Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 146: Democracy?
2 JULY KONOHA YEAR 46
RAIKEN HOME - IN THE MORNING
"Husband," called Mikoto.
Raiken did not notice her. He was deep in thought about his yesterday conversation with the Hokage, his mind turning the same thing over and over without reaching a conclusion.
He was thinking about Democracy and the impact this system would have on the elemental nations.
In his past world, the countries that carried the Democracy system were usually the loudest compared to others, always the most vocal about Human Rights, justice and peace as though saying the words loudly enough would make them looked nobles compared to other country.
He had grown up surrounded by the idea that Democracy was the pinnacle of governance system, the fairest system humanity had ever managed to build and the one most worth protecting.
But at the same time he knew better, even Democracy had its flaws and weaknesses. Even the most celebrated governments in his past world carried cracks beneath the surface that nobody in power liked to acknowledge and when those governments felt threatened they would do whatever was necessary to stay in power regardless of the principles they publicly claimed to stand by.
There was one country he remembered clearly. Before the elections, the current ruling president had captured the opposition leader and thrown him into prison, leaving no one in the opposition strong enough to give them a real challenge, the voter are confused on whom should they choose because too many opposition party.
The election still happened on schedule and the results were predictable, without the strong opposition leader, the current president would still win the election.
This method are better compared to use military to declare state of emergency or martial war, like what happen to that popular country in the past. Where the president use state of emergency so he can still be in power and the result he wasn't just lost people trust but he was even thrown to prison. (Ehem ehem you know what country)
'Does the feudal system need to continue existing?' thought Raiken, turning over the Hokage decision in his mind.
The feudal system of the elemental nations had existed for over a thousand years without a single change of dynasty and yet here he was, thinking about whether to dismantle the very foundation that had held it all together for so long.
Suddenly he felt a soft touch on his cheek.
"Mikoto?" muttered Raiken, blinking back into the present. "How long have you been here?"
Mikoto smiled softly but the worry behind her eyes was difficult to hide and Raiken could see it with just one glance.
"I have been here for a while calling your name but you did not answer even once," she replied, her voice slightly down because worried with her husband. "What is really going on?"
Raiken looked at his wife for a moment and he decided to tell her the truth, she deserved at least to know the gist of what had been weighing on him.
"After that bastard Rengoku was executed, we still have not decided who should be placed as the next Daimyo," said Raiken because currently the seat for the daimyo are temporarily seat. "That is what I have been thinking over in my head. I did not even realize you were calling for me, I am sorry."
Mikoto looked at him for a moment before giving a small nod.
"Husband, do you have a solution for that?" she asked.
It took Raiken a moment before he nodded as well.
"Yes, I intend to introduce a new concept of governance called Democracy," said Raiken. "Where a civilian, a commoner or a shinobi can elect their leader or new daimyoevery four or five years."
Mikoto was genuinely surprised by the idea. In the feudal system, a Daimyo held his seat for as long as he lived or until he chose to abdicate and abdication itself was almost unheard of coming from the Daimyo. The same had once applied to the Hokage position but the Third Hokage had already proven that a Hokage could be replaced even while still alive, so perhaps the idea was not as far from reality as it first sounded.
"What do you think about it?" asked Raiken.
"To be honest, it sounds like a good idea," replied Mikoto before pausing for a moment. "Is the Hokage rejecting it?"
Raiken nodded slowly. "Yes, the Hokage wants the Daimyo system to remain in place."
[DING! 1000 Stars Donated by Rayn]
[Message: Hokage is right, although monarchy in my country is sometimes corrupt there is still an identity of race and nation tied to it. It is better to limit their power and keep that identity alive]
[Message from Subscriber: My country has no king, only a president and I agree with Raiken]
[Message from Subscriber: In my country the royal family are immune to the law. They have done horrific things and nobody can touch them. Do you know about the Meipstein files? It was a horrifying thing that happened here]
[Message from Subscriber: Even in a country where Democracy exists there is no 100% guarantee it will be free from corruption, but one thing Democracy does well is making the transition to a new ruler happen smoothly]
"Husband," called Mikoto again and Raiken snapped out of his thoughts after reading through the livestream messages.
"Yes, I am sorry for spacing out again," replied Raiken.
Mikoto exhaled helplessly. She understood how heavy the burden her husband was carrying right now and she could see it in the way he kept drifting even when she was right in front of him.
"Promise me you will take care of yourself," said Mikoto. "I know stabilizing this village is not an easy thing to do but as your wife I will always support you."
"Thank you," said Raiken and he stood up before pulling her into a hug.
"You can do it," smiled Mikoto. "The war was stopped by you and thing is a simple."
Raiken smiled grew even wider hearing his wife praised.
[Message from subscriber: I feel jealous and wanted to become Raiken, how can he enjoy the best Waifu in the world]
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There is 30 advanced chapter on my patreon.
Chapter 172: I Come To Bargain
Chapter 173: Madara Peak
Chapter 174: History
Chapter 175: Fraud Zetsu
Chapter 176: Hidden Clan
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