By the end of December, only ten days remained until the inauguration ceremony of Konoha’s First Hokage.
Snow covered the land of the Night Kingdom.
Especially in the eastern part of the country, the entire territory was enveloped in an extremely cold climate.
In front of the tall stone gate of the Shogun’s residence, the delegation had already completed all preparations for departure.
Yayoi was fully armed, wearing a black ninja bodysuit beneath his full-body iron armor.
Even the boots on his feet were made of high-defense leather and covered with armored plates.
These armors were crafted exclusively from extremely powerful chakra metal.
Not only did they possess high toughness and defensive capabilities, but they also effectively transmitted the wearer’s chakra.
The creation of this armor incorporated not only Yayoi’s chakra processing technology but also the finest craftsmanship from the Land of Crystal.
It was a type of armor-shaped ninja tool specially designed to complement ninja combat.
Furthermore, it could be worn very comfortably and lightly without the bulkiness or tightness typical of ordinary armor.
“Well, you look truly dignified and handsome today, dear husband.”
Seeing Yayoi dressed in a majestic style different from his usual attire, Kichou felt as if he had instantly switched to another style, exuding a sharp and authoritative aura from himself.
This was undoubtedly a completely new experience for Kichou.
She had never seen Yayoi dressed like this before.
Yayoi simply nodded in response.
After all, it was an important ceremony, and he would be meeting many daimyos from other countries, so it had to be a formal and solemn event.
Not only Yayoi, but Kichou, as the Shogun’s wife, had naturally also dressed meticulously.
Her purple and white kimono was made of precious silk and draped with a vibrant pink shawl.
She also wore more exquisite gold and jade ornaments than usual.
Her white tabi socks and low-heeled black wooden clogs perfectly matched her lovely attire.
However, Yayoi knew that beneath this luxurious clothing, Kichou was wearing a ninja bodysuit.
Although she was attending as the Shogun’s wife, she had not forgotten her original identity as a ninja.
From Yayoi’s perspective, before Kakuzu obtained Earth Grudge Fear, defeating Kichou would have been very difficult — probably a 60/40 chance.
According to Kichou, among the Hyuga clan members of her generation, at least several possessed strength equal to hers.
However, in terms of Byakugan purity, she was probably the person with the highest ocular power.
At that moment, the two stood side by side, their dignified presence and beauty blending together like a perfect couple.
Furthermore, given his position as Shogun, it was naturally impossible for him to walk on such an official occasion.
It was a moving vehicle made of wood with excellent toughness and hardness.
The wood used in the construction of this vehicle was selected from special chakra trees and mixed with other chakra materials.
Since this chakra wood could effectively absorb surrounding chakra, the lumber harvested from it could effectively withstand the impact of ninjutsu.
The exterior of the vehicle was adorned with gold and jade bell ornaments, further enhancing its grandeur and dignity.
The interior space was ten times larger than that of a regular carriage, allowing four to five people to rest without feeling cramped.
The overall structure prioritized defense and concealment.
Protective chakra steel plates capable of withstanding explosive attacks were attached to the bottom of the vehicle.
The most noteworthy point was that this moving vehicle was not pulled by horses but driven by a steel control platform on the outside of the vehicle.
Inside this platform was a mechanism connected to eight wooden wheels beneath the frame.
These drive mechanisms were not operated by ninjas or samurai, but by sturdy humanoid puppet warriors clad in heavy black armor.
Compared to the Ghost Puppets in the underground space of the castle tower, they had more distinct expressions, were visually striking, and exuded a far stronger sense of oppression.
Each puppet warrior was twice the size of a Ghost Puppet, standing over two meters tall.
The length and width of the samurai swords they carried were adjusted so that they could easily bisect even rocks several meters in size.
Because of their size, they could be used not only for attack but also for defense.
They stood beside the vehicle with eerily expressionless faces.
Yayoi simply raised his hand and waved lightly.
A mass of materialized chakra, like soft fabric, surged toward these puppet warriors, accurately injecting into their mechanical interfaces and fusing with them.
In an instant, the puppet warriors’ eyes glowed red, and their sturdy, tall bodies slowly straightened, as if infused with life.
“Don’t you need chakra to control them?”
Kichou, who had returned, was surprised.
Seeing Yayoi activate these puppet warriors simply by releasing materialized chakra, she was somewhat astonished.
Generally speaking, the physical chakra released from a ninja’s body evaporates very quickly, so it is consumed and cannot be stored for long.
“Activated chakra can maintain its existence for a long time, so it can control puppets even after leaving the body.
The drawback is that precision slightly decreases, and the puppets’ abilities cannot be fully utilized.
It is also not suitable for long-distance use — beyond 30 meters, the effect disappears.
However, it is sufficient for movement.”
Generally speaking, operating puppets in this way was undoubtedly much more convenient.
However, when encountering powerful enemies, it would be better to use chakra to control the enemy for better results.
Irori, a puppet that refined its own chakra and operated completely automatically, was naturally an exception.
“I see.”
Kichou nodded, but she was still interested in Yayoi’s abilities.
Due to time constraints, she did not ask on the spot.
Besides, it would be more interesting to slowly unravel the mysteries.
There were sixteen activated puppet warriors.
Eight of them were responsible for operating the mechanisms to move the vehicle, while the remaining eight were in charge of reconnaissance and security.
High-ranking officials such as Kakuzu, Kurobe, and Yurō remained behind to oversee the operations of the Shogun’s residence.
With the strengthened Kakuzu in command, and thanks to the various defensive measures Yayoi had left at the Shogun’s residence, Yayoi was not worried about any problems occurring there.
Furthermore, as various countries began paying attention to Konohagakure in the Land of Fire, many conflicts had unconsciously subsided, and people were consciously returning to defensive postures to avoid further disputes.
The delegation immediately left Yomi Castle, heading south along the main road toward the Land of Fire.
On the road, the vehicle was stable and smooth.
Inside the carriage, there was no vibration or tilting, and Yayoi and Kichou felt as if they were walking on flat ground.
If they encountered obstacles along the way, the other eight puppet warriors would draw their long swords, cleave through rocks and trees, and swiftly remove the obstacles with force.
These puppet samurai were made of extremely sturdy materials, possessed extraordinary physical abilities, and had the power to overwhelm ordinary ninjas.
Combined with their swordsmanship, their combat capabilities were further enhanced.
These puppet warriors could handle most problems encountered along the way without requiring the intervention of the accompanying ninjas and samurai.
“To be able to move so smoothly and quickly is truly impressive.”
Inside the carriage, Kichou picked up a teacup and began drinking tea.
Feeling the moving vehicle traveling at high speed at a constant pace, it felt no different from when ninjas were marching.
“It’s custom-made.
Actually, this vehicle can also be modified for automatic driving, but it looks more imposing with the puppet samurai driving it.” (Modeled after Sasori’s Hiruko — a super-giant version of Hiruko)
Yayoi also drank his tea and set down the cup.
Many of the works of this representative modern puppeteer could actually move automatically, but he could not freely manipulate them to bring out their full potential.
In his view, this was a very incomplete aspect.
Furthermore, automation did not necessarily mean excellence.
After all, except for special puppets like Irori, the automation technology of ordinary puppets was actually substandard.
Irori’s automation technology was unique and could not be universally applied.
“Yes, if people saw these puppet samurai at night, they would definitely be startled.”
Kichou was also deeply impressed by the appearance of these puppet warriors and smiled.
With their imposing bodies reaching two meters in height, crimson eyes, and heavy black armor, they resembled the ghostly warriors often seen as villains in horror plays.
Anyone with a weak mind would undoubtedly feel terror upon seeing such frightening puppets.
Furthermore, from Kichou’s sharp observations, this vehicle was no ordinary vehicle.
Rather than a mere means of transportation, it was more like a mobile military fortress.
Although it was not very obvious from the outside, many internal components had clearly been modified.
The vehicle itself was also very dangerous.
The puppets were weapons that could be used in combat.
The journey to Konohagakure was relatively peaceful.
With such powerful escorts and a vehicle that moved like a giant land beast, the bandits in the surrounding area instinctively kept their distance and never considered blocking the road.
After a five-day journey, the Night Kingdom’s forces finally arrived at Konohagakure.
The main reason was that the team had needed to rest during the journey.
Otherwise, they could have arrived even earlier.
Since they still had time to spare, Yayoi did not rush and enjoyed sightseeing at a leisurely pace.
Whenever they passed through towns, he would occasionally accompany his wife Kichou as she strolled through the towns or bought interesting small items for collection, and they would stay for a while.
“So this is Konohagakure?
I didn’t think it would be this big.”
The tall walls that had been under construction were finally complete.
Passing through the village’s main gate, from inside the vehicle Kichou slightly opened the curtain with her hand, and the buildings surrounded by castle walls came into view at a glance.
The important roads had been constructed very smoothly so that carriages could travel stably.
Infrastructure development was also quite advanced, showing the beginnings of a lively town.
Of course, the residential areas were smaller than those of Yomi Castle, but as a village, it was quite impressive in scale.
In particular, since some parts were still being expanded and it was not yet in its final form as a ninja village, this was even more so.
Yayoi also glanced back and took a quick look at the scenery outside.
There was a vague sense of familiarity with the village he remembered.
In a few years, this would become the Konoha ninja village he knew.
Upon entering Konoha, designated personnel came to greet them.
Around the same time as Yayoi, multiple delegations from various countries had arrived.
Some were led by high officials, while others were led by the daimyos themselves.
The person responsible for receiving the delegation from the Night Kingdom was a ninja from the Senju clan.
A man in his thirties.
He had scars on his face from fights.
His chakra concealment ability was extremely high, making it difficult to directly assess his true strength.
However, judging from his calm and composed atmosphere, he was likely an elite member of the Senju clan.
“Your Highness, this person is called Senju Haima.
I have heard that the scars on his face were received in battle against the Uchiha clan.
He is one of the most powerful members of the Senju clan.
His genjutsu and ninjutsu are average, but he excels greatly in taijutsu and has mastered the forbidden technique, the Eight Gates.”
Inside the vehicle, Kichou quietly explained the basic information about this Senju ninja to Yayoi.
Thanks to the Hyuga clan’s information network, Kichou knew all of this.
Powerful clans like the Senju clan were naturally the focus of the Hyuga clan’s attention.
Information about Senju Haima, a powerful Senju ninja, was naturally recorded in the Hyuga clan’s information database.
In particular, this powerful Senju ninja had mastered a forbidden technique with immense power that could not be ignored.
“Eight Gates?
That technique is incredibly powerful and very well-suited to the Senju Sage Body.” New chapters come out on g.com first.
Yayoi nodded lightly, raising his evaluation of Senju Haima to a new level.
Yayoi was very familiar with the Eight Gates.
This was a forbidden technique that appeared in the original work.
During the Warring States period, Yayoi had coincidentally encountered a ninja who used the Eight Gates.
The Eight Gates had three gates that were safe zones where the risk of chakra amplification remained within the ninja’s tolerance range.
Each time the fourth gate was opened, the physical burden increased exponentially.
Along with it, explosive power increased abnormally, giving birth to unique techniques that could turn the tide of battle.
However, this forbidden technique could not be used for long periods.
Overuse would deplete the user’s stamina, shorten their lifespan, and in some cases cause physical disabilities, potentially causing them to lose their talent as a ninja.
The ninja he had encountered had been able to progress to the Sixth Gate.
In the end, he had won, but he had been forced into a considerable struggle.
Yayoi had learned the forbidden technique of the Eight Gates from that person, but the technique was incomplete and only recorded the method of opening the first six gates.
Guided by Senju Haima, the delegation from the Night Kingdom arrived at a residential area lined with houses that had courtyards.
Each house had spacious interior space, large enough to accommodate delegations from various countries.
Each residence was built more than 20 meters apart, effectively protecting the privacy of diplomatic missions from each country.
When Yayoi and his group arrived, several of the courtyards were already occupied.
It was clear that delegations from some countries had already begun operations and were frequently exchanging information and communicating with other countries.
When officials from various countries came carrying the will of their daimyos — or when the daimyos themselves came — it was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to conduct direct negotiations between nations.
Even the Night Kingdom needed exchanges with other countries and could not remain isolated.
Thinking this way, Yayoi realized he would likely be busy for the next few days.
Opportunities for high officials from various countries to gather peacefully in one place were rare.
If they missed this chance, they did not know when the next opportunity would come.
When Kichou got out of the vehicle, Yayoi also let out a small sigh.
Even just moving around inside the vehicle, he still felt some fatigue, as if his body had rusted.
‘As expected, I am not used to this means of transportation.’
‘However, to maintain our style, we have no choice but to endure it for the time being.’
After all, if he walked around this land as Shogun and was seen by people from other countries, he would be laughed at and it would negatively affect the nation’s reputation.
People would think the Night Kingdom was so poor that it could not even afford a carriage.
The vehicle they were using at the time had undoubtedly caught the eyes of various diplomatic missions and stood out conspicuously.
It frequently attracted attention wherever they went.
With its massive body like a giant land beast and its grand, refined appearance, it combined protective functions without compromising the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
They were accompanied by sixteen sturdy puppet warriors and an elite escort unit composed of ninjas and samurai, all forming an orderly formation and exuding a calm atmosphere.
Such a magnificent sight undoubtedly showcased the overwhelming power of the Night Kingdom.
Except for the major nations, no other country could put on such a grand display.
After all, splendor and ceremony were almost synonymous with a nation’s strength.
This was an unspoken fact among all countries.
Since this was his first visit, Yayoi did not need to communicate with people from other countries for the time being.
Before Yayoi and Kichou entered the courtyard, several ninjas and samurai went inside to scout.
Upon entering the courtyard, one could immediately tell that it had been built only a month ago.
The traces of construction were very recent.
Although Konohagakure had worked hard to improve the living environment in the courtyard, overall it gave a rather ordinary impression.
There were no problems with quality or comfort, but the courtyard’s scenery was somewhat monotonous and not carefully crafted — that was the drawback.
Thinking about it carefully, it was only natural.
After all, Konohagakure was a newly established village, so it naturally lacked historical depth.
Fortunately, people from various countries had not come for entertainment purposes but to carry out important duties.
Konoha’s attitude was very appropriate — there was no formal response at all, and they provided the most thorough service possible, which was sufficient to satisfy the people from each country.
“Half of you will stand guard in that area, and the other half may move about freely.
You may take turns standing guard over the next few days.
Also, make absolutely sure you do not cause any trouble.”
After completing all preparations in the courtyard, Yayoi gave instructions to the accompanying ninjas and samurai.
“Yes.”
The ninjas and samurai responded.
“Irori, do you want some free time too?”
Yayoi asked Irori’s thoughts.
“No, I’m fine.
My duty is to protect Father, so I will remain in this courtyard.”
Irori smiled and shook her head in refusal.
“Alright, then.
Go ahead and relax.
You don’t have to be so tense.”
Yayoi nodded, turned around, returned to the bedroom, and rested.
It was still afternoon and not yet dark, but the fatigue from the journey remained considerable.
He had to meet with people from other countries tomorrow, so he needed to rest properly in advance to avoid being rude due to drowsiness.