Arisu's figure flickered, and he had already returned from the depths of Mount Myoboku, once again setting foot on the land of the ninja world.
Relocating the Hyuga clan and the Otsutsuki clan of the moon to Mount Myoboku was something he had calculated clearly in his mind.
First, the two clans had large populations and each possessed their own strengths.
Managing the mountain's industries would be enough to support the foundation and operation of Mount Myoboku, allowing this sacred mountain to no longer be just a place for quiet cultivation, but to form its own lineage and continue on for a long time.
In the future, Konoha would have a Hyuga clan.
Mount Myoboku would also have a Hyuga clan.
As for whether people like Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata would be born in Konoha as in the original story, or be born in Mount Myoboku, Arisu did not know. But it did not matter.
Second, Arisu also realized that relying solely on the combat power of the toad clan was far from enough to resist the possible extraterrestrial threats of the future.
In the past, he had made the exact same mistake as Otsutsuki Kaguya.
Kaguya placed her hopes on the White Zetsu army, attempting to use it to fight against the reckoning of her own clan.
And he had once thought that Mount Myoboku's toads should be able to resist.
Now that he thought about it, it had only been wishful thinking.
If he truly wanted stability, he had to build a dedicated military force that obeyed him and had sufficient strength. Gathering and reorganizing the Hyuga and Otsutsuki clans was precisely for this layout.
Just like in his previous life, having only nuclear weapons without developing anything else would not work.
"The demons have been swept away. Next comes rebuilding the order of the ninja world."
Arisu's gaze deepened as he looked over the mountains and rivers of the entire ninja world.
The ninja world could not collapse like this. The destined contest between Ashura and Indra was still continuing, and it still needed a stage.
It was just that this stage, he would personally rein it in.
From this day forward, the entanglements of fate would be limited only to the major ninja clans. It must never spread to ordinary civilians again, dragging the innocent into the flames of war.
The stage had become smaller.
With a thought, Arisu brought his hands together and let out a low shout, "Summoning Jutsu!"
The technique formed into an array, white light suddenly flared, and more than a dozen figures fell out of the void, all kneeling on the ground at once, their expressions respectful and fearful.
"Immortal!"
These people were all civilian officials personally selected by Arisu when he pacified the chaotic world.
They did not rely on ninja clans, nor did they seek profit in the chaos. They were honest in office, diligent and willing to work, caring only about the stability of the common people. In such troubled times, they were truly rare.
Arisu lowered his eyes and looked down at them, his tone calm, "The demon-cleansing is over. The chaotic era has come to an end."
"Today, I will enfeoff land and grant you titles. From now on, you will be daimyo of your own regions, guarding your territories and protecting the people."
As his words fell, the officials were stunned at first, then their faces burst with disbelief and overwhelming joy.
They had lived half their lives in poverty, clean-handed and upright, struggling to hold on through the chaos. They had never dared to hope for such blessings.
At this moment, they only felt that the heavens were just, that diligence and kindness were finally rewarded. They repeatedly kowtowed, their bodies trembling with excitement.
After suffering for most of their lives and doing so many good deeds, good would finally be repaid with good.
'The Sage of Six Paths would not mistreat anyone.'
Buzz!
Arisu lightly tapped the ground with his Six Paths staff, and a massive map of the ninja world suddenly spread out in midair.
Mountains, rivers, and borders were clearly defined, and the territories of the nations had already been divided by him.
"The borders are set. Draw lots to choose."
With a wave of his sleeve, dozens of blank scrolls floated in the air, each bearing the name of a country.
One official stepped forward first, his hands trembling as he took a scroll and opened it.
The three words "Land of Fire" stood out clearly before his eyes.
He was instantly overjoyed.
"The Land of Fire… I actually drew the most fertile land!", the official said excitedly.
"From now on, you are the daimyo of the Land of Fire. Your authority is granted by the divine. Guard this land well.", Arisu spoke lightly.
The remaining officials also stepped forward one after another to draw lots, each receiving their own country.
Some were delighted, others remained steady, but all were filled with reverence and bowed their heads in obedience to Arisu.
After the enfeoffment was complete, Arisu's gaze swept over the newly appointed daimyo. His tone grew heavier as he gave his instructions, "You must remember, between nations, there must never be war for all eternity."
"You are not allowed to mobilize your entire countries' forces to attack one another. You are not allowed to bring disaster upon ordinary civilians. You are not allowed to ignite the flames of chaos again."
He paused slightly, his tone unchanged, yet carrying hidden intent, "As for the ninja clans… the old forces of the ninja world need not be forcibly abolished."
"You may rely on the strength of the ninja clans to maintain internal stability and handle territorial disputes. As long as it does not escalate into national war, other matters are for you to decide."
With a single sentence, the new rules of the ninja world were set.
Civilian nations would have no wars. Conflicts would be handled by ninja clans. The destiny of Ashura and Indra would continue to flow within this invisible framework.
In this way, the human world could avoid the calamity of war, while still allowing the contest between Indra and Ashura to continue.
"Immortal, you are wise and enlightened!"
All the daimyo bowed together, praising loudly, their voices filled with sincerity and gratitude.
Arisu's expression remained calm. He slightly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping lightly over the crowd.
An invisible pressure quietly spread out. The lively atmosphere from before instantly tightened, and everyone held their breath, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
Arisu's tone shifted.
"Today, I grant you the title of daimyo as a reward for your past integrity, diligence, and care for the people. It is not for you to grow delusions once you hold power."
"In the future, just focus on governing your lands well, stabilizing the people's lives, and fulfilling your duties."
"Do not covet greater power. Do not engage in secret struggles. Do not think of touching the rules I have set. And do not think that just because this is the mortal world, you can act as you please."
"If your descendants in the future develop thoughts of overstepping, I will take action."
Hearing this, no one even dared to breathe loudly, engraving these words firmly in their hearts.
The matters of the major ninja clans were still vivid in their minds.
Those once arrogant clans that jumped the highest, what about them now?
Those powerful and terrifying clan leaders of the Uchiha or Senju, what about them?
What had become of them now?
Where were they now, making their fortunes?
Only after seeing that everyone understood did Arisu slowly withdraw the pressure, then gave one final solemn reminder.
"Remember this, above your head, three feet up, there are gods watching. No matter your position, you must always hold reverence in your heart.", Arisu said seriously.
The meaning was simple.
'Above your head, there are gods. Don't think I can't catch you. I will always be watching you.'
"Yes, sir!!"
All the daimyo were filled with fear and respect as they accepted the command.
Arisu nodded lightly and did not continue to apply pressure or warnings.
This arrangement by Arisu directly laid the foundation for the future Five Great Nations and the many smaller countries.
From this moment on, history underwent a massive transformation. The event of the Sage of Six Paths enfeoffing the lands established the future structure of the world, the divine right of kings.
The era of warlords fighting among themselves and conquering one another was completely ended.
The world entered a new age.
———
Time flowed, and in a flash, five years had passed.
During these five years, the mortal world of the ninja realm completely shed the desolation and scars of the chaotic era, entering a period of peace and recovery.
Arisu traveled incognito, walking across the Five Great Nations and the many smaller countries.
In the fields were farmers working diligently. Waves of rice rolled across fertile lands. Smoke curled up from village kitchens, and the sounds of chickens and dogs echoed.
In the markets, vendors' cries never ceased. The temples of the Six Paths were filled with thriving incense offerings!
The daimyo who had been enfeoffed all followed his instructions. Not one dared to harbor improper thoughts.
Each governed diligently, cared for the people, reduced taxes and labor, and focused on managing their territories well, bringing their nations into orderly prosperity.
It could be said that governance was smooth and the people lived in harmony.
"Matatabi has revived again…"
On this day, Arisu sensed it faintly.
As soon as the words fell, Arisu immediately decided to go in person to meet her.
With a flicker, he stepped through a portal and headed toward the wilderness forest where he sensed Matatabi's presence.
At the same time, in a remote forest thousands of miles away, the vegetation was lush and the stream flowed gently, completely unlike the desolation of the past.
A small cat, its entire body wrapped in pure, light-blue flames, was walking slowly through the fallen leaves of the forest with delicate steps.
Its size was no larger than an ordinary house cat. The flames around it were gentle. It was Matatabi, who had just revived and had not yet fully recovered her strength.
As she walked, Matatabi looked around with lively eyes, her heart filled with admiration.
After so long, returning to the human world, everything had completely changed. It must have been her teacher who had taken action to bring order to the chaotic era, allowing the world to become this peaceful.
Matatabi followed a small forest path forward. Not far away came the sound of a flowing stream.
As she approached, she saw a clear river.
A crude fishing boat was stranded on the shallows, its hull leaning against the riverbank, unable to move.
At the bow sat a man wearing a bamboo hat. His back looked calm as he sat there quietly without a word, as if he was trapped here because the boat had run aground.
Matatabi was kind by nature. Seeing this, she immediately ran forward quickly.
"Old sir, is your boat stuck? Do you need me to help push it back into the river?", Matatabi said kindly.
But the man in the boat remained silent and did not respond to her at all.
After a moment, the man finally moved slightly.
He slowly turned around. As he moved, the bamboo hat on his head tilted slightly, revealing the face beneath, peerless in appearance, calm, and all too familiar.
The moment she saw his face, Matatabi suddenly stopped in her tracks. Then her lively eyes instantly lit up.
"Teacher!!"
Matatabi shouted excitedly, her heart full of the joy of reunion after a long separation. She clearly hadn't expected to run into Arisu here.
But that joy lasted only a moment, as if she suddenly remembered something.
Matatabi puffed out her cheeks and said with dissatisfaction, "Teacher, you still dare to come see me? Didn't you love going invisible and hiding?"