Everything had settled.
The Pure Land was now fully under Kyomu's control, and the countless souls within it were also at his command.
The world of the ninja had completely submitted to Kyomu.
However, the Karma mark imprinted on the back of his hand remained a significant hidden threat, one Kyomu needed to resolve as soon as possible.
The Karma mark was the ultimate survival trick of the extraterrestrial Ōtsutsuki clan, a secret known only to the main family. Deciphering it was nearly impossible.
Hanging the shadowy blade at his waist, Kyomu raised his hand and inscribed a sealing technique onto the back of his left hand. For now, he would use this method to seal away the remnants of Isshiki's soul and some of his power.
But it was foreseeable that as time passed, the Karma mark would gradually show its true power, rendering the seal ineffective. Hidden within, Isshiki would slowly erode Kyomu's body and mind, eventually resurrecting himself.
On the other hand, Kyomu had no intention of giving Isshiki another chance. Clearly, Isshiki had chosen the wrong person.
By planting the Divine Tree in the Pure Land, all Kyomu needed to do was consume its fruit before the Karma mark fully unleashed its power, and all problems would be solved.
Isshiki, after all, was an outsider. With only his soul remaining, he couldn't escape the influence of the Pure Land's rules.
Kyomu's control over the Pure Land and its laws was now firmly established. The only issue to address was the time required for the Divine Tree to grow.
But Kyomu had long considered this matter.
Taking a glance at the Divine Tree at the center of the Pure Land, Kyomu turned and left the Pure Land, returning to the ninja world.
...
In a grand palace, ministers led by Madara knelt on one knee to welcome Kyomu's arrival.
"Rise."
Kyomu gestured for them to stand as he sat casually on the throne. "How are the efforts to calm the populace?"
"Your Majesty, everything has been taken care of," Madara reported as he stepped forward. "However, the city of Konoha has suffered severe damage. Rebuilding will take time. Moreover, the landscape around Konoha has undergone irreversible changes. Restoring its former prosperity could take up to a hundred years."
Such a situation was only natural. The battle with Isshiki was no less intense than the battle between Hagoromo, Hamura, and their mother, Kaguya.
The difference was that the former battle was shorter, so its impact on the ninja world's landscape wasn't as extensive.
Given Kyomu's current strength, restoring the damaged terrain to its original state was still manageable.
"The rebuilding of Konoha is up to you. As for the restoration of the terrain, I'll oversee that personally."
Kyomu took responsibility for the matter, then discussed some routine issues with the ministers before dismissing them.
Upon returning to his study to review the day's documents, Minato arrived.
"Your Majesty."
"Is this about Naruto?"
"Yes."
Kyomu set down the documents and helped the kneeling Minato to his feet. "You don't need to worry, Minato. Naruto is fine; he just needs some time."
"I trust Your Majesty, but… how much longer will it take?" Minato asked with a pleading look. "My wife and I have been separated from Naruto for so long, and this time…"
"It won't be too long. Three years. Just three years," Kyomu provided a specific timeframe. "If you and Kushina can't wait, I can expedite the process."
"We can wait, we can wait."
"That's good." Kyomu patted Minato's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. I promise you'll have your Naruto back, just as he was."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Minato expressed his gratitude, and after a brief chat, Kyomu sent him away.
"Shisui," Kyomu called, summoning Shisui into the study.
"Your Majesty."
"How is Itachi's recovery?"
"With Nonō's help, Itachi is recovering quickly," Shisui replied honestly. "Aside from significant chakra depletion, he should be fine now."
Kyomu nodded. "Bring Itachi to see me."
"Yes."
Shisui exited the study, and shortly thereafter, he returned with Itachi.
"Your Majesty."
"Itachi, have a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
As Itachi sat below him, Kyomu smiled. "How's your recovery?"
"Your Majesty, I'm ready to participate in any battle at any time."
Kyomu chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "There's no more war in the ninja world. As long as I'm alive, there will be no war, and you won't need to run around fighting."
"The ninja world's lasting peace is all thanks to Your Majesty's divine power!" Itachi, having learned the art of flattery, offered a light compliment.
"Although that sounds nice, try not to say such things too often. You're not one to flatter, Itachi."
Itachi's face flushed. Before he could apologize, Kyomu continued.
"Itachi, I've called you here because I need you to accompany me to the Pure Land. I have an important task for you. It might be exhausting."
"Your Majesty can command me as you wish. I will do my utmost."
"Take your time to recover. You'll be needed soon enough."
Kyomu didn't reveal what he specifically needed Itachi to do. After some light conversation, he dismissed Itachi.
"Kyomu, your place is still the most spacious."
As Itachi left, Obito and Kakashi arrived uninvited, emerging from the Kamui dimension, making themselves right at home.
Kyomu didn't mind, warmly inviting them to sit down. After instructing the attendants to serve tea, the study was soon filled with the sound of friendly banter.
"Wouldn't it be great? Our families would become even closer." Kyomu looked at Obito, who was frowning. "It's not bad. You both have daughters."
"What's wrong with having daughters? Do they have to marry those two brats from the Hatake family?!"
"That's because my boys are capable, and my daughters-in-law are happy," Kakashi crossed his arms. "And what's this about the Hatake family? Once my daughters-in-law are in, they'll take the Hatake name too. My family is no less than the Uchiha!"
"Kakashi, how does the Hatake family compare to the Uchiha? Tell me, or see what happens when I settle this!"
"You want a fight?"
"Kakashi, you really think I'm afraid of you? Black Hole Slash, you think I can't handle it?"
"Enough, you two." Kyomu interrupted the bickering pair, "You've both got families and kids now. Why are you still acting like children, ready to fight over every little thing?"
With Kyomu mediating, Kakashi and Obito finally settled down. The reason for their dispute was the early romance between Kakashi's sons and Obito's daughters.
"If you ask me, let the kids handle their own matters. As parents, just set the boundaries and make sure nothing serious happens."
"Kyomu, it's easy for you to say. You don't have daughters, so you don't understand!" Obito fumed. "I don't agree with this. If Kakashi doesn't keep his boys in check, I'll do it for him."
Seeing another argument brewing, Kyomu quickly intervened. "Don't argue here. If you want to fight, do it when I'm not around. I don't care if you fight to the death."
"It's not like you have any say in this." Kakashi glanced at Kyomu. "I trained hard for years, and you stole the spotlight with two slashes. We need to settle this score."
"How do you propose we settle it?" Kyomu raised an eyebrow, glaring at Kakashi.
"I saw you took the Divine Tree seed from Isshiki. Where did you plant it?"
"Thinking of getting a piece of the action?" Kyomu rubbed his chin. "Kakashi, you sure are ambitious and greedy."
"What, now that you're an emperor, you don't recognize your brother?"
Kyomu chuckled. "Of course not. Otherwise, I'd have you dragged out and executed right now."
"Kyomu, did you really plant the Divine Tree in the ninja world?" Kakashi's expression turned serious. "Kyomu, the Divine Tree isn't a good thing. Can the ninja world handle it?"
"Don't worry. There won't be any problems." Kyomu pointed downward. "I planted it in the Pure Land. It won't affect the living world."
"In the Pure Land…" Obito smacked his lips. "Kyomu, if you planted the Divine Tree in the Pure Land, did the ancestors like the Sage of Six Paths agree?"
"They had no objections." Kyomu didn't mention his killing of Hagoromo and Hamura.
Though Kyomu didn't say it, someone had already guessed.
"Kyomu, you wouldn't have…" Kakashi made a throat-slitting gesture.
"Yeah, that's exactly what happened."
Seeing Kyomu didn't deny it, Obito was shocked. "You killed the Sage of Six Paths?!"
"He had ulterior motives and wanted to be the end winner. I wasn't going to let him."
"…" Obito was speechless. "Kyomu, I really don't know what to say. The Sage of Six Paths, he was the Sage of Six Paths!"
"What Sage of Six Paths? A hundred or a thousand years from now, I'll be the Immortal Emperor, and you two will be my... left and right guardian gods. Who will care about the Sage of Six Paths then?"
Kyomu's words were bold, but Kakashi and Obito thought about it and realized it could indeed happen. A millennium later, they could be deified.
"So, I should start thinking of a grand and majestic title for myself now?"
"How about Guardian Deity of Kamui?" Kyomu suggested.
"That's perfect! As expected of you, Kyomu, your naming skills are as impressive as your bullshitting power," Obito laughed.
"Alright, enough talking." Kyomu punched Obito lightly. "The Divine Tree planted in the Pure Land requires my personal supervision, which will take at least three years. During my absence, I'm counting on you to look after the ninja world. Moreover, I expect three more Ōtsutsuki from beyond the stars to arrive in the coming years, looking for trouble."
Kyomu's words were not without reason.
During the battle with Isshiki, both Isshiki and Kyomu had unleashed their most powerful attacks without holding back.
Especially Kyomu's Divine-Cleaving Sword Technique, which was so powerful that even at night, the remnants of his slash could be faintly seen in the starry sky.
Such a powerful attack would inevitably spread beyond the stars, and any Ōtsutsuki wandering the cosmos, searching for inhabited planets or fellow clan members, would certainly notice it.
Following the trail, it was certain that Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and Urashiki would find the exact location of the ninja world.
These potential threats needed to be addressed.
Moreover, the arrival of Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and Urashiki could actually be beneficial for the ninja world. If handled correctly, the three could be turned into chakra resources for the ninja world.
Although these three were weaker than Isshiki, their chakra reserves were substantial.
If they were all dismembered and their chakra integrated into the ninja world, it could potentially give rise to at least six more Six Paths-level powerhouses, paving the way for Kyomu's followers.
"Shisui," Kyomu said, shifting to a serious tone, not just addressing Kakashi and Obito. "Summon Madara, Sasuke, Kimimaro, and Hiashi to meet me."
Shisui obeyed and quickly gathered the individuals Kyomu had requested.
After seating everyone, Kyomu reiterated his earlier points and shared his plans.
Madara, brimming with excitement, was the first to speak up.
"Your Majesty, let any Ōtsutsuki from beyond the stars come, and I will kill them all! They will become nourishment for the ninja world's foundation!"
"I have no doubt about that," Kyomu replied. "However, be cautious of the Ōtsutsuki's Karma mark. When choosing a battlefield, it's best to select locations without civilians. This way, if they are defeated, the Karma mark will likely imprint on you, making it easier to manage later without unnecessary complications."
After giving some precautionary advice, Kyomu entrusted the matter of dealing with Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and Urashiki to Madara and the others.
After dismissing the group, Kyomu stretched and completed the remaining documents for the day before heading to his palace.
Mei and Yugito had been eagerly awaiting his return.
Spending three days and two nights with them, Kyomu ensured they enjoyed their time together.
By then, Itachi's condition had fully recovered.
Kyomu prepared to depart once more.
Although Mei and Yugito were reluctant to see him go, they didn't try to stop him.
Accompanied by Itachi, Kyomu entered the Pure Land, where he finally explained Itachi's task.
Itachi's Rinnegan dōjutsu was the perfect means to accelerate the Divine Tree's growth, a plan Kyomu had devised long ago.
However, this method demanded an enormous amount of effort from Itachi, and the task itself would take at least three years, proving to be a significant burden.
Itachi, however, voiced no complaints. Under the influence of his Rinnegan dōjutsu, the Divine Tree grew rapidly, leading Kyomu to estimate that it wouldn't take the full three years for the Divine Tree in the Pure Land to bear its fruit.
(End of Chapter)