5 Chapter 5: Political System

Having mastered his clan's signature jutsu, Yami turned his focus to physical training. Unlike modern times, children in this era had little to occupy their days besides play. However, Yami was far from interested in playing with ordinary children. He needed to concentrate on something else. Training his body before enrolling in the academy at four seemed like the perfect solution.

Thus began Yami's exercise regimen. He initially planned for a hundred push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and a ten-kilometer run. Unfortunately, his small stature held him back. As a result, he scaled back his routine to fifty repetitions of each exercise.

In this world, chakra enhanced the body's strength. Even a child with exceptional chakra reserves could face a teenager with well-developed muscles but no chakra. With his advantage, Yami found completing this exercise routine in just an hour relatively easy, unlike the struggles he might have faced in his own world.

"Phew, finally finished," Yami exclaimed, sprinting towards his backyard and wiping away the sweat. Now, it was time to assess his abilities. However, before delving in, he knocked firmly on the door and called out, "Woman, prepare my bath and lunch. I'm covered in sweat."

"Very well, dear," a voice responded from within.

Yami grabbed a piece of paper and began writing.

"If the average Genin possesses a chakra level of ten, Chunin fifty, and Jonin two hundred, then..." he wrote, pausing to crunch the numbers, "...my level must be around seventy. That means I have roughly the same chakra capacity as a Chunin."

After discussing it with his parents, Yami concluded that he possessed a larger chakra reserve than any other child his age. However, chakra capacity didn't directly translate to ninja rank. For example, a child of the Uzumaki clan would typically have the same chakra reserves as a seasoned Jonin. In Yami's case, his reserves were slightly higher than those of the average Chunin.

"Well, considering it's my isekai story, having such a talent is to be expected," he mused.

He then shifted his focus to chakra density, which represented the quality of his chakra. For a ninja, density was the true measure of talent, influencing how quickly they could learn new techniques. Yami, thankfully, possessed both a high capacity and a high density of chakra.

"This whole reincarnation thing again," Yami sighed, "Of course, that's a given. But still..." He trailed off, contemplating his elemental affinity. "If I have an affinity for Yin or Yang release, I'll have to try my luck with genjutsu or taijutsu, respectively."

These were exciting possibilities, but Yami truly yearned to experiment with fire or lightning techniques. While Yin and Yang release wouldn't allow him to breathe fire or manipulate lightning, those were skills he could explore later. He was already strengthening his body, so taijutsu could wait. As for genjutsu, well, he'd have to actively seek out techniques if that was the path his affinities led him down.

"Why the long face, sweetheart?" Aoi walked out, picked up Yami, and brought him back in.

"It's nothing. Just wondering if I could perform some badass jutsu…" Yami muttered as Aoi removed his clothes and placed him in the bathtub. "Anyway, mommy, can you explain the power system of the village?"

"Umm, your father would nag me, but…" Aoi shrugged her shoulders, "Alright, listen closely. First, there's the Daimyo. They're the supreme rulers of their respective lands, like the Fire Daimyo. The Daimyo hold absolute authority within their territories, controlling the military, finances, and even forging alliances with other nations. They have significant influence over Konohagakure within its borders, but most Daimyo are more like figureheads. Hidden Villages often empower them for political convenience."

Yami, already familiar with the feudal lord system, nodded in understanding. He recognized the parallels between the ninja world and this system, but also the increased influence wielded by Hidden Villages. After all, in times of war, powerful militaries often manipulate the political landscape. With two Ninja Wars already in the past, it wasn't surprising that the Kage held significant sway over their respective Daimyo.

"Next comes the Kage," Aoi continued, gently lathering soap onto his skin. "Each village is led by a Kage, the strongest ninja and undisputed leader. In our village, that's the Hokage, who holds the most influence. Each Hidden Village has its own method of selecting their Kage. The Sand Village, for example, has the Kazekage Clan, who practically rule the village. But in Konohagakure, the existing Hokage chooses a candidate based on their strength, achievements, and overall suitability. This candidate then becomes the next Hokage upon the current one's death or retirement."

"Mother, I appreciate your explanation, but could you please move away from my penis? You've been rubbing it for a full five minutes." Yami interjected, his cheeks flushed a rosy pink. He couldn't understand why Aoi was fixated on cleaning his nether regions when his upper body was drenched in sweat.

Aoi chuckled. "Fufu, what are you talking about? Every part of your body requires equal hygiene."

"Y-yes, of course," Yami stammered, "I momentarily forgot the limitations of your reach. You may continue." He sighed, resigning himself to his fate.

"In any case," Aoi continued, "The Kage holds the ultimate responsibility for making major decisions concerning the village, including missions, promotions, and foreign policy. However, they are not absolute rulers."

"Then what about a system of checks and balances?" Yami inquired. "Who ensures the Kage remains accountable?"

In democracies, the opposition party holds the ruling party accountable. But this is the ninja world, not the United States, so there's no democracy here.

Despite the lack of democracy, Yami remained interested in understanding the system of accountability within this feudal structure, which possessed some oligarchic elements.

Aoi sighed deeply. "Well, there is a council of advisors who assist the Kage. My knowledge is limited regarding other villages, but I know Konoha has one. The Hokage consults with them on significant matters. This helps to prevent impulsive choices and fosters a sense of shared leadership."

"And let me guess," Yami said, folding his arms, "This esteemed 'council' is also handpicked by the same individual who becomes Hokage. In that case, wouldn't the council simply be a puppet show?"

Aoi offered a helpless smile. "You're correct. The current council and Hokage all hail from the same lineage – students of Tobirama Senju. And due to the backing of the Senju Clan, with the exception of the Uchiha Clan, most others were powerless to object."

The implication hung heavy in the air. Even the Uchiha Clan was rendered powerless by the events surrounding Madara Uchiha.

"Originally, the Daimyo was intended to serve as a check and balance," Aoi explained further. "However, due to the current instability plaguing the villages, the Daimyo has little to no choice but to agree with the Hokage's decisions."

"Additionally, there are village clans and their leaders," Aoi continued, "but their influence within the village government, beyond controlling their respective territories, remains somewhat ambiguous."

"Mother, based on what I've gathered," Yami concluded, "It seems the balance of power has shifted significantly in favor of the Hokage and their associates. And since the clans are constantly at each other's throats, their ability to interfere with the Hokage's decisions is severely limited. In essence, there's no real system of accountability."

"There is also a clandestine squad about which even I cannot divulge details," Aoi said cryptically, then abruptly ended the explanation by dousing Yami with a bucket of water, signaling the end of his bath.

'Danzo and ROOT...' Yami muttered, rubbing his chin, already familiar with Konohagakure's 'Dark Force.'

Anbu, short for "Anbu Black Ops," functioned within the Konohagakure political structure as a specialized enforcement unit answerable directly to the Hokage. Staffed by elite ninjas chosen for their exceptional skills and unwavering loyalty, Anbu operated in the shadows, undertaking covert missions for the village. The Hokage held absolute authority over Anbu, issuing directives and defining mission parameters. This structure undeniably bolstered the Hokage's power within the village. Anbu itself wielded no direct political influence. They served as an instrument for the Hokage to maintain order and execute sensitive operations.

In essence, Anbu is a cheat code for the Hokage to act without consequence.

Furthermore, a sub-division of Anbu known as ROOT existed under the leadership of Danzo Shimura. ROOT's methods were particularly brutal, employing manipulation and brainwashing on child soldiers.

This extremism served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in an unchecked Anbu system. And Yami, perhaps better than anyone, understood the immense threat posed by a soldier with nothing left to lose. He knew from the anime what can these Anbu do.

"Hmm," Yami mused, rubbing his chin as Aoi dressed him, 'If I ever take control, dismantling the Hokage's entire power structure, eliminating him and his cronies, would be essential. But do I truly desire such power?'

Yami grappled with the prospect of once again being thrust into the nightmarish vortex of power struggles, this time as the central figure.