frenzied counterattacks, returning at any cost even when others tried to stop them.
Li Tetsuhiro, who had set all this in motion, knew nothing about it yet. Even if he had known, he would only have laughed it off. He could not have asked for anything better.
At that moment, he was in the conference room, directing the vanguard troops of the first and second batches to consolidate their gains. He did not intend to interfere directly with how this world operated.
Nara Shikashi had just explained the Ten Thousand Worlds Ninja Nation and the Shinobi World to the Chicken King.
After hearing this, the Chicken King looked as though he had been injected with a shot of adrenaline. His eyes filled with longing, and he immediately assumed the Dogza position.
"We were blind not to recognize our ancestor. Please forgive us, honored ancestors."
"Get up. We don't have descendants like you."
"Hehe~ As long as our ancestors don't mind us... hurry up and acknowledge your ancestry!"
At the Chicken King's urging, the other Chicken Ministers also assumed the Dogza position.
Just as Tetsuhiro was about to refuse, he spotted many familiar faces among them.
"I almost forgot you've got plenty of chickens with Influenza A here! Perfect for some practice!"
(This part omitted...)
Those who remained froze in place, not even daring to raise their heads.
"I'm actually very easy to talk to. I just never show mercy to beasts!"
"All of you had better watch yourselves, too, or you'll end up just like that!"
"Yes, my lord! We understand."
Only then did Tetsuhiro feel somewhat satisfied. Then he remembered. "Right, where were we?"
Nara Shikashi lowered his head and reminded him, "Your Majesty, appointing a prince..."
"Hmm, I've been hearing a few rumors lately, as it happens." He beckoned. "Izuna, come here a moment."
Under Madara's intimidating gaze, Izuna reluctantly shuffled over to stand before him.
"I know that, because of our history, you still harbor resentment toward the Senju, and even toward me."
Madara could not quite figure out what was happening and could not help asking, "Hashirama, are you...?" But he was interrupted.
Tetsuhiro did not answer. Instead, he continued, "But what I want to say is that times have changed. Though I am the Emperor, I can honestly say I've never wronged the Uchiha. I even suppressed the recent disparaging talk about you.
"Call it a means of keeping you in check or call it putting on a show, but the facts are right in front of you. The Uchiha have received preferential treatment and live better, happier lives than the other clans. That cannot be changed!
"To put your concerns to rest once and for all and break down your preconceived notions, I have decided..." At this point, his expression turned exceptionally serious.
Everyone thought this was bad news. It might cause a rift between Madara and His Majesty.
Shimura Tenzo even stepped forward, ready to offer counsel.
But Tetsuhiro's next words shattered their expectations.
"I intend to promote you to prince."
"What?!!" everyone exclaimed.
"Huh?" Even Izuna himself and Madara could no longer keep their expressions composed.
What Tetsuhiro most wanted to see was Madara's arrogant face covered in shock!
"Well? Do you dare accept?"
Izuna was instantly overjoyed and agreed again and again.
"Being a prince isn't easy. You'll have some authority, but even greater restrictions, and your title can be revoked at any time. Understood?"
"Understood."
Madara answered earnestly, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. The Uchiha Clan will not let your generosity go to waste!"
"Oh? You're finally willing to call me Your Majesty. That sure wasn't easy~" Tetsuhiro teased him.
"Tch."
"Haha~ I'll stop teasing you. Izuna, I hope you won't disappoint me. Everyone is watching.
"While we're on the subject, let me make an announcement: it's not just Izuna. Any of you could become a prince. I have high hopes for you all~"
Everyone's eyes blazed with fervor. Instantly, they seemed to have received a shot of adrenaline, brimming with drive. Their reverence for Tetsuhiro was plain to see, and every one of them regarded him as their sole object of faith.
Izuna could not help marveling at his deft touch-not just his vision and methods, but his magnanimity as well.
For the first time, he felt a trace of genuine admiration for "Hashirama Senju."
He instinctively looked at his big brother, only to find his eyes filled with appreciation.
Somehow, it feels like my big brother has already fallen for him.
"Tobirama, how is this world's technology?" Tetsuhiro turned his gaze toward Tobirama and asked.
"Big Brother, I'm still looking into it. It really does have the potential for extraordinary ingenuity. Although they aren't very strong, that weakness has instead led them to discover a broad path forward.
"I've found several technologies that are highly compatible with ninjutsu. They have excellent prospects for practical application!"
As soon as research came up, Tobirama began talking nonstop, as though he had an endless supply of topics...
Whoosh! Maya suddenly appeared before Tetsuhiro with the Body Flicker Technique and dropped into a half crouch. "Reporting to Your Majesty: the Covert Operations Squad has discovered three flocks of Pot Chickens advancing rapidly toward this location. Their intentions are unclear."
Madara remarked dismissively, "What's unclear about it? It's nothing but small fry struggling."
Izuna immediately volunteered to go deal with them.
"That won't do. Earlier, I was worried they'd be too cowardly and surrender outright, which would make things difficult. Now this is perfect-exactly what I wanted!"
Bang! Tetsuhiro slapped his seat and stood up, saying cheerfully, "I'm going to have some fun myself. None of you are allowed to steal this from me..."
Before you continue