'Truly a case of filial piety — father and son of the same kind.'
'Though the prince used to disguise himself well… or perhaps Kanki and the others were just too naive.'
This needs careful handling. I can't let it interfere with the bigger picture.
Shin'en thought quietly to himself as he walked to the door and called out:
"Who is causing this commotion?!"
"Your Majesty! Forgive me! It is General Kanki… he insisted on seeing you, and I couldn't stop him!"
The night-duty maid immediately knelt on the floor.
"Your Majesty!"
Outside, Kanki himself knelt. When he saw Shin'en's expressionless face as he stepped forward, his heart skipped a beat, and his expression became complicated.
"General Kanki, rise. I know the purpose of your visit."
Shin'en smiled faintly, raising his hand to signal Kanki to stand.
He then glanced at the maid.
"Go fetch Lady Minami."
"General Kanki, please wait in the side hall."
Kanki was both surprised and relieved — he hadn't expected the emperor to finally keep his promise.
As a loyal subject, he had already betrayed the former ruler once. He didn't want a second betrayal, and the Land of Hane could not withstand another upheaval of leadership.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Kanki knelt again on one knee, then followed the maid to the side hall with his wife.
Shin'en returned to his room to change, assisted by Kanki's daughter, Ai, who had volunteered to help.
Looking into the bronze mirror, he saw the reflection of a handsome young man with pale skin and white hair, expression calm and composed.
The reflection mirrored Shin'en's adult self in the Naruto world — only younger.
'It seems that as long as the projection is human, their appearance resembles my adult self in the Naruto world, just at a different age.'
The projection age is fixed at 16; only by spending extra potential points can it be altered.
[Subconscious Mind: Master, I suggest you comply with Kanki's request — the larger picture must come first.]
Shin'en rolled his eyes inwardly:
"Do I look like a lecher? Of course I'll let them go! Only Kaguya matters; everyone else is irrelevant."
"Kanki and General Junichi are close allies, controlling most of Hane's military. I, an ordinary human with no chakra, cannot afford to offend them!"
"But I must find a careful solution. I've just ascended the throne; if others think I'm weak and easily bullied, that's a problem."
"Kaguya will arrive in 99 days. Until then, I need to stabilize the situation."
After a moment of thought, Shin'en's eyes lit up.
"Got it!"
He set off toward the side hall.
When Shin'en arrived, he found Lady Minami holding her child, quietly weeping.
"Your Majesty!"
Seeing Shin'en enter, both mother and daughter immediately bowed.
"No need for formalities."
Shin'en took his seat on the throne.
"Speaking of which, Kanki, we should return your wife and daughter as soon as possible.
I've been having the same dream repeatedly, which has exhausted me — I almost forgot this important matter!"
Kanki's face lit up with joy upon hearing Shin'en's clear answer, bowing again, though a hint of confusion lingered.
"What kind of dream, Your Majesty?"
Shin'en's expression grew solemn:
"I dreamed of a celestial maiden descending from the heavens. Ninety-nine days from now, a white light will envelop her, and she will land near the Land of Soshino and the Land of Hane."
"A celestial maiden… descending from the sky?" Kanki's eyes widened in shock. Lady Minami shared the same expression.
Shin'en nodded gravely:
"Just now, I had the same dream again. This is the divine consort sent by heaven.
To honor her, I plan to send away the women in the harem first thing tomorrow morning.
I didn't expect you to arrive tonight.
Since that is the case, preparing for the celestial maiden's arrival in 99 days is entrusted entirely to you."
"This… Your Majesty!" Kanki dropped to one knee, speaking with deep respect.
People of this era were extremely superstitious, revering gods and spirits. The emperor was considered the heavenly mandate's successor.
Kanki's courage to act against the former tyrant was due not only to the ruler's cruelty, but also because the prince (Shin'en) now embodied the new heavenly mandate.
Of course, some people were skeptics, believing in nothing, but most adhered to the principle of better safe than sorry.
Shin'en continued:
"This matter must remain secret for now — only four people may know."
"Four?" Kanki blinked in surprise.
Shin'en clarified:
"General Junichi as well. This is entrusted to both of you.
You are my trusted right and left hands; I am confident leaving it in your care.
But secrecy is crucial.
If Bizi or Soshino learn of this and offend the celestial maiden, humanity across the land could perish!"
Seeing the emperor's serious demeanor, Kanki nodded emphatically:
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Lady Minami also knelt, pledging complete discretion.
"Good. I trust you to handle it. Now, go rest."
"Yes!"
Kanki and his wife bowed once more and retreated.
"By the way, have General Junichi retrieve his former concubines tomorrow as well," Shin'en called out, adding:
"Also, to show respect for the late emperor, taxes for the next three years will be reduced by one-third!"
Gratitude shone on Kanki's face. With utmost reverence, he said:
"On behalf of the people of Hane, we thank Your Majesty for your generosity!"
Satisfied with their response, Shin'en nodded slightly and dismissed them.
As expected, people of this era were easily pleased.
The Next Day
News spread across the Land of Hane, stirring the entire nation.
With Kanki and Junichi's support, Shin'en firmly established his reign.
He had prepared everything that could be done.
Each night, soldiers took turns observing the stars.
Time flew by, and the day of Kaguya's arrival quietly approached.
That night, the stars shone brilliantly, the sky filled with countless points of light.
Shin'en closed his eyes in the imperial chamber, checking his attributes.
[Potential Points: 135]
After 99 days in this world, his dreams had added 35 more potential points.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"
Hearing a commotion outside, Shin'en opened his eyes sharply and dashed from the chamber.
"Your Majesty, your prophecy has been fulfilled!
A glowing object, like a star, streaked across the northwest sky!
As you commanded, General Junichi has already led men to investigate!"
Kanki's tone was full of reverence.
Shin'en's spirits lifted. He dashed back to his room, grabbed a flat stone, about the size of a basketball, from under the bed, then ran outside.
"Your Majesty… what is that?" Kanki asked, puzzled as Shin'en carried the stone.
"Carry this, and lead the way!" Shin'en placed the heavy stone in Kanki's arms and adjusted his own attire while walking.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Kanki held the stone as they ran northwest.