DAIMYO: Chapter 46/50

Chapter 46: Beauty Bows

At the Daimyo Manor, in the study.

Arashi finished reviewing the last petition.

With a stroke of his vermilion brush, he signed both the Genius Training List and the Twelve Guardian Ninja list submitted by Minato.

As the signatures were completed, the future of Konoha was firmly within his grasp.

He set down the brush, leaned back in his chair, and lightly tapped his fingertips against the wooden armrest.

Unconsciously, whenever Arashi was deep in thought, he would make this gesture.

His mind drifted back to three days ago, to the Shimura Clan members who had knelt before him, to whom he had bestowed the name Kurokaze.

He had given them new life, turning them into his fangs.

"Disguise yourselves as rogue ninja and head to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning," he had instructed.

"Act as bandits. Only plunder trade caravans from the Land of Lightning."

"Remember, not too often. I want the border trade routes of the Land of Lightning to be in a state of chronic blood loss, but not immediately fatal."

That was the first mission he had given them.

These directives would slowly eat away at the Land of Lightning, piece by piece.

A dormant chess piece had been placed.

Now, it was time to enjoy another game.

"Gen," Arashi called.

The butler, who had been standing nearby, quickly stepped forward and bowed, awaiting orders.

"Have the Department of Internal Affairs select an official to go to Konoha and disburse the funds," Arashi said. "The ceremony must be grand, and he must personally hand them out."

Gen bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord."

"Also, have the Twelve Guardian Ninja come here as soon as possible."

"As you command, my lord."

Having dealt with these matters, Arashi stood up and stretched, his joints cracking in a series of crisp sounds.

Outside the door, the etiquette officer in charge of the Internal Affairs Department had been waiting for a long time.

When summoned, he quickly entered and knelt to report.

"Reporting, my lord, the initial selection for the concubine candidates has been completed. There are a total of thirty-six qualified women."

"Today is their first day of palace training. Would you like to observe?"

Arashi's interest was immediately piqued.

Now that official business was done, it was time to relax. It was a good chance to see if there were any women who caught his eye.

"Lead the way."

...A secluded courtyard.

This place was temporarily being used as a training ground, isolated from the bustling areas of the manor. The air was filled with the scent of pine.

Arashi walked up to the second-floor corridor and sat in the main seat.

From here, his view was expansive, allowing him to observe everything in the courtyard below.

He could have appeared openly, enjoying their expressions of fear, awe, and devotion.

But that would have been too dull.

Rather than watching a performance meticulously choreographed for him, it was better to observe from afar.

What he wanted to see was not what they had learned, but their genuine reactions.

The maid understood, bringing him clear tea and setting up a gauze screen in front of him.

The screen blocked outside gazes, but it couldn't block his sharp scrutiny.

He lifted the teacup, his eyes cold and focused, watching the thirty-six "collectibles" below with great interest.

These women, from all over the Land of Fire, stood stiffly in several rows.

Each had changed into her finest clothes, faces devoid of makeup, showing their truest selves.

All were exceptionally beautiful.

There were noble young ladies of high birth and elegant bearing.

There were modest civilian girls who stood nervously among them.

And naturally, a few special "prey" were mixed in.

Mei stood among the crowd, her gaze lowered.

Her soft long dress had replaced her Hidden Mist combat attire.

Her delicate hands, once accustomed to holding kunai, now clasped helplessly before her.

She could feel many eyes on her, filled with scrutiny and hostility.

Especially from the young woman standing not far away.

That woman had long black hair, exquisite features, and wore the fan-shaped crest of the Uchiha Clan, identifying her as Uchiha Ragyō.

Ragyō's gaze swept indifferently over Mei, then moved away.

In her eyes, everyone here was nothing more than a stepping stone for her to become the Daimyo's concubine, and eventually the mother of the nation.

On the other side, Kurenai looked completely out of place.

She was unlike the others, who were either nervous or ambitious.

Her face showed only confusion and resistance.

Her father had roughly pulled her out of her ninja career and thrust her into this gilded cage.

To this day, she still didn't understand why her life had changed so drastically.

At that moment, an old woman with white hair and a ruler in her hand slowly walked into the courtyard.

She was the strictest female official in the palace; even the concubines of the previous Daimyo had been trained by her.

"From today onward, forget your past," the old woman said, her voice dry and sharp, grating on everyone's ears.

"Here, you have no names, only one identity: concubine candidate."

"For the next month, you will learn palace etiquette. Every word, every movement, every frown, every smile, must conform to the rules."

"First lesson: how to kneel."

"Kneeling is not prostrating. It is using your knees to feel the majesty of your sovereign."

She demonstrated, every movement as precise as if measured with a ruler.

"Knees together."

"Lower yourself slowly."

"Keep your upper body straight, hands placed on your knees."

"Head slightly bowed, to show respect."

"Now, repeat my actions. Begin."

At her command, the women in the courtyard all bent their knees.

Arashi watched them with great interest.

What a fascinating performance.

Down below, the old woman barked sharply, "You! As a noblewoman, your posture is improper, your legs are wide open. Are you trying to invite someone?!"

The ruler sliced through the air with a loud crack, striking the ground in front of a noblewoman.

Her face went pale, her body trembling uncontrollably.

The old woman's gaze shifted to another. "And you! Lift your waist! The Daimyo Manor doesn't need fawning servants, it needs women who can serve the sovereign properly!"

She knew her limits well. Her reprimands were harsh, but she would never leave scars.

Because among these women, a future concubine of the Daimyo might emerge.

Her strictness was an act, meant to instill discipline.

And discipline was the fastest way to smooth rough edges, more effective than physical pain.

The eyes of the civilian girl being scolded turned red, tears welling up, but she forced them back, not daring to let them fall.

Arashi's gaze eventually settled on Mei.

She bit her pale lower lip and forced herself to bend her knees, those same knees that once belonged to a ninja.

The moment they touched the soft cushion, her body trembled slightly.

Perhaps she had never knelt before anyone.

But now, to obtain the funds that could save her comrades, she had to kneel.

And she did so properly.

His eyes then moved to Kurenai.

Her movements were stiff.

Those legs that could walk upside down on trees struggled with this simplest of actions.

Those knees seemed to only kneel for the Will of Fire, to protect her comrades, not to please a man she had never met.

Arashi's smile deepened.

He hadn't expected Kurenai to be among the candidates.

In his previous life, he had actually liked her character.

But since she came, she had to follow the rules here.

Finally, his gaze fell on Ragyō.

Her movements weren't mere practice, but a deliberate performance.

Her slender waist curved gracefully, her kneeling posture exuding elegance and charm that invited pity.

When she bowed, her slender neck lowered slightly, revealing fair skin and a hint of cleavage.

Her exquisite face was calm and focused, showing neither humiliation nor resistance.

It was as if she viewed this training as a stage to display herself.

Beneath that calm exterior lay undisguised ambition.

She even took pride in it.

She used her body and demeanor to silently declare that she was the most perfect woman here, the one destined to win.

The old woman was clearly pleased with her. "Well done. It seems you've practiced diligently."

"Remember, everything about you exists to please Daimyo-sama."

"Your body, your smile, even every breath you take, must be just as he desires."

"Those who cannot learn, or learn poorly, will be eliminated directly."

"Do you all understand?"

"Yes!"

The responses were sparse, tinged with nervous tremors.

Arashi set down his teacup, the bottom clinking softly against the table.

Mei's endurance of humiliation.

Kurenai's silent resistance.

Ragyō's ambition.

All of them were striving to become his chamber guests.

And he would be the only admirer of their raw states.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 47: Like Cooking

A gentle breeze blew, carrying the strict admonishments of the female officials and suppressed sobs.

Thirty-six stunning women were being taught court etiquette.

Whether they came from noble backgrounds or possessed fiery temperaments, they now struck various alluring yet proper poses under the female officials' stern guidance.

This scene would undoubtedly stir any man's heart.

Yet, it was also the most direct manifestation of power.

Arashi watched calmly.

He liked beautiful women, and he liked the process of taming them even more.

To completely crush their arrogance, then brand them with his unique mark.

This sense of satisfaction far surpassed mere possession.

But he knew that both beauty and enjoyment stemmed from power.

If the foundation of that power were shaken, everything would disappear.

Only by making the foundation of his authority more stable could he gain more.

Beauty was merely an embellishment, a trophy.

He could not constantly indulge in pleasure.

As this thought crossed his mind, the appreciation in his eyes quietly faded, and his face regained its sternness.

Arashi drained the tea in his cup in one gulp, then slowly rose.

The etiquette official by the screen had not even reacted before seeing the Daimyo's departing figure.

It was as if the scene, which was enough to excite any man, was just a roadside sight in his eyes.

"My lord..."

The etiquette official hurriedly followed, a trace of panic in his voice.

Arashi's steps did not falter, and he said indifferently, "The training here should follow the rules."

"I want to see the results in a month."

Then he cast aside the garden's spring beauty and the distracting thoughts in his mind.

"Yes, Daimyo-sama."

The etiquette official knelt respectfully.

When he looked up again, the Daimyo's figure had already vanished. Inside the study, the scent of pine incense lingered.

Arashi changed back into his casual clothes and sat in the large chair.

On the desk before him, scrolls and documents were piled high, categorized and neatly organized.

At the very top were several highest-priority memorials, filtered by the butler according to the rules he had set.

They were distinguished by different colored seals.

Red represented military intelligence.

Gold represented people's livelihood.

Black represented oversight.

However, a scroll sealed with a golden seal had an additional black crow feather tied to it.

This was the highest alert he had established.

Crow Feather Urgent Report.

It meant that the matter was so urgent that it could shake the nation's foundation, and its priority superseded all regular urgent reports.

Arashi directly picked up the scroll with the crow feather attached and unrolled it.

The scroll read: Continuous heavy rain in the Southern Plains has caused rivers to overflow, affecting several cities, destroying thousands of acres of farmland, and the number of disaster victims has reached over one hundred thousand.

His brows furrowed instantly.

People's livelihood was the nation's foundation.

Especially at a time when he was about to make drastic changes to the ninja system, a stable rear was crucial.

If over one hundred thousand disaster victims were not handled properly, it would be enough to trigger a massive wave, causing all his plans to fail.

His brushstrokes were decisive, and his handwriting firm.

"Open granaries for disaster relief and appease the people's hearts."

"Order the Ministry of Works to immediately dispatch personnel to the disaster area to supervise the construction of dams. The necessary funds will be directly allocated from the national treasury. Local officials along the way must not delay or embezzle, violators will be immediately executed."

After dealing with this top priority, he picked up the urgent military report with the red seal.

The report read: Bandits are causing trouble on the border of the Land of Rivers. Their leader employs ruthless tactics, and it is suspected that rogue ninja are involved. The local garrison has failed in several encirclement campaigns and suffered heavy losses.

"A minor ailment, yet it vexes the heart."

He snorted coldly, his written directive imbued with killing intent.

"Order the local garrison to blockade all vital routes and cut off their supplies."

"Additionally, send a message to Konoha, ordering Minato Namikaze to personally lead a Jonin squad to assist in the annihilation, ensuring total elimination and displaying their heads along the border."

This would also show the people of Hi that Konoha's Yellow Flash must also obey the Daimyo Manor's orders.

Finally, he picked up the impeachment memorial with the black seal.

It was the final investigation report for an old case. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs colluded with local officials and embezzled funds for river repairs last year. The evidence was conclusive.

Part of the embezzled funds was supposed to be used to reinforce the dam that had now burst.

Arashi immediately snorted coldly. In times of national crisis, corrupt officials were especially detestable.

He did not even make a written annotation on the memorial, but directly gave an oral command.

"Shadow Guard."

"Your subordinate is here."

A Shadow Guard appeared silently, as if he had always stood in the shadows.

"Go and apprehend this person for questioning," Arashi said calmly. "Make sure he coughs up everything he has swallowed over the years, principal and interest."

"As for him, three days later, at the breached dam, in front of all the disaster victims, execute him."

"Yes."

The Shadow Guard's reply was only one word, yet it was filled with a bloody scent.

After handling all urgent matters, the study returned to silence.

Arashi finally relaxed a little.

He lightly tapped the table, then, as if remembering something, walked to the map of the ninja world, his gaze falling on the Konoha marker.

Having brought Konoha to heel, the next step was to place a set of shackles upon it.

He had prepared two strategies for this.

One was to establish the Land of Fire Mission Center, centralizing all mission issuance and allocation rights under national control.

If this step succeeded, it would mean gaining control of Konoha's economic lifeline.

This was only the first step.

The second step, and the most crucial one, was the separation of military and government.

"Hokage, it is time to return to your origin," Arashi murmured softly, his eyes deep.

The duty of a blade is to sharpen its edge, not to indulge in political affairs.

Konoha's internal affairs, from village planning and fiscal taxation to neighborhood disputes, all belonged to political matters.

How could they be managed by a group of ninja who only understood killing?

At that time, the Daimyo Manor's Konoha Political Affairs Office would be established, fully taking over all of Konoha's civilian and political affairs.

From then on, the Hokage would command the military, and he would command the Hokage.

All military actions, without his permission, were not to be taken lightly.

And he would govern with one hand and command the military with the other, unifying the strength of the entire Land of Fire.

When both military and political power were in his hands.

That would be the true reign over the world.

In fact, he had another arrangement, but this arrangement required patient effort.

On the day of his ascension, the content of the arrangement was slightly altered by him.

The reason for adding the term "Will of Fire" was that he absolutely had to obtain the interpretive authority of the Will of Fire.

This might seem unimportant, but its significance far exceeded the previous two points.

The current Konoha ninja had all grown up hearing about the Will of Fire.

No matter how high and mighty the Daimyo was, in their hearts, Konoha's status was greater than that of Land of Fire.

He could subdue one generation by force, but he could not do so for every generation.

Therefore, obtaining the interpretive authority and reinjecting a new Will of Fire into the new generation of ninja was crucial.

This point was of utmost importance.

When these three steps were completely accomplished, the entire Land of Fire would truly be under his command.

After unifying the world, following this path would allow him to manage the world faster and better.

However, he had not found a suitable opportunity yet.

Arashi had also considered using his Six Paths power to forcefully advance and quickly enter the process of unifying the world.

But after careful consideration, he dismissed the idea.

Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish, being too rigid and overbearing would only force everyone to unite and resist him.

After the Third Ninja World War, Konoha was already severely weakened and could not withstand any further turmoil.

Even if he had immense power, if he lost Konoha, this blade, would he unify the world by himself?

If others resorted to guerrilla warfare, he would be completely worn down and fall into a desperate state of constantly rushing about.

He would definitely win, but he would also be left with only a ruined Land of Fire.

How could he enjoy himself then? How could he reign over the world?

After all, governance requires a sufficiently large population as its foundation.

So, no rush.

He could not be anxious.

Arashi took a deep breath, admonishing and comforting himself in this way.

Just then, an official suddenly requested an audience at the door. It was Asaba Toru.

After he entered, Arashi asked, "Is there any progress on the matter?"

Toru respectfully replied, "Reporting, Daimyo-sama, the first batch of merchant caravans departed this morning."

"And the trade transit station that the two countries promised to jointly fund has also begun site selection and surveying."

Arashi burst into laughter. "Good, very good."

This good news immediately dispelled much of the vexation he had felt from the earlier bad news.

First, the initial selection of concubine candidates was complete.

Then, the trade arrangements were also progressing rapidly.

This greatly pleased him.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 48: Return of Heroes

Konoha, early morning.

The Ninja Academy's training ground was temporarily repurposed.

The open space, usually filled with children's laughter, was now packed with people.

Clan Heads of various families, elders who had retired to the background, and young ninja who had emerged from the Genius program.

They stood in familial order, clearly delineated and silent.

At the front of the crowd, Hiruzen Sarutobi wore simple clothes, his pipe unlit.

Beside him, Minato Namikaze wore his Hokage robe.

His clear blue eyes were as serene as the sky, and a warm, sunny smile graced his face.

He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the young faces, and said:

"Everyone."

His voice, amplified by chakra, reached everyone's ears clearly.

"Today, we gather here to witness a new step toward the Land of Fire's prosperity."

"The Daimyo-sama, concerned for us ninja, has established a special Genius Cultivation Program to nurture Konoha's next generation of pillars, and has personally allocated a massive sum of funds."

He paused, then turned slightly and continued, "Next, I invite the special envoy from the Daimyo Manor's Internal Affairs Department to read the Daimyo-sama's decree and distribute the funds."

All eyes turned in unison to a middle-aged man dressed in the official robes of the Daimyo Manor.

He did not rush forward until Minato finished speaking.

Behind him were two rows of heavily armored samurai.

Behind the samurai were over a dozen large, heavy wooden chests.

The chests were locked, but many below craned their necks, their Adam's apples bobbing.

The Internal Affairs official cleared his throat, his chin slightly raised as he looked down at the field.

"By order of the Daimyo-sama."

Everyone in the audience instinctively stood straighter.

"Effective immediately, the Land of Fire's Special Genius Cultivation Program is officially launched."

"All those selected are pillars of the Land of Fire and shall be treated as vital national assets."

"The Daimyo-sama has decreed that, to ensure the unimpeded growth of these geniuses, special funds are approved and will be distributed according to their talent rank."

"Now, the names will be read."

"Uchiha Shisui, Rank A-plus, monthly stipend of three million ryo."

"Mitarashi Anko, Rank A, monthly stipend of two million ryo."

"Might Guy, Rank A, monthly stipend of two million ryo."

"..."

One name after another was called out.

One young ninja after another walked onto the high platform under the envious gazes of the crowd.

When the money chests, filled with brand new banknotes, were handed to them, almost all the young people's arms trembled.

That was not just the weight of money.

It was also a ladder to instant success in the future.

One civilian ninja, flushed with excitement, knelt directly on the ground and kowtowed heavily toward the Land of Fire's Capital.

"Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

That bow was like a signal.

All the young ninja who had received funds spontaneously knelt down.

Waves of gratitude, like a mountain roar and sea surge, echoed over the training ground.

"Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

Hiruzen watched this scene, finally putting his pipe in his mouth and lighting it.

The smoke he exhaled obscured his lonely face.

Minato sighed deeply, both happy for these youths and worried for the village's future.

He wondered if such a change was correct.

"Sensei, have you accepted your fate?"

A soft, effeminate voice, tinged with mockery, echoed faintly.

Hiruzen did not turn around. He knew who it was.

Orochimaru.

His most brilliant disciple, who had appeared behind him at some point, a playful smile on his pale face.

Hiruzen exhaled a smoke ring.

"You finally decided to leave your laboratory?"

"Hehe..." Orochimaru chuckled softly, his long tongue licking his lips, a look of morbid excitement on his face. "Such a magnificent spectacle, would it not be a pity not to witness it firsthand?"

He looked at the young ninja who were so grateful to the Daimyo, his tone mocking.

"Look at them, such pure eyes, such sincere gratitude."

"The Konoha you protected your entire life, the Will of Fire you preached your entire life, in the end, are worth less than this gold."

"Hiruzen-sensei, do you not think... it is pathetic?"

Hiruzen did not answer, merely took a deep drag from his pipe.

"Hehehe."

Orochimaru chuckled mockingly, his gaze shifting from Hiruzen's back and returning to the mountain of money on the high platform.

The mocking smile on his face gradually vanished, replaced by irritation.

Ever since Danzō was eliminated, his biggest source of funding had dried up.

Most of the research that required massive financial support had been put on hold.

Even worse, without Root's cover, he was almost unable to acquire experimental subjects.

Ten days ago, he risked infiltrating the Konoha prison and managed to get a few death row inmates out.

However, the security there was even tighter than before, and any slight disturbance would attract swarms of Anbu.

He had almost been exposed yesterday.

As if sensing Orochimaru's anxiety and resentment.

Hiruzen slowly turned, facing his disciple's pale face.

"Orochimaru, put away your thoughts."

"Times have changed."

"This is no longer an era where you can do as you please."

Orochimaru's smile grew even more sinister.

"Do as I please?"

"Sensei, do you not think this is truly the era where one can do as one pleases?"

"As long as one can gain the favor of that person."

His words made Hiruzen's heart sink sharply.

There was no further conversation between the two.

After the ceremony ended and the crowd dispersed, the Internal Affairs official slowly approached.

He walked directly to Minato, bowing slightly.

His posture was humble, but his words were impeccable.

"Minato-sama, the Daimyo has another verbal decree that requires your personal supervision."

Minato politely said, "Please speak."

The official's tone was equally polite. "The Daimyo-sama says that all those selected for the Twelve Guardian Ninja shall depart immediately for the Land of Fire's Capital to report, without delay."

"This matter, I shall trouble the Fourth Hokage to arrange."

Minato nodded. "I understand."

Just then.

A lazy yet highly penetrating female voice rang out.

"What is all this commotion about?"

"Is it a funeral for the village? Quite the spectacle."

The voice was not loud, but it instantly silenced the entire field's clamor.

Everyone turned to look in unison.

They saw a woman slowly approaching.

Her face showed the fatigue of a hangover, and her tall figure was draped in a loose green robe, but the baggy clothing could not completely conceal her ample curves beneath.

With each step, her proud bosom swayed.

Her slender waist contrasted with her full hips.

As she walked, her round, perky figure swayed gracefully.

It was Tsunade.

One of the legendary Sannin, the First Hokage's granddaughter, the peak of medical ninjutsu.

She had returned.

Her face showed no traces of age, still the peak beauty of a woman in her twenties.

But her beautiful eyes held an unshakeable weariness.

A young girl followed behind her.

The girl wore a dark blue kimono, holding a small pig in her arms.

Her figure was still youthful, but her chest had already begun to develop.

Her black short hair framed her cheeks, accentuating her fair skin.

Her delicate face was filled with bewilderment and unease.

Her name was Shizune.

She curiously observed the scene before her, completely unaware of what was happening.

Why were the Third Hokage and Fourth Hokage both here?

Why was Orochimaru also here?

The girl's naivety and innocence formed a stark contrast with the mature, charming, and powerful Tsunade in front of her.

"Tsunade..."

Hiruzen's expression grew even more complex as he saw his other disciple.

Since the end of the Kannabi Bridge battle earlier in the year, there had been no more warfare in the western part of the Land of Fire.

This coincided with the internal strife in the Hidden Mist to the east.

Only Kumo refused to give up, still constantly provoking incidents along the border.

But the strategic advantage accumulated by the Land of Fire during the Third Ninja World War meant that Kumo alone no longer posed a threat.

So Tsunade had left Konoha with Shizune to travel around.

Hiruzen knew Tsunade had issues with him, so he tacitly approved.

Seeing Tsunade return, Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, and he spoke in a sinister tone, "You actually decided to come back?"

Tsunade retorted unceremoniously, "Talk to me in that tone again, and see if I do not beat you up."

Then, without even looking at Orochimaru, she walked directly to the Third Hokage, frowning.

"Old man, what happened to the village to make it like this?"

Her tone was aggressive, completely disregarding everyone else.

Hiruzen gave a wry smile and shook his head. "We will talk later."

The Internal Affairs official had noticed Tsunade when she appeared.

Without lingering, his gaze returned to Minato, a formal smile on his face. "Minato-sama, today's matters are concluded, I shall not tarry."

"Alright, thank you for your trouble, sir," Minato said politely, then gestured to Nara Shikaku. "Shikaku, please see him off for me."

The official bowed slightly again, then turned and left with his guard.

"I understand."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 49: Like a Monkey

After the Internal Affairs Department official left, Minato finally had time to greet Tsunade.

He said, "Tsunade-sama, you have returned."

"Mm. Minato, you look well."

Tsunade glanced at him, her gaze sweeping over him, then she frowned deeply and asked her teacher,

"What exactly happened to the village? Why does it feel like someone else's home?"

"This is not the place to talk."

Hiruzen extinguished his pipe and waved his hand at her and Orochimaru. "Let's talk at my house."

Tsunade paused, snorted coldly, and said to Minato, "Coming along?"

Minato chuckled. "No, the border has been plagued by bandits recently. I need to go deal with it."

Tsunade nodded, said nothing more, and followed her teacher away.

Shizune, holding Tonton, timidly looked around and followed closely behind.

Orochimaru licked his lips, chuckled softly, and followed like a shadow.

The Sarutobi compound was still the same, ancient and serene.

As the group stepped into the courtyard, a white-haired but spry old woman emerged from the house to greet them.

It was Hiruzen's wife, Biwako.

"Tsunade? Orochimaru?"

Biwako's eyes flashed with surprise upon seeing them, her face filled with maternal affection.

"You two children, you have finally decided to visit."

She stepped forward and took Tsunade's hand, then looked Orochimaru up and down, muttering, "You have gotten thin, both of you."

Biwako's warmth softened Tsunade's expression slightly.

"Biwako-sama."

"Heh heh, you still remember to greet people."

Biwako smiled and patted her hand, then glared at Orochimaru beside her. "And you, cat got your tongue?"

"Biwako-sama." Orochimaru bowed slightly, the chill on his face dissipating considerably.

"Alright, alright, come in and sit down, I will make you some tea."

Biwako bustled about enthusiastically, as if they were still the little brats who used to follow Hiruzen around.

"Biwako," Hiruzen said, "go make dinner first. We have matters to discuss. The tea can be brought in later."

The smile on Biwako's face froze. She looked at her husband's serious expression, then at Tsunade and Orochimaru, and immediately understood something.

She sighed and nodded. "Understood. You all... talk well."

In the study, Hiruzen personally poured tea for the two.

Without the title of Hokage, he now seemed more like an elder worried about his juniors.

"Speak," Tsunade broke the silence first, getting straight to the point. "What exactly happened while I was away? Why is that scoundrel Danzō not here? With such a big event, would he not jump out to seek attention?"

"He is dead."

This answer caused Tsunade's pupils to contract sharply.

"Dead? Who killed him? Kumo, or Iwa?"

"Neither." Hiruzen shook his head, his tone complex. "He died in the Land of Fire Capital. The new Daimyo ordered his execution on charges of treason."

"What?!"

Tsunade abruptly stood up, her beautiful eyes fixed on Hiruzen. "The Daimyo?! How dare he execute a Konoha Advisor! What about Minato? Did he just stand by and watch?"

Hiruzen slowly exhaled a turbid breath. "He tried to commit treason."

He began to recount the events that had transpired.

Starting from the Daimyo Manor's decree, which directly cut Konoha's financial budget by twenty percent.

He spoke of how Danzō secretly conspired, attempting to launch a coup, but was swiftly suppressed. Tsunade interjected, "Then he deserved to die."

Hiruzen did not refute, a mournful look in his eyes, and continued his narration.

He explained how, after Danzō's death, the Daimyo used the Genius Cultivation Program and the Twelve Guardian Ninja as bait to completely reshuffle Konoha's power structure.

Tsunade listened with a pounding heart.

Her expression shifted from initial anger, to shock, and then to disbelief.

She could not imagine how the Daimyo, who was supposed to provide financial support, managed to directly extend his hand into Konoha's heart.

This had already broken the tacit balance of power that had formed between ninja and nobles since the First Hokage established the village.

"...So, now all the geniuses of the village, all the future hopes, are nominally the Daimyo's people?"

"Yes." Hiruzen nodded, a bitter smile on his face. "Not only that, the re-establishment of the Twelve Guardian Ninja also caused all the major families to scramble."

"Now, the will of the Daimyo Manor is unobstructed in Konoha."

Tsunade slowly sat down, her chest heaving violently.

She felt as if she had experienced a very absurd dream.

"Heh heh..."

Beside them, Orochimaru, who had been silent, suddenly chuckled softly. "Hiruzen-sensei, you seem to have missed the most interesting part."

Hiruzen glared at him.

Orochimaru, however, paid no mind. He looked at the bewildered Tsunade.

"Tsunade, do you know? During the process of our great Daimyo integrating Konoha, something particularly amusing happened."

"He issued an edict to select concubines throughout the Land of Fire."

Tsunade frowned. "Selecting concubines? Sure enough, those nobles have nothing but power and women in their heads. Is he trying to get his hands on Konoha's bloodline limits?"

This was almost her first reaction.

"Exactly."

Tsunade's answer immediately made Orochimaru clap his hands and laugh heartily, a rare burst of genuine joy. "Everyone in Konoha thought the same as you."

"Especially the Uchiha and the Hyuga."

"On the Uchiha side, Fugaku's wife personally stepped in, grooming her own younger sister like an offering, just waiting to send her to the Daimyo's bed."

"The Hyuga were even more miserable. At first, they refused outright, but then the Daimyo Manor investigated them over tax issues, almost confiscating all their assets. In the end, they still sheepishly submitted a list of all the family's geniuses."

"Do you know what the funniest part is?"

Orochimaru leaned closer, his voice lowered, his face full of schadenfreude.

"In the end, everyone discovered that the Daimyo, from beginning to end, never mentioned wanting women from their families."

"What he wanted was just their loyalty."

"Selecting concubines is one thing, and the Genius Cultivation Program is another, they are completely separate matters."

"Hahaha... Imagine that scene, the entire Konoha, all the families who prided themselves on their intelligence, being played like monkeys."

"It is truly too interesting."

Hiruzen watched Orochimaru laughing so hard he was bent over, and suddenly realized how long it had been since he had seen him smile.

He laughed just like he did when he was a child.

Tsunade was completely stunned after hearing this.

She opened her mouth, but not a single word came out.

Absurd.

Too absurd.

How could the village become such a laughingstock because of something like this?

"However..."

Hiruzen's voice sounded again, a smile also appearing on his face.

That smile, surprisingly, carried a hint of relief.

"Although the village has become like this, for civilians, it might be a good thing."

"After the Daimyo's ascension, all war taxes were abolished, and high pensions were given to civilians injured and disabled in the war."

"Now, prices in the village are much lower than during the war, and many formerly poor families can now live stable lives."

Tsunade was startled.

She looked at the heartfelt joy on her teacher's face, her heart a mix of emotions.

She suddenly felt that the teacher before her had become incredibly unfamiliar.

After a long while, she found her voice again.

"What about Jiraiya? Is he still at the border?"

"Yes, he is." Hiruzen nodded. "Our peace agreement with Kumo has not been officially signed yet, so someone needs to guard that area."

Tsunade nodded, not speaking further.

In the study, silence fell once more.

The teacher and student, who once had endless conversations, now sat in wordless contemplation.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 50: You Are Free!

It was already afternoon when they left Sarutobi's residence.

Tsunade and Orochimaru walked side by side on the streets of Konoha.

The late autumn sun was no longer scorching. It felt warm and pleasant on their bodies.

"The old man... he is really old."

Recalling her teacher's home earlier, Tsunade could not help but sigh, her tone carrying an indescribable melancholy.

The man who was once so spirited and could suppress the three of them now looked like an ordinary old man.

All his sharpness had been worn away by time.

"Hmph, he just recognized reality, that is all."

Orochimaru scoffed, dismissive.

Tsunade stopped, looking at him with displeasure. "Show some respect, he is our teacher after all."

"Yes, yes, our teacher."

Orochimaru replied perfunctorily, lost in thought.

His gaze, however, curiously surveyed his surroundings.

Tsunade also fell silent, beginning to observe the village she had been away from for nearly a year.

The streets were much cleaner than she remembered.

The shops on both sides were almost all open, and business seemed to be good.

She even saw many civilians in the butcher shop, which was a rare sight in the past.

Several women, carrying vegetable baskets, walked along, chatting cheerfully about who had received funding from the Daimyo-sama.

Along the way, Tsunade heard such discussions constantly.

Suddenly, she paused.

Ahead, several children were chasing and playing, their small faces beaming with joy.

She did not even know how long it had been since she had seen such a scene.

The entire village exuded a vibrant energy.

This energy was even stronger than when they defeated Suna and Iwa.

However, the one who created all this was not the Hokage.

Instead, it was a so-called Daimyo whom she had never met.

Standing on the bustling street, Tsunade, for the first time, felt a sense of confusion about the Will of Fire, which she had believed in unwaveringly since childhood.

Protecting Konoha... what exactly was she protecting?

...The Hyuga Clan's territory was always so quiet.

So quiet that it felt as if time itself slowed down here.

The wind chimes under the eaves were still, the garden's landscape was undisturbed, and even the air was filled with a sense of dullness and solemnity.

This was one of Konoha's oldest noble families.

And rules were everything here.

The long corridor was deep, and sunlight, cut into strips by the lattice, lay on the polished floor.

Hyuga Hizashi knelt under the corridor.

In front of him was a neatly folded set of travel clothes and a money box filled with brand new banknotes.

These were the uniform and the first month's salary for the Twelve Guardian Ninja, just issued by the Daimyo Manor.

The money box was unopened, but he knew the amount inside was substantial.

Yet, he simply knelt silently, his back straight, not moving an inch.

He was waiting.

Waiting for the Clan Head of the Main Family, his twin brother, Hyuga Hiashi.

As a member of the Branch Family, even after becoming one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, he could not leave without permission.

He had to obtain permission from the Main Family.

Footsteps came from deep within the corridor, neither fast nor slow.

Hizashi did not look up. He merely lowered his head further.

Hiashi stopped in front of him, looking down at his younger brother.

He wore a pristine white Main Family robe, his face identical to Hizashi's, his expression indifferent.

"Leaving?"

Hiashi spoke, his voice flat, devoid of emotion.

"Yes, Clan Head-sama," Hizashi replied respectfully, his voice equally calm.

In the Hyuga, Branch Family members addressing the Main Family had to add sama to their title.

Even if they were biological brothers.

"Are your things packed?"

"Yes."

"Going to the Land of Fire Capital, you will stay for ten years, representing the face of the Hyuga. You must not be negligent."

Yes, I understand. I will not fail the family's trust.

The conversation was brief, like a formality.

Hiashi's gaze fell on the money box.

"The Daimyo Manor is quite generous," he said, his tone complex.

Once upon a time, the fate, income, and life and death of the Branch Family were decided by a single word from the Main Family.

Now, an order from the Daimyo Manor easily granted them wealth and status that even the Main Family could not bestow.

This made Hiashi feel annoyed.

After a moment of silence, Hiashi took out a money pouch from his robe and placed it in front of Hizashi.

"Take this money."

"You will need it on the way."

Hizashi's body stiffened slightly.

He did not look up, saying in a low voice, "Thank you for the Clan Head-sama's generosity."

The money pouch was thin, like a handout.

It was more like the Main Family's final, hypocritical control over the Branch Family.

Hiashi grunted, then squatted down, meeting Hizashi's gaze.

This face, identical to his own, had only one difference, the blue Caged Bird Seal on the forehead.

He reached out, wanting to pat his brother's shoulder.

His hand, however, stopped in midair, finally resting on the travel clothes, gently smoothing out a slight wrinkle.

"When you reach the Land of Fire Capital, be careful in all things."

"The Twelve Guardian Ninja are all elites from various clans. Competition is inevitable."

"But remember, you are a Hyuga."

Hizashi still kept his head down. "Yes, for the Hyuga Clan."

For the Hyuga Clan.

These four words were another seal carved into his soul.

Because of these four words, his son, Neji, would also be marked with the same disgrace when he grew older.

Because of these four words, he, despite having talent no less than his brother's, could only be a shadow, a shield for the Main Family.

Seeing his submissive appearance, a wave of inexplicable vexation rose in Hiashi's heart.

He stood up.

"Go say goodbye to Neji."

"Yes."

Hizashi finally looked up, but his gaze avoided his brother's face, turning instead to the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard.

"Neji... he is still young."

"In the future, I entrust him to the Clan Head-sama's care."

Hiashi's eyes flickered.

He knew what his brother wanted to say.

"Neji is also a member of the Hyuga. The Main Family has its own arrangements," Hiashi replied.

Rules are rules.

Sometimes, even as Clan Head, he could not break them.

Hizashi's lips moved, but he said nothing more.

He lowered his head again, touching his forehead to the ground in a standard deep bow.

"Then I'll take my leave."

With that, he slowly rose, picked up his travel clothes and money box, turned, and silently walked out of the corridor.

He did not look back.

There was no extra word of farewell.

His back was solitary, step by step, walking out of this courtyard that had oppressed him for half his life.

Watching his brother's retreating figure, Hiashi remained silent.

He watched him walk from light into shadow, and then from shadow toward the sunlight outside the corridor.

Watching that figure about to disappear around the corner.

He suddenly spoke.

"Hizashi."

Hizashi's footsteps halted.

He did not turn around.

Hiashi looked at that stiff back, his Adam's apple bobbing, and said in a voice he himself found unfamiliar:

"You are free."

The air, in that instant, solidified.

Free?

How ridiculous.

From the moment he was born, from the moment the seal was branded on his forehead, these two words had nothing to do with him.

A long silence.

Just as Hiashi thought he would not answer, Hizashi turned around.

On his face was an impeccable smile.

But in those pure Byakugan, there was no trace of a smile, like a bottomless cold abyss.

"Clan Head-sama is joking."

His voice was still calm.

"My freedom, at the moment of my birth, belonged to the Main Family."

"Now, it, like my life, belongs to the great Daimyo-sama."

"It has never been mine."

"So how can one speak of freedom?"

With that, he bowed slightly again, his smile unchanged. "I must go fulfill my duties, Clan Head-sama."

As his words fell, he turned and left, without another pause.

Hiashi stood stiffly in place.

His brother's last look, those few words, pierced through his disguise, tearing apart his hypocrisy as an elder brother.

Freedom?

Yes.

How could a person with the Caged Bird Seal branded on his forehead ever be free?

That impulsive remark, instead, felt more like a curse.

Hiashi suddenly felt a chill.

That supreme Daimyo, with just an order, a decree, allowed Hizashi to leave the cage that had imprisoned him his entire life.

And it was a decree he himself had written.

But what about himself?

He, the head of the Hyuga, was forever trapped in the even larger and more magnificent cage of the Hyuga Main Family.

Who, in the end, was the true prisoner?

Ring. Ring. Ring.

A gust of wind blew, and the wind chimes under the eaves let out a crisp and lonely lament.

(To be continued.)