DAIMYO: Chapter 36/40

Chapter 36: Will of Fire

While Mei was still gathering her shattered dignity,

Minato was also waiting for the Daimyo's summons.

Unlike before, Minato wore the Hokage's ceremonial robe today, symbolizing his position.

His golden hair was still striking, and his deep blue eyes were calm.

He did not even have a guard announce him. He simply stood quietly outside the study, waiting.

His posture was not like that of the Fourth Hokage famed across the Ninja World, but like an ordinary subject awaiting his monarch's call.

When he entered, he stopped three steps from the desk.

Then he bowed at a ninety-degree angle.

"Daimyo-sama."

The address had not changed.

However, the usual reserve and aloofness of the Hokage in his tone were gone.

Arashi leaned back in his chair, tapping the armrest.

He did not tell Minato to rise, nor did he speak.

Silence was a monarch's best weapon.

It applied pressure and revealed much.

The study was silent.

Minato maintained his bow, perfectly still, his fringe shadowing his eyes, hiding his expression.

The sharp aura that usually surrounded him had been reined in.

He was like a sheathed sword.

After an unknown time, Arashi spoke.

"Have you come to your senses?"

"Yes, I have."

"Rise. Tell me how you came to your senses."

Minato straightened, meeting Arashi's gaze openly.

"I previously… always considered matters from Konoha's perspective. My thinking was narrow, and I failed to live up to Daimyo-sama's expectations."

"Oh?"

Arashi leaned forward slightly, interest piqued. "Then what perspective are you taking now?"

Minato drew a deep breath, his expression solemn.

"The Land of Fire."

The three words landed heavily.

He continued, "From now on, Konoha's interests will fully serve the overall interests of the Land of Fire."

"Konoha is the Konoha of the Land of Fire."

This statement was a belated pledge of allegiance.

It meant Minato, the Fourth Hokage, had completely submitted to the Daimyo in spirit.

Arashi's smile widened.

This was better than he expected.

A Hokage with a broken spine was a puppet.

A Hokage who actively embraced his ideals was a useful tool.

"Very good."

Arashi finally spoke with approval.

"Sit, Minato."

"Tell me your new plan."

"Yes."

Minato sat as instructed, took out a scroll, and presented it with both hands.

There was no pretense of equality now, only a subordinate reporting to a superior.

"Regarding the Genius Cultivation Special Fund, this subordinate believes Daimyo-sama's approach is entirely correct."

"Concentrating resources to cultivate top-tier combat power is indeed the best way to enhance the Land of Fire's deterrence in the short term."

"However, simple financial assistance can easily lead young ninja astray with power and wealth, making them forget their original intention to fight."

He looked up, eyes sincere and pleading.

"Therefore, I propose upgrading the Genius Cultivation Program to the Will of Fire Legacy Program."

"Will of Fire?"

Arashi savored the words. "Continue."

Minato continued, "Selected geniuses will not only receive funds and resources, but must also accept one-on-one mentorship."

"The mentors will be the most experienced and resolute jonin in the village."

"Their responsibility is to teach these geniuses how to wield power correctly, guide them to dedicate themselves to the country, and make them understand the responsibility that comes with power."

"This fund is for shaping their strength, but even more, for shaping their spirit."

Minato glanced at Arashi. Seeing no objection, his heart eased slightly.

"As for the selection of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, this subordinate suggests an open competition for all ninja in the village."

"Regardless of origin or background, only loyalty and strength will matter."

"The twelve final winners will represent Konoha, becoming the sharpest swords in Daimyo-sama's hand, and the supreme honor of the Land of Fire."

"This will let all ninja see a fair path to advancement and maximize potential, selecting the strongest warriors for you."

He finished and looked at Arashi expectantly.

Arashi did not answer immediately. He picked up the plan and flipped through it page by page.

The handwriting was neat, the organization clear, with detailed contingencies for selection rules and mentor screening.

It was evident Minato had not rested much while drafting this.

All of his struggle had gone into this scroll.

Minato's heart tightened.

He did not know if the Daimyo would tolerate his hidden intention, to bind genius cultivation to the Will of Fire.

It was the last line he could hold as Hokage.

After a long time, Arashi closed the scroll and set it on the desk.

"The plan is good."

He looked at Minato, his gaze unreadable, as if to see through him.

"Minato, you are very clever."

"You know what I want, and what you want to preserve."

"You are trying to find a balance within my rules, one you can accept."

Minato's heart sank.

As expected, his intentions could not escape this monarch.

"However…"

Arashi's tone shifted, a playful expression returning.

"I like clever subordinates."

"Working with clever people is efficient."

He picked up the imperial brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and signed the cover with bold, flowing strokes.

"It will be done as you say."

"I have only one requirement."

Arashi's voice grew heavier.

"The mentor list for the Will of Fire Legacy Program."

"The final list of selected geniuses."

"And the selection results for the Twelve Guardian Ninja."

"All must be reviewed and ultimately approved by me."

He paused, then spoke clearly,

"Their power is bestowed by me."

"Their loyalty can only belong to me, to the Land of Fire."

"As for that Will of Fire you mentioned…"

Arashi leaned back, arms folded, calmly watching Minato.

"From today, my will is the Will of Fire."

"Do you understand?"

Arashi had agreed to the plan.

Minato should have been pleased, but he was not.

Because with one sentence, the Daimyo had taken the soul of the plan.

The Daimyo's will was the Will of Fire.

It was a final warning, the ultimate declaration of power.

All his struggle, effort, and compromise turned to dust in that moment.

What he tried to protect would exist only under a new name.

A name belonging to the Daimyo.

Minato slowly closed his eyes.

When he opened them, the last flicker of Hokage's light in his blue eyes had gone out.

He stood again, removed the ceremonial robe, revealing his ninja uniform.

He folded the robe neatly and placed it aside.

Then he knelt on one knee, without hesitation.

This time, it was a subject's etiquette to his monarch.

"From today, Konoha will no longer have a Hokage."

"Only Minato Namikaze, supreme commander of Konoha under the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."

In that moment.

An era ended completely.

Arashi finally smiled with satisfaction. "No, you are still the Hokage."

He generously returned the title.

Because Hokage was just a name now.

"Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

[Ding!]

[Target: Minato Namikaze]

[Loyalty: 85, Loyal and reliable]

[Congratulations to the host for completing the hidden quest: The Hokage's Demise. You have completely subdued the Fourth Hokage, and Konoha, this sharpest sword, is now in your hands.]

[Reward: National Luck +500]

Very good.

Arashi looked at the man kneeling before him, mood light.

"Rise, Fourth Hokage."

"From today, you will have a bigger stage."

He picked up the ceremonial robe and personally draped it over Minato.

"The future of the Land of Fire needs your Flying Thunder God Technique."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 37: Fanatical Uchiha

Minato Namikaze left.

The hem of his ceremonial robe swayed in the wind.

His back remained straight and tall.

But Arashi knew the Hokage's flagpole had broken.

And he had personally mended it, shaping it into the form he desired.

Konoha.

The Land of Fire's sharpest blade.

From today on, both the hilt and the blade were firmly in his grasp.

Only, some blades still needed a bit of sharpening.

Arashi leaned back against the armrest, tapping lightly.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Contentment.

Satisfaction.

To see the protagonist of an era, the hero of a world, kneel before him in heartfelt submission, this feeling was a hundred times more wonderful than crushing him with the power of the Six Paths.

Power was the confidence to overturn the table.

Authority was the utensil for enjoying the good things in this world.

Konoha Village.

Uchiha Clan territory.

The sharp whistling of shuriken on the training grounds and the dull thuds of sparring had vanished.

In their place came the sound of a zither and soft singing.

Three Uchiha maidens, dressed in simple kimonos, knelt on cushions.

They kept their heads lowered, their expressions solemn.

Mikoto sat at the head.

Her face was gentle, but her eyes were cold as iron.

She personally instructed the girls.

A flicker of the eye.

A turn of the wrist.

Any slight mistake drew her merciless reprimand.

This was no longer a consort selection.

This was a rigorous screening for the Uchiha, no.

This was for the future Mother of the Nation of the Land of Fire.

"Ragyō."

Mikoto's voice was soft, yet it made one maiden in the room tremble.

That girl resembled her seven or eight tenths. Her features were more youthful, with a trace of innocent charm still in her eyes.

She was Mikoto's younger sister, Ragyō.

"Sister."

Ragyō stood, nervously twisting her sleeve, her head bowed even lower.

"Your heart is not calm."

Mikoto lifted the tea Ragyō had just brewed, but did not drink. She only smelled it.

"The fragrance floats on the surface. It will be bitter when tasted."

Ragyō's cheeks flushed. She murmured, "I, I am just a little nervous, Sister…"

"Nervous?"

Mikoto set the cup down gently, but her expression was icy.

"In the future, in front of Daimyo-sama, will you also say you are nervous?"

"One mistake will not ruin only you, but the entire Uchiha Clan."

"Can your life pay for that responsibility?"

The last sentence was a sharp rebuke.

Ragyō's lips trembled, her face turned pale, and she could not speak.

The other maidens even softened their breathing.

Seeing her sister's distress, reluctance flickered through Mikoto's heart, but resolve quickly replaced it.

She walked up and straightened Ragyō's slightly disheveled collar.

"Ragyō, remember this."

"From the moment you stepped in here, your name ceased to matter."

"You are the future of the Uchiha Clan."

Her hand gently caressed her sister's face, so similar to her own, her eyes filled with complex emotion.

"Go and meditate beneath the backyard waterfall."

"When your heart is colder than pond ice, come see me again."

"Yes, Sister."

With tears in her eyes, Ragyō bowed and withdrew, her slender back seeming as if it might collapse at any moment.

Watching her sister's retreating figure, Mikoto's eyes turned distant.

How could she not know how cruel this was?

But she had no choice.

Compared to the future glory of the Uchiha, a girl's tears were insignificant.

Just then, Clan Head Fugaku stepped in from outside.

He glanced over the room, satisfaction in his eyes, and nodded to Mikoto.

"You've worked hard."

"For the clan…"

Mikoto replied coolly.

Fugaku moved beside her and lowered his voice. "There is still no movement from the Hyuga."

"As expected." Mikoto's tone was calm. "The arrogance of the Hyuga is engraved in their bones."

"Hmph, foolish arrogance." Fugaku snorted. "Does he think it is still the past? In Daimyo-sama's eyes, his Hyuga are no different from stray dogs on the roadside."

He paused, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

"However, that is perfect."

"The more stubborn the Hyuga are, the more our Uchiha loyalty stands out."

"I have already sent the ledgers of all Hyuga tax evasion and illegal operations in the Fire Capital to the Daimyo Manor."

This was the Uchiha pledge of allegiance.

A flicker of unusual emotion crossed Mikoto's eyes.

"What about the Ino–Shika–Chō families?"

"They are cunning." Fugaku's tone dripped with disdain. "They say they will wait for Daimyo-sama's orders."

"They will regret it."

Mikoto lifted her gaze toward the direction of the Fire Capital.

"When a child of the Daimyo, bearing Uchiha blood, is born, our clan will become truly eminent."

Hearing this, Fugaku's eyes blazed.

Yes.

That day would not be far.

Compared to the busy Uchiha compound, the Hyuga Main House was eerily silent.

"Smash!"

A valuable celadon cup shattered on the floor.

Hiashi's chest heaved, his face ashen, the veins at the corners of his eyes bulging with rage.

The tax official from the Daimyo Manor had just left.

They had said little, only that a decision must be made quickly.

Otherwise, all back taxes from the past ten years must be repaid, plus a threefold fine.

That astronomical figure could wipe out centuries of Hyuga wealth in an instant.

This was not an audit.

This was extortion.

"Too much. Too much."

Hiashi roared.

In front of him, several Main Family elders kept silent, not daring to breathe loudly.

"Clan Head, what, what should we do?" an elder stammered.

"You want me to send Hyuga daughters into that place as well?"

Hiashi turned, his pure white eyes bloodshot, glaring at the elder.

"I am telling you."

"Even if the Hyuga fight to the last person and shed the last drop of blood, we will never endure such humiliation."

The roar echoed through the empty room.

Only, it sounded more like a lament.

At the Daimyo Manor's concubine selection registration point in Konoha, another scene unfolded.

It was already overflowing with people.

The enthusiasm of the commoners was simple and direct.

To them, this was a true path that could change their fate.

At the edge of the crowd, several figures stood out.

The Inuzuka representative sat beside a ninja dog, eyes scanning the crowd.

The Aburame representative was wrapped in a trench coat, with a few insects fluttering restlessly.

And the Kurama representative stood by as well. Beside each of them stood a beautiful young maiden of excellent appearance.

These lesser clans did not expect to secure a concubine's position. Even a moment of favor from the Daimyo would bring great benefits to their families.

This fervor swept through all of Konoha.

Even some respected jonin could not stay aloof.

And Yuhi Shinku was among them.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 38: In the Name of Love

Konoha Village, Training Ground Three.

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched the shadows of three wooden stakes.

Whoosh.

The sharp whistle of a shuriken tore the air.

It embedded in the bullseye, humming.

Kurenai's black hair clung to her cheeks with sweat as she panted, crimson pupils shining with excitement.

Genjutsu, Mist Servant Technique.

Her figure split into three.

Each clone looked solid, even the unyielding battle intent was identical.

She was very satisfied with her current strength.

Ever since hearing that the Daimyo Manor had created a special fund for the Genius Cultivation Program, Kurenai had yearned for that opportunity.

She believed she could do it.

Konoha's future would be better.

That Daimyo was not as cold as the rumors claimed.

"Kurenai."

A familiar voice called out.

The Genjutsu dispersed, and Kurenai turned in surprise. "Father."

Shinku stood in the shade of a tree, still in his dust-stained standard vest, clearly just back from a mission.

His face was stern, but his eyes were gentle.

"You're back. Was the mission smooth?"

Her steps were light as she jogged up to him, sweat beading on her forehead, brows lifting in a smile.

"Mm."

Shinku answered quietly.

His gaze fell to her fingers, chafed from high-intensity hand seals.

Distress flickered in his eyes.

"Still practicing?"

"Yes."

Kurenai lifted her chin, proud. "Father, my Mist Servant Technique can already create three solid entities. Give me a little more time and I will definitely master Demonic Illusion, Tree Binding Death."

She waited eagerly for praise.

Like when she was little.

But none came.

Shinku just watched her silently.

No praise, no encouragement.

That complicated look made her uneasy.

"Kurenai."

He spoke again, deeper than before.

"Come with me."

Kurenai's joy went out like a flame.

She sensed something was wrong.

She nodded, reined in her emotions, and followed him home.

The house was as tidy as ever.

But today, the warmth was gone, replaced by a heavy pressure.

Her father did not wipe his ninja tools first as usual.

Instead, he knelt at the low table and personally poured her a cup of tea.

Steam rose, blurring his face.

"Father?"

Kurenai sat opposite him, unease rising.

Looking into his daughter's eyes, full of hope for the future, Shinku struggled inwardly.

After a long silence, he sighed heavily.

He knew.

Every word to come would be his, as her father, crushing his daughter's dream with his own hands.

But he had to say it.

"Kurenai, would you like to… live a different kind of life?"

"What do you mean, Father?"

"A life without slaughter, where you don't walk the edge of life and death every day."

His voice was soft.

But it made Kurenai's heart clench.

She vaguely guessed, and the color drained from her face.

Shinku took out a document from his vest.

He said nothing, and slowly pushed it over.

It was not a mission scroll.

It did not bear the Hokage's seal, but the golden crest of the Daimyo Manor.

Kurenai looked, and when her gaze fell on the words "Selection of Consorts" at the top,

her face went white.

Her smile froze.

"Father… you… what does this mean?"

Her voice trembled with disbelief.

She did not dare touch the document.

"The Daimyo is selecting consorts," Shinku said, terrifyingly calm. "With your beauty and talent, you will surely be chosen."

"I'm not going."

A sharp cry.

Kurenai sprang up, voice ringing. "I want to be a ninja. I want to become an excellent jonin like you. I want to protect Konoha with my Genjutsu."

"Ninja?"

A self-mocking smile tugged at Shinku's lips, his laugh weary.

"Kurenai, what is so good about being a ninja?"

He held out his hand.

A hand full of calluses and scars, one knuckle twisted out of shape.

He opened it before her.

"Look."

"This is the outcome of a lifetime as a ninja."

"I do not want you to live this life."

His calm tone made Kurenai's heart ache.

She knew he was thinking of her.

But she could not accept it.

"But I like being a ninja."

Her eyes reddened. Tears welled up, but she held them back stubbornly.

"This is my dream. And if I am selected for the Genius Cultivation Program, I will become even stronger and bring true glory to the family."

She thought "Genius Cultivation Program" was her final trump card.

It had the Daimyo's approval.

But her father only shook his head, looking at his innocent daughter with love and reluctance.

His words were ice.

"Glory?"

"Do you think that so-called Genius Cultivation Program is cultivating you?"

"No."

Shinku's single sentence shattered all her illusions.

"Ninja are tools."

"The so-called Genius Cultivation Program only sharpens the blades for Daimyo-sama."

"And tools have only two ends."

"Either they die on the battlefield."

"Or they go dull and get discarded."

"Look up at Hokage Rock. Look at Lord Third's situation now, and look at Lord Fourth."

His voice sank, almost resigned.

"Even the Hokage can only submit."

"You, a young girl just showing talent, what do you have to resist?"

"I do not want you to become a tool."

Every word nailed down her pride and her dreams.

Her ninja heart, too.

Tears finally spilled.

She choked, unwilling. "But that is not the life I want. I do not want that."

"You have no choice."

Shinku's tone hardened.

He stood and pressed the application into her cold hands.

The paper's edge cut her skin.

She looked at her father.

At the man who had cherished her since she was small.

She did not understand.

Why.

Why push her away with his own hands.

Seeing her tears, Shinku's expression softened.

He lifted his rough hand to stroke her head.

Halfway, it halted.

At last, it fell onto her trembling shoulder.

His voice held weariness and pleading.

"Kurenai."

"I… just cannot bear to see you hurt again."

"I do not want to collect your cold body from the battlefield one day."

"I only want you to live safely."

"In that place," he paused, "you will not smell blood anymore, and you will not fear whether you will see tomorrow's sun."

"That is the life you should live."

He withdrew his hand and moved toward the door.

Kurenai suddenly noticed his back was no longer straight.

Silver strands showed at his temples.

She understood.

This was not an order.

This was the only way out a father chose for his daughter.

A path paved by crushing her dreams.

To make such a choice,

Father must have been in great pain.

The document in her hands felt heavy as a boulder.

Kurenai slowly crouched, burying her face in her knees.

Muffled sobs filled the room.

Shinku stood at the doorway for a long time.

Only when the crying subsided did he walk away.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 39: Trade Layout for the Land of Thunder

Daimyo Manor, side hall.

Arashi was enjoying a song and dance performance.

Gen suddenly entered with light, quick steps, silently bowed, and stood to the side. Only when the music ended did he speak in a low voice.

"My Lord, there's a situation."

Arashi turned his chair, his gaze shifting from the dancing girls. "What is it?"

"Reporting, Lord, one of the candidates in this selection… your subordinate finds her suspicious."

"Suspicious?"

Arashi's fingers stopped tapping, curiosity flashing in his eyes.

Gen was in charge of selecting consorts and also handled a portion of intelligence work.

If he found something suspicious, it was likely more than a trivial matter.

"Tell me about it."

"Yes."

"This woman calls herself Shizumi. Her identity papers claim she is the daughter of a ruined merchant family from the southern border who came to the Fire Capital seeking a future through this selection."

"The documents themselves are flawless."

"But the problem is, I've seen her before."

Arashi's eyes instantly sharpened.

"Oh? Where have you seen her?"

As a steward, Gen's memory was reliable.

"Recently, when the delegation from the Land of Water came to attend your ascension ceremony."

Gen's expression was solemn. "At that time, Lord Aono was responsible for covert surveillance, and I assisted."

"I remember clearly that among the Land of Water's entourage, this woman wasn't originally present."

"She appeared suddenly."

"After that, she was among the Land of Water's escort guards, wearing the standard uniform of a Hidden Mist kunoichi."

"Although she kept her head down, I could never mistake that extremely rare brown long hair."

Hidden Mist.

Brown long hair.

Female.

A stunningly beautiful face instantly appeared in Arashi's mind.

He recalled the Hidden Mist intelligence provided by Jūzō.

It detailed the various factions under the Hidden Mist Village's Blood Mist reign.

Among them, intelligence about the rebel army was considered top priority.

And one of the leaders of that rebel army was Mei Terumī, with brown long hair.

The report described her as possessing the Bloodline Limits of Lava Release and Boil Release, formidable in strength, and resolute in mind.

Jūzō specifically noted that although she was young, she possessed a decisiveness far beyond her years, willing to do anything to overthrow Yagura Karatachi's rule.

The report ended with the dire state of the rebel army.

Their funding had dried up, supplies exhausted, and they had reached a dead end.

All clues connected at this moment.

Mei Terumī.

So… this is your "stop at nothing"?

Arashi's lips curved upward.

Interesting.

So interesting.

He had just been wondering how to intervene in Hidden Mist Village, and unexpectedly, the other party had delivered herself to his doorstep.

And in such a seductive way.

As for assassination?

While possible, it wasn't likely.

A woman capable of becoming Mizukage wasn't a fool; she wouldn't attempt a meaningless suicide mission.

The only explanation was that she had come seeking aid.

Using herself, her beauty and body, which would one day be unparalleled in the Ninja World, to exchange for the future of the rebel army.

The thought made the mischievous streak in Arashi's heart stir.

An arrogant, beautiful, strong woman who was destined to become a future Mizukage.

For the sake of what she cherished, she had to cast aside her pride, trying to plead with her enemy using her most basic assets.

This script… tsk tsk.

He liked it.

Arashi's smile grew wider.

He looked at Gen and suddenly asked an unexpected question.

"Has she… been examined?"

Gen was stunned for a moment, not expecting his Lord to ask so directly, but quickly bowed.

"She has been examined."

"All participating women undergo the strictest inspection. This is a rule set by your subordinate, and there is absolutely no mistake."

"Three of the most experienced palace old women personally checked and confirmed her… virginity."

Arashi's smile became completely uncontrollable.

He could almost imagine it.

That proud woman, that future Fifth Mizukage, being inspected by several shriveled old women like an object, how humiliated she must have felt inside.

Truly pitiful.

"My Lord, should she be…"

Gen made a gesture of slitting his throat.

In his opinion, dealing with a suspicious enemy kunoichi, no matter her purpose, was the safest course.

"No, no need."

Arashi waved his hand.

"Let her continue."

"I'd like to see what kind of play this beautiful bird, who willingly flew into the cage, intends to perform."

Gen was puzzled but dared not question further.

"Understood."

He respectfully withdrew.

The side hall returned to silence.

Arashi swirled the wine in his hand, feeling immensely pleased.

He had thought life would become dull after conquering Konoha.

Unexpectedly, a new toy had arrived so soon.

He returned to his study, pacing before the large map. His gaze crossed the Land of Fire's borders and settled precisely on the map of the Land of Water.

Mei Terumī, the future Fifth Mizukage.

Offering your body in exchange for hope?

How naive.

How adorable.

He chuckled softly.

At the same time, in the Daimyo Manor's administrative office.

Finance Minister Tanaka Shigeru was receiving envoys from Iwa and Suna.

The atmosphere in the hall was harmonious, showing no trace of the wars that had once occurred between the three nations.

Tanaka Shigeru, smiling gently, personally poured tea for both envoys.

"Honored envoys, have you come with news from your Daimyo-sama?"

The two envoys represented their nations' Daimyo and held real power over their countries' economic and livelihood matters.

The Iwa envoy accepted the tea and spoke earnestly. "Indeed."

"The cultural exchange proposed by Lord Tanaka last time was deeply considered by our Daimyo. He believes it is an excellent way to eliminate estrangement and promote peace."

"Therefore, I was specially dispatched to discuss the specifics of cooperation with the Land of Fire."

The Suna envoy also took the opportunity to speak. "Our Daimyo shares the same view."

"The war is over; the future should focus on peaceful development."

"However, I wonder if the Land of Fire has any ideas regarding cultural exchange?"

Their tone was sincere, yet their words carried a probing undertone.

Tanaka Shigeru smiled appreciatively and nodded. "That both Daimyo-sama possess such foresight is truly a blessing for your nations, and also for the entire ninja world."

Before his words finished, he suddenly shifted the topic.

"However, while cultural exchange is important, it cannot be achieved overnight."

"The exchange of art, ideas, and customs requires time, and more importantly, a stable foundation."

"A foundation that allows the populace to prosper and the nobility to rest easy."

The Iwa envoy immediately asked, "May I ask, Lord, what is this foundation?"

"Trade."

Tanaka Shigeru smiled slightly, slowly uttering the word.

He pushed the two cups of tea toward the envoys, his movements calm and deliberate.

"Culture is built upon prosperity."

"If the people are still struggling to survive after the war, and the nobles are anxious about their dwindling wealth, how can we talk about cultural exchange?"

"Arashi-sama's intention is that before cultural exchange begins, our three nations should first engage in basic commercial trade."

"We will exchange what we have, rebuild our economies, and allow everyone to profit from peace."

"Imagine, the silk, tea, and exquisite crafts of the Land of Fire being transported to your nations continuously."

"And your nations' specialties being sold in the Land of Fire at fair prices."

"Allowing everyone to grow wealthy through peace."

"Tell me, isn't that a tremendous good deed?"

The two envoys' eyes lit up instantly.

They had expected difficult conditions, but instead, it was trade.

The Suna envoy quickly asked, "May I ask what the specific terms of this trade are?"

"That depends on what you have," Tanaka Shigeru replied with a smile. "How about this: the two of you return to report to your Daimyo-sama and then draft a trade list."

The two envoys exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously.

"Agreed."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 40: Fatal Misjudgment

Everything Arashi had set in motion was progressing in an orderly manner.

Except for the Hyuga.

This Konoha clan, known for its ocular Ninjutsu, still kept its gates tightly shut, oblivious to all external changes.

Arashi's patience finally ran out.

Inside the Daimyo Manor's study, he held a secret report about the Hyuga Clan's assets between his fingers, his gaze cold.

It seemed the Hyuga were prepared to resist until the very end.

"Gen."

"Your subordinate is here."

The butler immediately responded from the side.

Arashi casually tossed the secret report onto the table and leaned back in his wide chair.

"Send someone to Konoha."

"Tell Minato this."

"I'm giving the Hyuga Clan one last chance."

"The Genius Cultivation Program or the Twelve Guardian Ninja selection."

"Let them choose one of the two."

"Within three days, I want to see the Hyuga Clan's name appear on one of those application lists."

He paused, his tone becoming calm and detached as he issued the ultimatum.

"Otherwise, have the people from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs pay them a visit."

Gen bowed deeply. "Yes, your subordinate will see to it immediately."

...

Konoha Village.

Hokage's Office.

Minato was buried in mountains of scrolls.

Ever since choosing to submit, he had positioned himself purely as an executor, efficiently carrying out the Daimyo's orders.

This saved him a great deal of trouble, but it also left him feeling powerless at times.

Especially when it came to the Hyuga Clan.

Throughout Konoha, from the Advisor Elders to the ordinary shinobi, nearly everyone believed that the reason the Hyuga angered the Daimyo was because they refused to offer a daughter of the main family with the Byakugan.

In their eyes, all of the Daimyo's actions were aimed at forcing the Hyuga to yield and hand over their unique Bloodline Limit.

Even Minato himself had once firmly believed this.

He thought the Daimyo was pressuring the Hyuga in such a way to gain control over that ocular power.

The Genius Cultivation Program and the Twelve Guardian Ninja selection had seemed like little more than intimidation tactics.

Just as he was pondering how to persuade Hiashi again, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

A young man in the uniform of a Daimyo Manor official entered, his face unremarkable.

Minato recognized him at once. He was one of the Daimyo's resident staff stationed in Konoha to convey orders.

"Lord Fourth."

The man bowed slightly, his posture respectful but without a trace of flattery.

"No need for formalities," Minato said, setting down his pen and adopting a serious expression. "Does the Daimyo have new instructions?"

"Yes."

The man wasted no words and directly conveyed Arashi's command.

"The Daimyo ordered me to inform you that the Hyuga Clan must choose between the Genius Cultivation Program and the Twelve Guardian Ninja selection."

"The deadline is three days."

"If there's no response after three days, we will have to trouble Lord Fourth to take action."

Minato was completely stunned. His first reaction wasn't about the harshness of the order, but confusion.

He subconsciously asked, "Only these two choices?"

"What about… the matter of the concubine selection? Did the Daimyo not mention it?"

To him, that question was a given.

Wasn't that the core of the conflict?

As long as the Hyuga were willing to send a girl to the palace, the Daimyo would surely be satisfied, and all problems would be resolved.

He had originally thought this ultimatum would concern that issue.

But now, that most crucial option had been directly removed.

Upon hearing his question, a strange expression appeared on the messenger's face, a mix of amusement and bewilderment.

"Lord Fourth," he said slowly, "I think you have misunderstood the Daimyo."

"The Daimyo has never, from beginning to end, connected the concubine selection with the Genius Cultivation or the Twelve Guardian Ninja."

"'Absolutely no coercion' was clearly written in the Daimyo's edict."

"It seems…"

He paused briefly, then added, "This isn't something so difficult to understand, is it?"

Boom.

The words were light, but they hit Minato's mind like a hammer, shattering the deeply ingrained logic of shinobi politics that had guided his thinking.

A trace of disbelief flickered in his azure eyes.

His thoughts were in chaos as he reexamined everything that had happened.

He remembered that both the Genius Cultivation Program and the Twelve Guardian Ninja had been personally explained to him by the Daimyo.

As for the concubine selection, it had been announced nationwide by the Daimyo Manor, it had never been directed at any specific clan in Konoha.

So that was it… so that was it.

In an instant, all his confusion, assumptions, and self-righteous conclusions collapsed.

He finally understood.

They had been wrong.

From the Third Hokage, to the Advisor Elders, to every family in Konoha, and even himself—every single one of them had been absurdly wrong.

They had treated the least important matter as the most important, while dismissing the Genius Cultivation and Twelve Guardian Ninja programs as mere sideshows.

Coupled with the Uchiha Clan's proactive attitude, this led to a massive misjudgment.

He thought of all those in Konoha who had sent their daughters for the concubine selection, and a self-deprecating smile crossed his face.

It turned out, whether they participated or not, the Daimyo hadn't cared at all.

How laughable.

How absurd.

Minato's cheeks burned.

They had been trapped within the fixed mindset of shinobi, using the logic of Bloodline politics and desires to interpret the Daimyo's grand design.

They had thought the Daimyo was driven by lust, never realizing they hadn't even understood what he truly wanted.

Did the Daimyo care about the Hyuga women? About the Byakugan?

Perhaps.

But that wasn't what mattered.

The concubine selection was an opportunity offered to all.

Yet for the Daimyo, it was dispensable.

If that concubine selection had been a loyalty test, then the Hyuga, with their misplaced pride, had turned in a blank sheet.

They had stubbornly and righteously rejected what they viewed as humiliation.

And then what?

They extended that resistance to the Genius Cultivation and Twelve Guardian Ninja programs.

They thought they had preserved the Hyuga's dignity and the secret of the Byakugan.

But in the Daimyo's eyes, a clan unwilling to show even the most basic gesture of obedience was utterly insignificant.

Why should a disloyal family have its Bloodline merged with the royal line?

The Daimyo hadn't even bothered to force them to offer a woman.

Realizing all this, Minato's back went cold with sweat.

Just barely.

Just barely, Konoha had almost lost a major clan.

He finally understood the true meaning behind the ultimatum.

The Genius Cultivation Program demanded the Hyuga's future.

The Twelve Guardian Ninja demanded their present.

No matter which they chose, the Hyuga had to make a statement—to maintain their arrogance, or pledge allegiance to the Daimyo.

It was a hundred times more brilliant than forcing them to send a woman to the palace.

Because what the Daimyo wanted was never a woman or a pair of eyes.

It was loyalty.

The complete and unconditional submission of this Ninjutsu Clan.

After realizing this, Minato felt from the bottom of his heart that he was unfit to be Hokage.

Compared to the Daimyo, he was truly too naive.

"I understand."

Minato nodded solemnly. "I will convey the Daimyo's will, word for word, to Hiashi."

The messenger nodded, bowed again, and then withdrew.

Only Minato remained in the office.

He gazed out the window at the Hokage Rock, the symbol of Konoha's spirit, silent for a long time.

After a while, he finally let out a quiet sigh.

"Our perspective… it's too far off."

(To be continued.)