DAIMYO: Chapter 18/20

Chapter 18: The Daimyo Ascends the Throne

The 47th year of Konoha, Autumn.

Calendar Annotation: Auspicious for sacrifices, blessings, and enthronement.

Before dawn, a thin layer of morning mist enveloped the Fire Capital.

But the city had already awakened.

Countless civilians poured into the streets, dressed in their finest clothes, faces beaming with excitement, forming a human tide that surged toward the city center.

"Mom, hurry up! Sanrō said that today at the square, not only will there be blessing cakes, but Daimyo-sama's manor also prepared a huge pot of meat stew, and everyone gets a share!" a half-grown child shouted, tugging at his mother's sleeve.

"Run slower, don't fall!" the woman scolded, though her pace quickened. Looking at her son's new clothes, her face softened with maternal affection. "If it weren't for Daimyo-sama waiving those harsh taxes and the city workshops paying fair wages, let alone new clothes, we wouldn't even know how to survive this winter."

"Ha, food and clothing are nothing! The real thing is seeing Daimyo-sama with our own eyes!" a burly, bearded man nearby laughed loudly. "If not for Daimyo-sama, would we be living so well now? Hahaha!"

"Yes, yes, my family has meat with every meal now, all thanks to Daimyo-sama's grace!"

Laughter and chatter filled the air.

Brand new flame banners fluttered along the streets.

Armored guards stood at every intersection, their postures firm and eyes sharp, yet their presence made the civilians feel secure.

The sun pierced through the morning mist, casting golden light that gilded the city.

Today was the day the new king ascended the throne.

It was the day the Land of Fire turned a new page.

Unlike the festive crowd in the square, the mood on the viewing platform was much more restrained.

Envoys from the four great nations were already seated, and beneath their calm expressions, a silent tension lingered.

The envoy from Kumo stood with his arms crossed, his face full of impatience.

He looked at the dense crowd of civilians below, his expression openly disdainful. "A bunch of lowlifes, and they're allowed to witness a grand ceremony like this? The Land of Fire grows more unruly by the day."

The envoy from Iwa narrowed his eyes slightly, maintaining a calm composure.

The envoy from Suna had a weathered face and said nothing.

Behind him, a masked kunoichi vigilantly scanned the surroundings.

In the delegation from Kiri, the young noble yawned lazily, his face gloomy.

Jūzō stood behind him, head bowed, no one knowing what he was thinking.

From the corner of his eye, he occasionally glanced toward another guard, Mei Terumī.

She was dressed sharply today, highlighting her graceful figure. Her face was calm and aloof, though her heart was far from tranquil.

The sincere admiration and affection on the civilians' faces below puzzled her.

In her eyes, weren't Daimyo and nobles all bloodsuckers who exploited the common folk?

Why was the scene here completely different from what she had seen in Kiri?

On the other side, in Konoha's viewing area,

Minato sat at the forefront, his golden hair glinting in the sunlight.

Looking at the sea of people before him, each face filled with hope, a surge of emotion rose within him.

The will of the people was the foundation of the Land of Fire.

For the first time, he deeply felt the true weight of the words "nation" and "people."

Behind him, Hiruzen remained silent.

The old man wore plain clothes, holding an unlit pipe in his hand.

His cloudy eyes swept over the passionate civilians, then the alert guards, and finally rested on the ninety-nine steps leading up to the Supreme Throne.

That was once a place he had to look up to.

And now, he was about to lose even the right to do so.

In the corner, Danzō's single eye gleamed coldly.

His hands, hidden within his sleeves, were clenched tightly.

At the same time, on the east side of the square, in the underground wine cellar of a tavern.

It was dark and damp, filled with the sour stench of fermenting wine.

Nearly a hundred desperadoes were crammed inside, the stench of sweat mixed with the odor of poison smeared on their weapons, creating a nauseating air.

Shu and Takashi stood at the very front.

Through the cellar's small ventilation shaft, they could hear the cheers outside, growing louder and louder.

The sound was like red-hot iron needles piercing Shu's heart.

"Uncle, it's started outside." His voice trembled, lips pale.

Takashi's face was equally pale.

He gripped Shu's shoulder tightly, growling, "Stay calm. Remember the plan. Wait for the bells. When you hear the ninth bell, that's our signal to move."

Shu gritted his teeth, staring at the thin ray of light through the shaft, eyes bloodshot.

The throne, Yui, wealth, they should all be mine.

He roared silently in his heart again and again.

The cheers outside were like a death knell, and also the flame igniting his ambition.

Dong.

A deep, drawn-out bell chime echoed from the highest point of the Daimyo Manor, resounding across the entire city.

The noisy square instantly fell silent.

In the cellar, every desperado gripped their weapon tightly.

Shu's breathing nearly stopped.

One, two, three.

When the ninth bell reverberated across the sky, Takashi suddenly opened his eyes, madness flashing within them.

He said nothing, only raised his hand sharply and let out a suppressed roar.

"Attack!!"

Above the square, silence reigned.

Tens of thousands of civilians, the delegations of the four great nations, Konoha's high-ranking officials, all eyes turned to the end of the ninety-nine steps.

Under everyone's gaze, the heavy vermilion gate symbolizing supreme authority slowly opened.

Chief Ceremonial Officer Yamano, dressed in the most solemn ceremonial robes and holding the congratulatory text, walked out step by step.

He reached the top of the steps, facing the heavens and the gathered crowd, and chanted in a loud, clear voice.

"The auspicious hour has arrived."

"Welcome."

"The Land of Fire's new Daimyo, Chiba Arashi-sama."

As his words fell, impassioned and elegant music soared into the sky.

A figure appeared behind the vermilion gate.

He wore a ceremonial robe embroidered with golden flame patterns, a golden crown symbolizing the monarch's position upon his head.

Just by standing there silently, an indescribable majesty spread across the square.

The impatience on the Kumo envoy's face vanished, and his bulky frame instinctively leaned forward.

A sharp glint flickered in the Iwa envoy's eyes.

Minato was struck deeply.

That bearing, that overwhelming presence, he suddenly realized the gap between the Hokage and the Daimyo might be far greater than he had imagined.

Arashi moved.

His left foot stepped forward first.

He ascended the first step.

His pace was slow but steady.

Each step echoed solemnly in the silent square.

The civilians below unconsciously held their breath, faces full of reverence and awe.

Step after step, Arashi climbed the ninety-nine steps.

He arrived at the elevated platform carved from a single massive stone.

At the center of the platform, on a jade tray, a crystal completely crimson in color lay quietly.

The National Stone.

A symbol of the nation's supreme power.

Ritual Officer Yamano's voice rang out again, trembling with excitement.

"Please, Daimyo-sama, accept the National Stone, console heaven and earth, and bring peace to all people."

Arashi slowly stepped forward.

He extended his hands, his movements solemn and deliberate.

The entire square was so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.

Everyone widened their eyes, witnessing a moment destined for history.

Arashi's hands were about to touch the National Stone.

At that exact moment.

"Kill!!"

A blood-curdling roar erupted.

"Kill that usurping tyrant! Avenge the former Daimyo!!"

Boom.

The corner tower on the east side of the square exploded violently.

The terrifying blast swept away nearby civilians.

Dozens of dark figures burst out from the smoke.

They wielded long blades, eyes bloodshot, charging madly toward the platform.

Chaos erupted among the crowd.

Screams and cries echoed through the air.

"Protect Daimyo-sama!!"

The guards roared, forming a human wall against the attackers.

But this was only the beginning.

"Move out!"

From the crowds in the west, north, and south, another hundred ambushers suddenly erupted.

They formed a massive encirclement from all directions, their target clear, Arashi.

The gleam of blades, flashes of steel, and blood instantly stained the sacred square red.

An assassination attempt on the new king.

A long-planned murder plot, unfolding under the gaze of all.

Had begun.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 19: Bloody Ceremony, The Enemy is in the Trap

The plaza instantly turned into hell.

People ran in terror, pushing and trampling one another in panic.

The original joy and solemnity were shattered by the sudden assassination.

"Protect Daimyo-sama!"

The City Guards closest to the high platform reacted first. They formed a wall with their bodies, raised their spears and shields, and roared as they charged toward the desperadoes emerging from the smoke and dust.

Clang.

Blades clashed with spear tips, sparks flying as hot blood splattered.

"Minato!"

Hiruzen stood up abruptly, the pipe in his hand cracking.

Minato's golden hair fluttered as his figure flashed, about to rush forward.

The Konoha ninja all rose at once, their killing intent flaring as they prepared to assist.

But just as they were about to move.

Whoosh.

Whoosh.

Whoosh.

A series of sharp sounds came from all around.

More than ten dark figures silently appeared in front of them, blocking their way.

They were dressed in the Daimyo Manor's guard uniforms, yet an eerie aura radiated from them, the smell of blood thick in the air.

"Everyone, please calm down."

The leading dark figure's voice was hoarse. He didn't turn around, only extended a black-gloved hand in a halting gesture.

Minato's forward motion stopped abruptly, his golden eyes filled with shock.

Their concealment was flawless. Even he hadn't noticed them before now.

In that brief pause, the assassins broke through the City Guards' defense line. With sinister grins, they were about to step onto the high platform.

At that very moment.

Another wave of sharp sounds filled the air.

Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.

From beneath the high platform, behind the pillars of the main hall, and even from cracks in the stone floor, over thirty dark figures shot out.

They were silent, carrying a chilling killing intent, like a vast net that instantly closed around the high platform.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

Intense sounds of metal clashing erupted all at once.

The battle on the high platform turned fierce in an instant.

Over thirty Anbu engaged the assassins. Amidst the flashing blades, they drove all the attackers off the platform.

This sudden development made Shu and Takashi, who were hiding in the crowd, extremely anxious.

In their plan, this was supposed to be a lightning-fast strike.

But the surrounding guards had already begun to re-form their encirclement, cold spear tips closing in from every direction.

If they delayed any longer, everything would be lost.

Under immense pressure, Shu's psychological defenses completely collapsed.

He looked like a madman, his crimson eyes fixed on the viewing platform as he roared with all his might.

"Danzō-sama! Shimura Danzō! You promised me! Where are your people! Hurry up and act!"

His roar silenced the entire plaza.

On the viewing platform, the envoys from the four nations looked bewildered, and the people of Konoha could barely hide their shock.

"Act!"

A sharp shout came from behind the Konoha delegation.

Boom.

After a brief silence, nearly thirty figures wearing pure white masks suddenly erupted from among the fleeing civilians in the plaza.

Root.

Their movements were swift and coordinated. Ignoring the surrounding guards trying to stop them, their short blades drew arcs of death as they charged straight toward the high platform.

This sudden turn instantly broke the balance of battle.

The Root ninjas and desperadoes converged, and with unstoppable force, they stormed the high platform.

Above the high platform, blades flashed, flesh and blood flew, and killing intent filled the air.

"Wind Release, Vacuum Sphere!"

A Root ninja took a deep breath, firing several rapidly spinning air bullets like cannonballs toward an Anbu.

The Anbu didn't dodge. He quickly formed hand signs, and a thick wall of earth rose from the ground.

"Earth Release, Earth-Style Wall!"

Boom. Boom. Boom.

The air bullets exploded against the wall, blasting craters into it and sending debris flying, but they couldn't break through.

At that moment, another Root ninja appeared behind him like a ghost, his poisoned short blade thrusting silently toward his back.

But a katana imbued with pale green chakra blocked from the side. When the blades collided, wind-attribute chakra erupted, sending the Root ninja flying backward.

"Water Release, Water Dragon Bullet!"

On another side, an Anbu opened his mouth and released a torrent of water, sending two desperadoes tumbling through the air.

Limbs flew, lives were lost one after another, and blood soaked the high platform.

From afar, Arashi's figure looked like a lone boat in a raging storm, ready to capsize at any moment.

"Danzō! You..."

Hiruzen trembled all over, his head snapping sharply toward his old comrade. His eyes were blazing with fury.

Minato looked confused, glancing from Danzō to Hiruzen.

Uchiha Fugaku's Sharingan spun rapidly, the three tomoe rotating before fading again.

Nara Shikaku closed his eyes in frustration, gritting his teeth as he muttered, "That idiot..."

On the other side, the reactions of the four nation delegations were mixed after their initial shock.

The envoy from Kumo grinned, unable to hide his sneer.

The envoy from Iwa stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes as he calculated how much benefit this internal chaos in the Land of Fire could bring his country.

"We must provide support!"

Seeing the Daimyo in danger, Minato grew increasingly anxious and was about to move again.

But the Anbu blocking them still didn't budge.

The leading Anbu slowly turned his head, his voice devoid of emotion. "Fourth Hokage-sama, the farce on the high platform does not require your intervention."

"Your Konoha's troubles are not here."

He looked past Minato, his cold gaze settling on the one-eyed man behind him, whose face had gone ashen beneath his bandaged right eye.

"Right now, what you should be doing is apprehending the traitor who attempted regicide, Danzō Shimura."

"Nonsense!"

Hiruzen's furious roar overlapped the Anbu's words.

He was trembling with rage, pointing at the Anbu leader as he shouted, "The Daimyo's safety is paramount! Why aren't you rescuing him? What are you doing blocking us here!"

If the Daimyo of the Land of Fire were killed before his eyes, that would mark the end of everything.

He, the Third Hokage, would become a sinner of the Land of Fire.

Minato urgently added, "That's right! Save the Daimyo first! We can discuss other matters later!"

But no matter what Hiruzen and Minato said, the Anbu leader remained silent, still blocking them firmly, which only made their anxiety grow.

Others in the Konoha camp, however, had different thoughts.

Fugaku's eyes flickered as he quietly gestured to his clansmen beside him, signaling them to observe.

In his view, this might be an opportunity.

The new Daimyo was too powerful, constantly suppressing Konoha.

If he died, and that fool Shu supported by Danzō took over, it might not be bad for the Uchiha Clan, or even for Konoha as a whole.

A weak Daimyo would benefit Konoha far more than a strong one.

Hyuga Hiashi's face was ashen, his Byakugan clearly observing something, yet he also didn't move.

Nara Shikaku rubbed his forehead in frustration, muttering to himself.

He had already seen through the chessboard behind this assassination.

Daimyo.

Traitor.

Danzō.

Konoha's high command. One wrong move, and everything would collapse.

The Konoha shinobi's hearts wavered, none able to make an immediate decision.

Above the high platform, the bloody battle only grew fiercer.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 20: Catching a Turtle in a Jar

The addition of the Root ninjas was like a sharp blade, tearing through the Anbu's defenses.

The tide of battle instantly reversed.

The desperadoes who had been suppressed below the platform surged upward again under the leadership of the Root ninjas, engaging in a bloody struggle with the Anbu.

"Kill!"

Seeing the path to the high platform open, Shu's suppressed roar erupted into a bellow.

He gripped his blade, his bloodshot eyes locked on the richly dressed figure standing on the platform, and led his last dozen loyal retainers in a charge.

The few remaining City Guards blocking the way could only fight while retreating.

There were no more obstacles ahead.

Victory was within reach.

"Arashi!"

Shu, like a madman, roared as he charged.

"You thief! Bastard!"

"Do you see this? This is the will of the people! This is divine will! No one will obey a tyrant like you!"

"Today, I will drag you down from that position that doesn't belong to you, in front of the entire world!"

His roar echoed across the square, clearly reaching the ears of everyone in the viewing stands.

In the viewing area, Danzō stood up, his single eye staring past the chaos ahead, directly at Hiruzen.

"It's all over, Hiruzen."

His voice was calm and resolute.

"For the future of Konoha, sacrifice is necessary."

"This new Daimyo is too strong, and his ambition already threatens the village. Above the Hokage, there should be no one else giving orders."

Hiruzen trembled all over, pointing at Danzō, his lips shaking, unable to utter a word.

He had never imagined Danzō's audacity would reach such heights.

No warning, no testing.

This was a direct killing blow.

It was regicide.

"Mad... You madman..." Hiruzen's voice was hoarse.

"I am doing this for Konoha."

Danzō repeated, his tone unshaken.

He looked at Arashi, who was surrounded by assassins, as if he were already dead.

"After he dies, Shu will take his place."

"A weak and incompetent Daimyo best suits Konoha's interests."

"Then, I will personally explain to the entire ninja world that this was a righteous act to restore order."

"And you, Hiruzen, all you need to do is watch."

On the high platform, Shu finally reached Arashi.

He and his last few loyal retainers surrounded Arashi and several City Guards, their blades pointed at his calm, dignified face.

Shu panted heavily, sweat and blood mixing together, running into his eyes and stinging them painfully.

But he didn't care.

He stared at Arashi, who stood just an arm's length away, then glanced greedily at the National Stone in Arashi's hand, his eyes filled with jealousy and venom.

"Why aren't you speaking?"

Shu sneered, pointing his blade at Arashi.

"Weren't you so eloquent? So impressive?"

"Now, your guards, your army, can't even protect themselves!"

"Your throne, your wealth, your woman, they'll all be mine soon!"

"Speak!"

But Arashi stood there quietly.

There was no fear, no anger, not even the slightest trace of emotion on his face.

His deep eyes looked at Shu as if watching a clown.

"Are you done talking?"

He finally spoke, his tone calm and indifferent.

"You..." Shu's fury flared even stronger at that unshakable composure.

"My dear third brother."

Without waiting for Shu to reply, Arashi's lips curved slightly.

"Do you really think that with these desperadoes, you can kill me?"

"Do you also think that the position Danzō Shimura promised you is one you can actually hold?"

Arashi stepped forward, brushing aside a City Guard, completely ignoring Shu's raised blade.

The invisible pressure made Shu instinctively take a step back.

"A useless fool who sold out the family's interests for a chance at inheritance."

"A stray dog I personally threw out of the Fire Capital."

"A pitiful worm who could only crawl in the gutter, waiting for scraps and empty promises before daring to bare its fangs."

With each sentence, Shu's face grew paler.

Each word cut into him like a knife, stabbing deep into his fragile pride.

"Are you even worthy of coveting my throne?"

The final question completely shattered Shu's sanity.

"Ahhh!"

He let out a beastlike roar, his long blade raised high, bringing it down toward Arashi's head with all his might.

"Die for me!"

But just as the blade was about to fall, Arashi merely lifted his eyelids slightly.

Then, the world went silent.

Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish.

Countless sounds of rushing wind echoed from every direction.

One.

Ten.

Fifty.

Over a hundred dark figures appeared silently on the roofs of the main hall, in the clock towers around the square, and from the shadows of nearby buildings.

They were dressed in black combat uniforms, their faces covered by pure black masks, each holding a standard long blade.

A wave of killing intent swept across the entire square.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

The heavy sound of armor rang out from the four entrances of the square in perfect rhythm.

Squads of City Guards poured in like a tide.

Their steps were uniform, their shields forming an iron wall, their spear tips pointed outward, sealing off every escape route.

"Traitors, kill without mercy!"

The cold command was given.

The City Guard formations began contracting inward, their long spears thrusting like a forest of iron, mercilessly crushing all remaining rebels.

In Konoha's viewing area, Nara Shikaku suddenly looked up, his face pale with shock.

Hiashi's Byakugan activated to its fullest, veins bulging on his temples.

Not an illusion, not Shadow Clones.

Those were over a hundred shinobi, each with chakra levels comparable to a Jonin.

Fugaku's Sharingan spun wildly, disbelief flashing in his eyes.

Minato was frozen in place.

Hiruzen stood stunned.

In the area of the four nation delegations, the mocking smiles on the faces of the Kumo and Kiri envoys froze.

The Iwa envoy's hand, which had been stroking his beard, stopped midway.

The female ninja behind the Suna envoy's pupils contracted sharply.

Even Biwa Jūzō, who had already sworn loyalty, couldn't help but gasp at the sight of this power.

And Danzō, the muscles on his face twitched uncontrollably, his single eye filled with disbelief, horror, and despair.

A deception.

This had been a deception from beginning to end.

What weak defenses.

What an unguarded Daimyo Manor.

It was all a trap.

On the high platform, Shu's descending blade froze in midair.

Not because he wanted to stop, but because a black blade had already pressed against his wrist.

He turned stiffly to the side, seeing a person in a black mask standing beside him.

Looking around, he found that each of his loyal retainers now had a cold blade resting against their throats.

In the square, the Root ninjas and desperadoes who had been wreaking havoc were now completely surrounded.

The entire plaza fell silent once again.

Only the wind blew across the high platform, rustling the luxurious fabric of Arashi's robes.

Everyone understood.

This was a play.

A grand performance personally orchestrated by the new Daimyo, allowing every schemer to step onto the stage and act to their heart's content.

Now, everyone meant to be on stage was here.

It was time for the curtain to fall.

Arashi didn't even glance at Shu.

His gaze swept over the countless astonished, terrified faces, finally landing on the Chief Ritual Officer, who was crouched in the corner, pale and trembling.

Arashi beckoned him forward, then spoke calmly.

"Yamano."

"The ceremony continues."

(To be continued.)