DAIMYO: Chapter 8/10

Chapter 8: Long Live the Daimyo

What can a month change?

In the Ninja World, it could mean the end of a brutal war or the fall of several powerful figures.

But in the Fire Capital, a single month was enough to transform the entire city.

"Brother, these spices of yours, they came from the Land of Wind, didn't they? What's the price?"

In the largest market in the Fire Capital's South City, a merchant from the Land of Grass named Watanabe shouted to a local shop owner.

Watanabe had been running this trade route for five years. He remembered that just a month ago, this place looked completely different.

At that time, the civil unrest had only just settled. The streets were full of patrolling samurai, and the air carried a nauseating smell of blood.

The roads were filled with potholes, sewage flowed freely, business was terrible, and every face was etched with numbness and panic.

But now?

Watanabe looked around, feeling as if he were dreaming.

The road beneath his feet was newly paved with bluestone, smooth and clean.

The shops on both sides were freshly renovated, banners fluttering in the breeze.

The most shocking change was the people.

Crowds filled the streets.

Dockworkers, construction craftsmen, rickshaw pullers, vendors... everyone's faces carried something Watanabe had never seen before.

Vitality.

"Hey, Watanabe, you're finally here!"

The shop owner poked his head out from behind the counter, his face glowing with health. "The usual, price is negotiable! Come in and have a cup of tea first. You came at the perfect time!"

Watanabe was warmly pulled into the shop, and a clerk quickly served hot tea.

He couldn't help but ask, "Boss, did you all strike it rich or something?"

"Strike it rich?"

The boss slapped his thigh, his voice rising several octaves. "It's gone crazy! The entire Fire Capital has gone mad!"

"Now, as long as you're willing to work, you'll never starve! Carrying sacks at the docks for a day pays double what it used to!"

"North City is repairing the sewers, East City is building new housing districts, and West City is expanding the workshop area... everywhere needs people! We can't even find enough workers!"

"Wages are high, everyone has money, so of course they're spending more! Look at my shop, this month's turnover is more than the past three months combined!"

Watanabe was stunned.

"This... this is all thanks to the new Daimyo?"

"Exactly!"

The boss's face was full of admiration. "You wouldn't believe it. As soon as our new Daimyo-sama took office, he forced those arrogant nobles to use their family fortunes to rebuild the city and roads!"

"I even heard Daimyo-sama launched something called a three-year revitalization plan, to turn the Fire Capital into a golden nest!"

The teacup in Watanabe's hand trembled.

He looked at the bustling crowd outside, listening to the distant clang of construction, and only one thought filled his mind.

The Land of Fire is about to change...

At the same time, inside the Ministry of Finance's office, the lights burned brightly.

Minister of Finance Tanaka Shigeru was hunched over piles of ledgers, his eyes bloodshot but his spirit unusually lively.

His fingers traced the rows of numbers as he muttered to himself.

"South City Road Repair Project, allocated one billion ryo, projected tax increase of thirty percent, actual... forty-five percent!"

"River dredging project, undertaken by the Ito Family, employing seven thousand displaced people, not only solved resettlement but also revitalized water transport... next month, just from shipping tax, an additional fifty million ryo!"

"And the three iron mines offered by Kawachi-no-Kami, using new technology, have quadrupled production! The farming tools and implements crafted are sold out before they even leave the furnace!"

Tanaka's heartbeat quickened with each calculation.

A month ago, when he knelt before Daimyo-sama, forced to surrender seventy percent of his family's assets, his heart bled.

But who would have thought?

Daimyo-sama immediately assigned several of the most profitable reconstruction projects to him and his family's merchant guild.

At this rate, in less than a year, the Tanaka Family would be restored to glory.

Daimyo-sama once said he would let them earn it back a hundredfold, a thousandfold.

Now, it seemed he hadn't lied.

He used an iron fist to consolidate power, and unimaginable profits to bind everyone to the Land of Fire's chariot.

Tanaka put down his pen and let out a long breath.

Looking at the incoming funds, his eyes burned with fanaticism and awe.

"To die for Daimyo-sama... is our honor."

He muttered as if swearing an oath.

Inside the Daimyo Manor's study, Arashi stood before a large sand table.

He casually picked up a wooden token representing the workshop district and placed it on an empty space west of the city.

A soft voice spoke from behind him.

"My Lord, the tea has cooled. This concubine will prepare a fresh cup for you."

Kiyotsuki Yui approached, carrying a tea tray.

She wore a simple maid uniform. Her face had regained some color, and her movements were no longer stiff, though she still instinctively lowered her gaze before Arashi.

Over the past month, the once-noble young lady who had never lifted a finger had learned to brew tea, grind ink, and tidy the study.

Each day, she stayed by Arashi's side, watching as commands issued from this very room turned into tangible changes across the Fire Capital.

She saw those ministers, once equal to her father, now report with genuine reverence.

She watched familiar place names on the sand table be re-planned into projects generating immense wealth.

She didn't understand complex economics, but she could feel a great power gathering at this man's fingertips, reshaping the entire country.

This power instilled a fear far deeper than slaughter or destruction.

"No need," Arashi said without turning around. "Sit."

Yui froze, unsure what to do.

"Sit," he repeated.

Only then did she hesitantly kneel on the cushion, her posture perfectly straight.

Arashi turned and slowly walked behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder, gently stroking it.

"How do you feel after this past month?"

Yui's body trembled. "I am merely a maid. I do not understand state affairs."

"Is that so?"

Arashi smiled. "I thought you might believe I was exploiting the nobles, using their money to gain fame for myself."

Yui lowered her head further, saying nothing.

She had indeed thought that at first.

"You only saw them paying, but you didn't see how much they gained."

Arashi's hand moved lower.

"I took their family assets to break their old order. I gave them projects to help them find a place in the new order I created."

"Fear makes them submit, and profit makes them loyal."

His voice was calm.

Yui's face flushed as she suppressed the turmoil in her body.

But deep down, a chill rose.

She slowly looked up, daring to meet his eyes for the first time.

Before him, her pride and hatred seemed utterly insignificant.

"My Lord... why tell me all this?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Arashi's hand continued to move.

"Because you are beautiful."

"A beautiful face, if paired with an empty mind, would be such a waste."

"I know you hate me deeply, but I still want you to learn to think, not just accept things passively. That way, it will be more interesting."

Yui's cheeks burned crimson, whether from shame, anger, or something else, she couldn't tell.

Knock knock.

A knock came at the door.

Outside, Gen's voice sounded.

"My Lord."

"Speak."

"All preparations for the enthronement ceremony are complete. The ceremonial day is three days from now."

"Good."

"Also, Konoha Village has sent a reply."

"Oh?"

Arashi raised an eyebrow, withdrew his hand, and returned to his seat. "Come in."

Yui exhaled softly, her face showing both shame and suppressed indignation, though deep hatred still flickered in her eyes.

Gen entered and respectfully presented the letter.

Arashi unfolded it. It was sent jointly by the Konoha Elders.

The letter stated that they fully understood the Daimyo Manor's financial difficulties and were willing to face the challenges together with the country.

Furthermore, they would send a delegation to attend the enthronement ceremony three days later.

Arashi murmured, "A delegation? Hiruzen Sarutobi."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 9: Visitors from Konoha, Envoys from Four Countries

Only two days remained until the Coronation Ceremony.

Fire Capital, a city that had just undergone a bloody purge, was not in chaos. Instead, it was orderly.

The streets were spotless, and the nobles and ronin who used to roam freely were nowhere to be seen.

In their place were teams of sharp-eyed guards clad in armor.

They patrolled every street corner in groups of three.

A carriage adorned with the Uchiha Clan fan crest slowly entered the city.

Inside the carriage, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, and the Clan Chiefs of the Ino–Shika–Chō families rode together, conversing merrily.

However, due to Akimichi Choza's presence, it felt a bit crowded.

Just then, Hiashi's expression changed slightly, and veins bulged around his eyes.

"Hiashi, what's wrong?"

Nara Shikaku, who was beside him, noticed the change and quickly asked.

The others also cast inquiring glances.

Hiashi did not answer immediately. His Byakugan penetrated the carriage, scanning the surrounding buildings, his brows tightly furrowed.

"Something's not right…"

After a long while, he slowly spoke. "The defenses of this Capital are more than just the guards we see."

"Oh?" Shikaku's interest was piqued.

"There are ninja hidden at every critical intersection," Hiashi said in a solemn tone.

Fugaku snorted. "Are they the Twelve Guardian Ninja?"

"Doesn't seem like it."

Hiashi shook his head. "Their Chakra fluctuations are unfamiliar, and there are about thirty-odd of them, but…"

"Of all the people I've detected, the weakest are at least Chūnin level. Some of their Chakra are even on par with ours."

The carriage instantly fell silent.

The relaxed expressions on everyone's faces vanished.

A ninja force of over thirty individuals, at least Chūnin level, and with experts of elite Jōnin level?

This power was enough to instigate a coup in a small country.

Moreover, this force did not belong to Konoha. It seemed to be the doing of that Daimyo.

"This is troublesome…"

Shikaku rubbed his forehead, muttering to himself. "This young Daimyo is very assertive."

In another carriage, two figures sat within it.

It was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Minato Namikaze behind him.

"Minato, do you feel it?"

Hiruzen scanned the surrounding streets, his tone deep.

Minato nodded, looking at the orderly streets. "Yes, this Daimyo is very capable."

Hiruzen sighed, his gaze directed toward the distant, majestic Daimyo Manor.

"Indeed. I just wonder if this Daimyo still remembers the blood Konoha shed for the Land of Fire."

After speaking, he looked serious and turned to Minato.

"During this great war, we suffered heavy losses, and the Village, both internally and externally, needs an explanation. As the Third Hokage, it's time for me to take responsibility for all of this."

His words were full of self-reproach, but Minato understood the deeper meaning beneath them.

Take responsibility. How to take responsibility?

By resigning from the position of Hokage to take responsibility.

This was both a gesture of accepting responsibility and a tactical retreat.

Daimyo Manor, in a side hall.

The delegations from the Daimyo Manors of the Land of Lightning, Land of Wind, Land of Earth, and Land of Water had already been arranged to wait here.

The atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

The envoy from the Land of Lightning was a burly noble, dressed lavishly, his face full of arrogance, with two Kumogakure ninja guards behind him, exuding an intimidating aura.

The envoy from the Land of Earth was short, appearing to be a civil official, stroking his beard silently, also with two Iwagakure ninja guards behind him.

The envoy from the Land of Wind was a middle-aged official with a weathered face, and behind him stood a masked female ninja with dangerous eyes.

Most striking was the delegation from the Land of Water.

The envoy was a pale-faced, gloomy young noble, and the guard standing behind him was Biwa Jūzō, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

"Hmph, making so many of us wait here, this is hardly proper hospitality."

The envoy from the Land of Lightning was the first to break the silence, his voice rough and tone displeased.

Although the others did not speak, their faces showed dissatisfaction.

Just then, the door of the side hall was pushed open, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

The person who walked in was a young woman.

The woman carried a tray with exquisite pastries on it.

She lowered her head, moving with light steps, placing the pastries one by one on everyone's tables.

The gloomy noble whistled with interest, the sound not loud but particularly jarring.

"Oh, the Land of Fire's maid, she's quite pretty."

The woman seemed not to have heard. After placing the last pastry, she bowed and retreated to the side, standing with her hands clasped.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door again.

This time, it was the Daimyo Manor's old butler, Gen.

"My Lords, thank you for waiting," Gen bowed. "Daimyo has specially ordered this old man to arrange lodging for you, My Lords."

The envoy from the Land of Lightning snorted. "The Land of Fire's hospitality leaves much to be desired."

Gen's smile remained unchanged.

"Daimyo said that since you, My Lords, have traveled a long way and endured hardships, you should rest well. Tomorrow evening, Daimyo Manor will host a banquet to welcome you, My Lords."

With words spoken to this extent, the envoy from the Land of Lightning found it difficult to make a scene.

---

Daimyo Manor.

Arashi stood by the window, looking down at his Capital.

In his consciousness, on the interface of the [Daimyo System], points of light representing powerful individuals lit up one by one.

Uchiha, Hyuga, the Ino–Shika–Chō families. Inuzuka, Aburame. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze. And the ninja guards in the delegations of the Four Great Nations. "They've almost all arrived."

"Are all the arrangements made?"

"Yes, My Lord, all have been properly arranged," Gen's voice came from behind him.

"Very good."

Arashi turned around, his gaze falling on an invitation.

This was sent by Hiruzen, arranging to pay a visit tomorrow.

His finger tapped on Hiruzen's name.

He was somewhat looking forward to tomorrow's arrival.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 10: Retreating to Advance!

As the enthronement ceremony approached, the Fire Capital was completely reshaped within a single month.

The shadow of war seemed to have dissipated, and prosperity was visible to the naked eye.

The expanded streets were wide and clean, with shops lining both sides.

Caravans from various countries, guided by guards, orderly entered the designated trade zones.

The air was filled with the aroma of food, intertwined with the clang of blacksmiths, forming a picture of human life and activity.

Children chased and played, their faces full of laughter.

All these thriving scenes originated from the young Daimyo who was about to be enthroned, Arashi.

He used an iron fist to reshape the order of the Fire Capital.

Only a few rats still trembled, hiding in the shadows.

Order brings safety.

Safety fosters prosperity.

But beneath this prosperity, an undercurrent was quietly surging toward the center of power in the Fire Capital, the Daimyo Manor.

Study room.

Arashi stood before a huge map, his gaze calmly surveying the entire territory of the Land of Fire.

Just then, a voice from outside the door sounded.

"My Lord, the Third Hokage has arrived."

Finally, he came.

Arashi regained his composure and said, "Let them in."

"Yes."

The door was pushed open, and two figures entered, one after the other.

Leading the way was Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in the Hokage's ceremonial robe.

He deliberately restrained his powerful aura, his face covered with wrinkles, his eyes cloudy, looking decrepit and older than in the manga, completely lacking the demeanor of the Ninja God he once was.

Minato Namikaze followed closely, with dazzling short golden hair, bright eyes, and a perpetually humble and gentle smile on his face.

The two entered the room and bowed deeply to Arashi.

"Konoha's Hiruzen Sarutobi greets Daimyo-sama."

"Konoha's Minato Namikaze greets Daimyo-sama."

Arashi turned around, a gentle smile on his face. "Please rise, both of you, no need for such formalities."

He gestured with his hand.

"The Third has toiled for the country, and Jōnin Minato is even more a pillar of the nation. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, My Lord."

The two sat down as instructed, their postures respectful.

Hiruzen's gaze subtly swept across the study room, finally resting on Arashi, a chill in his heart.

He was even more composed than described in the intelligence. Not only did he show no youthful impetuousness, he was remarkably calm.

The bloody struggles he had endured recently seemed to have left no trace on him.

Arashi said lightly, "Someone, bring tea."

The side door of the study was gently pushed open, and a maid entered, carrying a tea tray.

She kept her head down, her steps light, serving tea to Hiruzen and Minato with meticulous movements, so elegant she hardly seemed like a maid.

Minato politely thanked her, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the woman's profile, struck by her beauty.

However, the moment Hiruzen next to him clearly saw that face, his pupils sharply constricted.

His hand, holding the teacup, tightened abruptly, spilling tea, but he did not notice.

Kiyotsuki Yui.

He would never mistake that face.

The most dazzling pearl of the Fire Capital, the sole daughter of the Kiyotsuki Family, which was destroyed for backing the wrong side.

How could she be here, and wearing a maid's uniform?

At this moment, Hiruzen felt a chill run through him.

He instantly understood.

This new Daimyo not only used thunderous methods to purge his political enemies, he also used such a soul-crushing method to display his authority to everyone.

How ruthless.

Killing the body and crushing the spirit.

Although Minato did not recognize Kiyotsuki Yui, he keenly caught the Third's lapse in composure.

His heart tightened, and when he looked at the maid again, his eyes held a hint of scrutiny.

After setting down the teacups, Yui did not retreat but walked behind Arashi, standing with her hands at her sides, like a statue.

This silent gesture was like a heavy hammer, striking Hiruzen's heart.

The speech he had prepared all the way here now felt stuck in his throat.

Arashi's face showed concern. "Third, you look a bit unwell? Is it the fatigue from the journey?"

Hiruzen snapped back to attention, quickly composed himself, and forced a smile. "Indeed, I am a bit tired. I'm old and useless now, please forgive me, Daimyo-sama."

Arashi immediately blamed himself. "Oh, it's my fault. How could I let an elder like you, who has toiled for the country all his life, make such a journey personally?"

"No hardship, no hardship," Hiruzen humbly replied, but inwardly, alarm bells were ringing. Is he implying I'm old and should retire?

I cannot be led by him any longer.

Setting down his teacup, Hiruzen decided to stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point. "Daimyo-sama."

He suddenly stood up, his expression becoming incredibly solemn.

"Although we ultimately won this great war, the Village also paid a heavy price."

"Countless excellent ninja died on the battlefield, countless families were shattered, and the Village is in ruins, waiting to be rebuilt."

His voice was hoarse, his words filled with sorrow, as if from the bottom of his heart.

"As Hokage, I bear an inescapable responsibility for all of this."

"It was I who failed to protect them better. It was I who failed to lead the Village to a brighter future."

At this point, he bent down, his head almost touching his chest, his posture extremely humble.

"Therefore, I have come today to resign from my position as Hokage to Daimyo-sama."

"I humbly request, My Lord, to allow me to step down as Hokage. I am willing to bear full responsibility for the losses caused by this war."

As his voice fell, the study room plunged into dead silence.

Minato also hastily stood up, his head bowed, his eyes complex.

This was the script that Hiruzen had discussed with him before coming.

Arashi instantly saw through Hiruzen's intention, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

To retreat in order to advance?

A good plan.

He would take responsibility upon himself, presenting a noble and upright image.

If Arashi did not agree, he could then propose restoring the budget to appease the Village.

If Arashi agreed, he could legitimately nominate Minato to take over, and if he could also bring back news of no budget cuts, his position would be instantly solidified.

Thinking more deeply.

Minato was already from the Hokage faction. Whether Hiruzen retired or not, Konoha's power would still circulate within the Hokage faction.

He had calculated well.

Arashi pondered for a moment, then his gaze passed over Hiruzen and fell upon Minato. "Jōnin Minato."

Called by name, Minato immediately responded, "Here."

"What do you think of the Third's decision?"

Minato instantly felt immense pressure.

This question was difficult to answer.

To say he supported it would be disloyal.

To say he opposed it would go against the purpose of their visit.

Minato pondered for a moment and replied, "Hokage-sama is wholeheartedly devoted to public service. I do not dare to comment presumptuously on his decision."

"However, I believe that the Village, having just gone through a major war, needs stability most right now."

"Regardless of who leads Konoha in the future, the stability of the Village must be the top priority."

This answer both expressed respect for Hiruzen and highlighted the potential risks of changing the Hokage, skillfully kicking the ball back.

"Well said."

Arashi praised, then looked back at Hiruzen.

He slowly rose and walked in front of Hiruzen, helping him up, his tone sincere.

"Third, what are you doing."

"You have toiled for the Land of Fire, for Konoha, your entire life. Your achievements are outstanding, you are a pillar of the nation. How can the losses of war be borne by you alone?"

"That's not fair."

Hiruzen's heart swelled with joy, believing his strategy had worked.

It seemed this young Daimyo still understood how to weigh the pros and cons and would not easily allow Leaf to fall into turmoil.

"However."

Arashi's smile remained unchanged, but his tone suddenly shifted. "You are also right, Konoha indeed needs change, needs to be responsible for the future."

"Your willingness to step forward and bear this responsibility, this magnanimity, I admire."

He patted Hiruzen's shoulder intimately, saying each word distinctly:

"Your resignation, I accept."

(To be continued.)