337. At Rin’s House

"Rise."

Hanekawa’s gaze swept across the hall.

With the S-Rank trait "Emperor of the Shinobi World," he now had the eerie sense that a mere glance could decide life or death.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Tsunade and the others stood.

Hanekawa mused silently—No wonder so many crave the throne.

The feeling of absolute supremacy was intoxicating.

"Court is now in session."

Today marked not only his coronation but also the first imperial assembly.

Compared to the previous Jonin Council meetings, this gathering now included the civil and military officials of the former Five Great Nations—though, more accurately, those who had passed his genjutsu screening.

This ensured both their loyalty and competence.

For now, this system would maintain the shinobi world’s operations.

In a few years, graduates from the Ninja Academy and the Shinobi Sect would gradually replace them.

But some were already ready to step in, so the first order of business was the transfer of duties.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Kurenai stepped forward to preside over the proceedings, just as she had during the Jonin Council meetings.

"I hereby announce the following administrative changes."

Her voice was firm. "The responsibilities of the former Grand Minister, Left Minister, and Right Minister will now be handled by the Hokage’s advisors and secretaries."

After consideration, Hanekawa had decided to retain Konoha’s original structure and titles rather than adopt the Land of Fire’s bureaucratic system.

No particular reason—he simply preferred familiarity.

The three ministers (Grand, Left, and Right) were collectively known as the Sankō (Three Dukes), equivalent to chancellors.

Konoha had two Hokage advisors:

Hatake Sakumo – Remained in Konoha to oversee the shinobi forces, effectively the head of military affairs.

Nara Shikaku – Now the head of civil administration.


But managing the entire shinobi world alone would be overwhelming, so the Hokage’s secretaries would share the workload.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Shikaku bowed deeply.

He had anticipated this, but the sheer scale of governing the shinobi world still felt surreal.

Hanekawa’s eyes shifted to Samui, surrounded by secretaries from other villages—Mabui, Pakura, and others.

"From now on, all secretaries will report to Kurenai."

Even with Shikaku and Kurenai, managing the shinobi world was a colossal task. Adding these secretaries would help.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Kurenai beamed.

In Konoha, she had nominally overseen the secretaries, but in practice, they answered directly to Hanekawa.

Now, with his decree, her authority had expanded significantly.

The assembly continued.

Kurenai announced further transitions:

Konoha Military Police – Now responsible for the capital’s security, akin to an imperial guard.

Finance & Trade Department – Expanded to oversee inter-nation commerce.

Mineral Resources Department – Given broader jurisdiction over resource distribution.


"Well done."

Hanekawa nodded as Kurenai finished, and she returned to her position at the front of the left flank.

"I announce four edicts."

He raised a hand. "First, the ANBU will expand tenfold."

Previously limited to seventy members, the ANBU’s scope had to grow with the empire.

If the Military Police were the imperial guard, the ANBU would serve as the intelligence arm—the emperor’s eyes and ears.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Tsukuyomi responded immediately.

"Second, the Shinobi Sect is formally established. The Ninja Academy will be incorporated under its management."

Hanekawa paused. "I will serve as its leader."

Shinobi Sect would be one of the most critical institutions, shaping future generations.

But one sect wouldn’t suffice.

Plans were already in motion to establish branches across the shinobi world—eight or nine, starting with the major villages.

His personal oversight was non-negotiable.

Given the term "Shinobi Sect" carried historical weight, entrusting it to anyone else might displease Kaguya—though she’d never voice it.

"Third, a comprehensive transportation network will be constructed."

Existing systems (trains, airships) would continue, but Hanekawa added: "A new method—the Flying Thunder God Array—will connect all major cities."

The room buzzed with shock.

The strategic implications were staggering.

Pakura and Ōnoki even wondered why this hadn’t been deployed in the Third Shinobi War.

Had it been, Konoha’s victory would’ve been effortless.

But the unspoken truth was clearer:

With the arrays linking the entire shinobi world, the other villages would be assimilated into Konoha’s fold within years.

"Fourth, Tsunade’s Network Division will expand."

Tsunade, who had been zoning out, snapped to attention.

Hanekawa hadn’t warned her—she braced for more work.

"The communications network is vital for the future. The division will now oversee culture and news dissemination."

Tsunade’s eye twitched.

That sounded complicated.

Hanekawa, anticipating her reaction, assigned Uzumaki Kushina as co-leader.

The Hokage Guard Platoon had been disbanded post-unification (Hanekawa needed only the ANBU for protection).

Other members—Namikaze Minato, Might Duy, and Aburame Shibi—had been reassigned.

"Court is adjourned."

Hanekawa stood, his throat dry from hours of speaking.

Being emperor had its perks, but lengthy meetings weren’t one of them.

Thankfully, most major decisions were now delegated.


---

The Emperor’s Study (Formerly Hokage’s Office)

The room was three times larger than before, with a small resting area behind the desk.

Hanekawa approved—now he could nap at work.

Though the bed was disappointingly small ("Fits only two? Should be three at least.")

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Enter."

The door opened, revealing Nohara Rin holding a steaming bowl of ramen.

"Your Majesty, your lunch."

"Just use ‘Hanekawa’ here."

He eyed the ramen. "Why you? Shouldn’t a secretary handle this?"

"Kurenai’s swamped. Everyone’s discussing duties, and my workload’s light, so she asked me."

"Who made this?"

"I did." Rin blushed. "It’s not as good as yours."

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet—"

"Join me."

When she hesitated, he smirked. "Disobeying your emperor?"

Rin squeaked as he pulled her onto his lap.

His left arm encircled her waist while his right hand fed her a bite.

After chewing, she murmured, "Thank you."

Hanekawa kissed her cheek. "No need."

Her blush deepened.

As she squirmed, his hand slid to her thigh.

Rin stiffened, her pulse racing.

A faint rustle later, her clothes pooled on the floor.

She crossed her arms over her chest, flustered.

"Rin."

His whisper tickled her ear. "Let’s go home."

"O-Okay."

She knew what was coming—yet agreed.

A teleport later, they were in her bedroom.

Rin’s eyes widened as she took in Hanekawa’s state.

She covered her face, but the image burned into her mind.

Hanekawa chuckled at her innocence.

Sliding under the covers, he pulled her close.

Rin trembled, hyper-aware of their skin touching without barriers.

"Rin."

His fingers traced her cheek.

She met his gaze—warm yet intense—before looking away, cheeks aflame.

"You’re adorable."

He tipped her chin up, capturing her lips.

Rin’s initial tension melted into the kiss, her arms looping around his neck.

When they parted, she was breathless.

Hanekawa’s hands wandered lower—one at her waist, the other cupping her rear.

"Rin."

She gasped as pain flashed across her face, sweat beading her forehead.

Hanekawa stilled.

"I’m fine."

She was, after all, a top-tier medic-nin with an enhanced Yin Seal.

Reassured, Hanekawa reclaimed her lips.

Her pained frown smoothed into bliss, then something more sultry.

The girlish shyness faded, replaced by a new allure.

Outside, the sunset painted the sky crimson.

Exhausted, Rin fell asleep.

Her stamina, like Samui’s, lasted only an hour.

Hanekawa brushed damp strands from her face, kissing her forehead.

She’d likely sleep till dawn.

After setting a privacy barrier, he returned to his office.

The neglected ramen was cold, but a quick Fire Release reheated it.

Post-meal, he headed next door—to the secretaries’ office.

Kurenai was still working.

"Almost done—ah!"

He scooped her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around him.

"Work’s over."

His hands gripped her thighs. "Time to go home."