Minamikawa stood in the quiet hall, his gaze resting on the two young boys before him.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then slowly, he looked away.
Even at such a young age, it was impossible to ignore what they carried within them.
Indra and Ashura…
They were not ordinary children.
Just like their father before them, they had inherited a portion of Hagoromo's power. And through that, traces of Kaguya's strength also flowed within their blood.
That alone set them apart from everyone else.
Their existence itself held meaning.
Their potential… was frightening.
In Minamikawa's eyes, this wasn't just about talent.
It was something deeper.
Something that, if nurtured properly, could shake the world.
If their power was fully developed… they could stand on the same level as the strongest beings alive.
Their bloodline was pure.
Their foundation was strong.
And their future—
Still unwritten.
---
But strength alone didn't define everything.
Their personalities were completely different.
Indra stood quietly.
His eyes were calm, yet sharp.
He observed everything carefully, noticing details others would miss. Even at his age, there was a sense of maturity in him that didn't belong to a child.
His talent was extraordinary.
Almost overwhelming.
He thought before he acted.
Spoke only when necessary.
And always seemed to understand more than he showed.
Ashura, however…
Was the complete opposite.
He laughed easily.
Moved freely.
And carried a natural warmth that filled the entire space around him.
Where Indra was controlled—
Ashura was open.
Where Indra calculated—
Ashura trusted.
His talent wasn't as sharp as his brother's, but there was something unique about him.
His connection to natural energy was incredibly strong.
In fact, when it came to Senjutsu…
Ashura might even surpass Indra.
---
In Minamikawa's eyes—
Both were exceptional.
Just… in different ways.
But there was something else.
Something subtle.
Something dangerous.
Hagoromo.
Their father.
Was already showing favoritism.
---
Later, when the children ran outside to explore the palace gardens…
Minamikawa turned toward Hagoromo.
His voice calm, but direct.
"Tell me honestly."
"Between the two… you prefer Ashura, don't you?"
Hagoromo froze.
The question caught him off guard.
For a moment, he remained silent.
Then slowly…
He nodded.
"Yes."
"In terms of talent, Indra is stronger."
"But in terms of character…"
"Ashura is better."
Minamikawa stared at him quietly.
Then sighed.
"They're still children."
"How can you already judge their character?"
His tone wasn't harsh.
But it carried weight.
"Indra thinks deeply, yes."
"But that's not a flaw."
"It's simply who he is."
---
In Minamikawa's eyes, this wasn't about choosing who was right.
It was about understanding.
Indra's sharp mind was not something to suppress.
And Ashura's kindness was not something to blindly praise.
Both needed guidance.
Both needed balance.
But if Hagoromo continued like this—
Favoring one over the other—
Then even a small difference could grow into something much worse.
Especially with Indra's nature.
He would notice.
He would remember.
And over time—
That feeling could change him.
"Sometimes… it's better not to interfere too much with children."
Minamikawa spoke slowly.
"Let them grow."
"If you try to shape everything…"
"You may end up creating the very thing you fear."
Hagoromo lowered his head slightly.
"You're right, Father."
But Minamikawa could tell—
He hadn't truly accepted it.
---
Seeing this, Minamikawa said nothing more.
Some lessons could not be taught directly.
They had to be learned.
Still…
A quiet thought remained in his heart.
"I just hope… they don't end up standing against each other."
Because if that day ever came—
The world itself might suffer.
---
Compared to Hagoromo…
Hamura's situation was simpler.
Although he had married, he had no children yet.
Minamikawa wasn't concerned.
They had long lives ahead.
There was no need to rush.
---
After a moment, Minamikawa smiled faintly.
"Come here."
"Let me introduce you."
He turned slightly.
And called someone forward.
Kaguya.
---
The moment she appeared—
The entire atmosphere changed.
Indra and Ashura froze instantly.
Their bodies stiffened.
Because what they felt…
Was overwhelming.
A pressure far beyond anything they had ever experienced.
Cold.
Heavy.
Absolute.
This was not something they could understand yet.
This was the presence of the origin of chakra.
Even without moving—
Kaguya felt like a force of nature.
Something distant.
Something untouchable.
Something terrifying.
She looked at them once.
Only once.
Her expression didn't change.
Her eyes held no warmth.
Only indifference.
Like a god looking down on the world.
---
"Don't scare them."
Minamikawa's voice broke the silence.
He gently took her hand.
A small gesture—
But filled with meaning.
Kaguya glanced at him.
Then slowly…
Her aura faded.
The suffocating pressure disappeared.
The two children breathed again.
Relief washed over them instantly.
---
Minamikawa turned his gaze back to them.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I heard something interesting."
"You both want to become kings one day?"
The question caught them off guard.
Ashura spoke immediately.
"Yes!"
His eyes were bright.
Full of excitement.
"I want to lead people!"
"To make life better for everyone!"
"That sounds amazing!"
Indra hesitated.
But after a moment—
He nodded as well.
It was a natural dream.
To rule.
To lead.
To shape the future.
---
Behind them, Hagoromo grew tense.
He watched Minamikawa carefully.
Worried about how he would react.
But Minamikawa simply smiled.
"That's a bold dream."
He spoke calmly.
"But ruling is not easy."
"It's far harder than you imagine."
He paused.
Then—
He made a decision.
---
"Since you want to experience it…"
"Then I'll give you that chance."
The hall fell silent.
Even Hagoromo looked shocked.
---
Minamikawa's voice remained steady.
"From today onward… you will both become rulers."
"Indra…"
"Black Turtle Island will be yours."
"Ashura…"
"You will rule the Island of Ryu."
---
The words echoed through the hall.
Even the children were stunned.
They didn't fully understand yet.
But everyone else did.
---
Beyond the main land…
There were many islands.
Discovered over the years.
Vast lands filled with potential.
Untouched.
Wild.
Waiting.
Black Turtle Island—
Strong and vast.
Island of Ryu—
Rich and full of life.
Both were powerful territories in the making.
And now—
They had been given away.
---
Not as gifts.
But as responsibility.
---
Minamikawa looked at the two children seriously.
"These lands are not toys."
"They are your duty."
"You will learn what it means to rule."
"You will learn what it means to protect."
"And most importantly—"
"You will learn what it means to lead people."
This was not just an opportunity.
It was a test.
A beginning.
A path.
Two children…
Had just been given kingdoms.
And from this moment forward—
Their choices…
Would shape the future of the entire world.
-------------------------------------------
Extra chapters available on patreon ❤️🔥
patreon.com/Samurai492
__________________________________