[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[Thank You For Your Support!]
====
Ryukage Village. Three Years Later.
The bustling streets were filled with people, all with bright smiles on their faces.
Three years had passed since Kyomu led his army to sweep through the numerous small countries.
During these three years, the development of the Land of Dragons entered a fast track, changing almost daily.
In terms of civil affairs, military, and education, everything was ahead of the Four Great Nations. Whether on paper or in reality, the Land of Dragons was undoubtedly the leading nation among the Five Great Nations.
Moreover, these three years had been peaceful in the shinobi world. Except for the invisible and bloodless battles of intelligence, there had been no conflicts in either borders or trade.
However, everyone knew this was just an illusion, a brief period of peace before the storm of war.
All countries, including the Land of Dragons, were focusing on development with all their might, ignoring everything else.
It was foreseeable that when the power reached a certain level, war would inevitably come.
"Itachi, you've done very well, I'm very pleased." Kyomu handed the graduation certificate to Itachi, patting his shoulder and personally placing the Ryukage Village headband on him.
Itachi smiled shyly, his heart pounding with excitement. This was the closest he had ever been to Kyomu and the first time he had received such an honor.
Graduating as the top student in the ninja academy, and being the youngest among the graduates, made him reminiscent of Kyomu in his youth.
"Ryukage-sama, I will continue to work hard and give my all for you!" Itachi stated firmly.
"Haha, I believe you will be as outstanding as Shisui." Kyomu nodded, then looked at another person standing beside Itachi.
Hoshigaki Kisame.
When the Hoshigaki Clan submitted to Ryukage Village, Kisame's strength at the time meant he didn't need to attend the ninja academy.
However, Kyomu had reformed the ninja academy, redefining the concepts of liberal arts and sciences. Ninjas were no longer just killing machines; they had to be well-rounded, able to govern and protect the nation.
This educational reform greatly slowed the pace of ninja training and significantly increased the education budget.
Every lost ninja was a considerable loss for Ryukage Village.
But aside from these drawbacks, the ninjas who graduated from the academy were exceptionally skilled and well-rounded.
Ryukage Village could implement an elite education system for all thanks to Kyomu's passive skill.
The 'Land of Talents' buff ensured that the new-borns in the Land of Dragons had great potential. Even the least talented could become Special Jonin with proper training and wouldn't lack much in academic knowledge.
However, specialization was key, so Kyomu further subdivided the education system.
Generally, new students enrolled at age six. After six years of basic education, they were streamed into either liberal arts or ninja tracks.
Those excelling in liberal arts but weak in ninja talent would focus on academics in higher grades, becoming medical ninjas, research ninjas, or administrative ninjas.
Even those in the academic track would still learn ninja knowledge. After three years of secondary education, those who excelled could switch to the military track.
If they couldn't pass the secondary military ninja exam, they would be assigned to various cities or villages in the Land of Dragons for civil service after graduation.
Military ninjas, theoretically, would undergo six years of primary education, three years of secondary education, and then four more years of higher education.
Starting at age six, military ninjas would graduate at 19 after completing this cycle.
Considering the founding time of the Land of Dragons, Itachi and his peers were among the first graduates of Ryukage Village.
Many had experiences similar to Kisame, being re-educated in the academy due to their age.
Despite this, the permanent infrastructure buff ensured that those loyal to Ryukage Village received at least a 50% boost in talent, learning ability, and comprehension.
This led to prodigies like Itachi graduating in just five years, instead of the full 13 years of education.
This was even with the concurrent study of liberal arts and ninja knowledge, or they would have graduated even faster if trained solely as killing machines.
Therefore, the early graduation of Uchiha Itachi and others was more impressive than Kyomu's graduation in his time.
"Kisame, although you narrowly lost to Itachi in the final exam, I still have high hopes for you."
Kyomu smiled, taking the graduation certificate and headband from Yugito, handing the certificate to Kisame and personally placing the headband on him.
"Work hard in the future. I need talents like you and Itachi by my side."
Kisame, overwhelmed with emotion, bowed deeply, unable to speak.
Kyomu trusted Kisame immensely. No matter the situation, Kisame would unwaveringly stand by Kyomu's side, completing any task assigned to him.
If Shisui and Itachi were natural-born loyalists, Kisame was equally a natural-born loyalist, with no concept of betrayal.
Encouraging Kisame with a pat on the shoulder, Kyomu looked at the third person.
Haku.
A rising star of the Yuki Clan, Haku had outstanding talent, strength, and intelligence, second only to Itachi and Kisame.
After presenting the top three graduates with their certificates and headbands, Kyomu was finally done.
As for speeches, Kyomu had already delivered them before handing out the certificates and headbands.
Leaving the remaining work to Fugaku, Kyomu turned and left the venue with Yugito.
...
Outside, a spring breeze lifted the hem of Kyomu's robe.
At the same time, a faint fragrance drifted into Kyomu's nose, and a few strands of hair, carried by the wind, brushed against his neck.
Unable to resist, Kyomu glanced back, meeting Yugito's smiling eyes.
With a gentle hand, Yugito smoothed her hair over one shoulder, giving a playful smile, "Kyomu, it was the wind... not my fault."
Kyomu nodded, quickly turning back and stepping forward, avoiding further eye contact.
Now 16 years old, Kyomu had grown to 180 centimeters, almost adult height. His physical condition had reached the initial peak, and his overall development was nearly complete. Hormones were affecting him in every way.
Similarly, 16-year-old Yugito had developed beautifully, her feminine charms blossoming unrestrainedly.
At this age, thoughts naturally turned to more complex matters. Perhaps because girls mature earlier, Yugito's every move and smile unknowingly stirred Kyomu's heart.
"Kyomu, I already apologized." Yugito quickly caught up, naturally taking his hand. "We're finally out of the workplace; talk to me honestly."
Swinging their joined hands like a swing, Yugito smiled.
Feeling the warmth in his hand, Kyomu took a deep breath and finally responded.
"I'm not angry, it's just that now we're older, and some things should be..."
"I don't mind."
Kyomu didn't mind either, but he felt too familiar with Yugito to make a move. Plus, they still had two years; acting now would be premature.
However, Yugito thought differently, and to persuade Kyomu, she shared some gossip.
"Last week, at Obito's birthday party, you wouldn't believe what Rin did..."
Halfway through, Yugito suddenly stopped speaking, making Kyomu's curiosity burn hotter.
"What did Rin do with Obito?" He couldn't help but ask.
"Let me tell you." Yugito stood on tiptoe and whispered in Kyomu's ear.
Smack.
With a light sound, Yugito's moist lips pressed against Kyomu's cheek. Ignoring the stunned Kyomu, Yugito laughed and stepped back.
"That's what Rin did to Obito~"
Waving teasingly, Yugito asked, "Still curious?"
Feeling taken advantage of, Kyomu touched his cheek, the soft sensation lingering.
"No more of that."
"I was just demonstrating, not doing anything else." Yugito argued, stepping back and keeping her eyes on Kyomu.
Seeing Yugito's gaze, Kyomu decided to stop evading. He was a man, after all, how could he be so passive?
However, Yugito's actions had already been noticed by someone who, though smiling quietly, made Kyomu feel uneasy.
"Alright, walk properly. As my secretary, you need to maintain your authority." Kyomu pulled Yugito beside him. "Let's go back to the office. There's a lot of work to do."
"Got it, workaholic."
Without holding Kyomu's hand, Yugito followed half a step behind, meeting many people along the way.
Kyomu's prestige in the Land of Dragons was unquestionable. Anyone who saw him would bow respectfully.
Consequently, Yugito also received the same treatment, holding a high status in the Land of Dragons.
"Yugito!"
In the Ryukage office, Mei stood by the window, watching the scene below, gritting her teeth at Yugito's name.
Mei was supposed to accompany Kyomu to the graduation ceremony, but a minor work mistake caught by Yugito left Mei correcting it, while Yugito took her place.
Although Mei felt bitter, she had no other intentions, knowing she was at fault first.
The office door opened.
Mei's cold expression melted like spring snow, a smile blossoming as she hurried over.
"Kyomu, how did the graduation ceremony go?" Mei asked, using her body to push Yugito aside and naturally wrapping her arms around Kyomu's right arm.
A different scent filled Kyomu's nose, a pleasant and unique experience.
Mei held him tightly, the faint touch affecting Kyomu's heart.
This was tricky!
Kyomu wasn't rejecting, but recently, the rivalry between Yugito and Mei had escalated, each subtly showing excessive intimacy with him.
"Of course it went smoothly. Kyomu wouldn't make mistakes like you." Yugito interrupted, stepping between them, trying to separate Mei from Kyomu.
But Mei anticipated this, sidestepping lightly and twirling Kyomu, easily avoiding Yugito.
She held Kyomu even tighter.
However, as Mei looked up, she noticed a half lip print on Kyomu's cheek, freezing her smile.
"Seems it went very well, considering you had time for this."
Mei let go of Kyomu, while Yugito smirked triumphantly at her.
Kyomu ignored this, pretending to be oblivious.
As long as he didn't show his feelings, anything was possible.
Sitting at his desk, Kyomu became serious, "Let's discuss today's work. Yugito told me Jiraiya resurfaced?"
"Yes, Jiraiya was spotted. Minato and Kushina have left the village to pursue him, but we need to wait for their detailed report." Mei instantly became professional. "According to White Zetsu, Naruto is now at a temple called Fire Temple."
Kyomu pondered but decided not to act yet, not wanting to confront Otsutsuki Hagoromo directly.
"Monitor him, but don't take any further action," he instructed, then picked up another file. "Did Hiruko die?"
"He refused to submit and was killed by Kakashi, but Kakashi retrieved the Chimera Technique research."
"A pity for a talented researcher." Kyomu shook his head, then pulled another file. "Focus on training this kid named Amado."
"What's special about him?" Yugito couldn't help but ask.
"He looks promising." Kyomu dodged the question.
"Haha, Yugito, why ask so many questions?" Mei enjoyed Yugito's discomfort. "Just follow orders and don't overthink."
"I don't need your reminder!" Yugito glared at Mei but didn't pursue it, turning to report another matter.
"Kyomu, Sakumo submitted another request for your coronation."
Kyomu sighed, feeling the pressure. He had delayed for three years, but it seemed he couldn't postpone it any longer...
(End of Chapter)