XX-level Hokage

Mashiro shook her head and said, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I have a vague idea of ​​what might happen. Didn't I mention it before?"

"Guess what they'll do after they win?"

"That's what they'll do. Under the influence of inflated desires, the oppressed will always become the new oppressors." Kaguya pursed her lips, unsure of what to say.

"What's your name?" Shinji stood up, walked to Kaguya's side, and asked the girl behind her.

"A-Zhu." The girl replied somewhat timidly. Overnight, she had gone from a princess above thousands to a refugee who had almost been humiliated. A-Zhu was still in a daze. "Someone will come and take her to rest and change her clothes." Mashiro called out from outside the tent.

Then, three maids entered. They didn't dare look up at Mashiro and the two men, bowed respectfully, and then left with Takeru. These maids were specially hired by Inoue to serve Mashiro; he was afraid that others would come into contact with Mashiro, so he came up with this method.

"Is Kaguya being a bit unreasonable now? Since the oppressed will become the oppressors, and hatred will be reincarnated, then war will inevitably never end," Mashiro said softly.

Kaguya didn't speak, leaning against Mashiro, suddenly feeling tired. "Kaguya, do you remember how you saved Takeru?" Mashiro suddenly asked. Kaguya was stunned; she understood what Mashiro meant.

"The reason you were able to stop the atrocities in the well wasn't because of your words, or because of your identity, but because of your power," Mashiro whispered in Kaguya's ear.

Kaguya's expression became blank, and Mashiro's words from before began to echo in her ears. "Power! A power that completely surpasses everyone else, a power that makes people feel unshakeable."

When this power is forcibly bound to everyone, faced with this invincible force that can never be reached, all desires can only be hidden in the deepest recesses of the heart. Therefore, war will be forever forbidden, thus achieving true and lasting peace.

After a moment of stunned silence, Kaguya seemed to suddenly come to her senses. An excited expression appeared on her fair face. She kissed Mashiro on the cheek, then gently grasped Mashiro's hand with her slender hands, her pretty face full of joy as she said, "Thank you, Mashiro. I understand. I know what to do."

Kaguya was incredibly excited, like a happy little girl who had received candy, completely losing her usual aloofness. Mashiro looked at Kaguya, who was as happy as a child, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

Kaguya, once you have this desire for power, your desires have been unleashed. With the fruit of the Divine Tree, you will surely rule the entire world and bring about eternal peace. If you still fail, I would also like to know exactly where things went wrong.

Several days have passed.

By this time, news of the war had spread to every corner of the land.

When people heard the news of the defeat of the enemy army and the change of rulers, everyone was shocked and couldn't believe it. So, everyone sprang into action, wanting to investigate how that peasant-turned-rebel had managed to do this. How could he, with a mere peasant rebel army, have fought against well-trained warriors and succeeded?

News of this battle was not difficult to obtain, as it was truly legendary. And it was precisely because of this victory that the previously suppressed rebellion in this country stirred up unrest once more. Meanwhile...

Inside an ancient palace, Inoue, who had officially adopted the title of monarch of that country, cautiously waited outside the main hall.

Only when Xiao Li came out did a look of relief appear on his dark and somewhat stern face. He looked at his granddaughter with some expectation in his eyes and quickly asked, "Xiao Li, what did the two adults say?"

Upon hearing her grandfather's question, Xiao Li quickly replied, "Grandfather, Lord Mashiro asked me to tell you that everything should be done as agreed upon." Naruto repeatedly pondered the few words Xiao Li had relayed to him, a deep thought appearing on his dark face.

Seeing this, Xiao Li paused for a moment and said, "Grandfather, you don't need to think too much. Kaguya-sama and Mashiro-sama are both very gentle people. You just need to completely obey their wishes."

Hearing Xiaoli's words, Jingzhong was taken aback for a moment, then realized what she meant and quickly said, "Yes, yes, Xiaoli, you are right. Lady Mashiro and Lady Kaguya are both transcendent beings, so naturally they don't worry too much about worldly things. I was overthinking it."

Once he understood this, he felt much more relaxed.

He looked at Xiao Li with a relieved expression, a rough but warm look appearing on his dark face.

At this moment, for this half-old man who had experienced bloodshed and war, his only granddaughter was probably the most important thing in his heart. "Little Li, you must serve Lady Kaguya well. The two ladies have bestowed unimaginable favors upon our family, and I can only feel at ease when you are by Lady Kaguya's side," Inoue said, stroking Little Li's head.

Xiao Li hesitated for a moment, then suddenly said, "Grandfather, recently a new maid has appeared beside Lady Kaguya. Do you know her background?" Inoue pondered for a moment and said, "I haven't sent anyone. What, Xiao Li, do you dislike that person?"

Xiao Li's eyes darted away for a moment before she said, "It's not that I dislike her, it's just that I feel she doesn't genuinely want to be by Kaguya-sama's side."

He understood Xiao Li's meaning and smiled, saying, "Then let's find a chance to let her leave." Xiao Li's pretty face tightened slightly. The grandfather and granddaughter chatted for a long time before finally parting ways.

Meanwhile, inside the ancient palace, Haku and Kaguya were sitting in a side hall, watching the snow-like petals of the scattered flowers in the courtyard fall to the ground in the wind, creating a sea of ​​red.

In the corridor, Mashiro lay on Kaguya's body, a serene look in her eyes as she quietly watched the beautiful scenery before her, enjoying this moment of tranquility.

For many people, there are many beautiful scenes around them, but they don't notice them. Obviously, for her, sometimes beautiful scenery is much more interesting than fighting and killing.

Since coming into this world, Mashiro's life has become much more leisurely, with most of her time spent reading or appreciating the colorful scenery of this world.

Kaguya, however, seemed somewhat distracted. Her gaze lingered on the fluttering boudoir flowers before her, her expression somewhat blank. She gently stroked Shiro's hair with great care, as if she were nervous about something.

Her beautiful white eyes were pure and calm, her gaze shifting slightly, occasionally glancing softly at the real Shiro in her arms. Each time this happened, her breathing would become a little heavier.

"Kaguya, what happened?" Mashiro asked softly, gazing gently at Kaguya.

A barely perceptible blush appeared on Kaguya's face. She forced herself to remain calm, a faint blush appearing on her fair skin. She gently shook her head and said, "It's nothing."

Mashiro didn't pay any attention and turned to look at the falling cherry blossoms again.

Chapter 107: Heaven on Earth (Part 1)

A few more days passed.

Over the past few days, Inoue gradually consolidated the power of the other country, becoming its true ruler. Originally, Inoue, whose strength had greatly increased, intended to take advantage of the internal strife in that country to launch an offensive against Suisen.

However, with the arrival of the Emperor of the Ancestral Kingdom, this war, which had not yet begun, was put on hold due to a request from the Emperor. "What did you say? The Emperor wants to see the Gods!?" Inside the palace, Jingzhong exclaimed in surprise.

At this moment, he could probably handle anything calmly, unless it involved Mashiro and Kaguya.

His expression turned slightly serious, and he was secretly pondering whether or not he should inform Lord Mashiro.

The Emperor actually knows Lord Mashiro's name. Could it be that the Emperor and Lord Mashiro are acquainted? Otherwise, how could he dare to make such a request?

Just then, Nara, who had become the prime minister of that country, stepped forward in the main hall. His white hair framed his face as he respectfully looked into the well.

He said in a deep voice, "According to my investigation, Guan Zi of the Ancestral Kingdom happened to be present when the Divine Tree rioted. Moreover, it seems that the two deities were also present. Perhaps they know each other. It would be better to inquire about the significance of the deities."

After saying this, he withdrew, leaving the final decision to Inoku. After a moment's thought, Inoku ultimately decided to vote back to Lord Mashiro.

When Mashiro received the message from the well, she couldn't help but smile slightly, then chuckled, "It's alright, that guy was the first person I met. Tell him..."

I'll go see him, Kaguya and I will."

Hearing Mashiro's words, and bowing respectfully as he left, his heart sank inwardly.

For some reason, despite being in the same palace, Mashiro had not seen Kaguya for the past two days. Kaguya had been hiding deep inside the palace, as if she was deliberately avoiding Mashiro.

Mashiro didn't pay much attention to this, simply assuming that she was pondering her future direction.

However, when the emperor's invitation to meet arrived, Mashiro still sent Takeru to inform Kaguya.

Let Kaguya get to know that naive guy; wouldn't that be interesting for her? After receiving the news, Kaguya, who had been hiding in the palace for many days, finally showed herself.

Kaguya was no different from before, wearing a wide red and white robe, her silver hair flowing behind her, and two vermilion dots on her fair and delicate face.

However, at this moment, she gradually shed the coldness on her face.

Whenever her gaze fell upon Mashiro, her fair eyes would always sparkle with a gentle, watery softness, displaying a sweet and gentle demeanor.

Although Mashiro noticed all of this, she didn't pay attention to it, simply assuming that Kaguya had finally experienced the feeling of being in love.

"Kaguya, let's go see that guy, Tenshi. If you spend a lot of time with him, you'll find he's a very interesting person," Mashiro said softly.

Upon hearing Mashiro's words, Kaguya's bright, clear eyes were fixed on his face. Her expression softened, and a faint blush slowly rose to her cheeks. She said softly, "This concubine will obey Mashiro-sama's arrangements in everything."

Mashiro was somewhat confused by Kaguya's sudden change in address, but didn't say anything. The next day, at the camp where Sekiko was stationed on the border between the Land of the Other and the Land of Ancestors.

Just as the soldiers were patrolling the camp, two figures suddenly appeared on the gentle path of heaven in the distance. It was Mashiro, dressed in a black divine robe, and Kaguya, dressed in a red and white robe.

When the soldiers saw them, their expressions changed drastically. They exchanged glances, their faces brightening. "Yes, it's them!"

"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and report to His Majesty the Emperor!" Upon hearing this, a soldier hurriedly ran into the tent.

A moment later, Sekiko rushed out with a group of soldiers, just in time to meet Mashiro and Kaguya as they walked to the front of the tent.

The Emperor's handsome face was serious, his gaze fixed intently on Mashiro. He said softly, "Should I address you as Miss Mashiro, or the Goddess of the Rabbit?" Hearing this, Mashiro's lips curved into a slight smile, and she said softly, "I regret to inform you that the Goddess you speak of doesn't refer to me. According to our..."

Just use the way you addressed me when we first met.

Sekiko's expression was grave. She didn't believe what Mashiro had said, stepped aside to make way for him, and politely said, "Mashiro, Kaguya, please come with me." With that, she walked into the tent, and Mashiro and Kaguya followed slowly.

After they sat down, the emperor's gaze lingered for a moment on Kaguya's fair and delicate face, but he couldn't help but feel amazed.

However, he quickly composed himself, shifted his gaze to Mashiro who was smiling, and said in a deep voice, "The reason I invited you to meet me is to talk to you about the affairs of the other country."

Mashiro took a sip of tea, her face expressionless.

Seeing this, the Emperor's expression darkened. He continued, "Mashiro, the war in that country must be related to you, right?" "If you put it that way, I suppose so," Mashiro replied softly.

The emperor sighed and continued, "I know you are very powerful, but I would like to ask you not to participate in the wars of this world anymore."

After speaking, the Emperor knelt heavily before Mashiro, his palms on the ground, looking extremely serious.

Seeing his actions, Mashiro remained unmoved, while Kaguya, standing to the side, slightly frowned, her fair eyes looking at the Emperor before her with curiosity. Indeed, just as Mashiro had said, this guy was quite interesting.

However, that was all. Kaguya's gaze fell on Mashiro again. Kaguya's impression of the Emperor was still quite good.

After all, she was a peace-loving person, and she fully agreed with the Emperor's idea of ​​maintaining world peace. However, at this moment, she had a completely new understanding of peace based on the concepts that Mashiro had instilled in her before.

If people's desires are not fundamentally curbed, war will always exist. The only way to truly usher in an era of peace is through absolute power that completely dominates all living beings. Only then will people whose desires have been suppressed cease their constant fighting…

Thinking of this, her gaze involuntarily turned to Mashiro beside her. Her fair eyes held a gentle and sweet tenderness. If it were Mashiro, and if the fruit were given to her, she would surely be able to do it.

Looking at the emperor kneeling before her in a dogeza posture, Mashiro said softly, "Then, Your Majesty, what do you wish me to do?"

Upon hearing Mashiro's words, both the Emperor and Kaguya were slightly taken aback. The Emperor was somewhat surprised.

Was it really that easy to convince Mashiro?

He quickly sat up straight and said excitedly, "You just need to stop getting involved in the wars between different countries."

At this point, his eyes became somewhat solemn, and he slowly said, "After all, after every war, it is always the ordinary people who suffer the most heavy losses."

With a calm expression, Zhenbai said softly, "What you say makes sense, Your Majesty. I can agree to these things, but I also need you to do one thing for me."

Upon hearing Mashiro's words, the emperor was taken aback.

However, his expression turned serious in a moment, and he said in a deep voice, "Of course, as long as you can grant my request, whatever you ask for, as long as it is within my power, I will grant it."

Hearing his words, Zhenbai smiled and said softly, "There's no need to be so nervous, Your Majesty. Rest assured, the request I'm making should be a very easy thing for you."

The Emperor looked intently at Mashiro, awaiting her next request.

Mashiro glanced at Kaguya beside her and said softly, "Kaguya, could you excuse yourself for a moment?" Kaguya looked at Mashiro with some confusion, but nodded and turned to leave.

"Your Majesty, I will be leaving for a while. I hope you can protect Kaguya while I'm gone," Mashiro said, their fingers interlocked.

Chapter 108: Heaven on Earth (Part 2)

"Even if you're leaving, shouldn't Kaguya be handed over to those people in the well? They're your subordinates." The Emperor asked doubtfully. "Desire is an abyss, it's simple, I don't trust them," Mashiro said meaningfully.

"You mean..." The emperor's eyes also grew heavy, and then he said, "I understand. If anything unexpected happens, I will protect Kaguya."

"Your Majesty, you are a good person, a good leader, and a good general, but you are not a qualified monarch. Your kindness lacks a certain degree, thus becoming a weakness to some extent. I hope you can keep your promise, otherwise..." Zhenbai did not continue and turned to leave.

The emperor stood there, stunned.

"What did you say to him?" Kaguya asked softly from outside the tent.

"It's nothing, let's go back." Mashiro took Kaguya's hand and floated in the air. A few days passed after Mashiro's meeting with the Emperor.

The other country then announced a cessation of the war and shifted its focus to improving the living standards of its people.