DAIMYO: Chapter 71/73

Chapter 71: The Land of Thunder

Daimyo's manor, study.

Arashi had just finished reviewing a stack of progress reports on the new district.

The Shadow Guard Squad, together with the Shadow Guard and Kurokaze's Earth Release team, under Enmaru's coordination, had become the most efficient construction force. Their progress far exceeded expectations.

This pleased Arashi greatly.

"Daimyo-sama, Minister of Finance Tanaka Shigeru requests an audience."

A respectful voice came from outside.

Arashi set down his brush. "Let him in."

The door opened and Tanaka entered quickly, a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead from the rush.

"Greetings, Daimyo-sama."

"Dispense with the formalities."

Arashi gestured to a nearby chair. "Sit."

"Thank you, Daimyo-sama." Tanaka sat and spoke quickly. "I have an urgent matter to report."

"You are drenched in sweat," Arashi said. "What has you so anxious?"

Tanaka collected himself and recounted, in detail, his meeting with the envoy from the Land of Lightning.

...That Doro was extremely unyielding and spoke rudely, claiming that if we did not open trade, it would be an act of hostility toward the Land of Lightning.

"I used the pretext that it was national policy requiring your instruction to placate him for now."

He lowered his head, awaiting the Daimyo's decision.

In his view, the Land of Lightning was not like the Land of Wind or the Land of Earth.

They were brutes who believed in force, domineering and dismissive of rules.

The timing was delicate. The Third Ninja World War had just ended, and the peace treaty with the Land of Lightning had not yet been finalized.

A single spark could reignite the entire shinobi world.

Arashi did not speak immediately, his knuckles tapping the armrest.

Tanaka did not dare rush him.

This Daimyo's actions were unpredictable.

To fight or to make peace?

To refuse firmly, or to play along?

Impossible to guess.

Arashi sneered inwardly.

The Land of Lightning.

Kumogakure.

Indeed, a bunch of simple-minded brutes.

The envoy they sent was not a diplomat, but a Kumogakure Jōnin.

That move was itself a threat.

It was a clear message to the Land of Fire. Do not play word games. Fists are the truth.

How laughable.

"You mean he was very assertive?" Arashi asked.

"Yes," Tanaka replied quickly. "His attitude was arrogant and aggressive."

"Heh." Arashi sneered. "Refuse him."

What?

Tanaka looked up, eyes wide with shock.

Refuse?

Then there would be no room to maneuver.

He bowed quickly. "Daimyo-sama, will this not anger the Land of Lightning? What if they..."

"What if they start a war?" Arashi cut him off, disdainful. "So what?"

"Uh..."

Tanaka blinked, at a loss for words.

His Daimyo did not seem like a reckless man.

Seeing Tanaka's anxious expression, Arashi understood.

This old minister handled government well, but his vision and courage were confined to a traditional aristocrat's mindset.

He would always prefer peaceful settlement to the risk of war.

Arashi spoke slowly. "The reason is simple."

"Our trade with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth rests on peace treaties."

"What about the Land of Lightning? They still have not signed the final peace treaty."

"A nation that lacks even basic sincerity for peace has no right to share in the Land of Fire's trade profits."

The explanation clicked for Tanaka.

Right.

The peace treaty.

How did he miss that?

With this reason, the Land of Fire held the moral high ground.

Even if the Land of Lightning made trouble, the other nations would see them as unreasonable and arrogant.

Brilliant.

Truly brilliant.

Tanaka relaxed completely, the heavy weight in his chest lifting. His anxiety and tension vanished.

With such a monarch, what did a minister have to fear?

Just execute the orders.

"I understand, Daimyo-sama." Tanaka bowed deeper, confidence returning to his voice.

"Mm." Arashi nodded.

Just as Tanaka thought the matter was settled and was about to take his leave, Arashi spoke again. "Refusing is not enough."

"We must guard against the Land of Lightning acting rashly."

"Go to the embassies of the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind."

"Tell them what happened today."

Tanaka was stunned.

Tell the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind?

What did the Daimyo mean?

Ask Iwa and Suna for help?

How could they easily help the Land of Fire and offend the Land of Lightning?

"Daimyo-sama... this might be difficult..."

"Just go and tell them," Arashi interrupted, offering no explanation.

He believed Tanaka would figure it out.

If not.

The Minister of Finance could be replaced.

Arashi said nothing further, sipping his tea unhurriedly.

Seeing the Daimyo remain silent, Tanaka pondered on his own.

Although Iwa and Suna traded with the Land of Fire, they were still foreign nations. They would not help easily.

So why inform them?

Could it be... Tanaka's heart leapt.

A thought flashed.

He understood.

The Land of Earth and the Land of Wind were enjoying vast profits from trade with the Land of Fire.

Luxury items like sugar and silk not only delighted their nobles.

By reselling them, they also earned enormous wealth.

This trade route had already become a crucial source of income.

Now the Land of Lightning wanted a share.

Would they agree?

Even if they did nothing... then...

Understanding this, Tanaka no longer hesitated and bowed again. "I understand, Daimyo-sama."

"Go and do it." Seeing the light in his eyes, Arashi knew he had understood. "Handle it well and I will credit you with a meritorious deed."

"Yes." Tanaka accepted and withdrew.

After Tanaka left, Arashi's smile faded.

He had planned to deal with the Land of Lightning in the spring. He did not expect them to jump out so soon.

So be it.

Since they dared provoke, they should pray they were prepared.

"Shadow Guard," Arashi called.

A black-clad Shadow Guard appeared.

"Go to Konoha."

"Inform Namikaze Minato that Kumogakure may make a move."

"Have them strengthen the border defenses."

"Yes." The shadow took the order and withdrew.

After that, Arashi returned to government affairs.

...Meanwhile, Tanaka left the Daimyo's manor and went straight to the inn where the Land of Lightning envoy was staying.

Inside the inn.

The Kumogakure Jōnin Doro waited irritably.

Seeing Tanaka enter, he stood at once. "Well? Has your Daimyo agreed?"

Tanaka smiled. "Lord Doro, I have consulted Daimyo-sama."

"Daimyo-sama said our trade with other nations is founded on peace and friendship."

"However, our two countries have not signed the final peace document."

"Both in reason and sentiment, it is premature to initiate large-scale trade."

Doro's face darkened. "You mean, you refused?"

"It is a postponement," Tanaka corrected. "Once the peace treaty is finalized, we can resume commercial discussions."

"Nonsense!"

Doro slammed his fist on the table.

Wood splinters flew, and the solid table collapsed.

"Are you toying with the Land of Lightning?!" He glared at Tanaka, releasing heavy Chakra pressure. "Do not forget, the war just ended. Do you wish to fight again?!"

The pressure left the inn attendants weak-kneed and pale.

Tanaka, however, still smiled, unfazed.

As Doro smashed the table, several figures appeared around him, surrounding him tightly.

Tanaka knew they were Shadow Guards from the Daimyo's side.

With support at hand, his confidence grew. "Lord Doro, are you threatening the Land of Fire?"

"So what if I am!"

"Haha." Tanaka shook his head lightly. "Daimyo-sama told me something. Allow me to relay it."

He spoke, word by word. "To gain respect, please first learn to respect the rules."

"If friends come, there is good wine. If enemies come, there will be swords to meet them."

With that, he turned and walked away, ignoring the outburst.

"Good. Good. Good!"

Doro trembled with fury, pointing at Tanaka's retreating back. "You will regret this! We will meet on the battlefield!"

Tanaka did not stop.

He boarded his carriage and instructed the coachman, "To the Land of Earth embassy."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 72: Cutting Off Someone’s Wealth Is Like Killing Their Parents

Inside the reception hall of the Land of Earth's embassy, the atmosphere was cordial.

Tanaka sat in the guest seat, took out two exquisite gift boxes, and presented them.

"Sirs, these are the new spring teas recently procured by the Daimyo's manor. I brought them specifically for you to taste," Tanaka said with a smile.

Seated in the main position were the envoys from the Land of Earth.

Hearing this, he nodded slightly, motioned for his attendant to accept the gifts, and personally poured tea for Tanaka and the other guest.

The other guest was the envoy from the Land of Wind, who wore a perpetual smile.

The tea was a new tribute from the Land of Fire this year. The liquor was clear, the aroma diffused, and simply smelling it invigorated the spirit.

The Land of Earth's envoy picked up the cup, sniffed lightly, then set it down, clearly uninterested in such refined things.

The Land of Wind's envoy, however, was a connoisseur. He took a delicate sip, and the smile in his eyes deepened.

"Excellent tea."

"Slightly astringent at first, followed by a full, sweet aftertaste. Indeed, excellent tea. Lord Tanaka, you are too thoughtful."

Tanaka smiled and nodded, though his mind was perfectly clear.

The two before him, one pragmatic and profit-driven, the other shrewd and fond of wealth, were both tough to handle.

After a few pleasantries, Tanaka followed procedure and broached the main topic.

"Sirs, you have been in the Fire Capital for some time. Are you satisfied with our hospitality?"

"As for last month's shipment to your esteemed nations, what feedback did you receive?"

At the word "shipment," the Land of Earth's envoy, previously composed, showed a flash in his eyes.

The Land of Wind's envoy clapped and laughed. "Lord Tanaka is too modest. The feedback was not merely satisfactory, it was extremely satisfactory."

"Especially the white sugar. It is now priceless in our Land of Wind. The nobles are practically fighting over it."

He was not exaggerating.

Those crystalline, sweet-white crystals were an unprecedented luxury for nobles in the Land of Wind, who lived their days amidst yellow sand.

The Land of Earth's envoy also spoke, rare for him. "It is the same in our Land of Earth. Our Daimyo is very pleased."

Pleased was an understatement.

By reselling these luxury goods, the Daimyo's manors of both nations had earned in one month what might once have taken an entire quarter.

This trade route was no longer merely a source of wealth.

"It is good that you are satisfied. I can report back to Daimyo-sama."

Tanaka nodded, the smile on his face slowly fading as his expression turned serious.

He lifted his cup, blew away the foam, but did not drink.

Finally, a sigh escaped him.

The sigh was soft, yet it pierced the hall's harmony like a needle.

The two envoys exchanged glances.

Here it comes.

These old foxes had sensed something was off from the moment Tanaka entered.

No one visits without a reason.

Gifts, pleasantries, and now this posture. He was holding something back.

The Land of Wind's envoy set down his cup and spoke first. "Why does Lord Tanaka sigh? Has there been a mishap in trade?"

Tanaka looked up, his solemn expression perfectly placed.

"To be frank, I encountered a thorny issue today."

"I fear it will affect the common interests of our three nations, which is why I came to discuss it with you."

He did not lower his stance. From the outset, he pulled the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind to his side.

What a cunning old fox.

The two envoys thought to themselves, he wants to define the situation with his first words.

On the surface, the Land of Wind's envoy remained warm. "Speak freely. Our three nations are now allies. If there is truly an issue, we will not stand idly by."

The Land of Earth's envoy also nodded at the right moment.

This was exactly what Tanaka wanted.

With a grave expression, he recounted how the Land of Lightning's envoy aggressively demanded trade, and how the Daimyo sternly refused.

Of course, in his telling, the Land of Lightning's envoy became a madman who resorted to violence at the slightest disagreement, and the Land of Fire's Daimyo became a principled monarch who upheld agreements, protected allied interests, and refused to bow to bullies.

"...Daimyo-sama said that our trade with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth is based on a peace agreement."

"The Land of Lightning lacks even basic sincerity. This door must never be opened."

"Otherwise, it would be the greatest injustice to our two allies."

"But that Land of Lightning envoy flew into a rage on the spot, smashed a table at my manor, and even threatened to meet us on the battlefield..."

"Although Daimyo-sama does not fear war, he does not wish to spark conflict lightly. Yet principles cannot be conceded. This matter is truly difficult."

At that, Tanaka looked at the two with a heavy expression.

A brief silence fell.

Their expressions were subtle.

They knew exactly what this was.

This old fox had not come to discuss.

He had come to accuse, to use their hands to pressure the Land of Lightning.

All that talk of standing up for allies was nonsense.

They cursed inwardly, but kept straight faces.

The Land of Wind's envoy broke the silence first, righteously. "Absolutely lawless."

"The Land of Lightning has always been domineering. Rest assured, Lord Tanaka, we will not stand idly by."

The Land of Earth's envoy added in a deep voice, "Indeed. We will report truthfully to our nation and issue the sternest condemnation of the Land of Lightning's barbarity."

They spoke glowingly.

All condemnation.

Would condemnation cost the Land of Lightning anything?

Tanaka sneered inwardly. These two old foxes still wanted to sit on the fence and watch the show.

Watching the fire from the far shore?

Not so easy.

His grave expression deepened. "Thank you, sirs, for upholding justice."

Then his tone shifted, becoming solemn.

"However... those brutes from the Land of Lightning have always been unreasonable, recognizing only brute force."

"I worry they might truly stir up trouble at the border."

"Although our Land of Fire is not afraid, if it comes to that, for the greater good, for peace... what if, I mean what if..."

Tanaka stopped here and sighed heavily.

"Our side is forced to make concessions..."

"Our Land of Fire's production capacity is limited."

He paused, then looked up at the two faces that changed instantly.

"If there is one more Land of Lightning..."

"Then the silk, tea, and especially the Fire Crystals supplied to your two nations..."

"I fear they would have to be taken from your allotments."

The words were like a thunderclap.

The two envoys' faces changed at once.

They did not care about disputes between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.

They even hoped they would fight, so they could profit from the chaos.

But.

They would never ignore their own purses.

Divide the trade shares?

That was the same as taking money from their pockets.

Over the past month, the nobles behind them had already developed a taste for pure white sugar and exquisite silk.

And now they were to cut the supply?

This was worse than killing them.

Moreover, it was not just a trade issue. It touched their domestic stability.

In an instant, the two old foxes' minds raced.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 73: Too Insidious

Inside the embassy.

Silence hung in the air.

The two envoys looked at Tanaka's grave expression and cursed this old fox a hundred times in their hearts.

Too insidious.

He did not even bother to hide his intentions, simply laying the choice before them.

Either the three nations unite to restrain that mad dog from the Land of Lightning, and the three of them continue to prosper and count money until their hands cramp.

Or, they stand by and watch, then helplessly allow the Land of Lightning to join the table and take half the meat from their bowls.

How could they choose?

There was no choice at all.

The Land of Wind envoy's face turned extremely unpleasant. "Lord Tanaka... is there truly no room for maneuver?"

"Sirs, this is not about willingness," Tanaka spread his hands and stated plainly. "Production capacity is fixed."

"With an extra mouth to feed, the meat in everyone's bowls naturally decreases."

"Of course, we wish to maintain the status quo and share prosperity with our two allies."

"But if the Land of Lightning insists on causing trouble, then for the sake of peace, we can only make concessions."

Concessions, my foot.

The two envoys roared inwardly at the same time.

If you were truly willing to make concessions, you would not have beaten us down in the Third Great War.

But for the moment, circumstances were stronger than men.

From the moment they set foot in the Land of Fire and enjoyed the snowflake-like sugar and cloud-like silk, their interests had already become inextricably linked with the Land of Fire.

On the usually composed face of the Land of Earth envoy, emotion flickered. He asked in a deep voice, "What do you want us to do?"

The Land of Wind envoy also put away his smile, his expression stern.

Tanaka felt at ease, knowing the fish had taken the bait.

His compassionate expression grew even more pronounced. "We are all peace-loving people. Naturally, we cannot be as crude as the Land of Lightning, constantly threatening war."

"In my opinion, why don't our three nations jointly issue a diplomatic note to the Land of Lightning."

"Strongly condemn their hegemonic actions that undermine regional peace, and demand that they abide by the rules."

"Three against one. Even if the Land of Lightning is reckless, they will have to weigh the consequences of offending all three of us at once."

The two envoys exchanged a look.

The same grievance and helplessness were in both their eyes.

At this point, there was no other choice.

The Land of Wind envoy's Adam's apple bobbed, and he finally nodded slowly. "Very well... I will report this to our Daimyo immediately."

The Land of Earth envoy also responded in a deep voice, "We will synchronize."

Having secured their commitment, Tanaka saw no need to stay longer. After a few courtesies, he took his leave.

Two days later.

The two envoys invited Tanaka again.

In the same reception room, the roles of host and guest seemed to have reversed.

A smile appeared on the Land of Earth envoy's face, though it was somewhat forced.

"Lord Tanaka, our Daimyo has replied."

Tanaka's eyebrows flicked. He lifted his teacup and waited.

The Land of Earth envoy said, "Our Daimyo believes that while the Land of Lightning's actions have always been overbearing, for now, they are only verbal threats."

"If we overreact, it will only give them an excuse."

The words sounded like smoothing things over.

Tanaka's brow rose slightly, his gaze turning a shade colder.

Seeing this unwelcome tone, the Land of Earth envoy immediately shifted. "However, our Land of Wind and Land of Earth have reached a consensus."

"The two of us will first jointly summon the Land of Lightning envoy to express our serious concerns about the current situation."

"To make him understand that this matter is not solely the Land of Fire's concern."

This was the first step, a verbal warning.

"Furthermore," the Land of Earth envoy's tone suddenly grew heavier, "our Daimyo has secretly ordered Tsuchikage Ōnoki to put the border troops on alert."

"If the Land of Lightning acts on its threats, with any military movements or provocations at the border."

"Then, our Land of Wind and Land of Earth will immediately, in the name of the Daimyo, issue the sternest diplomatic condemnation to the Land of Lightning."

"And dispatch a joint envoy mission directly to Kumogakure to demand an explanation from the Land of Lightning."

The Land of Wind envoy added, his voice ringing with force, "Our Daimyo has also notified Rasa, the Kazekage, that we will act in synchronization."

The phrasing was watertight.

They gave the Land of Fire a clear promise, while retaining diplomatic flexibility.

A conditional military assistance treaty was thus formed.

"Good, excellent."

A smile finally appeared on Tanaka's face. He stood and bowed to the two.

"With your strong support, peace is within reach. On behalf of Daimyo-sama and the Land of Fire, I thank you both."

This result exceeded his expectations.

He had thought it would be, at most, a joint letter of condemnation. He did not expect a quasi-military alliance.

After some polite exchanges, the atmosphere warmed.

Then Tanaka lowered his voice, speaking so only the three could hear, a hint of mystery in his tone. "To thank you sirs for your great contribution to maintaining peace..."

He paused, each word carefully placed.

"For next month's shipments to your nations, I will personally arrange an increase of one-tenth for your manors."

"This matter, heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know."

"Consider it a small token of my personal regard, a humble offering."

The two envoys' breathing hitched.

Their faces, previously darkened from being maneuvered, broke into visible smiles.

One-tenth.

And private goods delivered directly to their manors.

No one knew better than they what that meant.

Their earlier displeasure evaporated.

"Lord Tanaka, this... how can we..." The Land of Wind envoy spoke modestly, but the sparkle in his eyes could not be hidden.

"It is only right. Absolutely right." Tanaka took his hand warmly, then patted the Land of Earth envoy's shoulder.

"From now on, we are family."

"Hahahaha, yes, we are family."

The reception room filled again with cheerful air, more genuine than before.

After a pleasant time for hosts and guests, the two envoys, shedding their former arrogance, personally escorted Tanaka to the embassy gate, their smiles utterly sincere.

Only after watching Tanaka's carriage disappear at the end of the street did they exchange a look and return to digest the day's thrilling confrontation.

The carriage moved steadily.

Tanaka sat upright inside, eyes closed in thought, the gentle smile long gone, replaced by unruffled calm.

Back at his manor, he dismissed all servants and stood alone by the study window.

He gazed at the distant silhouette of the Daimyo's manor, gilded by the setting sun, lost in thought.

In his eyes burned indescribable awe and fervor.

With only an ethereal trade right, he had, without bloodshed, leveraged the military power of two great nations.

Making them willingly act as enforcers for the Land of Fire.

(To be continued.)