The Main World.
Year 29 of Konoha, summer.
Deep Forest Ancient Vine Star, Tree Domain Kingdom, Royal Capital.
The Royal Capital lay in the deepest reaches of the ancient forest. It had not been "built," but "grown."
The branches of ancient trees intertwined into walls, vines wound together into roofs, and roots rose into steps. There were no bricks or stones, no timber, no metal. Only "living trees."
The king of the Tree Domain Kingdom sat on his throne. The throne was made of ancient tree branches, its seat woven from vines. His hair was green, his eyes amber, and fine green markings were etched into his skin. He wore a robe woven from bark and held a vine-wrapped scepter.
Tsunade stood before the throne, her long golden hair especially striking amid the green light and shadows. Her arms were folded across her chest, her brows slightly furrowed. She was the Empire's Consort Jin, Hashirama Senju's granddaughter, and one of the Shinobi World's Sannin. She had met Hokage, Daimyō, and the heads of all the major clans. She had seen the systems of many countries, and the strengths and weaknesses of many systems. But she had never seen a country like this-no Shinobi Village, no Hokage, no mission system, no Anbu, no Root, no "will of fire." Only a king, Great Houses, Sects, and a Hunter Corps. The king managed the country, the Great Houses managed the forest districts, the Sects managed the transmission of their legacies, and the Hunter Corps managed the borders. Each fulfilled its duties; each had its place. There was no bickering, no infighting, no farce of "One Village, Three Shadows."
She wanted to know how long such a system could last.
"King, how long have you been at peace?" Her voice was calm, but anyone