DAIMYO: Chapter 1/4

Chapter 1: The Daimyo of Fire

The night in the Fire Capital still carried the scent of blood.

Inside the Daimyo Manor's study, candlelight flickered faintly.

Chiba Arashi was half-reclining on a soft couch, his fingertips tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

Memories of his previous life flashed through his mind.

He was not from this world.

Sixteen years ago, he had transmigrated and become an infant.

He was the least favored illegitimate son of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, born of a lowly maid.

In this palace, his status was no different from that of an ant.

The moment he was born and opened his eyes, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

[Ding!]

[Detecting host's situation: meets binding conditions.]

[Daimyo System, officially activated!]

[Mission: Clear obstacles!]

[Mission description: As a mortal, clear all obstacles to succession and ascend to the position of Daimyo of the Land of Fire!]

[Mission restriction: Before the mission is completed, the host will have no extraordinary power.]

[Mission rewards: Six Paths Sage Body! Nine-Tomoe Rinnegan!]

From that moment on, Arashi began sixteen years of patience and scheming.

He had no power and could not use chakra.

His only weapon was his mind.

He walked on thin ice, surviving in the cracks of the imperial court.

He secretly befriended disgraced retainers, supported destitute samurai, and used the knowledge of his past life to accumulate his own wealth.

He sowed discord while his legitimate elder brothers fought bitterly for the position of Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, he quietly eroded their influence from the shadows.

Sixteen years.

A full sixteen years.

He rose from an illegitimate son who could be executed at any moment to standing at the center of power, step by step.

Two months ago, the former Daimyo died of a severe illness.

For the throne, his brothers engaged in a bloody struggle.

Arashi revealed his fangs at the right time and ultimately had the last laugh, becoming the sole candidate to inherit the title of Daimyo.

When he held the national stone, the symbol of the Daimyo, the System's voice, silent for sixteen years, finally spoke again.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, host, for completing the ultimate mission.]

[Rewards being distributed…]

At that moment, a vast divine power surged through his body.

His body was instantly reshaped, every cell filled with Chakra.

His eyes transformed into the purple Rinnegan with nine tomoe.

"Sixteen years."

Arashi opened his eyes, the purple glow flashing before reverting to black pupils.

"Sixteen years as a mortal," he murmured, a faint smile forming.

The overwhelming contrast made even him feel unreal for a moment.

But he quickly adapted.

He was still the same Chiba Arashi, used to solving problems with strategy and patience.

Now, he simply had an extra trump card.

Arashi rubbed his temples and sat upright.

On the table before him lay the recently approved budget for city defense repairs.

"My Lord, it's late, you should rest."

An old voice came from outside the door.

"Come in."

Arashi didn't look up.

The door was pushed open, and an old man entered carrying a bowl of ginseng soup.

The old man, Gen, was a loyal retainer who had cared for Arashi since childhood.

"These are the verification reports for post-war relief funds that arrived this afternoon."

Setting the bowl on the corner of the table, Gen then took out several scrolls and neatly arranged them.

Arashi picked up the topmost one.

"Have the families in the north of the city been dealt with cleanly?"

His voice was calm.

"Reporting, My Lord, all have been dealt with cleanly," Gen said.

"Their family property has been confiscated, the principal offenders and their direct relatives charged with treason."

"The remaining branch families have been exiled to the border of the Land of Demons for three generations."

Arashi unrolled the scroll. It was filled with names, each marked with a red 'X'.

They had all chosen the wrong side.

He was never merciful to his enemies.

"There's one more matter," Gen hesitated.

"Konoha Village sent someone with a congratulatory gift, a personal letter from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, congratulating you on your ascension."

Gen presented a letter sealed with wax.

"Oh?"

Arashi finally looked up, a faint smile curving his lips.

"Konoha moves fast, doesn't it?"

He took the letter but didn't open it right away.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha Village.

A man portrayed as gentle and benevolent, but in truth, his cunning and schemes were unmatched.

As for that old dog, Danzo Shimura, hiding in the shadows beside him, he was even more ruthless and unscrupulous.

Those two would be his first obstacles in controlling the Land of Fire.

The sword known as Konoha was too sharp, sharp enough to forget who held the hilt.

"Gen, don't you think the annual funds we allocate to Konoha Village are a bit excessive?"

Gen bowed slightly. "This servant dares not speak on state matters. But... the manor's finances are indeed a bit tight."

Arashi smiled. "Yes, tight."

He stood and walked to the window.

From there, he could overlook most of the Fire Capital's night view.

"Pass on my order. Tell the Minister of Finance to come to my study tomorrow morning for a discussion."

"Yes, My Lord."

Gen answered but didn't immediately leave.

"My Lord, about the Young Miss of the Kiyotsuki Family…"

"Kiyotsuki Yui?"

A cold, proud face appeared in Arashi's mind.

The Kiyotsuki Family had been one of the main noble factions supporting his eldest brother and was annihilated in the struggle.

Yui was the only daughter of the Kiyotsuki head, renowned for her beauty and talent.

"Still on a hunger strike?"

"Yes, My Lord. She hasn't eaten or drunk for two days now," Gen said with concern.

"She swore that even if she dies, she will never serve her enemy."

"She has backbone," Arashi said simply.

He returned to the desk and opened the letter.

Its contents were the usual congratulations and declarations of loyalty.

It also mentioned that the Third Ninja World War was nearing its end, that Konoha had suffered heavy losses, and hoped the Daimyo Manor could allocate a special budget for reconstruction and ninja relief.

"They're good at calculations," Arashi muttered, tossing the letter into the candle flame and watching it burn to ash.

"They want both money and reputation. How can there be such good fortune in this world?"

Gen stayed silent.

"How are preparations for the coronation ceremony?" Arashi asked.

"They are being expedited. The first of next month is an auspicious day."

"Good, I understand."

Arashi waved his hand. "Go, bring Kiyotsuki Yui here."

"My Lord, this…" Gen hesitated.

"Her emotions are unstable right now. What if she offends you…"

"It's fine."

Arashi waved dismissively. "I want to see how strong a noble lady's resolve can be."

A quarter of an hour later, the study door opened again.

Two guards escorted a woman in a plain white kimono inside.

She was slender, pale-faced, but her back was perfectly straight.

Her long black hair was slightly disheveled.

She was Kiyotsuki Yui.

"You may leave," Arashi said.

The guards bowed and exited.

Yui glared at the man behind the desk, her eyes filled with hatred.

It was this man who had destroyed her family and taken everything from her.

"I heard you want to die?"

Arashi finished the last sip of ginseng soup and set the bowl down.

Yui stayed silent, her defiance clear.

"If you die, you'll have nothing left."

Arashi stood and walked toward her, looking down from above.

"Your father and brothers all regretted it before they died."

His voice was calm.

"You're lying! My father would never beg for mercy from someone as despicable as you!"

"Despicable?" Arashi smiled and pinched her chin.

"The winner takes all. My brothers were far more despicable when they tried to kill me. When your family handed them the knife, did you ever think this day would come?"

Yui struggled, but couldn't break free.

"Kill me!" she spat.

"Kill you?" Arashi shook his head and returned to his seat.

"That would be such a waste."

"You're beautiful. Be my maid. I think you're quite suitable."

"Dream on!" Yui screamed. "I'd rather die than suffer your humiliation!"

"Die?" Arashi laughed loudly, then tossed a dagger toward her. "Here, kill yourself."

"You…" Yui froze, trembling with anger and shock, staring at the dagger but not moving.

Seeing her hesitation, Arashi sneered. "Didn't you want to die? What's wrong? Afraid?"

"I…"

"Someone."

At his call, the guards entered again.

"Take Young Miss Kiyotsuki Yui to wash up, and make sure she's properly cleaned."

"Yes, My Lord."

The expressionless guards stepped forward.

Despair washed over Yui as they seized her arms and dragged her away.

Her struggles were weak and futile.

Silence returned to the study.

Arashi's brush hovered above the scroll, yet to touch the paper.

His consciousness sank inward, and a blue interface only he could see appeared.

[Daimyo System]

[Current Mission: Land of Fire Financial Reform (Phase One)]

[Mission Objective: Reduce Konoha Village's annual budget by 20%, and achieve preliminary control over the Land of Fire's economic lifeline.]

[Mission Reward: Unlock Talent Scan function.]

(To be continued.)

Chapter 2: Time to Teach Konoha Frugality

The night was thick and silent.

Arashi set down the scroll and stood up to stretch his limbs.

After finishing his official duties, he walked out of the study and slowly made his way toward the sleeping quarters.

The guards and maids along the corridor all bowed their heads, barely daring to breathe.

Arashi was long accustomed to such treatment, and it pleased him.

At the entrance of the sleeping quarters, two newly assigned maids stood respectfully with their hands clasped and their bodies slightly bowed.

Arashi pushed open the door and entered.

Inside, candlelight flickered, and the faint scent of incense filled the air.

A figure lay curled up on the bed, the bedding outlining the graceful curves of a woman's body.

Arashi's footsteps lightened, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

Perhaps hearing the sound, the figure on the bed visibly tensed.

Arashi walked straight to the bedside, sat down, and with a playful look, reached his hand into the bedding.

What he touched was not soft skin but the rough texture of fabric.

His smile vanished instantly, and he pulled the quilt back sharply. "You're still wearing clothes?"

Yui suddenly opened her eyes. Her gaze was filled with fear, but her expression remained stubborn.

Arashi ignored her emotions. His face darkened as he let out a cold snort. "It seems you still haven't learned how to be a maid."

"Someone!"

The door opened immediately, and the maids outside hurried in, falling to their knees and pressing their foreheads to the cold floor.

"I told you to teach her the rules!"

Arashi pointed at Yui, his voice carrying suppressed anger. "Didn't you teach her?"

"T-this…" The maid trembled violently, repeatedly bowing her head.

Arashi frowned, his patience thinning. "Take her away and teach her again. Make her understand what a maid's duty is."

He paused, his tone dropping lower.

"If she still hasn't learned by this time tomorrow, you will be held responsible."

The maid quickly nodded. "Y-yes, My Lord! I will definitely teach her properly!"

Arashi turned slightly, and the maid immediately scrambled up, rushed to the bed, and grabbed Yui's arm. No matter how she struggled, she was forcibly dragged out of the sleeping quarters.

The hall door closed behind them, cutting off her cries.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the study windows, casting soft shadows across the floor.

Arashi finished reviewing several reports and was slowly sipping his tea.

"Lord Tanaka requests an audience, Lord Daimyo," Gen announced from outside.

"Let him in."

Soon, a slightly overweight middle-aged man entered briskly. His name was Tanaka Shigeru, an old minister of the Land of Fire.

Tanaka bowed respectfully. "May Lord Daimyo be in good health."

"Sit, Tanaka," Arashi said, setting down his cup. "Serve tea."

"Thank you, Lord."

Tanaka sat carefully, occupying only half the chair, his posture humble.

After a few formalities, Arashi said, "Last night, the Third Hokage of Konoha sent a letter."

Tanaka asked, "What did it say?"

Arashi toyed with the cup lid, his tone even. "The letter was very touching. First, it congratulated me on my succession, then it reminisced about the long-standing friendship between Konoha and the Daimyo Manor, and finally, it made a small request."

Tanaka's eyelids twitched.

A "small" request mentioned by the Daimyo himself could not be small.

"What does the Third Hokage mean?"

"His meaning is that in this great war, Konoha made great contributions but also suffered heavy losses. The Village lies in ruins, awaiting reconstruction," Arashi said indifferently.

"So, he hopes the Daimyo Manor can provide an additional budget for post-war rebuilding."

Tanaka's face turned bitter, and he immediately protested, "My Lord, that is absolutely impossible!"

"The national treasury is emptier than my hair! Suppressing the rebellion already drained our reserves. Reconstruction efforts and compensations all require funds! We have nothing left to give!"

"Oh?" Arashi raised an eyebrow. "Is it that serious?"

"Even more so, My Lord!"

"Bring Konoha's account books for me to see."

Tanaka had come prepared. He hurriedly presented a thick ledger with both hands.

Arashi took it, flipping through swiftly, scanning several lines at a time.

The figures inside were staggering.

Procurement of weapons, ninja mission subsidies, casualty compensation, infrastructure construction, research and development… These expenditures consumed one-third of the Land of Fire's annual budget.

During the Third Great Ninja War, that share had even risen to half.

Arashi's expression darkened. He shut the ledger with a dull thud.

"So much?"

Cold sweat formed on Tanaka's forehead as he explained, "Konoha is, after all, our military shield. Without their efforts at the frontlines all these years, we…"

Arashi smiled faintly.

"Tanaka, I ask you—Konoha is important, but are the other citizens of the Land of Fire not important?"

"During wartime, I can understand high military expenses."

"But now, the Third Raikage is dead, Iwagakure is weakened, Sunagakure has submitted, and Kirigakure is caught in internal strife. The war is nearly over."

"Instead of reducing spending, he wants even more funds? What kind of logic is that?"

Tanaka hesitated, speechless. "Then… does My Lord intend to reject it outright?"

Arashi waved his hand. "Rejecting it would appear too harsh. The Third is respected and has rendered great service to the Land of Fire. We can't be so heartless."

Tanaka looked confused.

Arashi's smile deepened. "Not only can we not reject it, we must actively help him."

"Help him and help Konoha Village learn what frugality means."

He raised two fingers.

"Starting next quarter, Konoha's annual budget will be reduced by two-tenths."

"Two… two-tenths?!"

Tanaka nearly leapt from his chair. "My Lord, that's impossible! That's an enormous cut! Konoha will never agree! The Third Hokage…"

"He will agree," Arashi interrupted calmly.

He stood and patted Tanaka's shoulder.

"The treasury is struggling after the war. For the sake of the Land of Fire's recovery, everyone must share the burden. Konoha, as part of the Land of Fire, should set an example. I'm sure the Third will understand."

Tanaka's face turned pale as sweat ran down his cheeks.

He understood perfectly.

This was about establishing authority, using Konoha as an example to warn others.

"But Konoha…"

"With such heavy losses in this war, I'm already being generous by not holding them accountable."

Arashi sat back down. "The Third is a wise man. He knows what choice to make."

"It's settled. Draft a new financial budget for me."

"Yes, My Lord." Tanaka bowed deeply.

"Go, and make the official document sound sincere."

"Yes!"

Tanaka withdrew, his steps unsteady.

Silence returned to the study.

Arashi's expression was calm. The first move had been made.

Even without a System mission, Konoha would have been his first target.

As a Daimyo, how could he allow the blade to be held in someone else's hand?

Power and authority must never be entrusted to others.

Just then, Gen's voice sounded from outside the door.

"My Lord."

"Enter."

Gen pushed open the door and bowed. "My Lord, a Konoha ninja requests an audience. He says he's on orders from the Third Hokage to deliver a detailed report on the great war."

"A Konoha ninja?"

Arashi looked slightly surprised. "Who is it?"

"He calls himself Yuhi Shinku."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 3: Konoha’s Performance Report

Yuhi Shinku.

Hearing that name, Chiba Arashi immediately thought of another person.

Kurenai.

Konoha's future genjutsu master, Asuma's wife, a woman possessing both maturity and a strong will.

Interesting.

Sending a letter, then sending a messenger, tsk tsk…

"Let him in."

Arashi's voice was calm.

Moments later, footsteps sounded, and a man entered the study.

He wore Konoha's standard vest, his figure tall and upright, though the faint scent of blood on him could not be hidden.

He must have just returned from the battlefield.

"Konoha Jonin, Yuhi Shinku, greets Daimyo-sama."

The man bowed with perfect etiquette, but his posture still carried the pride of an elite ninja.

It was the confidence forged in mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

"No need for formalities."

Arashi's gaze swept over him.

His strength was decent, his Chakra reserves full, and his mental energy refined.

A qualified ninja.

Unfortunately, before him, he was nothing more than an ant.

"Where is the report? Bring it."

"Yes, Lord."

Shinku stepped forward, presenting a thick scroll with both hands.

"The report details Konoha's casualties, material expenditures, and strategic assessments from this war. Please review it, Daimyo-sama."

Gen stepped forward, received the scroll respectfully, and placed it on Arashi's desk.

Arashi didn't open it immediately. He lightly tapped the scroll with his finger.

"You've worked hard."

"To survive such a brutal battlefield, you are a hero of Konoha."

"And a meritorious subject of the Land of Fire."

His tone was warm and courteous, like a gentle spring breeze.

Shinku quickly bowed. "To serve the Land of Fire is the duty of a Konoha ninja."

"Well said."

Arashi nodded approvingly, then unrolled the report.

The Battle of Kikyo Pass.

The Kannabi Bridge Battle.

One after another, battle names appeared, followed by cold, emotionless casualty numbers.

Each number represented a vibrant life, a shattered family.

Senju Hashirama, your naivety killed them all.

"It's tragic," Arashi murmured as he rolled the scroll shut.

"Konoha's ninjas have paid a heavy price for the Land of Fire."

Seeing the opportunity, Shinku spoke earnestly. "My Lord is wise. It is precisely for this reason that the Third Hokage sincerely asks the Daimyo Manor for assistance."

He paused, lowering his voice.

"The Village has sacrificed countless ninjas. Their families need compensation, the wounded need treatment, and the homes destroyed by war must be rebuilt. All of this requires funds. I implore Daimyo-sama to understand Konoha's difficulties."

Here it comes.

Arashi sneered inwardly.

"Jonin Shinku, I understand your purpose, and I have already read the Third's letter."

He shifted the topic smoothly, pushing the scroll forward.

"But it seems you have misunderstood something."

"This report is not a record of Konoha's merits or a petition for rewards."

"It is a performance report, detailing how Konoha has fulfilled its duties to the Land of Fire."

Shinku's pupils shrank sharply.

Arashi's tone wasn't loud, but his words struck like a hammer.

"Do you think the funds the Daimyo Manor allocates to Konoha are insufficient? Or have you used them for your own comfort during peacetime, and now come asking for more?"

"You must understand, that money pays for your sacrifices in war, it pays for every casualty on this report."

"You have shed blood, and the Land of Fire has not treated you unjustly."

Arashi stood, walking around the desk until he stood before him, looking down from above.

"My brothers emptied the treasury in their struggle for power, that was my family's affair."

"I quelled the rebellion and drained the finances, that was state business."

"And now, you come to me, bringing what should be a duty report, demanding more compensation?"

"Jonin Shinku, tell me—why?"

"Or do you think the lives of ninja are worth more than the tens of thousands of civilians displaced and starving in the flames of war?"

Each word pierced deeper than the last.

Shinku opened his mouth, but no words came out.

All explanations suddenly felt meaningless.

Their achievements were reduced to mere duty.

Konoha's sacrifices, dismissed as transactions.

This man simply didn't place Konoha on an equal footing.

Were ninja merely tools?

A chill ran down Shinku's spine.

"I… understand."

After a long silence, he bowed deeply.

"I will report My Lord's words to Hokage-sama."

"Mm."

Arashi nodded, expression unreadable. He didn't care what Konoha's response would be.

Whether they were angry or silent.

If they dared to provoke him, he would crush them without hesitation.

Once Shinku stepped back, Arashi's expression softened. Compassion replaced the cold authority from moments before.

"The dead are gone; what we can do now is protect the living."

"In this great war, Konoha lost too many pillars. I truly grieve for them."

His tone grew gentle.

"Especially genjutsu ninja. Their strength can often decide victory through subtlety. Losing even one is a great loss for the Land of Fire."

"Does Konoha's next generation have any promising talents to inherit your will?"

The sudden shift in tone caught Shinku off guard.

After a brief pause, he replied instinctively, "To answer My Lord, among the younger generation, there are indeed several talented children."

"Oh?"

Arashi's eyes lit with mild interest. "For those talented in genjutsu, I have high expectations."

Shinku's face brightened slightly.

He said with pride, "My daughter, Kurenai, has shown some talent in genjutsu. She's already listed by the Village as a key training target."

"Kurenai…"

Arashi repeated the name softly, smiling. "A fine name. How old is she now? Has she been on the battlefield?"

Shinku replied, "My daughter is sixteen this year and has already experienced battle."

Arashi's tone softened with apparent sympathy. "A sixteen-year-old girl on the battlefield… how tragic."

"Tell the Third that heroes bleed on the front lines, and the Land of Fire will never let their families shed tears behind them."

"For outstanding ninjas like Jonin Shinku, the cultivation of their descendants should indeed be prioritized."

Shinku looked up suddenly, stunned.

What did he just hear?

Humiliation, suppression, and then… reward?

"I will allocate a special fund for genius cultivation to Konoha starting next quarter."

"I hope your daughter and other gifted youths will receive the support they deserve."

"Thank you, My Lord." Shinku's tone was filled with gratitude.

"Good. You've endured a long and tiring journey."

Arashi waved dismissively. "I've received the report. You may return."

He added casually, "Since you're already here, don't leave so soon. Walk around the capital, see the post-war reconstruction, and understand the people's lives."

"Yes!"

Shinku bowed deeply, then turned and left.

Only after walking out of the Daimyo Manor and feeling the cool evening breeze did he realize his back was drenched in cold sweat.

Meeting this young Daimyo was more exhausting than facing enemies on the battlefield.

That invisible pressure had nearly suffocated him.

So, this is what true power feels like.

Inside the study, Arashi toyed with the brush in his hand, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, do you think sending an elite Jonin would test me?

You'll soon learn that I won't just cut your budget. I'll take your talents too.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Arashi returned to his documents.

Establishing a new order required absolute patience.

Time passed quietly. The moon rose high in the night sky.

Gen entered silently to replace the candles, his movements light and precise.

"My Lord, it's late."

"Mm."

Arashi didn't look up.

Only after finishing the last document did he exhale deeply.

Continuous work had finally taken its toll, leaving a trace of fatigue.

Suddenly, that pale, stubborn face from yesterday appeared in his mind.

He wondered if, after a day of "teaching," that hard bone had finally been broken.

Arashi stood, a hint of anticipation in his eyes, and walked slowly toward the sleeping quarters.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 4: Do You Regret Going Against Me?

Arashi returned to his bedchamber, where candles still burned brightly and incense smoke coiled gently upward.

Upon entering, he saw Yui lying alone on the bed.

He removed his outer robe and tossed it casually to a maid standing in the corner, then walked slowly toward the bed.

His footsteps were quiet, yet Yui's body tensed up, curling into a smaller shape.

"My Lord…"

Her voice trembled, faintly pleading.

Arashi stood by the bed, looking down at her silhouette.

"Mm."

He responded indifferently, his tone devoid of warmth.

"This time, you're not wearing anything, are you?"

The words struck like a slap, making Yui's body tremble.

"N-no," she whispered, her voice almost inaudible.

Arashi said nothing further. He reached into the bedding, and his fingertips brushed against soft, smooth skin.

Only then did he pull his hand back in satisfaction, nodding slightly. "Sit up."

His tone was calm but firm.

Yui froze, her mind going blank.

Sit up? Wouldn't that mean…

"Don't make me repeat myself."

Arashi's tone deepened slightly.

Fear ultimately won over shame.

Yui moved stiffly, biting her lip until it bled, two streams of tears slipping silently down her face.

Arashi watched her quietly, his gaze steady.

Yui took a deep breath, pushing herself up with trembling arms. The silk quilt slid from her shoulders, pooling around her waist, revealing her graceful figure.

Her head hung low, eyes tightly shut, long black hair falling forward to hide her face.

This was her last bit of resistance.

Time ticked by slowly.

The expected nightmare never came.

That man merely watched, doing nothing.

At last, Yui couldn't help but look up.

Their eyes met.

His dark gaze made her heart pound violently.

Startled, she lowered her head again, her breath unsteady.

Arashi leaned back against the headboard, resting one leg lazily on her thigh.

"Massage my leg."

He spoke as if giving an order.

Yui froze again.

After a long hesitation, she extended a trembling hand and placed it gently on his leg, beginning to massage.

Perhaps unused to such labor, her movements were light and without strength.

"Use more force," Arashi said indifferently, eyes closed.

At his words, Yui bit her lip harder and pressed down slightly.

Tears fell one by one, darkening the brocade quilt.

She had once been the pride of the Fire Capital, admired by countless noble heirs, the beloved daughter of her clan.

When had she ever endured such humiliation?

Arashi felt no sympathy at all.

Instead, he found this scene beautiful.

A proud rose, stripped of its thorns, to be handled and reshaped at his will.

That sense of crushing something radiant and remolding it completely to his own design brought a strange satisfaction to his heart.

In the candlelight, he opened his eyes and studied the woman before him.

He had to admit, Yui was beautiful.

Her skin was fair as snow, her features delicate, and even in humiliation, her cool temperament hadn't completely faded. The vulnerability only added to her fragile charm.

Her reputation in the Fire Capital had not been exaggerated.

Arashi reached out, tucking her loose hair behind her ear, revealing her tear-stained face.

"Do you regret it?"

His tone was soft, but the question struck her heart like a hammer.

He was referring to the Kiyotsuki Family's fateful decision.

When his brothers had fought for the position of Daimyo, the Kiyotsuki Family had remained neutral at first.

It was Yui herself who had persuaded her father to side with Arashi's elder brother—for love.

At the time, she had believed she was choosing the future Daimyo.

She had thought this illegitimate younger brother was nothing but an ant trying to stop a carriage.

Now, it all seemed absurd.

The touch of his hand made Yui shudder again.

She did not answer. Her head remained bowed, her hands continuing to massage his leg mechanically.

The tears flowing down her face already told him everything.

Regret?

Yes, bitter regret.

Seeing her silence, Arashi didn't press further. He withdrew his hand.

"Go, close the window."

His tone was calm.

In the corner, a maid who had been trying to remain invisible quickly straightened up and prepared to move.

"I wasn't talking to you," Arashi said coldly.

The maid froze and hurriedly backed away into the shadows.

Yui's movements stopped again. She remained motionless, as if she hadn't heard.

Arashi didn't rush her. He simply reclined, waiting quietly.

The air felt heavy and still.

After a long silence, Yui finally pulled her hands away.

She slowly stood up. The quilt slipped away, and the delicate flower bloomed unguarded under the candlelight.

Without saying a word, she walked barefoot toward the window.

One step.

Two steps.

Each one was unbearably heavy.

Outside, the moonlight was faint, and the stars glittered like frost.

It was beautiful.

She stared blankly at the view, as if seeing everything she had once lost.

Then, she reached out her hands.

Click.

A soft sound echoed.

That window, through which the starlight shone, was gently closed by her own hands.

Morning came.

Sunlight streamed through the window into the bedchamber.

Yui opened her eyes but didn't move.

Beside her, the bed was empty except for a faint trace of warmth.

Perhaps she had tossed and turned in her sleep, as the bedding was messy.

She stared blankly at the ornate canopy above her, her eyes hollow.

The door creaked open, and a maid entered carrying toiletries.

Seeing that Yui was awake, the maid quickly knelt. "Young Miss, you're awake."

If it had been yesterday, Yui might have reprimanded her or ordered her out.

But today, she simply rose quietly, allowing the maid to help her wash and comb her hair.

She said nothing, her face expressionless, like a puppet.

Overnight, the once-proud daughter of the Kiyotsuki Family seemed to have lost her soul.

Meanwhile, in the study, Arashi had finished reviewing a pile of urgent documents.

He stood before a large map, his gaze fixed on the area marked Konoha, deep in thought.

A twenty-percent budget cut was only the beginning.

What he truly wanted was to bring Konoha completely under his control.

How would Hiruzen react?

When he first rose to power, didn't he rely heavily on my foolish father?

Arashi smiled faintly, the curve of his lips vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

"Someone."

"My Lord." Gen appeared silently at the doorway.

"Issue an order. From today onward, Kiyotsuki Yui will serve as my personal maid."

"She will be responsible for tea service in my study."

A flicker of surprise passed through Gen's eyes, but he quickly lowered his head.

"Yes, My Lord."

Arashi turned back toward the window, watching the sun rise over the Fire Capital.

The best way to tame a wild horse was not to lock it away.

It was to place a bridle on it, keep it close, and remind it constantly who its master was.

Yui was no exception.

And neither was Konoha.

(To be continued.)