The bug-like nature of the Edo Tensei technique lies in the fact that, no matter how many deceased individuals are summoned, it places almost no burden or consequence on the caster.
That's ridiculously overpowered.
Fortunately, the technique does have one limiting factor: its precision. If the user lacks proper mastery, the summoned individual will only possess a fraction, at most one-tenth, of their original power.
This jutsu essentially breaks the boundary between life and death. In theory, it could grant true immortality. Orochimaru, for example, could have simply placed himself in a state of Edo Tensei, eliminating the need to constantly switch bodies between himself and the White Snake Sage.
In fact, both the Sage of Six Paths and Otsutsuki Hamura exist in this very state. Once a soul reaches the Six Paths level, it becomes capable of residing in the liminal space between life and death.
"There's no particularly good way to seal it off…"
As Kaede continued to study the technique, he fell into deep thought.
To completely block the Edo Tensei, he would have to sever the connection between the living world and the white realm that exists between life and death. That way, the dead would no longer be able to cross that boundary.
But accomplishing that is incredibly difficult. Never mind the fact that both the Sage of Six Paths and Hamura reside in that in-between world, even if they didn't, forcibly separating the two realms is something far beyond his current abilities. It would likely require power on Kaguya's level, reaching the fourth or even fifth stage of the Six Paths realm.
"…Forget it."
After a thorough examination with no clear solution in sight, Kaede shook his head and gave up on further research.
It was at that moment that Nara Shikaku walked into the office.
"Hokage-sama."
Shikaku gave Kaede a respectful bow as he approached, carrying a stack of documents. He had come to report on Konoha's recent developments and some matters concerning the economy.
Kaede set aside the Book of Seals and looked up with a smile. "Ah, Shikaku. Is this the latest situation report? Have a seat."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Instead of sitting, Shikaku remained standing before Kaede's desk and placed the documents in front of him. Then, he began his report.
The report covered several areas. One was Konoha's current operations, per Kaede's instructions, a greater portion of funds had been redirected to education.
Another part concerned the Land of Rain, which had mostly stabilized. Shikaku requested permission to begin gradually withdrawing Konoha's stationed forces from the region.
"That's fine."
Kaede nodded after a moment of consideration.
The Land of Rain was now firmly under control, and several hundred Rain shinobi had been integrated. There was no longer any need to station six thousand troops there, which was a significant economic burden.
After all, stationed shinobi aren't able to take on paid missions. They're essentially fulfilling direct assignments from Konoha, with all wages paid from the village's coffers.
That's one of the reasons the great ninja wars always dragged on so long,
Because shinobi need to be paid.
If orders were given without proper compensation, discontent would surely follow. Most shinobi have families to support, and it's rare for an entire household to consist of ninja. Many people with insufficient talent don't even make it into the Academy, and some genin and Chunin have children who will never qualify as shinobi.
"Pull back four thousand in phases. Leave two thousand behind to maintain control."
Kaede gave the order to Shikaku.
Shikaku nodded and continued, "The ancient town of Roran, now under our protection, has requested aid. Due to water supply issues, most of their manpower is tied up transporting water, and their situation is becoming increasingly difficult…"
"Hm. I'll take care of it."
Kaede responded with a low hum.
There was no doubt that this issue stemmed from his previous extraction of the Dragon Vein's energy. Without it, Roran lost its ability to draw water from deep underground.
If Queen Sara hadn't gained ninja powers and trained a group of shinobi herself, even basic survival in the desert might have become impossible.
Come to think of it…
This issue must have existed for some time, but Sara had never brought it up.
Kaede could easily guess her reasoning, she probably didn't want to trouble him. The fact that she was now turning to Konoha for aid meant the situation had truly become unsustainable.
"Being too proud isn't always a good thing."
Kaede let out a wry chuckle to himself.
Shikaku continued, "Regarding the formation of the Hokage Guard, the Uchiha, Hyuga, Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Sarutobi, and Aburame clans… all have expressed willingness to contribute personnel."
It was obvious that the Hokage Guard would be a restructured version of the Anbu, an elite force directly under Kaede's command. Naturally, no clan wanted to be excluded from it.
Having a family member in the Hokage Guard meant access to subtle insights into the Hokage's intentions, movements, and future plans.
On the other hand, if a clan were completely excluded, it would signal a lack of trust from the Hokage, and would leave that clan in a constant state of unease.
"I haven't even asked you guys for personnel yet."
Kaede glanced at Shikaku and chuckled. "Put that on hold for now. I'm planning to select a batch of new Academy graduates and train them myself. No need to pull elite shinobi from your clans."
Shikaku nodded. "The last matter concerns the recent negotiations with Kirigakure, which you handed off. Is there anything in particular I should watch for?"
"No need."
Kaede waved a hand. "I accidentally left their Fourth Mizukage severely injured. I doubt they'll try anything. Just make sure to collect the reparations."
Hearing this, Shikaku gave Kaede a strange look.
You accidentally left the Fourth Mizukage severely injured…
And then demanded war reparations.
The fact that Kirigakure actually agreed to such terms… Shikaku had no idea what Kaede had really done during his time there, but he was quite certain it wasn't just an "accident."
"Understood, Hokage-sama. I'll send someone to coordinate with them to either receive the payment or wait for their delivery. By the way… Tsunade-sama borrowed ten million ryo a few days ago, claiming it was under your authorization…"
Authorization, my ass!
Kaede glared at Shikaku. "Where is she now?!"
Shikaku cleared his throat and replied, "She left the village a few days ago."
He had suspected that Tsunade probably hadn't gotten Kaede's actual approval. But she was Kaede's former teacher, one of the Legendary Sannin, and she'd recently been helping train medics in the village's medical department. Besides, the loan wasn't that much.
After considering all that, Shikaku had lent her the money. She used Kaede's name after all, it wasn't his problem, and that way, he offended no one.
"…Fine."
"Consider it her salary for recent contributions."
Kaede wanted to order her dragged back immediately, but in the end, he could only sigh helplessly. "Next time something like this happens, report to me first."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Shikaku's expression didn't change.
"If there's nothing else, you may go."
"Yes."
With that, Shikaku exited the office.
Kaede leaned back in his chair, mulling over the next time Tsunade came to borrow money. If she did, he'd definitely make her sign a binding contract.
If she lost it all again, well, then she'd just have to stay in Konoha forever.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria