Reborn in a daimyo's court-Naruto SI

[Drkest]

Chapter 1

FIRE LORD-Katsugawa Hirayoshi

The third Great Ninja War had erupted only a decade after the last one, bringing with it anew storm of devastation and destruction. The Hidden Villages were engaged in a conflict with each other, one that took lives by the hour, wreaking havoc across the whole continent and beyond.

Yet, in the land of fire, another conflict had risen up. One was fueled by greed and ambition as the current daimyo of the nation felt his days number. His various children began to plot for his eventual demise, each gearing up support so they could take his place.

It was nothing new to the Fire Daimyo Katsugawa Hirayoushi. The man had risen to power after a similar struggle. Yet unlike his own father, Katsugawa cared for his children, or at least for those he had fathered through the love of his life, the lady Miyo, a daughter of a rather insignificant Shugo, yet nonetheless, the woman had been the love of his life.

His position as daimyo had forced him to take concubines as well, and father children with, them. Yet his affection would only ever remain for his first love. She would bless him with two sons and a daughter, of which now only the daughter remained.

His love for his lady wife had acted as poison for herself and their children. His other children knowing of his favor, had first moved to eradicate his two sons by Miyo, and despite his various attempts to keep them safe, he had failed. And the sorrow of losing her two sons had taken a toll on his wife as well, as she made to follow them to the afterlife.

And so now, he remained alone, growing weaker by the day, as only their little daughter remained to remind him of his failures.

The court grew tense as his illness took him to bed. His greedy and ambitious sons now moved to tear each other apart, trying to prove to him that they were worthy of inheriting his position.

As if he would ever let any of them.

And it was this conviction that brought them to the current scenario as he sat in his castle and stared at the young boy sitting opposite to him in seiza.

He was young, younger than his two sons, and nervous, given the way his eyes continuously darted around the room when he thought he was not being observed.

He was the son of one of his advisors, Akihito Shibuya, a man who had helped him in his own rise to the position of daimyo. And for his services, he had granted the man ample land, making him a jito.

The man himself had succumbed to illness some years ago, leaving behind only a son, Akihito Shirahoshi. The boy had then taken control of the lands he had granted his father, and he had expected the boy to squander away everything his father had built. The boy had surprised him by transforming those very lands.

The province of Shinoi, which were the lands he had granted the man, were now amongst the most prosperous in the whole kingdom, with their future looking even brighter. Many of his advisors had warned him against the progress of these lands, yet he could never bring himself to act against the boy.

There had been no sign of disobedience or rebellion, the taxes would come on time and there would be subterfuge in the numbers.

"At ease, jito Shirahoshi," he said, and the boy elevated his head after a small gulp.

They sat in his own room, one where the daimyo would host his esteemed guests. They were alone in the room with only a servant bowing by the side, ready to serve tea at his command.

The boy was still nervous. As he looked at him and spoke up.

"Jito SHirahoshi thanks the esteemed lord for granting him this favor," he said politely, a hint of hesitation in his tone as he continued to observe the boy finally reaching his conclusion.

He would do.

He glanced towards the female servant sitting in the corner of the room, and nodded, at which she stood up demurely and began to serve them tea.

"Do you know why I have summoned you today, jito Shirahoshi?" he questioned as the servant poured tea for him.

And the boy shook his head.

"This one…." The boy began, and he cut in.

"Speak normally," he ordered and saw the boy stiffen for a moment. After all, few would ever be granted the honor of addressing a daimyo so casually.

"I am not, my lord," came the answer, and he nodded as he closed his eyes.

"You must be aware of the happenings in the capital of all the plots and designs being hatched for my seat," he questioned and saw the boy gulp.

"I only pray for your health and prosperi…."

"I am dying," he cut in again, not in the mood for any more of those perfunctory prayers.

And the air in the room was heavy.

"I have come to terms with it, and I believe many of my sons would have tried to seek your aid in this endeavor of theirs, offering you unimaginable women, wealth and influence," he ventured. He was aware of those offers, and had the boy taken any of them he would not be sitting here opposite him.

"I have been approached by some agents on behalf of the Princes, yet I have taken no sides. My loyalty lies with you, my lord," the boy at least had the audacity to tell the truth, not that lying would have done him any good.

"And that is why you are here," he said as he picked up his cut and took a sip, motioning for the boy to do the same. His friend's son quickly obliged and took a sip from his own cup.

"Your father was a friend of ours from old days; he helped me win this throne, and for that, I granted him the land that you now rule," he said.

"You are very magnanimous, my lord," the boy added. And he smirked. It seemed, despite his efforts the boy was still nervous, though he could see that mind racing behind those dark irises.

He was being polite, yet even now, the boy was trying to figure out the reason for this social call.

"Indeed, we are. You, much like your father, have served us loyally, and for that, I have decided to grant you another honor," he said as he closed his tessen.

"We have learned that you are yet unmarried," he began growing tired of this and saw the boy's eyes widen as the realization dawned on his as just what was about to happen.

"Yes, my lord, I have yet to take a wife," the boy answered, and he nodded.

"Good, then we have decided," he began as he looked the boy in the eyes.

"You shall marry our daughter, Miyuki," he ordered and saw the boy still as he realized the implication behind those words.

Miyuki was his daughter from his wife, and though a woman's claim was often considered weaker than one of sons, though they might be through a concubine.

Yet if her claim was to be supported by someone of young Shirahoshi's influence, then that would be an entirely different scenario. Through his daughter, he was granting Shirahoshi a claim on his own title, and though it may appear as a blessing at first, it was just as tedious.

While previously the boy may have been able to maintain neutrality in the upcoming conflict, now after this announcement all his sons would be coming for him and would plot to kill him.

"You honor me, my lord," the boy said as he gave him a bow.

"The marriage shall take place in a month's time, and shall take place in the capital," he ordered, and the boy nodded.

"As you wish my lord," said the boy.

After this he beckoned over the servant who helped him stand, as the boy bowed. And just as he reached the door, he stopped and gave the boy a last glance.

"I love my daughter dearly, jito Shirahoshi, and hope you understand the responsibility we burden you with," he said as he glanced towards the boy.

Shirahoshi glanced up, and as he saw the glint in those eyes, he knew that the boy knew of his intentions.

"It shall be done, my lord." Came the answer. And he nodded, as he left the room.

He could never punish his own sons for their sins. He couldn't exact revenge on his own sons, no matter how much he may hate them. Yet he could empower someone else to do it for him. And he had chosen his candidate.

0000

Ok, this idea has been bugging me for years now. It's an SI into the fire daimyo court in the Naruto world. I don't know what I am even going to do with it, but here it is. I have decided to pen it down.

Please mention any ideas you have in the comments. Otherwise, enjoy!

A jito is a lower noble, to whom a daimyo grants land to govern. They are entitled to 20% of the tax, while the rest goes to the daimyo.

Read ahead and support me on Patreon as always.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

 

[BigFan10]

I can safely say this will set the bees a buzzing, can't wait to see the reaction of the other Daimyos,,, not to mention the Hokage and Danzo

 

[Drkest]

KATSUGAWA MIYUKI-The Princess of Land of Fire

Katsugawa Miyuki cared for little in this world. The last two years had taken everything from her, her mother, and her brothers. Everything.

The loss of her mother had hit her hard, her gentle heart unable to sustain the loss of her sons. She had lost her life to the thousands of those plotting against her, leaving her all alone now. Though, the fact that she still lived was a miracle, a miracle which was running out of time.

Yet as her body withered away, she prayed. She prayed for this miracle to last just a bit longer. Prayed for a little more time so that she could fulfill the one purpose that kept her going despite the growing shadow of death that now hung over her.

Her father remained oblivious to the fact that her mother's death had been anything but simple. Rather, it had been the result of a sinister plot by her father's many concubines, all of them trying to curry favor and gain influence so they could sit their own sons on the throne.

Or he knew yet remained powerless to do anything. Or worse, unwilling!

The news of her brother's death had broken her down. A tragedy, two Princes killed in one fell swoop by rogue ninja. A farce! They had been killed, murdered by those who sought to replace them!

And then they had come after her mother. And herself!

She had survived, through that. Her survival was nothing but a miracle, one which threatened to run out at any given moment. Sometimes she had wished that she had died as well that day. Yet her body lingered on, and so she dedicated herself to the one last purpose.

Revenge. It was perhaps all that kept her going now.

Miyuki was never the smartest, yet even she could tell that he would not make a move against them. And so, it fell to her to avenge her brothers, and avenge them she would. She may be weak, but she was still a princess, a young one born to the daimyo himself, blessed with her mother's beauty, raised to be a perfect bride.

All she needed was the person who would exact her revenge, and for that, she would give herself to them, along with the key to her father's throne. She didn't care what became of her, whether she would be loved or cherished. All she wished was to see the murders of her mother and brothers dead.

And so she found herself sitting across the man who could help her achieve this. She was dressed in a red and white kimono as she sat there observing her husband-to-be.

He was young, younger than even her. He was jito, he had become one about three years ago, replacing his father who had been her father's aide once. And then had gone to transform his lands, much to the envy of several other nobles.

She had rumored about the boy, for there were many. Some called him the heaven-blessed child; others referred to him as a foreign spy. Some spoke of his virtue, while others told of debauchery, believing him to have many lovers.

Though she didn't know what to believe, she could understand the reasoning behind them now.

Jealousy.

The same thing which had gotten her brother and mother killed. Akihito Shirahoshi was truly blessed with a beautiful face, sharp eyes, and chiseled jaw, and dressed in a red and black kimono, he looked regal, much like her own father. His own face gave little indication to what went behind those dark irises as he elegantly drank his time.

"You summoned me here Miyuki-hime, but I believe it was simply for tea?" he said with smile, and his voice was soft, each word said slowly and deliberately.

"Indeed, Akihito-sama, I wished to see the man my father had chosen for me. I seek forgiveness if this one has disturbed you, my lord," she apologized with a small bow, and the man was quick to intervene.

"No, not at all. Miyuki-hime. I was honored by your summon, you do not need to apologize," he said and she straightened up. He didn't seem as the rumors described him, he seemed cordial enough.

Or he could just be pretending. After all, there were many people in the castle who were rather good at pretending after all.

So, in the end, she decided to lay all the cards on the table.

"Akihito-sama must have heard about this one's brothers," she began with a slow tone and saw him still momentarily as he lowered his cup.

"Indeed, and this one grieves on their death as well. Young Kazuhiko and Inari-san were gentle souls," he answered, and she nodded.

"Then this one shall like to speak plainly," she said, and the young jito raised a brow, easing his posture.

"You may speak as you wish, Miyuki-hime," he said as he gazed at her with a quizzical expression.

She straightened up as she spoke up, losing the overly formal tone.

"Thank you, Akihito-sama," she said before she began.

"I know that this marriage has been forced on you, and so I promise that I shall perform my duties as your wife dutifully, as long as my lord wishes. You may take concubines as you wish as well, but I request that you avenge me and my family and bring justice upon those who have wronged them," she said as she bowed to him.

The room was quiet for a moment until she heard a rather foreign sound.

'FUCK!'

She didn't recognize the word, yet it sounded foreign. Then he finally addressed her.

"Please, don't embarrass me, Miyuki-hime, and sit up," he said rather forcefully, and her heart gave out as she straightened up. Was he rejecting? Was this all for naught? Had she made the wrong choice?

As dread and shame bubbled in her heart, the young jito looked at her with a piercing gaze.

"Miyuki-hime, may I ask if this is the only reason you are marrying me?" he suddenly questioned, and the room stilled. She could feel her heartbeat quicken as she felt his demeanor change.

Should she lie? No, she had begun telling the truth. There was no hiding from it.

So, she looked down in embarrassment and chewed her lips as she answered.

"Yes," she answered, and she could feel him sigh. Seconds passed in silence as neither of them spoke anything.

And then the man simply stood up and began to walk away, and with each step, her heart gave out, as tears welled up in her eyes.

She had failed. Forgive her mother, for she had failed.

"I shall avenge your brothers regardless of your choice to marry me, Miyuki-him," his voice suddenly cut in, and it took a second for the implication behind those words to register. She looked and found the man standing by the door.

"I won't have you trade away your pride for your revenge. You shall be my wife and the only woman who shares my life, yet only if you wish it were," the young man said, and as she glanced at him, she finally realized that though younger than her, his shoulders were broader, and he was much larger than her.

His gaze was piercing as he stared into her eyes, and she realized just what he was saying. He was offering to exact revenge without taking anything. Without demanding anything from her, refusing to even take concubines, a rarity for the men of their age.

She would have thought him to be lying if it wasn't for his gaze. It was powerful, too powerful, and seemed unwavering.

"If in your heart you have no desire to marry me, then tell of your decision by the full moon in two day's time, and I shall recluse myself of this match, in a way that would leave your honor intact," he finished as he slid open the door and walked out, leaving her at a loss for words.

And so, as a literal flood of emotions, emotions that she had buried deep down, flooded her, Miyuki could do little except curl up and cry. Cry and weep as she felt herself breather easily since her brothers' demise.

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, if possible, have a look and drop a sub, if you can. It would be like a Rasengan to the heart for me.

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Have ramen while reading! 😊

 

[Kaliedo]

I seem to be coming across a few gems today lol. The premise is certainly intriguing and I rather enjoyed the dialogue. Looking forward to more!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 3

KATSUGAWA MIYUKI

Two days had passed, and now she found herself sitting opposite to her prospective husband once more. Her mind had been a literal mess over the two days as she tried to process his words, trying to make sense of his intentions.

The Daimyo's court was full of deceivers and liars, people who spoke in honeyed words despite having the blackest of hearts. Was he like them as well, trying to deceive her, and if not, then what were his intentions, for no one would let go of the kind of opportunity he had been offered as he had.

Yet as she sat there, all these thoughts racing through her mind, he sat opposite to her, uncaring and unaffected by the weight of his declaration, sipping his tea as the full moon illuminated the garden.

"Why?" she questioned, for this was the question that had plagued her mind the most. From what she could recall, she shared no distant relationship with him, nor did his brothers from what she knew. Then why was he offering her his aid at no cost, for there was one rule in politics that everyone knew?

'There were no free lunches in this world.'

He raised a brow at her at this, gently put down his cup as he began in his soft voice.

"I believe I answered that before Miyuki-him; what happened to your brothers was a tragedy, and your desire for justice should not force you to sell yourself," he offered as he had two days ago.

And she clenched her kimono in her hands as she looked at him with a sharp gaze.

"And what if you were to object to this match now? What would you do then?" she challenged, and he shrugged.

"Then this match shall be dissolved, I have no intention in taking someone so unwilling as a wife," he answered and then she saw his lips turn up as he continued.

"No matter how beautiful they may be," and her heart skipped a beat at those words, and she looked down as she felt her cheeks flush.

"A…aa.. What? You think I am beautiful?" she questioned demurely and heard him chuckle.

"Of course, I would argue that you are the fairest maiden in the continent," he replied, and she could feel her heat up at those words as silence reigned over between them again until she calmed her excited heart and questioned once more.

"What of the rumors?" she managed to eek out as she looked him in the eyes, and he frowned.

"Rumors," and then his eyes widened as he continued with a smile.

"Ahhh, rumors about my proverbial harem?" he was quick to make sense of her words, and she nodded. There were rumors that the infamous jito of Shinoi was a generous patron and backed most of the city's pleasure houses and provided them with amenities.

"I will not deny that a few oirans in Shinoi do enjoy my patronage, and even the rumors that I offer the women in such establishments appropriate healing, protection, and now even education is also true," he replied much to her shock, and she felt her lips this at those words.

And though that was nothing inappropriate, yet it somehow saddened her.

"Though, I must add that such opportunities are afforded to all those living in my lands, despite their occupation. Basic education and healers are afforded to all children in my land, even orphans," he continued, and she was surprised by those words.

That made much more sense.

"Then what of the oiran? Will you continue to visit them even after our marriage?" such a question would have been highly inappropriate under any other circumstances, and many lords would even have taken offense at that, and she only realized that later, when the words had long left her mouth.

Yet, as she glanced up, she found none of the fury she had expected in his gaze as he slowly sipped his tea and spoke up.

"Mu acquaintance with them has always been purely platonic, and I have no intention of changing that," he replied, and she looked down embarrassed as she bowed slightly.

"I apologize for overstepping, my lord. That was inappropriate of me," she said, hoping that he would not carry a grudge.

"It is fine, though it seems my lady is not fond of sharing me," he teased her, and she could see him looking at her with a smile as she sighed and looked up.

"Then what is your answer, my lady?" he questioned, and she felt her heart twist, for despite his honesty, she had been anything but. She had little to offer him in this match, and then there was the secret that she had kept hidden for years.

Most people knew that her mother had died of disease, yet the truth was far more sinister. Her mother had been poisoned slowly over the years. Yet it wasn't only her who had been poisoned.

"I would be honored to be your wife, my lord, yet before you accept this, I must tell you something," she said and bowed her head.

"I am dying."

0000

KATSUGWAWA HIRAYOSHI

"This is a farce. The peace treaty offered to Iwa by the Sandaime Hokage is a farce. We cannot accept this, my lord," argued one of his advisors, another lickspittle that had risen up the ranks using the influence of his daughter, who was one of his concubines.

"Indeed, my lord. The reparations demanded are a joke, we cannot accept this," another one spoke up as the court gathered to deal with the end of the war, at least on one front though the conflict with Kiri had simmered down as well after the death of the Third Raikage.

"I have heard that Hiruzen plans to take responsibility for this and plans to retire by the end of the year," he spoke up, and the prime minister, Kazuto, nodded.

"Indeed, my lord," he confirmed, and the news unsettled him.

"This conflict has gone on for long enough, and if the cost of ending this decade-long war is gold, then it is a cost I am willing to pay; this war has cost us enough already. There is no need to continue this," he made his decision and saw that several people in the court were unhappy over that, and he would be hearing many complaints about this.

Yet he had made up his mind.

His health was declining by the day, and the succession crises that loomed after his demise could spell the end of the land of fire, giving the foreign powers a chance to interfere in their affairs. If the war was settled before his death, it would make sure that his lands would come out of the succession conflict in a better condition.

Yet it would all depend on one person. Akihito Shirahoshi and his capabilities, and how quickly and swiftly he would be able to put down all those who would oppose his own claim.

"With Hiruzen retiring, the leaf must choose another Hokage," he began and saw several of his advisors perk up at that.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had been chosen for his position by his successor, a choice that he had supported given his reputation and capability. Yet now, the man who had led Konoha for all these years was set to step down, and at very perilous times at that. So, he should have an equally able successor, and though the man had a right to nominate people, it was ultimately his decision to choose a nominee.

"Father, I believe we…" his son tried to intervene.

"Tut…tut…" he said, silencing him as he turned to look at the youngest member of the Council, the jito of Shinoi.

"Lord Shirahoshi, what are your thoughts on all this…."

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, if possible, have a look and consider becoming a supporter. It would help me out quite a bit.

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Have fun reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 4

KATSUGAWA TATSUYA

Katsugawa Tatsuya watched as the infamous jito of Shinoi stood in the yard, a practice bamboo sword in his hands as he stood there still as the water in an isolated lake.

Shinoi, a small piece of land just west to the capital, with ample farms, and a few mines. They were, in truth, nothing special, yet somehow, the young Jito in front of him had transformed those lands from mediocre to amongst the most prosperous in the land.

"That boy could spell trouble for us," muttered the beautiful woman standing by his side. Mahirou Miya was a woman born into one of the most influential lords in the land of fire. The man had been quick to support the rising lord Katsuagwa in when the previous daimyo had died, his support promised on a possible match between the new daimyo and his daughter.

The match had occurred, and Mahirou Miya had been married to the daimyo, yet she had never truly gotten what she had desired. With the daimyo choosing to favor a comer whore as his wife and putting aside the woman known as the 'jewel of fire.'

"Indeed, father seems to favor him, and more than that he has propped him up against us by making him marry his precious little daughter," he snarled angrily, as he turned to face his mother.

"Speaking of her, why is she still alive? You said that she would be taken care of by now," he questioned. They had already done their part in killing her mother and her two brothers. Yet somehow the little princess had survived.

Her mother's eyes tightened as she shook her head.

"It is very difficult to move against her at the moment, but there is no need to worry. The physician told me that she is not long for this world. Other than that, I believe our backer would be happy to arrange a rather eventful journey for the newlywed couple when they return to the Shinoi lands after the marriage," and it all clicked together.

One attack would take care of both of them. Interesting.

And speaking of their backer.

"Speaking of him," he began as he saw Mother perk up at the mention of their backer.

"Inform him that his dear friend has not recommended his name as his replacement," and his mother frowned at that.

"Then which names did the Hokage give as possible choices to replace him," she questioned.

"Fugaku Uchiha was one of them, though father was skeptical of that choice. Orochimaru was another, though the most interesting choice was one of a clan-less shinobi, the Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze," he replied and saw her mother nod as she put forward her hand, and the servants handed her the smoking pipe.

"Namikaze, huh, that is an interesting choice, though he does have the repute to carry that name. After all, Iwa and Kumo have an order of 'flee on sight' for the man," she replied.

"Indeed, but the man could be trouble for us. He is close to Jiraiya of the Sanin and is known to be some sort of revolutionary like the Shodaime Hokage," he replied.

"More than that, Shirahoshi was quite favorable of the man as well," he replied, making his mother perk up at that.

"What?" and he nodded.

"Yes, I had it relayed to Shimura as soon as I could. But maybe it isn't only us getting some support from a shinobi," he replied.

"Now that would be interesting," he replied, though suddenly he stilled as he felt the air crackle, and his head snapped towards the source of the disturbance.

Yet the sensation was gone as soon as it had come, and the only change he could see was that the young jito had brought down his blade.

Yet what was that earlier sensation?

"Did you feel that, mother?" he questioned, and his mother frowned and shook her head.

"Felt what?" she questioned, and he frowned. Had it been nothing? Yet the sensation had been obvious to him.

"Nothing," he replied in the end, shaking his head as they moved away from the yard.

Days later, during the morning practice, a serving girl would lean against that very tree, and the whole castle would erupt into fervor as the two would be known to have been cut down. The strike was so precise and quick that it had stayed upright for days only to fall when the serving girl leaned over it.

0000

Deep underground in the village, hidden in the leaves, a bandaged man stood opposite to a masked nin, who had just returned from the capital, bringing him word from his accomplices in the capital.

"So, Hiruzen has chosen to discard me again, such insolence," he would speak, his grip over his cane tightening in rage at the behavior of the man he had once called a friend.

"And is it true that Namikaze is supporting this Shirahoshi?" he questioned his informant, who shook his head.

"No, Danzo-sama. There is no evidence at the moment to support such a fact. However, it is true that the man did support his nomination in front of the daimyo," the informant told him.

"That is enough. The boy could become an obstacle to us in the future, especially since I have taken such a risk of supporting young Lord Tatsuya." And risk it was.

If anyone got wind of his involvement in all this, with enough evidence, he would be executed for high treason, and in such a case neither his reputation as Nidaime's student nor his friendship with Hiruzen would be able to shield him from the consequences of his actions.

"The boy should be wedded by now and set to head back to his lands in a few days," he replied, and the informant nodded.

"What are your orders, Danzo-sama!" the masked ninja questioned.

"Have him and his lady wife taken care of. Make it seem accidental," he ordered, though he stopped as he added.

"No shinobi, use some rounin or bandits. I don't want any exposure over this, for though there is no evidence, there could always be a slight possibility that Namikaze may have links to the boy."

"As you wish, Danzo-sama!" and with that, the masked nin vanished once more, leaving the bandaged elder alone.

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, go and have a look and become a patron if you can. It would mean a lot to me.

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Have fun reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 5

KATSUGAWA MIYUKI

Katsugawa Miyuki sat in the elaborate carriage opposite to her now lord and husband, SHirahoshi Akihito as they moved towards his lands after the wedding.

The wedding had been rather eventful, for it also marked the end of the Third Great Ninja War, and though the treaties were yet to be signed the war is considered over by many and the populace celebrated as the rationing and other wartime measures were elevated.

Their journey had been peaceful until now, as they entered the second day. The carriage was surprisingly sturdy, and unlike the usual carriages of the castle, didn't shake or move around much despite them moving over simple earthen roads.

She looked to the side, and lady besides her gave her a smile. Her eyes held inside them a warmth that reminded her of her own mother.

"Is there anything you need Miyuki-hime?" she questioned, her words and tone the same as they had been since the day Akihito-san had introduced her to her as her lady in waiting. Her face was rather plane her most striking feature was the red-hair that ran down her neck, like a waterfall of blood. A striking color not common to the land of fire, a color that reminded her of the legends of a now extinct clan.

Kirin-san, was her name, and both Akihito and Kirin-san herself had been rather obtuse about her family name, and she had picked up enough hints to not probe further.

"No, no. I am fine," she replied, and the woman nodded though despite her, works she turned towards her lord husband and spoke up.

"Akihito-san, we have been traveling for hours now. Perhaps it would be better if we could have some time to rest," she offered, and it was as if she had read her mind, for indeed, they had been travelling for hours now, and she was getting rather tired of all this. And though the carriage was much more comfortable than those back in the capital, her health made it rather difficult for her to travel as such.

Akihito-san glanced at her, he wore a red and black kimono, the top he wore loosely, with his arm hanging out of the sleeve as it held his smoke pipe, leaving the chiseled skin of his chest bare for her to see.

She blushed as she evaded her gaze, as he spoke up.

"It has been some time, huh. Then so be it," he said as he picked up the sword from his side and tapped the inside of the carriage thrice with it, signaling for the man driving it to stop.

.

.

And stop they would. The cook would prepare a meal for her and the whole retinue, which as rather small. When a noble lady would marry, she would often bring with herself her own loyal staff to the castle of her lord and husband, yet she had not done that. For she had none she could trust, and so it was rather small retinue of two carriages, which came out to four guards and the three of them.

Akihito-san had been rather quite for some time now, as he sat there his eyes tightened, as stood infront of her.

"Here, Miyuki-hime. I have brought you, your food," her newest maid added from the side with a smile.

"Thank you," she replied as she took the bowl from her as the maid plopped down by her side.

She began to eat slowly, and when Akihito-sama didn't move from his place for the food, she gulped down and spoke up.

"Uno, Akihito-sama, don't you want to eat?" she questioned, as a dutiful wife should for though there time together may have been short, the man had been good to her, he had accepted her with all her flaws, and faults. The least she could do for him was act as a dutiful wife, in their short time together.

"No, you should eat," he replied, and his tone had seemed harsh to her for some reason.

"Tsk. Tsk" Kirin-san from the side cut in.

"Is that any way to talk to your lady wife, Akihito-sama. Miyuki-sama is worried about you, as a dutiful wife should. You should be gentle with her," she chastised him, her tone loving and indulgent, much like a mother's

With that, the red-haired lady shook her head and turned to face her as she spoke with an apologetic tone.

"Do forgive him, Miyuki-hime," she said, and she shook her head.

"There is nothing to forgive, Kirin-san," she said as she began to eat her soup slowly, and in the end she decided to ask the question that had been bugging her for some time.

"May I ask you something, Kirin-san?" she questioned, and the woman nodded.

"Of course, my lady," she said, with a bow, and she nodded.

"For how long have you served, Akihito-sama," she questioned and saw the woman gulp down as she answered.

"For five years, hime," she replied, and that was a lot of time. Akihito-sama would have been quite young.

"So was it Lord Akihito's father who hired you?" she questioned and the woman shook her head and something rather complicated passed through her eyes as she replied.

"No, actually it was Akihito-sama himself, who had me brought to his castle," she said and she didn't miss how the woman had clenched her kimono, as if recalling a painful memory.

"And just for that I am very thankful to him. If it wasn't for him…." She continued rather sadly, as her lips thinned, before she shook her head.

"Regardless, Akihito-sama had me brought to his castle, nearly five years ago, and I have served as a loyal servant ever since, for without him me and my daughter would be dead by now," she said and she frowned at those words.

"Daughte…" but before she could finished, the red haired lady had suddenly pulled her down,ushing her own body to cover her.

"Watch out!" the woman shouted as she wrapped herself around her pretoectively, as dread pooled in her heart.

TING!

And she heard the sound of metal clashing, and her breathing became erratic as she sat up and looked around and stilled as she saw them all surrounded by a dozen or so men

Armed men, with various scars on their faces, looked at her with that lecherous gaze that sent shivers down her spine.

"Akihito-sama!" the guards shouted as they rushed toward her lord husband, and then she finally noticed how he stood in front of her and Kirin-san, his sword drawn, broken arrows lying around them.

"Ohh, this seems rather interesting boys," one of burly man, who held a massive axe spoke loudly looking at Akihito-sama with the eyes of hunter, as h wet his lips.

"Who sent you here?" Akihito-san questioned, his voice thick and serious, no fear or anger evident in his tone which was chilling to say the least.

"Ohh, the little lord wants to know who sent us here?" the burly man who was their leader said as the others laughed.

"Are you fine Miyuki-hime?" Krin-san questioned, and she nodded, as they stood up, and Kirin san put herself between her and those bandits.

"Say what. You let us have our way with those pretty ladies and I will consider telling you that, huh," the man replied as he looked at her and Kirin-san, though Kirin-san was quick to shift herself behind her.

"Just before I kill you too!" he replied as they all laughed again.

"Don't worry Miyuki-hime. Nothing will happen to you," Kirin-san tried to assure her, and she realized that she was shaking.

"Guards!" Akihito-san suddenly shouted, and the four men perked up.

"Protect Miyuki and Kirin. Kill anyone who gets close to them." He ordered as the four guards surrounded both her and Kirin-san, leaving Akihito-san alone, who now began to walk towards the burly man with slow and measured steps.

"What is he doing? He will die!" she shouted and tried to rush forward, yet Kirin-san held her back, and she looked towards the redhead woman with a betrayed expression.

Had she been wrong? Had Kirin san betrayed Akihito-san.

"Don't worry, Miyuki-hime. He will be fine," she said, as she assured her and motioned for her to look towards Akihito-san, who now gripped his sword with both his hands and took a stance.

"Ninpo: Kazakiri !" and then she felt the very air rippled for but a split second as Akihito-san brought down his balde.

CHING!

A very sharp metallic screech rang through the air as the burly man turned to face Akihito-sama. His eyes widened, and just as he opened his mouth to speak up, his body was cleaned into two, as blood flooded from him.

"AHHHHHH!" the men screamed as they saw their leader get bisected into two. Even the massive axe bound to his back had been cut into two, and as she watched his guts spill out of his body, the blood dying the grass scarlet, she felt her stomach turn, and before she could react, she felt her gut push in revulsion as the soup she had just eaten was spilled on the ground.

0000

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[Golden Eyed King]

So some sort of special cutting technique, perhaps he knows the path of Royalty? Or perhaps just Wind Blade? I'm interested to know.

 

[Drkest]

So some sort of special cutting technique, perhaps he knows the path of Royalty? Or perhaps just Wind Blade? I'm interested to know.

Click to shrink...

A very finely attuned wind chakra infushed slice.

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 6

AKOHITO SHIRAHOSHI

Power in the shinobi world was a necessity. It could be economic might, the kind possessed by Gato or other conglomerates in the world. It could be political as possessed by the daimyo and Shugo's and jito's or it could be power in its cruelest form.

For a person of his station and wealth, power was easy enough to buy. He could afford to hire several ninjas to guard himself and hire other people for his protection, and make no mistake, he did so as well, and a lot of other things through his wealth and influence.

Yet that didn't mean that he had left himself helpless. Akihito may not have access to the various secrets to unimaginable power held by the hidden villages, yet his wealth and influence allowed him access to several people willing to impart upon him their own understanding and experiences, which, after mixing and matching with his own knowledge had allowed him to progress over the years.

The men surrounding him and his retinue were simple enough, a group of wandering rounin and bandits, making their living by looting caravans, killing and selling flesh. Their presence was rather common at these times given that the kingdom was going through tough times because of the war, and many had no choice but to resort to such measures to feed themselves.

It was one of the reasons that in his own castle, no food was wasted, and all surplus food was distributed back to the people. Apart from that, there were several soup kitchens organized throughout the region for the destitute and helpless, just so people would not resort to banditry and killing.

A crime done out of necessity and hunger, he could understand and, if enough remorse was shown, even forgive.

Yet a crime carried out of joy was one that would get no mercy from him. It never had, and it never will.

And so as he watched the bandits glance lecherously at his lady wife and servant, one whom he had acquired through an S-ranked mission, and the woman in question had saved his life on numerous occasions, he gripped his sword tightly, his reserves were lesser than a shinobi of similar age, yet one didn't need massive amount if chakra for what he was about to do.

He felt his body heat up, a familiar strength erupting through his core, traveling through his whole musculature, invigorating him, moving through his arms, up his sword, which gained a slight greenish hue over its edge.

"Ninpo:…." The burly man, who was the leader of this so-called group, continued to laugh, unaware of just what was about to befall him, as he calmly exhaled, flaring his chakra and pushing it into his blade with all his focus as he brought it down.

"….Kazakiri!"

And he saw the laughter's stop as a metallic screech rang out, making some of them wince, as the burly man's body took a moment to register his strike. And then the man turned to face him, his eyes filled with fear looked into his gaze and as he tried to raise his hand, his body separated into two equal halves.

"AHHHHH!" the others screamed as they saw tow halves of his body fall to the ground, his guts spilling on the grass, his blood dying it all red.

"WHAT!"

"THE HELL!" "WHO DID THIS!" "THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY!"
"JUST WHO IS HE!"

They all backed away, weapons drawn, as his guards paled at the sight as well, yet they held firm, knowing that if they were to fall, they could put the lives of his lady wife and one of his most trusted servants in danger.

"Now," he began, and he saw them all look at him, as he spoke up again.

"I will ask again who ordered this, and the one who answers first gets to keep his life…." He offered and saw some of them glance at each other, doubts creeping in their hearts as he heard a shout from the side.

"It was a man called Hikari, from Mahirou court, he said," one of the members spoke up as he fell down on his knees.

"What the hell are you doing? Lords Mahirou will have our head for this!" the others shouted, and he frowned.

Lord Mahirou, the man, was an aged lord, one who was the father of Lady Mahiro Miya, who was the mother of the Third Prince. From what he could recall, there was no animosity there between him and Lord Mahirou; regardless, it seems the man was not fond of him, though that was a matter for more peaceful times.

"I believe he will have to wait for that," he replied to the earlier comment as he brought up his blade, taking his stance, and rushed towards the bandits, who backed off initially, and a few of them even ran away. Though few, it seems, wished to test their mettle against him.

Well, regardless, their fates were all sealed the moment they attacked him.

"Ninpo…" he began again as he pushed his foot into the ground and brought his blade behind him, positioning it for a wife slash. He pushed his chakra into his blade once more, and watched as its edge took on a greenish hue once more, yet this one was much brighter than the earlier one and then, using all the years and years of training, he swung his blade, feeling the very metal of it screech as it failed to bear the edge of his technique.

"….Wārudokurībā!"

And then, for a moment, nothing happened before suddenly the whole area was filled with screams of men, men whose bodies were cleaved into halves, at their navels, separated into halves, and they screamed as the pain registered as the ground around him was dyed in red.

"AHHHHH!" "HAAAAAA" "SAVE MEEE"

Their screams were muffled by the sound of trees falling down and crashing, all of them cut down by the force of his strike.

They screamed as he straightened up and glanced back. Few of them had wished to aim at his lady wife, underestimating his guards. Idiots, those men had trained with him, and though they may lack the kind of skill he possessed, the four of them were amongst the best blades in all of Shinoi.

And they had shown that, making quick work of the four others who had wished to aim at the women.

Speaking of that, he heard the redhead shout.

"Akihito-sama! Akihito-sama!" she shouted, her voice distressed, making him rush towards her.

As he got closer, he realized the reason for her distress as he watched his newlywed wife lying there pale and unconscious, her body shaking as the redhead tried to bring her back to consciousness.

"She is not waking up!" she shouted at him, distressed, and as their eyes met, she gulped down.

"I cou…"

"No!" he shot down the suggestion, already knowing what she was about to offer, but given Miyuki's perilous health, he didn't wish to make it worse by introducing foreign chakra like that into her system.

He glanced into the distance, trying to measure the distance between him and the Shinoi lands. He had already sent a letter to the best healer of the continent in regards to Miyuki's condition, and even if she herself was too busy to react, she would have sent her to help him.

It was the least she could do after he had taken care of all her gambling debts, not that she needed him to. But it was nice to have the best healer this world had ever seen owe you one, or he should say one million Ryo.

"Kazugaya!" he commanded his commander of the guards, his mind made up.

"I will take Miyuki to the castle on the horse. The rest of you will ride behind me with this carriage carrying everything else," he commanded as one of the guards rushed and brought him the white horse Kazuto was riding on.

"And bring that man with you, as well," he said, pointing towards the man he had spared, and the guards nodded.

"But my lord, the city is still quite far, and I can heal her…." Kirin-san cut in, and he shook his head.

"It may be, but Miyuki is ill, and I have already contacted someone who could help her. Let us hope that they are there," he said as he crouched down and wrapped his red outer cloak around the shivering form of Princess Miyuki and picked her up in a bridal carry.

And despite her age, she weighed almost nothing that would need to change. He thought as he jumped up the horse and, with a final nod to his guards and Kirin-san, pulled on its reigns with his free hand.

The horse galloped across the trees, the forest blurring behind him as he raced towards his lands.

0000

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[prince84]

Chapter 6

Click to shrink...

You have this threadmarked as Chapter 8. Just letting you know.

Also, this is awesome it is rare to find genuinely original takes on the naruto world and you seem to be doing so with both flare and skill.

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 7

HIRUZEN SARUTOBI

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the village hidden in the leaves, found himself once more in the capital of the land of fire.

His visits had become rather rare over the last few years because of the ongoing war, and as he watched the people, the regular people, walk around the capital, laughing and celebrating as the war neared its end, he found himself content at what the cost of this peace had been.

This war was being called the Third Great Ninja War, yet in truth, it was not that. It was simply a continuation of the Second War, a war which had been going on for the last decade now, a war that had taken a heavy toll on everyone.

And though the treaties were yet to be signed, it was largely expected that an accord would be reached between Konoha and Iwa, the two main villages engaged in this war, for Kiri still recovered from the losses it had taken in their assault against Uzumaki island, and the retaliation Konoha had shown.

As for Kumo, they were stubborn, yet they had lost their Raikage and had pulled back their forces ever since, with Iwa the only other village left. Though Iwa was often stubborn by nature, even Ohnoki was not blind to favorable terms being offered to them for peace and what rejecting those terms would mean for them.

Konoha had been on the back foot for most of the war, barely managing to engage two of the great five villages by itself, yet in the end, the will of fire had held true. And in its hour of need, a new beacon of hope had emerged in the form of Minato Namikaze, Konopha's Yellow Flash.

Jiraiya's student had emerged as a symbol of hope for their village, his very name now caused fear to bubble in their opponent's heart, and in him he saw someone embellished with the same will to change the world as the first Hokage, Hashirama-sama.

And so he found himself sitting against the fire daimyo, Katsugawa Hirayoshi. The once towering and fear-inducing man had now become a shell of his old self, tainted with disease and loss; the man was thin and frail and coughed quite frequently.

The relationship between a Hokage and a daimyo was rather unique, both operated rather independently of one another, with the daimyo being the head of a nation and the Hokage the head of its military, and though the rank of a Hokage was essentially nothing more than an advisor, the Hokage was afforded much more freedom and power because of the nature of his position.

Him and Katsuagwawa Hiroshi had worked together for two decades now, and it had been a fruitful partnership, yet it seemed that it was about to come.

"You seem rather hale for a man who wishes to retire," the man said with a smile, as they both sat in his solar smoking their pipes, and Hiruzen smiled.

"And you look rather ill for a man your age," he replied and he saw the man's eyes still as the light in them vanished.

He then took a large puff and replied in a mournful tone.

"Death tends to do that to you," he said before he turned to face him.

"You would know so as well," he said and Hiruzen nodded, he was well aware of that as he recalled his own lost son, and the toll his death had taken on him and his family.

"Indeed, and in that regard, you have my gratitude for accepting Asuma as one of the guardian twelve, it was magnanimous of you," he said and the man waved it off.

"It was nothing," yet it was not that to him. And though this had cost him his relationship with Asuma, it had at least saved his life and prevented his son from losing his life in an unsuccessful attempt at revenge over his dead older brother.

To stop that, he had asked the man sitting opposite to him to induct him into the guardian twelve as a favor. A favor that the man had granted him.

"Regardless, you seem rather ill Katsugawa-sama. Perhaps I could have one of my healers…" and the man shook his head.

"My time has come, Hiruzen," he replied, and it was the tone of a man who had accepted his fate, had accepted his own futility.

"I don't have much to live for anyway, now in this world," the man replied, and he knew why. He had heard about the death of Lady Miyo and his two sons recently. Losing more than half your family could break any man, and for Hirayoshi, it had done just that.

"Then tell me, why have you summoned me today, Katsugawa-sama," he replied, and the man sat up as he looked him in the eye.

"We both rose into power at nearly the same time, Hiruzen. Making you the Hokage was one of the first decisions I made after becoming a daimyo," the man began, making him frown as he failed to see where this was going.

"Indeed," he added, for this was true, and the man nodded.

"I had made that decision for I had felt that we were both similar to each other and believed that we could govern these lands together, in peace, with each mindful of their duties and role," the man continued.

"And I would say I was right in my choice together we have faced two wars, and unlike many other villages, we have had each other's trust and support over the years," and that was right again.

In Iwa, near the end of the Second War, the relationship between the daimyo and Ohnoki had collapsed, and now there were rumors of tensions between the wind lord and Rasa the Kazekage, yet he and the fire lord had enjoyed rather an amicable relationship, with each aware and mindful of their duties and role.

"I would like our successor to get to enjoy the same luxury," the man finished, and it all came together.

"Ahh, so it is about that. I can understand that, but have you made your decision about who shall ascend to the throne after you, Hirayoshi," he questioned, recalling the death of his sons.

"Pah! I am not going to declare an heir, it shall not matter any way," he replied and the succession wars were somewhat of a right of succession.

"Yet you have someone you favor," he added with a knowing smirk, and their eyes met.

"Just as you do as well. That boy, what was his name," the man said as he rubbed his chin, emptying the ashes of his smoke pipe into the tray by his side.

"Ah! Namikaze! Minato Namikaze, you tend to favor the boy as well, even more than your own student," the man replied, and he closed his eyes as he refused to answer.

"The daimyo makes the final decision about who shall become the new Kage. All I can do is give my own recommendations," he replied and the man smiled.

"Recommendations, you practically wrote a whole report about the boy's virtues," the man replied as he chuckled.

"However, it seems you are not the only one who favors the young lad," the man suddenly added making him perk up, as he opened his eyes and saw the man's eyes glinting.

"For some reason, this Namikaze has managed to impress the young lord of Shinoi, he is quite young himself, and spoke rather favorably of the young Namikaze," he added and his mind raced as he tried to recall everything about Shinoi lands.

A Hokage often received periodic reports about the lands as well, both officially and unofficially of course and now that the man had mentioned this specific lord by name, it meant only one thing.

"Young Lord Akihito," he recalled the name and the various reports about the boy in question and the strange boy he was. He still recalled how the village had received an S-class mission request from the boy, a request which had named a very specific kunoichi.

"Indeed, young lord Akihito, the boy spoke rather favorably of Namikaze," and as he recalled this young lord had just married Miyuki-hime. So, this young lord was the one favored by him.

"Interesting, but what would you have me do," and if those words were true, then it was fortunate for Minato, for he didn't belong to a clan, and having a daimyo with a favorable view of him, would aid him in his role as a Hokage, especially a noble who seemed to be just as revolutionary as Namikaze himself.

"You do know that we are barred from interfering in the matters of the capita…" and the man cut him.

"I know that, and I would never ask that of you," the man said angrily as he straightened up.

"Though I will say that I can feel some elements from the village interfering in the matters of the capital," he said and Hiruzen's eyes tightened.

"I will look into it," he said for if true this was neither good for village or the land of fire as a whole.

"On other matter, as I said earlier I am not long for this world, I have given the young Lord Akihito all the support I was willing to, what the boy makes of it will be up to him, but I wish is for you to keep the hat for at least until a new daimyo takes my place, and leave the choice of the next Hokage in his hands," the man said and Hiruzen nodded, now understanding the man's intentions.

"That seems reasonable," he replied, accepting the request for it was not much.

Plus, this would give the continent enough time to stabilize, and then their respective successors could begin anew and reshape the world as they wished.

"It shall be as your request. I shall delay my resignation until this whole crisis has ended, so your successor may make his own choice about who shall be the next Hokage," he acquiesced, though that didn't mean that he would not do anything, and neither did the daimyo expected him to, otherwise he wouldn't have mentioned the favor this Akihito boy held for Namikaze.

Perhaps an earlier introduction between the two young men could go a long way in helping them and their villages.

0000

In the streets of Shinoi, a horse galloped through the street, and the people of the city, recognizing just who it was riding atop the white galloping horse, parted and made way for the ruler of these lands.

The horse would come to a screeching halt near one of the city's most famous gambling houses, and the servants of such house would rush out of the establishment and prostrate themselves, for the person in front of them was none other than the lord of these lands, Akihito Shirahoshi.

"Is she in there?" he questioned, his voice dry and thick, and before the profusely sweating man could answer, the door to the door behind him opened as a brown-haired girl stepped out.

"Yes, she is!"

And this girl was none other than the apprentice of the most famous iryo-nin, Tsunade Senju, Kato Shizune.

0000

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[geogio13]

Big fan of your take on this so far, and I look forward to more. I will admit, I was hoping that Akihito was on the Path of Royalty rather than just justu. I look forward to the ripples this will have!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 8

KATO SHIZUNE

It has now been nearly three since she had first come into contact with the young jito of Shinoi. He had been nothing more than a literal boy when she had first seen him as she accompanied Lady Tsunade to the newly arisen young lord's castle.

She had feared retribution because of the millions and millions of Ryo lady Tsunade owed to the various gambling establishments and had thought that the owners of such establishments had reached out to the young lord for their due compensation. And the young lord, in his naivety, had agreed to their request and had summoned the infamous Senju princess to answer for her crimes.

Well, if that had been the case, the young lord's reign would have come to a much quicker end, for no one in the capital had the strength to face the Senju princess.

Yet they had been received and treated as honored guests and then were presented with a chance to clear their debts. A mission in which they had been requested specifically, and what a mission it had been.

And with that mission had begun a certain partnership that had now brought her to these ever-changing lands once again as she watched Lady Tsunade examine the young lady lying unconscious on the futon, a young lady who was none other than the daimyo's daughter and the newly wedded wife of the young lord standing beside her.

"What happened to her, you wrote that her condition was stable despite the poison?" she questioned recalling the contents of the letter she had received two days ago, the very letter which had prompted both her and Lady Tsunade to return to these lands.

"We were attacked," he replied and she should have guessed as much, given how he had rushed to the city on a single horse, carrying his newly wed wife.

"Gods!" she gasped as she rushed towards him.

"Are you fine? Were you injured," she questioned, examining him as he shook his head.

"No, I am fine, and none in my retinue were. But she passed out from the shock, and given her fragile health, I rushed with her to the city," he replied as the scathing voice of Lady Tsunade cut in.

"And it is good that you did!" she said as she stood up, her head snapping towards the young jito, who stood there leaning against the door.

"If you had waited for even a day, even I wouldn't have been able to help her," she replied, and she gasped at that, for it seemed that the condition of the young princess was much worse than she had thought.

"Her whole body is riddled with enough of a lead-based poison to kill her twice over. I cannot even imagine how she is still alive," Tsunade-sama replied, and she saw Akihito-san's lips thin at those words.

"Will you be able to help her, Tsunade-sama?" he questioned moments later and the Senju princess nodded as she looked the young lord in the eye.

"Thankfully for you, yes. Though, her situation is rather precarious, you need not worry," she said as she smirked and continued.

"I won't let you become a widower a day after your marriage," she replied, and the young lord gave her a bow.

"For that, you have my gratitude, Tsunade-hime," he said.

"You and Shizune-san shall have everything you need for this, I will return shortly after having preparations done at the castle for your and Shizune-san's stay," he began and just as he was about to step back Tsunade-sama cut in once more.

"Stop!" she said, her tone casual, something which would have landed her in trouble if it were any other noble, yet Akihito-san wasn't any other noble, and neither did the Senju princess respond to the request of any other noble.

The young boy stopped as Lady Tsunade walked upto him and looked at him with a narrowed gaze.

"Where is that red-head?" she questioned. And there was no need to question about which red-head she was talking about, for there was only one red-head she would mention, the one with whom this all had begun.

"She is fine and is on her way to the city with the guards and one of the bandits who attacked us," he replied, and Lady Tsunade nodded before suddenly reaching for the young noble's head and gripping it in her hand.

"And did you really think you could hide that from me, boy," she said menacingly, making her groan internally at the scene in front of her.

"Tsunade-sama! What are you doing!" she shouted as she rushed towards him and tried to pry her hand off from his head.

"Show me your hands, boy," she said angrily, and she stilled as she saw the young lord' lips thin as she reluctantly pushed forward his hand, making her halt at their state. They were injured.

"How did this happen?" she questioned as she began to examine the extent of the damage, which thankfully wasn't that much.

"Let me tell you what happened," Tsunade-sama snarled as she removed her hand from his head and looked at him accusingly.

"You tried to use those techniques despite my instructions, didn't you?" she questioned, and the young Lord nodded.

"I needed to send a message, and I don't think I need to explain to you the reason for that," he remarked, looking the Senju princess in the eye, a feat that few could do.

"Tsk," Tsunade-sama clicked her tongue, for he really didn't. His recent marriage to the daimyo's daughter was an announcement of his candidacy to become the next daimyo, something which would make him a target of many, many people.

She could reckon that this attack itself must have been orchestrated by one of these people, and in that sense he was right. The young lord did need to send a message.

"I am finished," she announced as she finished wrapping the bandages around his wounds.

"Thank you, Shizune-san," the young lord said as he gave her a smile, and reached for the door, sliding it open.

"You do know that you have painted a massive target on your back now. These attacks won't end with this. No, this is just the beginning," Tsunade-sama's voice cut in, a tinge of concern laced in her tone as she glanced at the back of the young lord about to exit the room.

"I know, and don't worry. I am ready," he said with a final glance as he rushed out of the room.

Tsunade-sama glanced at the closed door before she huffed as she turned to face her.

"Shizune!" she called him out as she began to remove her green jacket.

"Get me a bowl of boiled water," she said, and that was enough to tell her what she planned to do.

"It will be good for us if the future daimyo owes us a favor or two for saving his dear wife." She said with a smirk, and she nodded as he made to rush out the door.

"Yes, of course Tsunade-sama!"

0000

Read ahead and support me on Patreon. Support me in writing this and many more such stories. So, have a look and consider becoming a patron. It would really mean a lot to me.

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[Golden Eyed King]

I can see Tsunade appreciating a lord who improves his people's health and wellbeing while treating people well. I can also see how he roped her in, hit her with the ol' "you owe me a million billion dollarydoos" and then say "I'll forgive the debt if you help me make the infrastructure to keep the people healthy and happy"

This keeps her from any real trouble, hits her right in her medical heart and shows her not all leaders are shits.


Also Daimeow's court popped into my head when I saw the alert for this fic.

 

[ZhaneSilverman]

Cool start so far! Looking forward to if his presence and future friendship? will change things for Minato/Kushina/Naruto.

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 9

AKIHITO SHIRAHOSHI

As soon as Akihito had realized the nature of the world he had found himself in he had begun becoming more active. And while he may have hit roadblocks on many of the avenues towards which he had worked, he had succeeded in many as well.

Transformation of the Shinoi lands had been one, his father strict and distant he may be, but the man upon recognizing his son's intellectual prowess, had involved him in the governing of these lands even prior to his death, and with that, he had been able to slowly implement several changes in how the lands were governed.

Improved farming techniques, improved health care facilities, basic hygiene, a small and bubbling industrial sector had helped propel the region of Shinoi from moderately good farmland to one of the economic hubs of the land of fire.

His other ventures like the soup kitchen, crack down on banditry and corruption, had also won him the love of the people of his land, and so as he strode in through the gates of his castle, or shiro two columns of servants bowed to him as one of his most trusted aides rushed towards him.

"We were not expecting you till tonight, my lord," spoke up the lady Nakiri-san, the woman who had practically raised him. Nakiri Erina was one of her mother's lady-in-waiting, a common village girl whose parents had been but farmers. She had accompanied his mother to this castle when his father had been granted these lands and, upon her death, had taken charge of the Household.

He got off his horse and saw her eyes look beyond him, probably searching for the carriage.

"We were attacked on the way," he replied, answering her unasked question, and she gasped at that.

"Miyuki-him?" she questioned, and he raised his hand, calming her down.

"We weren't hurt. As for Miyuki-hime, the whole ordeal troubled her, so I rushed ahead with her. She is with Shizune-san," he answered and saw her eyes widen.

"I shall have accommodations prepared for the esteemed guests at once," she caught on quickly, and he nodded.

"Good, and have Ieyatsu call a Council," he said as he moved past her, motioning for the aged woman to join him.

"It seems you were right," he said as he gave her a pointed look.

"We won't be able to remain neutral in this conflict afterall," he said and the woman smirked, though he didn't miss the hint of apprehension and sadness in her gaze at those words.

That had been his initial plan. The developments in Shinoi had not gone unnoticed by those aspiring to become the daimyo, and over the last year he had received several offers, ranging from marriages, wealth, and power for his support. Many of them had been rather tempting, yet in all tis strife he had wished to remain neutral to avoid this whole conflict.

Though Nakiri-san had pointed out that his reasoning was nothing but flawed, that a rising lord such as him could scarcely avoid the crises lying ahead.

"I would say that 'I told you so,' but even I didn't see the daimyo marrying his daughter to you like this," she added as she glanced at him as they entered the castle.

The Shirahoshi castle was rather large, for it served as a fortress as well as a dwelling for the jito. It had four buildings made out of thick lumber and rose into the sky with its five floors, with guards stationed at each one.

They entered the castle, the servants bowing to him and congratulating him on his marriage at each step as they moved towards his solar.

"I need to send a missive to the daimyo-sama about the attack. Have Ieyatsu gather the ministers by then. I shall convene with them after a bath," he ordered, and the older woman nodded as he slid open the doors to his solar. He was stopped by a question from behind

"Are you happy with the marriage, Akihito?" she questioned, dropping the formality as she addressed him as the son she had helped raise.

And how does one answer that? He was going to have to marry someone, and if her words were right, then it would have been the sisters of any of the other claimants or such, and the match would have been a political one.

From the time he had gotten to spend together with the Princess, he had been surprised by her. Hidden beneath that blanket of sadness was a gentle and pure soul, a rare and unsuitable combination for someone of her position. Someone like her, with a heart as such, would be easily crushed by all those around her.

"I am not unhappy," he replied, thinking it the most appropriate answer. The woman's eyes glinted as she lowered her head.

"But you do know what this means, right, Akihito? The attacks and plotting won't stop. They will only increase after this. Are you ready to face all of it?" she said worriedly, and he looked straight ahead.

He knew that. Though the rapidity of the first strike had taken him by surprise, it seemed he had been deemed quite a threat for them to target him so quickly like this.

Yet what could he do? Give up.

No. Akihito Shirahoshi was many things, but he wasn't one to go back on his word. And he had promised Miyuki her revenge, and so his eyes narrowed as he answered.

"It doesn't matter now, though, does it."

"I will have to be!"

0000

The fire Daimyo sat in his solar reading the letter he had just received from the young jito of Shinoi. It seems their caravan had been attacked by bandits, though thankfully both him and his daughter were fine.

And neither him nor the young Akihito had mistaken this for what it truly was. An assassination attempt. The First of many.

Yet the boy had been quick to retaliate as well, for contained in this missive was another report from one of his own speaking of how the young lord had just imposed severe tariffs on the export of goods into the neighboring lands. Lands that were under the reign of Lord Mahiro.

He was sure that petitions would soon arrive from the lord above over the unlawful nature of these levies. He would ignore them all, obviously that was all the help he could offer the young Akihito, the rest was upto him.

So, he put down the letter and sipped his tea. It warmed his insides as it traveled down his mouth simmering down the ever present aches that now ailed his body. The moon shined above in the sky, as he imagined the tumultuous times waiting for his lands in the future.

"And so, it begins!"

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, if possible, have a look and consider supporting me. It would help me out quite a bit.

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Have fun reading!

 

[AiSard]

Love it when fics really dive in to fleshing out the worlbuilding to carve out its own little space. Looking forward to how the how the politics will interact with the ninja world from the outside.

 

[ptbptb]

then tell of your decision by the full moon in two day's time, and I shall recluse myself of this match

Click to shrink...

You meant recuse there, although I am not 100% certain the word works in that context.

'There were no free lunches in this world.'

Click to shrink...

You might be interested to know of the equivalent Japanese saying which is: tada yori takai mono wa nai (There is nothing more expensive than 'free')

Mu acquaintance with them has always been purely platonic, and I have no intention of changing that

Click to shrink...

My

Days later, during the morning practice, a serving girl would lean against that very tree, and the whole castle would erupt into fervor as the two would be known to have been cut down.

Click to shrink...

That sentence is awkwardly phrased, and I guess it was supposed to be 'tree'?

The strike was so precise and quick that it had stayed upright for days only to fall when the serving girl leaned over it.

Click to shrink...

Leaned on

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 10

KATSUGAWA TATSUYA

The Third Prince of the Land of Fire frowned in frustration at the report he was receiving from his backer's liaison.

"What do you mean he survived!" he questioned, growing angry and frustrated with the failure of the one task that had become quintessential for his ascension.

The masked ninja, kneeling on one knee, simply reiterated.

"We are not sure yet. But we can confirm that Princess Miyuki and Lord Akihito encountered a small bandit group on their journey, yet according to the reports, the young lord and his group remained unscathed despite the attack," the man reiterated in his usual drawl and robotic tone, making his frustrations grow.

First, his father had refused to announce an official heir despite the pressure from the ministers, and now this.

"That boy is more trouble than we realized," his mother added from the side, and he would agree with that.

Akihito Shirahoshi was a dark horse in all of this. The young lord had been insistent initially on maintaining his neutrality during this whole conflict, yet all of it had now been revealed to be nothing but a farce.

No, the young jito dreamt of seeing himself on the daimyo's throne.

'The nerve of him,' he thought as his fists balled up and he looked once more towards the masked liaison.

"I want him dead, along with my dearest sister, for as long as she lives, my father will not name a formal successor, allowing others to lay a claim to what is rightfully mine," he said through gritted teeth, but the masked man shook his head.

"That will not be possible for the time being. Attacking jito shirahoshi at this juncture is not possible," came the answer and he frowned.

"What do you mean it isn't possible? You are killers, all of you and yet you can't even kil…"

"Tatsuya!" his mother's voice cut in, sharply halting him mid-sentence, and their eyes met, and he saw her eyes glint as she continued.

"That is enough!" she said to him, asking him to calm down as she turned to face the masked man.

"Leave us," she ordered, and the masked ninja vanished in a blur, leaving him alone in the room with his mother.

The Lady Mahiro had chosen a teal kimono today, her hair tied behind her with an intricately designed gold pin fashioned in the shape of a ryu.

"What have I told you about dealing with ninja," she chastised him, and he grit his teeth as he got up and waved away dismissively.

"I know you warn me to be careful when dealing with such men. Yet he is nothing but a mindless killing machine," he said, having learned already the true value of the masked men serving under Shimura.

"Mindless it may be, but you must remember that they don't serve at your pleasure, but under the commands of Danzo Shimura, and one must never underestimate a man such as him," she warned him, and he shook his head, a smile on his face.

"Shimura needs me much more than I need him. He supports me only because he wishes to see himself as the next Hokage, a choice which now lies in the hands of whoever ascends to the throne after my father," he replied, for those were his father's intentions.

It was now largely speculated that the daimyo had ordered the Third Hokage to continue as such until this whole matter had resolved itself, a decision towards which he had mixed feelings.

On the one hand, it tied his and Shimura's fates together, yet it also meant the man could lend him his aide very covertly, in fear that his actions may be uncovered.

"Shimura supports you because your grandfather and him share a similar vision for the future of this continent," his mother cut in, and his mood dampened at the mention of his esteemed grandfather.

Lord Hayama Mahirou, father of Lady Mahirou Miya, was one of the oldest lords alive today, even older than his father. He controlled one of the largest pieces of land in the region; they were one of the oldest serving families with deep ties to the various daimyos over the years.

"Yet if Shimura wishes to see himself as the next Hokage, it is me who he needs on the throne," and so he should support me, not grandfather. He didn't say, but his intentions were clear enough.

"Shimura could always find another one willing to do his bidding. I would caution you to be careful when dealing with him," his mother warned him as she stood up and began to walk towards the door.

He stilled at those words, and his mind raced towards the reluctance showed by Shimura's man towards the assassination of Akihito.

"Do you think he would approach Akihito Shirahoshi?" he suddenly questioned, and his mother shook her head as she slid open the doors.

"No, that is highly unlikely," and his heart eased at that. At least he won't have to worry about that.

"But how can you be sure about that?"

0000

Danzo Shimura

"Tsunade!" he frowned as he read the report, and the informant nodded.

"Yes, Lord Danzo. We confirmed twice that Lady Tsunade and her apprentice are now residing in Lord Akihito's castle," and that was rather interesting, not her presence in the Shinoi lands or her staying in the castle. Despite their militaristic nature, both Senju and Uchiha clans had noble ranks. Though they were little more than honorary titles, they were still given the ranks of shugo for their role as the founders of Konoha.

"And are we certain that neither of them dealt with the bandits?" he questioned, recalling the report from earlier mentioning the details of how the bandits who had attacked young Lord Shirahoshi had been killed.

"Positive, my lord. Both of them were in Shinoi lands at that time. They were not involved in the subjugation of those ronins," the informant continued.

And Danzo sat in his chair, in a dark room lit with only a single candlelight as he looked at the illustration of the young jito. The boy seemed rather good-looking and had sharp features, yet it was his intellect that had taken him by surprise.

Many lords over the years had tried to curry favor with the Senju princess, yet none had ever succeeded in doing so. Yet somehow, the young lord of Shinoi managed to get himself into the good graces of the Senju princess.

Troublesome. And intriguing.

"What are your orders, Danzo-sama?" came the question, and he frowned.

"Have the bandit he captured handled. Apart from that, do not take any other direct action as long as the Senju princess resides in his castle. We cannot risk exposure," he ordered, and the informant nodded, yet it didn't vanish, making him frown.

"What is it?" he questioned, and the informant halted for a second before he added.

"My lord, there is one more thing I wish to mention," the informant began, and he motioned for him to continue.

"In Lord Akihito's retinue, there was a certain woman by his aide," the masked nin began.

"What of her?"

"She has red hair, Danzo-sama. Similar to those of Kushina Uzumaki!"

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, if possible, have a look and consider becoming a supporter. It would help me out quite a bit.

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Have a nice day!

 

[ZhaneSilverman]

Wonder if Kushina knows about her relative? That could have interesting consequences.

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 11

IEYATSU GIN

Ieyatsu Gin watched as the advisors left the conference room, leaving him alone with their lord and leader. Just as the daimyo had a prime minister under him to do his bidding, he occupied a similar role under the jito of Shinoi. Something which was rather unimaginable for someone like him, for he didn't come from a line of shugo's or jito's or even other histories families.

No, Ieyatsu Gin was born out of wedlock, not an uncommon occurrence for these times, yet the thing that held him back most was that he was born with the western features of his father, a man whom he didn't even know the name of.

He had traveled through the lands and had been shunned everywhere he went for his looks, and despite his qualifications, no lord would give him a place at his hearth until he had found himself in these lands, driven here by the news of the young lord who had turned their fortune around, transforming simple arable province of Shinoi into a literal economic powerhouse.

The young lord was strange, lacking the usual spiral and haughtiness of those born into privilege, and unlike the others, hadn't looked at him with contempt in his eyes.

And so, he had found himself sworn into his service, his skill with the sword and his mind now his lords to use. And use them he had over the years, yet it was only now would he get the opportunity to truly lend the man his aide.

He looked towards the young lord, who cracked his neck as Ieyatsu questioned.

"So raised taxes and tariffs, that's a rather meek response for someone who just tried to assassinate you and your lady wife," he questioned and saw young Akihito's eyes narrow onto him, as the young lord continued.

"And who said that? This was all," he finished in a cold tone, and he smirked. Of course, it was not. Their neighboring lord had just tried to kill him, and Akihito was many things, but a fool he was not.

"So, what is the plan?" he questioned as he walked up and sat down opposite to the young lord, who pointed at the bordering region of Mahiro lands.

"Lord Mahiro drives much of his income from these iron and silver mines; it would be rather troublesome if these mines suddenly collapsed," the young lord said, telling him of his plans, and they were quite sound.

"But what of the war? Such an attack could draw the daimyo's ire, for we need that metal to make weapons," he replied, voicing his concern as a good advisor should.

"The war is over, and though the tensions remain high, I don't believe there will be much fighting now. Though regardless, the daimyo-sama won't move against us," he added resolutely, and he was reminded of how the young lord was now family to the daimyo-sama, being recently married to his sole daughter by his lady wife.

Though, that was another headache in itself.

The succession war was gruesome and cruel, and most of all, bloody. And now the young lord opposite to him had been thrust into it, by the virtue of his marriage.

"Speaking of that, how is Lady Miyuki? I have heard that she fainted due to the bloodshed," he questioned, and the young lord's face contorted with worry as he sighed.

"Yes, she did faint, but she will be fine," he replied, and he narrowed his gaze, as he recalled the rumors about the infamous glass princess of land of fire.

"SO, how bad is it?" he decided to cut straight to the point, and the young lord looked at him, examining him before he replied.

"It is bad, she was poisoned, heavily. If not for proper treatment, she would have died within the year, but now she will live," he replied, confirming the rumors, and he sighed.

"That means…" and the young lord nodded as well.

"Indeed, the two Princes were murdered, at the Third Prince's orders most probably, as was her mother, and now only she lives," the young lord confirmed, telling him of the news and information he had gathered over at the capital.

And he nodded as he processed it all, his teeth continuously grinding the wheat stalk in his mouth as he looked towards the young lord, before voicing out what was on both their minds.

"So, war?" he questioned, and the young lord nodded, accepting his words.

"War indeed," said the young lord as he loosened up, and plopped down his face on his hand as he leaned on one side.

"Tell me how prepared we are," he questioned and Ieyatsu sighed as he shook his head.

"Not well, Akihito. Not well at all," he said.

The succession battles weren't fought by shinobi like the grand wars between nations themselves. No they were fought with men, soldiers with pikes and swords and bows. And they were led by samurai.

Samurai, masters of the blade, people who had spent years and years honing their skill with the blade to spill blood at their master's bidding. Each jito wished to have more and more of these highly trained men under him to maintain peace in their lands for a scenario as such when conflict was to be had.

Lord Akihito was a revolutionary; his vision had allowed him to help transform these lands into an economic hub, but he had little pedigree and was only the second generation to rule over these lands. The people they faced, though, had family histories spanning over centuries, and that itself meant that they had many more samurai sworn to them.

"Lord Mahiro has nine samurai sworn directly to him. His mines also allow him to have vast iron and other metal to fashion into weapons for his armies, and given the man's connection with Lord Saeagusa and Lord Hattori, we will be facing three armies, which will be well-armed and under the command of experienced samurai, while we boast only four…."

"Six," the young lord cut in, as he pointed towards himself and him.

"Six if you include me and you," and he shook his head.

"The whole claim hinges on your presence Akihito, we cannot take a risk by having you leading the army and possible facing these men," he admonished the stubborn young boy who shook his head.

"I have trained for this for years, Gin. Plus, you and I both know none of these men could face me," he said rather haughtily, and he rolled his eyes.

"Regardless, I will not have you put your life in danger," he said as the young lord simply replied.

"We will see about that," refusing to back down.

"We shall," he said as their eyes met, his blue reflecting back in those black irises of the young jito.

"Still, we need to build alliances, Lord Chiba," he pointed to the small lands bordering them and Lord Mahiro as well, and though they were small, they held strategic importance.

"The man only has a daughter left after his son died a few weeks ago, he has approached me for a potential match between you and his daugh…"

"No, I will not take a second wife," the young lord cut in.

"Marriages are a way of sealing and ensuring alliances. You cannot behave like this," he admonished the young lord who replied.

"I have promised Lady Miyuki that I shall not take a second wife," the young lord added and he was enraged by those words.

"That is nonsense. Did the Princess ask that of you," he questioned, for how could the Princess have such gall?

"No, it was my pledge," the young lord said, surprising him as he looked at the boy like he had grown a second head, for who does something like this?

"You are an idiot, and you will break that pledge…"

"I will not."

"You will!" he nearly shouted at the stubborn idiot in front of him, and he continued before the man could cut in.

"Moreover, we need to modify the rationing and the training of the men and levies," he began, though he was quickly interrupted by the sound of a knock on the door.

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Who is it?" he questioned, annoyed at being disturbed.

"It is me, Nakiri, and I wish to inform Lord Akihito that Lady Miyuki has woken up," came the voice of the mother hen, and he watched as the young lord stood up and gave him a bow.

"We will talk later," he said as he moved out of the room, and he sighed as he made to follow him, his legs long tired from sitting for so long.

And so, he found himself standing next to his female counterpart, for if he was their lord's right hand, Nakiri-san was his left, looking after their household and such, a duty often carried out by the lady of the House.

"That sounded rather heated," she questioned with a raised brow as the young lord vanished into the side hall.

He sighed as he answered.

"Yes, I was trying to convince the young lord to consider a second match between himself and Lady Chiba," he informed her and saw her eyes widen.

"That is a good match," she iterated, and he nodded.

"Indeed, but the young lord was apprehensive about it. Apparently, he has pledged to Lady Miyuki to wed no one else," he said and saw her eyes soften.

"As noble as that may be, he will have no other choice if he wishes to succeed in this uphill battle," she agreed with him.

"Yes, that is exactly what I was trying to tell him," He said, elated that the woman agreed with him.

"Hmm, leave this to me. I will handle it," she said, and he was surprised by those words, though he was happy to do so, for he had a lot else on his plate apart from this.

"Then so be it. I shall leave this to you."

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, if possible, have a look and consider supporting me, if you can. It would help me out a lot.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Have fun reading!

 

[Divad]

No matter the short term gain, polygamy is foolish. Especially when wealth and power is on the line. He would sow calamity if he has a two or more wives.

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 12

AKIHITO SHIRAHOSHI

Akihito found himself in his lady wife's room and watched her consciousness return as her eyelids filled nervously.

"Where am I?" she questioned, her voice a bit raspy from being unconscious for so long. She was right now in his room, located on the third floor of the castle, and he moved to the side and handed her a glass of water.

"You are in my castle, Miyuki-hime," he began and saw her nod nervously as she took the glass of water and took a sip.

Her fainting had kind of scared him, for if she were to die so quickly after their marriage it would not have been good for him, yet he also recognized that he shared much blame in this all, he could have made adjustments according to her presence, when he had faced those bandits.

So, as he sat beside her, he gave her a short bow as he began.

"I would like to apologize for the gruesome display, on our journey. I should have been more mindful of your presence," he began and saw her still as she waved nervously.

"Please raise your head my lord. It is who should apologize for the inconvenience I have caused you," she began, and he shook his head.

"It was nothing," he assured her as she nodded before suddenly he felt her frown as she spoke up,

"I feel different, more invigorated than I have done so in years," she began in an amazed tone as her eyes widened as she turned to face him.

"What did your healers give me, my lord," she questioned, and he was surprised that she could feel the aftereffects of the treatment so quickly, but he should have expected nothing less of Tsunade Senju.

"I am thankful that you feel as such, but I did mention that I wouldn't let you die, didn't I? So, as soon as you told me of your poisoning, I called the best healer in the continent, and according to her, you shall make a complete recovery," he informed her of Tsunade's words.

Her eyes widened as she stilled, and then her eyes began to tear up.

"How? I thought it was hopeless," she mentioned in a slurry tone as tears dripped down her eyes as her body shook.

"I did as I promised," he told her as he wiped away her tears with his sleeve.

"But how?" she questioned again as she held onto his shirt, and he sighed as he answered with a smile.

"There is little in this world that Tsunade Senju cannot cure," he answered and saw her eyes widen at those words.

"You cannot mean her!" she said with widened eyes, and he nodded as he wept back her hair, wiping away the sweat from her face.

"Yes, indeed I mean exactly her," and before she could continue, the doors to the room slid open, making him frown.

"It is g…" and it was none other than Shizune-san, whose face flushed instantly as she realized her mistake.

"I will come late…" She was about to leave when he stopped her.

"Stop," he said as he stood up and beckoned her in as Miyuki, face flushed, looked down in embarrassment.

"I was just leaving," he said as he looked towards the princess.

"She is Tsunade-san's apprentice and will treat you until you are healthy. Kirin-san will be back by tonight, until then Nakiri-san shall see to your needs," he informed her as she nodded, and he then left the room stopping for a second by Shizune-san's side.

"Where is Tsunade-sama?" he questioned.

"She is in the yard, near the forest," she informed him and he nodded as he thanked her.

"Thank you, and Nikiri-san will come by any minute now. Tell her whatever you may need and any other precautions that we need to take for her health," he told her, and she nodded, her cheeks still flushed as he left the room heading towards his private training yard.

.

.

He found Tsunade-sama there, examining one of the tree stumps. Her hand was grazing the stump as he stopped and spoke up.

"I believe you have heard the news as well, your sensei has agreed to step down," he informed her and she nodded as she turned to face him.

"Indeed, I am aware," and of course she would be.

"He gave the daimyo a list of potential candidates to replace him. I must say I was rather surprised that I didn't find your name on that list," he offered with a smile, and she rolled her eyes.

"I am not. Even he knows that I have little patience for the village as it currently stands," she uttered as she looked him in the eye.

"Who was his recommendation?" she questioned.

"Namikaze, Minato Namikaze, the yellow flash, your comrade's student," he replied, and she nodded, seeming thoughtful.

"Though I would have liked it if your name had been there," he teased, and she narrowed her eyes.

"I do hope that you didn't try and have it added, boy," she said, and he nodded.

"I tried, but the daimyo-sama wished for me to remain limited to the list sent by your sensei" he replied, and she shook her head.

"That's reasonable. But Jiraiya's boy huh. He is a better choice than I had expected. You would like to work with him from what I can tell," she offered, and he was surprised by those words.

"For that, I still would have to live long enough," he said as he raised his brow, and she nodded.

"You will," she iterated, and then his next words made the very air still.

"Not if Shimura has anything to say about that," and he saw her still at those words.

"What do you mean by that?" she questioned.

"I mean that the Third Prince was rather insistent in his support of the aged man. And then I have heard rumors of his close ties with the Lord Mahiro, who is the Prince's grandfather," he tried to thread the dots.

"That is a grave accusation to make," she said scathingly.

"I make no accusation, but I had hoped that you could perhaps enlighten the people of your village of their oaths in regard to the upcoming conflict," he said in a sharp tone, taking a big gamble.

And she met his gaze as she processed his words.

"I will see what I can do, have your servants prepare my things. I wish to leave by tomorrow morning," she informed him, and he nodded.

"I will inform them of your plans," he said, and just then, he frowned as one of the guards rushed forward.

"My lord! My Lord!" the man shouted, making him turn to face him.

And he was alert at once, his mind racing as he questioned quickly.

"What happened!"

"It's about your retinue, my lord! They were attacked, and the bandit they captured has been killed!"

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write these stories. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime if you can. It would help me out quite a bit.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Have fun reading!

 

[ZhaneSilverman]

Good to see he's aware of who he's up against. And this news came at a rather opportune timing