Indra and Ashura were indeed dead, but their wills still lingered within their chakra.
Hyuga Mirai used Yin Release to erase their wills, then fused their chakra to create Six Paths chakra, merging it into the Ten-Tails as well.
Inside the cultivation chamber, nearly a thousand sealing techniques kept the Ten-Tails immobilized, allowing it to slumber and grow.
As usual, Hyuga Mirai extracted a sample of the Ten-Tails' cells to study how much it could enhance his own genes.
He was already capable of becoming the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki, but without fully understanding how the Ten-Tails would strengthen an Otsutsuki lifeform, he felt uneasy about absorbing it.
The Saudi Federation had already entered a stable stage of development. Both military and civil sectors demanded massive resources daily.
In just two years, the mines within the Federation were nearly exhausted. The nobles demoted to miners aged more than ten years in appearance, and the frail ones hadn't survived even the first year.
They would soon have a reprieve, however, as domestic mineral deposits were nearly depleted. The Federation had discovered new resources in the wastelands south of Roran and had already built a railway. On the train ride there, the miners could finally get some rest.
"Lord Mirai, shall we visit the capital? I heard they'll be hosting a new event."
"Ayaka, the event is organized by the Uzumaki Trade Association to promote new products. As its president, you can easily learn all the details in advance."
Mirai spoke casually, but Ayaka Uzumaki pouted at the answer. She knew the event belonged to her association, but he had promised her last time...
As they walked, Mirai noticed Ayaka had fallen silent, following with her head down. He reached out and patted her head before saying:
"Alright, we can go. It's been a while since I last saw one."
Hearing that, Ayaka's eyes curved into crescents as she looked up and eagerly asked, "Is that a promise, Lord Mirai?"
"Yes. When the time comes, call me. We'll also check in on Sasori."
The Federation hadn't started any wars, but its military system had transformed drastically.
In the past, puppet masters relied mostly on poison, hidden blades, and traps.
Now, they were evolving into single-soldier heavy weapons experts. During Sasori's push to spread new mecha puppets, something went wrong—many puppet masters developed a fear of lacking firepower after training with him.
Approved puppet masters allowed to craft new mecha puppets carried five sealing scrolls: two for storing mecha puppets or parts, and three for ammunition.
Modern mecha puppets carried five standard weapons: micro-missiles, flamethrowers, frost condensers, laser beams, and explosive rounds. In team combat, three puppet masters together could unleash enough firepower to level a town.
The Federation, however, didn't supply unlimited arms. In peacetime, ammunition quotas were enforced—excess had to be purchased privately. Only during wartime conscription would weapons flow without limit.
Recently, Sasori approached Mirai with ideas for a combined puppet design and wanted his advice. But Mirai was busy cultivating the Ten-Tails, while one clone worked on merging the Ninja Academy with the government school and another researched lowering the barrier for creating kekkei genkai tools.
The original body often visited Konoha, listening to Tsunade's constant complaints—though most of the time she was faking, always circling back to sake.
Education remained a top priority in the Federation's reforms. If the economy were stronger, Mirai would have already enforced compulsory education. His Shikotsumyaku clone stationed at the Ninja Academy never dispelled, ensuring the schools' growing influence across the Federation.
After four years, the Federation's Ninja Academy admitted 730 new students, compared to 590 the year before. Across all six grades, enrollment neared 3,000. Expansion even overtook the Kazekage building—though Pakura had willingly given it up for a higher vantage point.
With the Academy's growing influence and knowledge of kekkei genkai tools among the upper echelons, almost everyone saw Mirai as the strongest candidate for the next Kazekage. If he chose to run, none would dare oppose him.
Though he had been in the Federation less than five years, his importance and reputation left no room for dispute.
The Land of Fire's daimyō's birthday banquet was held as usual, but far less lively than before. Compared to the banquet, the capital's new product exhibitions were far more enticing.
Led by the Uzumaki Trade Association, supported by the Keiko Association and Hyakusa Association, countless merchants gathered. Even traders from the distant Land of Lightning rushed to the Federation upon hearing the news.
With the rise of massive associations like Uzumaki and Keiko, merchants' status within the shinobi world grew. The allure of wealth even drew nobles to join.
Clinging to noble etiquette and heritage brought no riches, nor access to exciting new goods.
Thus, not even the daimyō's birthday could suppress their desire for profit. Sending gifts sufficed—no one believed the daimyō would be petty.
Two days later, the capital of the Land of Fire still bustled with carriages, though clearly less than in past years.
"Lord Daimyō, most guests have arrived."
A palace official bowed and reported.
Closing his fan, the daimyō turned and asked, "Has Tsunade arrived?"
"Not yet. But by tonight or tomorrow morning, judging from her departure. Also, my lord, should we add seats for the other three nations at the banquet?"
"Yes, of course. They came to celebrate and brought gifts."
"As you wish."
The official worried this would sour relations with Konoha. The Hokage's background was formidable—granddaughter of the First Hokage and wielder of Wood Release, famed for ending an era.
Still, orders were orders.
This banquet was also meant to settle an important matter, so officials from the Lands of Earth, Lightning, and Water, along with their Kage, were invited.
The Hokage seemed unaware. Once she saw them at the banquet, it was uncertain if the daimyō and the former Hokage could restrain her temper.
The next morning.
Tsunade's group arrived in the capital just before the banquet.
"Finally made it. Looks like I even have time for a bath," she said, relieved. Missing the banquet would have worsened relations with the Land of Fire.
"Lady Tsunade, next time don't drink along the way. And you, Kurenai—you should have stopped her instead of joining in..."
Hyuga Tokuma scolded seriously, finally understanding his clan leader's warning—never let down your guard around drunkards.
Embarrassed, Tsunade coughed and changed the subject. "Ahem, let's head in quickly, Tokuma, Kurenai."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Kurenai replied at once.
Tokuma could only hold back his words, silently resolving to keep urging restraint until the mission ended.
They wasted no more time. After washing off the dust, they proceeded to the palace.
"Lord Hokage, you've finally arrived. The daimyō has waited long."
An official greeted them warmly and guided them inside.
Tsunade laughed awkwardly. "Haha, we ran into some trouble on the road, so it took longer..."
"I see, but it can't be helped. And you're not late—the banquet hasn't started."
The official smiled, leading them to the tenshukaku. The daimyō preferred hosting his banquets there, flaunting his authority.
On the top floor, Tsunade found the room mostly empty except for attendants. Only a handful of seats were set, reserved for the daimyō's closest guests.
Today, however, several seats remained empty.
Near noon, the daimyō finally entered. Tsunade began to greet him—then froze at the sight of those who followed behind.
Officials from the Lands of Lightning, Earth, and Water. Raikage A, Tsuchikage Onoki, and the relatively unfamiliar Mizukage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also walked in behind them. Catching Tsunade's look, he tilted his head slightly.
It wasn't his intent to deceive her. Had he told her earlier, she never would have agreed. But this was the daimyō's will.
"My lord, am I the last to know of this?"
Tsunade's face was calm, but those who knew her could sense her irritation.
"Well, Tsunade, that much is my fault. But usually, the four nations send delegates for my celebration. This time, the Kage themselves were sent."
The daimyō smiled faintly behind his fan. His apology eased her temper slightly, though annoyance lingered.
"Since so many Kage have gathered, Slug Princess, don't be so petty. Young people lack the broadness of our generation."
Onoki made the remark before moving to his seat with his guards Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi.
"She's only a woman, after all!"
The Fourth Raikage spoke sharply. Cloud and Leaf had a far longer history of hostility than Cloud and Stone.
Years ago, one of A's trusted aides, Karai, had sought Tsunade's healing after being gravely wounded. But she was nowhere to be found, having returned to the village as the Fifth Hokage only afterward. Karai died, and though Tsunade bore no blame, A harbored resentment toward Konoha.
"When you said that, Raikage, you only proved your own breadth is narrower than a woman's."
Mei Terumi responded coolly before taking her seat. She had no intent to befriend Konoha, only to counter A's barb.
The Kage took their seats. Hiruzen sat beside Tsunade, while the guards stationed themselves behind. The daimyō ordered the banquet to begin.
Only a select few were present at the top floor, not even many officials or nobles.
The food and drink were the finest the Land of Fire offered, yet the mood was sour. Tsunade didn't even feel like drinking. The other Kage and their guards ate lightly, avoiding alcohol altogether.
When the time was right, the daimyō clapped his hands. The servants cleared the tables, and the officials of the other three nations departed.
Seeing this, Tsunade frowned slightly.
So this was to be decided entirely by the Kage themselves.
(End of Chapter)