Path Of War Chapter 313: Throne Meeting

Back in Sun Stream Plaza, Arthur was settled into the chair of his throne room with his hand resting on his chin.

This part of the plaza had truly beco his favourite. And how could he not enjoy what he had built?

The ceilings were high, and the materials used for the flooring and walls were all made of expensive marble. Characterized by arches, the rooms tall windows allowed natural light to flood the area, creating a bright atmosphere.

The walls themselves were adorned with images of saints from earth that were shaped by crystals. Because of the material, during the day, the light expanded throughout the room and lent an aura of serenity reminiscent of a monastery.

The throne itself was elevated on a dais and decorated with gold leaf and precious stones. No fabrics were used, for Arthur's body was accustod to sitting on hard materials.

In addition to the throne, he chose mosaics for the flooring.

Of course, there were no seats since this place was not a venue for ceremonies or audiences.

It was simply a bright, expansive ambiance with sacred embellishnts as if it were his own spiritual sanctuary.

Needless to say, this room displayed authority such that not even Koko wanted to ss things up here.

Arthur, with just one tap on his armchair, caused three of his clones to materialize in a neat line before him. The only absence from their ranks was Kaito, who was operating with the Akatsuki.

Knowing Arthur, he knew exactly what Kaito's progress was; there was no need for that clone to be present.

Besides, Kaito's involvent here would only draw suspicion and potentially jeopardize his plans.

"Report," Arthur finally commanded.

Hoshikaze stepped forward first and said, "Tayuya and Kimimaro have successfully integrated the remaining forr Sound ninjas into the Cayman Jungles. They're settling in well, and their adaptation is progressing. They are no longer seeking Orochimaru. However, their training is lacking, and it'll take ti before most of them are ready for what we need."

After processing the information, Arthur considered how training weaklings would require patience—a commodity he had never been short of.

What mattered was their allegiance.

When Hoshikaze was finished, he returned to his place in line, allowing Ryugetsu to step forward.

"I will be departing soon to the Fire Temple," the clone said. "The plan to recruit Sora can finally comnce."

"And what of the Nine-Tails chakra?" Arthur demanded.

"It will be your choice whether we extract it from the boy."

Many would have found it odd to be talking to themselves, but this was quite the natural thing for Arthur.

More importantly, he already understood what he would do with Sora's pseudo-Jinchūriki chakra: he was going to use it as battle strength in the event sothing careless unfolded within the Jungle.

"We recruit him," he firmly asserted, "but we do not strip him of his abilities. For now, the chakra must remain his."

"Understood," his clone answered before taking his place.

Lastly, John stepped forward. This clone always stood out compared to the others. Not because he was always dressed sharper, but because he had the biggest mission out of them all.

"I've gathered all necessary information for constructing the perfect village in the Land of Birds. The initial estimates place the cost at approximately six trillion dollars."

Arthur remained still despite already processing the figure.

Most individuals would be stunned at the re ntion of such a sum. But for him, it was a re figure on a ledger. Or rather, it was an investnt he could handle with ease.

As for how John even managed to acquire such an amount, it was through Diana and her friends in high places.

"Only six?" Arthur finally questioned.

"Yes," John confird. "Based on the layout and the rate of progression, we'll be able to double the initial amount in less than a year."

Arthur straightened at this promise.

A country was not rely sothing anyone could make with the snap of their fingers. If constructed incorrectly, it could fall in ways that could harm Arthur's ambitions.

"What are the risks?" he asked after returning to his original position.

"Only positions to reject incoming alliances..."

That was quite the risk indeed. If word got out about the Land of Bird's incredulous change, there were bound to be neighbouring countries who wanted a piece of the action.

And if Arthur rejected them, it could result in unwanted quarrels.

Now he had sothing to consider.

To manage a country effectively, he knew he had to define the purpose of each village. He envisioned constructing around eleven more villages in total, one of which would serve as his own hidden village.

Toki's village was a step ahead and was just one of the twelve villages he would soon own.

Still, he cautioned himself against getting too far ahead of his ambitions. The first of his villages needed a clearly defined economic function.

As this thought entered his mind, he beca aware of the inherent nature of a hidden village. It was bound by its military capabilities. Therefore, the primary function of this first village would be military, focusing on training, infrastructure for ninjas, and the developnt of techniques.

Other villages would have varied functions—industrial hubs for manufacturing, comrcial centers for trade, residential areas for housing, and technological zones for the advancent of skills and employnt.

Turning to the geological surveys he had John analyze previously, Arthur considered the Land of Birds' natural advantages. Its soil was stable, which could allow him to develop not only the infrastructure needed for villages but also the agriculture required for sustenance.

Natural resources were abundant, so they could fuel the industrial aspects of the villages.

The absence of any significant hazards was also reassuring.

And although the primary worry was the threat of neighbouring countries, given his current strength, Arthur was far from anxious.

The climate of the Land of Birds also worked in his favor. An ideal ecosystem ant that crops would flourish, and the livelihood of the citizens could be secured.

Next was the matter of water resources. Access to clean water was essential for any healthy community.

Rivers and lakes spread throughout the terrain, which would offer plenty of sources for a distribution system.

Surely advanced projects where sewage and waste would be treated and recycled also had to be created. It would promote both sanitation and environntal responsibility.

"What of the power grids?" Arthur asked.

Having built foundations in Sun Stream Plaza before provided John with the know-how he needed to implent similar structures elsewhere. As such, there would be multiple sources of power.

Thankfully this was the Edo period, aning transportation wasn't going to be an issue.

Arthur knew the era dictated that carriages and horses would be the standard ans of transport.

Regarding infrastructure, he couldn't reach those levels of advancents yet.

Telephone poles and digital lines would not make an appearance within these villages. Therefore, the communication system, as it stood, would continue to rely on ssenger birds.

Even if this world was primarily based on today's era, then maybe he'd initiate smartphones.

Closing his eyes for a second, Arthur considered that notion. The last thing he needed was a populace glued to their devices. Mindless zombies already road where he was from, but perhaps the idea wouldn't be so bad if he needed more slaves.

Dismissing the thought, John explained the planning for residential hos and recreational spaces.

A healthy balance within a village structure was critical. It would have a blend of green spaces and parks to allow citizens to socialize and connect.

To get all of this constructed, he would most certainly require the help of ninjas with earth style. Otherwise, he would gladly do it himself.

The problem was, however, he only had one shinobi who could perform earth style techniques: Jirōbō. That ninja would be essential to building the necessary anities.

As Arthur considered the implications of building green spaces, he recalled Rin's potential. She possessed the first Hokage's cells. Yet she hasn't shown any real potential for using either earth style or wood style effectively.

John turned Arthur's attention to governance and administrative structure.

While Arthur himself would oversee the governance, he understood the necessity of operating from the shadows. His na should remain veiled at all costs.

Perhaps John could serve as a visible leader, yet that wouldn't be such a grand idea. Associating John too closely with him could create imdiate conflict with the Water Country.

"If I may," John said, forming the best idea. "Toki could maintain the title of feudal lord and beco the face."

A good idea, yet Arthur didn't want another incident like what happened back with Hiromu.

Perhaps John could take on a higher position: sothing like a king, who wielded power through his stewardship. This could prevent any unneeded feudal lords from wishing to affiliate with his country.

With a governing body established, Arthur saw a plethora of job opportunities as well. Health services, education, and a fully operational police force would provide an essential frawork—jobs promoting safety and prosperity.

Then sothing crept into his mind: the concept of social welfare programs.

He needed to build a strong community without breeding dependency, so governnt programs like that could slow down progress and create complacency. That's just one reason why Arica was on the brink of destruction.

What Arthur needs is to encourage self-sufficiency while promoting a cooperative spirit within these villages.

To do the aforentioned required ongoing maintenance and developnt. Creating a structure without follow-through was bound to fail. So to ensure longevity and improvent, he would need to designate responsibilities to reliable leaders who would keep the villages prosperous.

After John finished explaining all these things, a plan ford in his mind.

"John," he began, "I'm placing you in charge of the initial production operations for the first village." Then he looked at Hoshikaze. "Oversee the recruitnt and organization of the labour force and ensure that resources are well allocated."

Both clones lowered their heads respectfully.

"And John," he continued, "you possess the ability to manage the administrative aspects of this project. Handle the financial logistics. Establish contact with potential investors and present them with the blueprint for the villages so that they understand the long-term benefits of investing in our country."

With those instructions, he knew that the talents of his clones, who all represented a facet of himself, would not fail.

Hoshikaze's production expertise and John's financial acun would be instruntal in translating his abstract vision into sothing real.

Without needing to utter another word, Arthur tapped the armrest of his chair, causing all three clones to be teleported back to their assignnts.

The throne room beca eerily quiet once more.

This was going to be a long project, one that would undoubtedly take ti to complete.

Building a functioning society from the ground up wasn't a task for the faint of heart, but it was precisely what a man like him could do. For he was no stranger to hard work and faith.

As he slowly closed his eyes to ditate on Christ, a thought ca to mind: what was he going to do with his plaza?