Following the same path they had taken, three days later, they still encountered large numbers of refugees.
This time, however, after a brief moment of silence, they simply leaped over them and continued on their way.
This was a harsh era, one where survival was a battle of its own. They had already done what they could. No one was a savior, and they could not rescue the entire world.
Five days later, the four of them arrived back in the Nation of Qin at full speed.
After four months of development, the Nation of Qin had become increasingly prosperous. The people lived in peace, their faces brimming with contentment as they walked the bustling streets. Smiles were commonplace, a stark contrast to the chaotic world beyond its borders.
Upon returning to his office, Qin Yi received a report from his subordinates.
"Some of the refugees have indeed chosen to join us."
A faint smile played on Qin Yi's lips as he closed his eyes for a brief moment, sensing the subtle yet distinct surge of royal power within him.
Just two days ago, some of the refugees they had passed on their way to the Land of Iron had already arrived at the Nation of Qin, seeking a new home.
"To make the kingdom flourish, population and territory are the foundation."
Without a steady influx of people, the Nation of Qin could not grow. A kingdom was not just its land, it was its people, their faith, and their will.
The desk before him was stacked with documents, reports detailing the affairs of the past few days. One by one, Qin Yi reviewed them, approving some with his signature and setting others aside for rejection.
Two hours later, he stretched lazily, finally finished with the paperwork.
Though the Nation of Qin was still relatively small, governing it required constant attention. Qin Yi never neglected these duties; after all, ensuring the well-being of his people was a king's responsibility.
His thoughts shifted to another pressing matter.
"Konoha should be delivering the Bijū in a few days."
His eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered the implications.
"Once the Seven-Tails is in our hands, I can put it to use. Our strength will expand."
And with that, the next phase of the kingdom's expansion could begin.
Establishing a nation to rival the Five Great Shinobi Countries would not be easy. It would take time, careful planning, and strategic execution. The most critical step was gradual expansion, spreading outward from the Nation of Qin to lay the foundation for a true empire.
However, the current geopolitical landscape was complex. The Five Great Countries maintained a delicate balance, bound by treaties and unspoken agreements, while smaller nations existed in a fragile coexistence.
A direct military campaign was not an option. Not yet.
"I need to plan carefully. Rushing in blindly will only invite disaster."
His gaze darkened as he delved into deep thought.
Three days later, a team from Konoha arrived. A Chunin stepped forward to report.
"Your Majesty, Konoha has sent their delegation with the Bijū."
Qin Yi's eyes lit up, and a faint smile curved his lips.
"So, it has finally arrived."
He rose from his seat and descended the steps. Outside the QinKage Office Building, the Konoha delegation stood in disciplined silence, waiting.
"Sarutobi San, thank you for making the journey." Qin Yi greeted them warmly.
The leader of the group was none other than the future Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Beside him stood Danzo and a few other shinobi, all maintaining a formal demeanor.
"QinKage Sama." Sarutobi inclined his head respectfully before placing a large, rope-bound jar on the ground. Sealing tags covered its surface, densely arranged with intricate Fūuinjutsu.
"The Seven-Tails is sealed inside. Hashirama Sama personally instructed me to deliver it to you, QinKage Sama." Sarutobi spoke with unwavering seriousness.
Qin Yi studied the young Hiruzen, noting his grave expression. Even at this age, he carried himself with a certain air of responsibility, though, to Qin Yi, it also made him seem somewhat rigid.
His gaze swept over the others. Their expressions were equally formal, devoid of unnecessary words.
Shaking his head lightly, Qin Yi retrieved a scroll from his pocket and handed it to Sarutobi.
"This is your agreed compensation. Please deliver it to Hashirama San upon your return."
Sarutobi took the scroll, his eyes filled with caution as he carefully tucked it away while Qin Yi watched all of this with amusement.
With this transaction complete, the Nation of Qin had taken another step forward. The future was beginning to take shape.
The reward Qin Yi had offered during the Six Kage Conference consisted of various Ninjutsu he had personally developed. While none of them were overwhelmingly powerful, their diversity and unusual effects made them highly valuable to Konoha.
For Qin Yi, trading these techniques for a Bijū (Tailed Beast) was an easy decision, minimal loss, maximum gain.
"Since our business here is concluded, we will be taking our leave. Farewell, QinKage Sama." Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke in a steady, formal tone.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay for a meal before leaving? You've come all this way, and I haven't had the chance to offer you any hospitality." Qin Yi spread his hands in a gesture of casual invitation.
"This matter is of great importance. We must return to Konoha immediately. I hope you understand, QinKage Sama. We will meet again soon." Sarutobi Hiruzen's reply was firm, his gaze unwavering.
"If that's the case, Hiruzen San, then I'll look forward to our next meeting." Qin Yi didn't press further and simply smiled.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his team turned swiftly and departed.
With shinobi from the Nation of Qin escorting them, the Konoha delegation soon disappeared from sight.
Qin Yi's gaze fell upon the large, rope-bound jar before him.
Even through the layers of seals, anyone with keen perception could feel the immense, sinister, and wild energy sealed within.
"Is this what His Majesty gained from the Six Kage Conference?" Gandalf strode forward, his wise eyes scrutinizing the jar as he asked.
"This energy is both dark and formidable. It's difficult to imagine how something so small can contain such vast power."
His voice carried both curiosity and caution.
"It seems to be a type of magical Fūinjutsu (Sealing Technique)," he mused thoughtfully.
Qin Yi's eyes flickered as he studied the intricate seal. He had no knowledge of Fūinjutsu, if anything, he was completely ignorant of it. Even the scroll Madara had given him contained no records on such techniques.
However, he knew that those who did understand sealing techniques weren't far away.
Despite the Five Great Nations each having been granted their own Bijū, they were still in the early stages of understanding how to wield their power. Their research remained largely theoretical.
"You're right, Gandalf. This is indeed a Fūinjutsu." Qin Yi nodded, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips.
"Your Majesty, now that you possess this, how do you intend to use it? If such a vast entity were to break free, it would be a catastrophe." Gandalf's expression was serious, his fingers lightly grazing the surface of the jar as if trying to gauge the power within.
"I don't have an answer yet. Communicating with it through this jar is impossible."
Qin Yi exhaled slowly, his gaze sharpening. "I'll need to seek guidance from our neighbors."
"Neighbors?" Gandalf arched an eyebrow in curiosity.
"The Uzu no Kuni (The Land of Whirlpools). They are the foremost experts in Fūinjutsu. If we can obtain their methods, we will have a way to truly harness the power of this Bijū."
Qin Yi's tone was calm yet resolute.
Gandalf narrowed his eyes. "This energy is immense. Your Majesty must proceed with the utmost caution."
"I understand."
Qin Yi nodded firmly.
The Seven-Tails was now in his possession, but for the moment, he had no means of controlling it. The only viable method he could think of was the Mangekyō Sharingan.
However, even the Mangekyō Sharingan would struggle to maintain dominance over such an enormous force indefinitely.
Thus, the best approach was to rely on the Fūinjutsu techniques of the Uzu no Kuni (The Land of Whirlpools).
(End Of This Chapter.)
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