336. S-Rank Trait – Emperor of the Shinobi World

"You want to become the Daimyō?"

Kurenai’s voice was laced with shock.

When Hanekawa had first mentioned unifying the shinobi world, she had been surprised but could still accept it.

After all, decades ago, Hashirama Senju had already achieved a similar feat.

Hanekawa’s strength was no less than his, so another unification wasn’t unexpected.

But what Kurenai had assumed was a unification of the shinobi villages—not the nations behind them.

In truth, Hanekawa had initially operated the same way.

He had only secretly controlled the various daimyō, never outright replacing them.

Now, he was declaring his intent to take their place—something Kurenai hadn’t anticipated.

"What? Can’t I be the Daimyō?" Hanekawa teased.

"You can, but… we’re shinobi."

Kurenai looked stressed. "We don’t know how to govern a nation."

"Then learn."

Hanekawa shook his head. "And I’m not planning to force every shinobi into governance. Some aren’t suited for it."

His plan was simple.

Competent shinobi would be rewarded with high-ranking positions in the Land of Fire’s government.

Those unsuited for politics would remain shinobi.

Konoha still had its 5,000-strong shinobi force, after all.

Combined with the other four divisions, these five units would remain active, meaning some would always be needed as fighters.

"I see…"

Kurenai nodded in understanding.

In essence, the Land of Fire—and the shinobi world—would remain largely the same, just with more shinobi in political roles.

Of course, while the structure might seem unchanged, this was a complete overhaul.

Shinobi would now hold unprecedented influence.

"What do you think?" Hanekawa asked with a smile.

"It sounds amazing!"

Kurenai’s eyes sparkled. "Does that mean I can become the Grand Minister?"

The Grand Minister was the highest-ranking official in the Land of Fire—equivalent to a prime minister.

"If you perform well, certainly."

Hanekawa’s gaze swept over her.

"Haven’t I performed well enough already?"

Kurenai met his eyes, straightening her posture proudly.

"You’ll need to work harder."

His attention drifted lower, lingering on the curves beneath her clothes.

"You—you pervert!"

Kurenai instinctively took a step back, arms crossing defensively.

"Why the sudden insult?"

Hanekawa feigned innocence. "I was discussing serious matters."

"I’m done with you!"

With a huff, she turned. "I need to prepare. Anything else?"

"Just one thing. ‘Daimyō’ is the title for a ruler of a single nation. But now that I’ve unified the shinobi world, it no longer fits."

After a brief pause, he decided. "From now on, I shall be the Emperor."

"Emperor?"

Kurenai blinked. "It does sound more imposing."

"You’ve worked hard, Kurenai."

Hanekawa smirked. "I’ll reward you tonight."

Her face flushed crimson.

With a mix of embarrassment and fury, she shot him one last glare before storming out.

The door slammed shut behind her.

Thankfully, she wasn’t as strong as Tsunade—otherwise, the door would’ve been obliterated.

Hanekawa stroked his chin.

Would declaring himself Emperor unlock a new trait?

It seemed highly likely.

While unifying the shinobi world was functionally the same as becoming an emperor, there was a difference.

After all, he could’ve appointed someone else as emperor.

The thought excited him.

What kind of trait would it be?


---

Later That Afternoon

Kurenai had spread the news of Hanekawa’s impending coronation.

Unsurprisingly, the initial reaction was shock and confusion.

But acceptance came quickly.

For the shinobi and villagers of Konoha, loyalty to the Land of Fire and its daimyō had always been secondary to the Hokage.

Now that the Hokage was taking the throne, they saw it as a good thing.

No longer bound by the Land of Fire’s restrictions, Konoha could act freely.

As for the other villages—Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and the rest—their only response was a muttered "bold move."

They were already absorbed into Konoha.

In a few decades, their descendants might not even remember their original villages, identifying only as Konoha shinobi.

Footsteps echoed outside the Hokage’s office.

Hanekawa set down his documents just as the door swung open.

Tsunade strode in, visibly irritated.

"Sensei, have a seat."

Hanekawa stood, offering his chair.

Without hesitation, Tsunade dropped into it, her voluptuous figure swaying slightly.

Hanekawa’s eyes gleamed.

Taking in her flawless skin, he didn’t hesitate—he buried his face in her chest.

"Are you a child?" Tsunade grumbled.

"If you say so."

His warm breath brushed against her skin.

"Tch."

Annoyed, she flicked his forehead.

But the gesture did nothing to deter him.

If anything, he grew bolder, sealing her lips with his own.

Tsunade’s head tilted back, her slender neck arching as her breathing grew ragged.

"I have a question."

After catching her breath, she glared. "Why become the Daimyō?"

She’d been in the middle of a gambling session when the news reached her.

Shocked, she’d rushed straight here.

Her connection to the Fire Daimyō’s family was personal—she’d known the late Daimyō and his wife well.

Hanekawa pulled back, licking his lips as he considered his answer.

"Sensei, how do you view Konoha now?"

His cheek rested against her chest, her heartbeat quickened by his earlier actions.

"Now? It’s… thriving."

Tsunade’s expression softened.

She wasn’t lying.

As Hashirama’s granddaughter, she’d witnessed Konoha’s birth and growth.

And in all those decades, now was its golden age.

The village was prosperous, its people content.

Peace reigned both within and beyond its walls.

Hanekawa, as the Fifth Hokage, had surpassed all his predecessors.

"Konoha’s current prosperity stems from wealth."

Hanekawa produced a scroll. "But the Land of Fire seeks to hinder that."

As Tsunade took it, she felt a sudden chill on her chest.

Ignoring Hanekawa’s antics, she unfurled the scroll.

Its contents were divided into two parts:

1. Bounty Lists – The Fire Daimyō and nobles had placed bounties on Konoha shinobi through the Exchange.


2. Resource Disputes – The Land of Fire was demanding a larger share of mining profits.



Tsunade sighed.

Now she understood.

The Fire Daimyō had been acting against Konoha’s interests.

"After becoming Daimyō, will you relocate Konoha to the capital?"

She looked down at Hanekawa, her tone resigned.

His eyebrow rose.

Her question implied she’d already accepted his ascension.

Which made sense.

While she had ties to the Fire Daimyō’s family, her bond with him ran far deeper.

"No."

Hanekawa shook his head. "Most shinobi only know combat. They’ll continue training in the Academy and temples."

"Fair."

Tsunade pushed him away, adjusting her collar to cover herself.

"But the Hokage’s office will move. Only the shinobi force commanders will remain."

He was referring to Sakumo and Jiraiya.

From now on, Konoha would purely be a military base.

"I see."

Tsunade ruffled his hair. "I’ll miss this place."

"With the Flying Thunder God, you can return anytime."

He paused. "I’m also establishing a Flying Thunder God Array between Konoha and the capital."

"The Flying Thunder God Formation?"

In the original timeline, the technique required three users to teleport objects or people—slower and less convenient than the solo version.

"Similar, but this will be a fixed teleportation array. No users needed."

With his current power, creating such an array was trivial.

"That’s impressive."

Tsunade smiled.

The array would make the distance between Konoha and the capital meaningless.

Not just the capital—every nation could be linked this way.

The thought made her pause.

The shinobi world’s future was now unimaginable.

But one thing was certain: it would be nothing like the past.

"Well, if you’ve thought everything through, I’ll leave you to it."

She stood, grinning. "I’ve got gambling to do before the casinos relocate to the capital."

"Here."

Hanekawa handed her a stack of bills. "You looked like you’d lost everything earlier."

"I only lost a little!"

She snatched the money, glaring. "I’ll win it all back!"

"Of course, Sensei."

He chuckled as she leaned in, pressing her lips to his.

Minutes later, she wiped her mouth and strode out.

"Teasing me like that…" Hanekawa muttered, watching her go.

After confirming no urgent documents remained, he vanished.


---

Land of Lightning – Raikage’s Office

"Lord Raikage!"

Mabui and Samui stood as he appeared.

Used to his sudden arrivals, they showed no surprise.

"How’s Kumogakure?"

His gaze lingered on Samui’s alluring figure.

Mabui, blocked by the desk, was far less noticeable—and far less appealing.

"No major issues."

Samui’s voice remained cool, though she shivered under his stare.

"Mabui."

Hanekawa turned to her. "Prepare to relocate the Raikage’s office to the capital next week."

"…What?"

"Details are with Kurenai. You have one week."

"Understood."

Mabui hurried out, face reddening as she realized what was coming.

"I’ll assist—"

"Stay." Hanekawa cut Samui off. "I have orders for you."

In one motion, he lifted her onto the desk.

Her legs, clad in black stockings, dangled just above the floor.

Samui remained composed, though anticipation flickered in her eyes.

Hanekawa knelt, removing her heels.

Her stockinged feet were warm in his hands.

Standing, he met her gaze—nervous yet eager.

A tap on her forehead.

A diamond seal bloomed.

"The Yin Seal?"

Samui’s eyes widened.

As a kunoichi, she knew its value.

"Thank you."

"Gratitude requires action."

His hands slid up her thighs.

A blush spread across her cheeks as she pulled him into a kiss.

Moments later, her breath hitched, arms tightening around him.


---

One Week Later – Fire Capital

July 1st, 9:00 AM.

The Fire Daimyō’s palace was packed.

Tsunade, Kurenai, Sakumo, Mei, Pakura, Ōnoki—shinobi from all five villages had gathered.

At the center of the grand hall, Hanekawa strode in, clad in regal robes.

As he took the throne, three lines materialized before him:

[S-Rank Trait: Emperor of the Shinobi World]
[Trigger Condition: Coronation as Emperor]
[Effect: You may control the life and death of your subjects.]

His first thought? Overpowered.

But then he reconsidered.

With his strength, he could already do that.

Still, it had its uses.

For example… luring the Ōtsutsuki into his empire.