Screams echoed as everyone fled the palace.
"Th-this… was this truly divine punishment?"
The thought burned in every heart.
Even the most skilled mystics of their land, men capable of wielding powers beyond ordinary mortals, could not have slain so many in an instant. And above all—they all believed in gods.
So, even if they denied it with their mouths, their hearts already accepted the truth. This was godly wrath.
The guards dropped to their knees before Kaede and Kaguya, pledging loyalty.
"Good. Since you now submit to the gods, you will proclaim their descent to the people. From this day forth, the Land of Stars shall fall under the rule of the Divine Nation, and all shall enjoy divine protection."
Kaede smiled faintly.
In this age, conquering a nation was simple—unmatched strength, a single act of merciless slaughter, and the rest would kneel.
"Yes!"
The guards hurried to comply, ready to spread the word.
But soon, the disturbance drew others—the mystics of the Land of Stars.
They strode forward in ornate robes, staffs in their hands. Natural elements pulsed faintly from the crystal tips.
Kaede studied them calmly. These were no fools. They had learned to channel elemental forces, shaping them into powers ordinary men could not wield. If not for the Divine Tree and the coming of the Otsutsuki, perhaps this world would have built its future upon elemental mastery. Given centuries, they might have rivaled shinobi themselves.
But fate had left no such path open.
"What is this? Guards, your duty is to protect the daimyo—why are you kneeling to strangers? And who are you?"
The leader of the mystics demanded, frowning at Kaede and Kaguya.
"You must be the chief mystic," Kaede replied calmly.
"I am. And you are—"
The man's words faltered. His body stiffened as the weight of Kaede's presence fell upon him like an ocean crushing a firefly.
He could not breathe. His staff trembled in his grip.
"M-my lord…"
He fell to his knees, trembling.
For he knew—only one who grasped true natural power could recognize just how terrifying Kaede's aura was.
"No. We are not lords. We are gods. The daimyo of the Land of Stars and his ministers disrespected divinity. They have been judged. From this day, your land is part of the Divine Nation. Will you submit?"
Kaede's tone carried no doubt.
"We… we submit."
The chief mystic pressed his head to the floor. Behind him, the others followed, their staffs clattering as they knelt.
"Good. From today, you are children of the gods. The Land of Stars shall be divine land."
At his signal, the drums thundered.
Beyond the palace, the people gathered, drawn by the sound.
"The daimyo of the Land of Stars disrespected the gods and was punished with death. From this day, your land is under divine rule. If anyone objects, speak now. But know this—those who disrespect the gods shall face divine punishment."
The people trembled, then bowed.
For them, whether their nation was named Star or Divine meant little. They were common folk. The daimyo's oppressive rule had crushed them for years. If new rulers brought better lives, then why resist?
And soon, they did.
The integration of the Land of Stars was smooth, beyond precedent. Officials were dispatched, and order spread swiftly. The common people, finding themselves living better than under their former daimyo, began to support Kaede and Kaguya of their own accord.
The Divine Nation's domain grew larger still.
But just as they celebrated the successful conquest, news arrived.
"Lord!"
A mystic Kaede had sent to oversee the border staggered into the hall, battered and bloodied, falling to his knees.
"Our officials were slaughtered. The people there reject your rule. They say you are nothing but a fraud. And… they have declared a new kingdom. The Land of Water!"
Gasps filled the chamber.
The mystic's robes were torn, his wounds severe. Many of his companions had died. He had barely escaped.
"Oh?" Kaede's brows rose in surprise. "So there is resistance still?"
"Yes, my lord. It is led by General Masao. He was once at odds with the daimyo, but he earned great merit for the Land of Stars. The daimyo dared not kill him, so he was banished to the frontier. There, he built his own army. The borderland came to follow him alone. Though part of the Land of Stars in name, it has long been beyond its control.
When we came to deliver your decree, he not only refused, but slaughtered our men. And now, he has crowned himself king, founding the Land of Water."
(End of Chapter)
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