Mastermind of the Akatsuki

Upon seeing the rewards of Dark Medical Ninjutsu and Body Revival Technique, Byakuya was momentarily stunned. However, through the system prompts and the memories in his mind, he quickly understood the purpose of these two secret techniques.

In simple terms, both jutsus enhanced the upper limit of physical strength while also offering some healing abilities and immunity to minor injuries.

For Byakuya, who possessed traces of Asura's bloodline, these techniques served as the proverbial cherry on top.

Currently, his healing capabilities might not match monsters like the late-game Orochimaru or Six Paths Obito and Madara, but they were likely on par with the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.

It seemed that, compared to farming resources in Amegakure, directly recruiting new members proved to be a faster way to earn rewards.

However, the rewards from smaller villages like the Hidden Sky Village and the Land of Hot Water were still quite limited. Combined, they were no match for someone like Nagato, who possessed the Rinnegan.

Clearing his thoughts, Byakuya shifted his attention to the conventional rewards, such as Kunai Gun Techniques.

These rewards wouldn't directly enhance his strength. Even crafting the Chakra Armor and Kunai Gun wouldn't give him a significant edge in battles against other Kage-level fighters.

Instead, their greatest utility lay in boosting the overall strength of the Akatsuki organization.

Although Genin and Chunin only contributed modestly to the prosperity score, every bit added up. Their collective efforts significantly enhanced the organization's prosperity.

His unique jutsus and Bloodline Limits stemmed from the elites under his command—Jonin and Kage-level fighters.

Still, his foundational power was built upon the accumulation of efforts from ordinary ninjas. While he hadn't yet reached the level of a "super-Kage," he was virtually invincible at the Kage level.

After calming his wandering thoughts, Byakuya stepped out of the guest room and encountered Kyouki Kazahana in her traditional kimono.

Compared to half a month ago, she had shed much of her youthful innocence and gained a more mature and composed demeanor.

In the two weeks since defeating Doto Kazahana, Koyuki, with the assistance of Konan and Sandayū, had taken control of the Land of Snow and officially become its daimyo.

Although Koyuki lacked experience in governance, Sandayū and the Akatsuki organization had pledged their support. Until she came of age, they would help her manage the nation, gradually returning authority to her.

"Good morning, Byakuya-sama!" Koyuki greeted him quickly as she spotted him.

Byakuya smiled and nodded. "Good morning. How does it feel to officially become the daimyo? Is it tougher than you imagined?"

Koyuki let out a weary sigh, her fatigue evident. "It's definitely harder than before, but it's nothing compared to what you handle, Byakuya-sama."

Byakuya's lips twitched slightly. In truth, he didn't manage much at all.

The true powerhouses in the ninja world—though often the nominal leaders of their villages—seldom bothered with administrative affairs.

For instance, Nagato of the Akatsuki, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure, and even the First Hokage during his era were prime examples. They were figureheads with decision-making authority but delegated the day-to-day governance.

The reason was simple: training to become stronger consumed too much mental energy, leaving little time for managing trivial matters.

Unless a ninja chose to forgo personal growth, dedicating themselves entirely to politics, they would inevitably become a mere politician vying for power, not a warrior on the battlefield.

After offering a few words of encouragement, Byakuya brushed past Koyuki and headed to the office.

As he walked away, Koyuki looked at his back, deep in thought.

She was no longer the naïve girl she had been two weeks ago. With a better understanding of the ninja world, she realized just how renowned Byakuya's name was.

A ninja capable of going toe-to-toe with a Raikage at under twenty years old! This suggested that Byakuya might surpass the Five Kage in the future. Given his age, he could remain a dominant figure on the chessboard for decades to come.

For the Land of Snow, having such a powerhouse as their protector was nothing short of a blessing.

In recent days, she had conversed with emissaries from Amegakure and learned about Akatsuki's ideals. Under their leadership, Amegakure had undergone a miraculous transformation.

If the Land of Snow could achieve similar results under Akatsuki, would it matter if they became a vassal state? Compared to the honor of being a daimyo, she cared more about improving the lives of her people.

If possible, she would have relinquished her position to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.

But that was impossible. Byakuya needed her to remain as the Land of Snow's daimyo. Sandayū needed her too, as did the people of the Land of Snow.

Later, Byakuya visited Konan's room, finding her engrossed in work.

Noticing the approaching footsteps, Konan glanced up and frowned slightly. "Byakuya, the Land of Snow's finances are in complete disarray. Doto Kazahana funneled most of the budget into researching Chakra Armor."

While assisting Sandayū with the nation's affairs, Konan, who had a keen sense of financial matters, quickly identified the source of their fiscal troubles.

Byakuya chuckled. "If he hadn't done that, we wouldn't have a complete set of Chakra Armor technology."

Konan's expression softened at his words.

He was right. Without Doto's obsession, the Land of Snow would never have developed such advanced Chakra Armor technology. However, his approach of exploiting the nation's resources was ultimately unsustainable.

Continuing with the topic, Byakuya asked, "How's the transfer of the Chakra Armor technology going?"

"Yahiko has sent the Six Paths of Nagato to retrieve it. They'll arrive at the village soon."

After a brief pause, Konan seemed to recall something and asked, "By the way, Byakuya, are you really committed to protecting the Land of Snow? Akatsuki's influence doesn't fully extend here yet."

Byakuya nodded slightly. "For the safety of the Land of Rain, we must include the Land of Snow in our sphere of influence. It provides a secure rear base. The oil and gas resources underground are also essential for developing the village's industry. Besides, isn't Akatsuki's purpose to help more people experience the beauty of peace? Without us, the Land of Snow would eventually fall into the hands of another ambitious figure."

Konan nodded in agreement. Previously, she had despised the major ninja villages for their disregard for smaller nations.

But now that the Land of Rain had grown into a major power, she understood. She couldn't stop other large villages from exploiting small ones, but she could ensure the safety of those within Akatsuki's territory.