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Daimyō's Court Recommends a New Advisor
The next day.
The sky above the Land of Fire was bright and cloudless, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the vast estate of the Fire Daimyō. A gentle breeze rustled the perfectly maintained gardens, where cherry blossoms swayed, their petals occasionally drifting onto the stone pathways.
The main courtyard of the Daimyō's palace was immaculate, its red pillars polished to perfection, reflecting the sunlight. Exotic birds chirped from their perches, their presence adding a rare touch of liveliness to the otherwise solemn atmosphere. Servants moved about diligently, each attending to their assigned tasks in quiet efficiency.
Within the grand hall, the Daimyō of the Land of Fire sat behind an elegant silk curtain, his expression calm yet observant. Kneeling in the center of the chamber were his two sons—Naraku, the eldest, and Nahara, the younger. Along the sides of the hall, high-ranking officials and trusted advisors observed the proceedings in respectful silence.
Naraku, a composed and intelligent young man, knelt with a serene expression, his back straight and his eyes focused. Beside him, Nahara, slightly overweight with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, fidgeted restlessly, betraying his lack of discipline.
The Daimyō's gaze softened as he looked at Naraku. His voice, though quiet, carried warmth:
"Naraku, I hear you've been spending much of your time reading and studying. That is admirable, but remember to balance it with rest."
"Thank you for your concern, Father." Naraku bowed respectfully, his expression unwavering.
The Daimyō then turned to Nahara, and his expression darkened. His voice carried a tinge of restrained disappointment.
"And you, Nahara—do you even realize the trouble you've caused recently?"
Nahara scoffed, tilting his head. "I've simply been enjoying myself in the palace, Father."
The Daimyō exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the silk of his robe.
"Enjoying yourself? Do you think I am unaware of your escapades? The disgraceful rumors spreading about you?"
Nahara muttered under his breath, "What's wrong with having some fun? I paid for their company."
A stunned silence filled the chamber. The Daimyō's temper flared—his palm struck the armrest of his seat with a loud thud.
"Enough! Do you have no sense of shame?"
The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain whether to intervene. One finally stepped forward and bowed low.
"My Lord, please do not let this matter upset you. The Second Prince is still young. Surely, with the right guidance, he will mature."
Another official quickly added, "Indeed, my Lord, your health must come first."
The Daimyō closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. When he spoke again, his voice had returned to its usual controlled tone, though his displeasure was still evident.
"I will appoint a teacher for you both. Someone who will teach you the ways of governance and discipline."
Naraku responded immediately, "I understand, Father. Thank you." His composure remained steady.
Nahara, however, only nodded halfheartedly, muttering, "Yes, Father... Thank you."
The Daimyō frowned but waved his hand dismissively.
"Enough. You are both dismissed."
The princes bowed and left the hall, the younger one dragging his feet as they exited.
The Daimyō then turned his attention back to his advisors.
"Now—does anyone have recommendations for a suitable tutor?"
The room fell into murmurs as the ministers exchanged whispers. After a moment, one stepped forward.
"My Lord, there is word of a remarkable scholar in the capital—a man named Abe Jingming. He has gained renown for his wisdom, and many claim his knowledge rivals even the advisors of the Hokage himself."
The Daimyō raised an eyebrow. "A scholar, you say?"
Another minister added, "Yes, my Lord. It is said that his intellect is so sharp that even the most difficult political and economic tests are mere child's play to him. No one has been able to challenge his knowledge."
Interest flickered in the Daimyō's eyes. "Is this true?"
"The rumors have spread throughout the city, my Lord. I believe he is worth considering."
The Daimyō remained skeptical. "Rumors alone do not make a man capable. Do we know anything of his background?"
The Minister of Internal Affairs bowed. "We have only gathered that he hails from the Chifu Mountain region, outside North City. Beyond that, little is known."
The Daimyō's expression hardened. "We must be cautious. What if he is a spy from an enemy nation?"
Another minister quickly intervened. "My Lord, I have also heard that this scholar has been teaching orphans at Beicheng Academy. What's more, the academy's headmaster, Kitajo, is a former Konoha ninja and an acquaintance of Sarutobi Shinnosuke."
A murmur ran through the court at the mention of Shinnosuke, the son of the Third Hokage. The Daimyō considered this carefully before nodding.
"Very well. We will verify this man's true abilities. Shinnosuke will retrieve the tests this Abe Jingming has written. That will tell us whether he is worth our time."
An attendant was immediately dispatched to fetch Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Within the hour, the young ninja arrived, his expression calm as he knelt before the Daimyō.
"Lord Daimyō," Shinnosuke said, presenting a set of documents, "Abe Jingming has agreed to allow only you to view these first. You may decide whether the ministers may see them afterward."
The Daimyō's intrigue deepened. He gestured for an attendant to inspect the documents before taking them himself.
As he read through them, his eyes widened slightly. His fingers tightened around the parchment. The room remained silent as everyone waited in anticipation.
Finally, the Daimyō exhaled slowly, murmuring, "Brilliant… Simply brilliant."
The ministers exchanged excited glances.
"My Lord," one ventured, "may we…?"
The Daimyō glanced at them before shaking his head.
"Not yet. First, bring me all available records on Abe Jingming. I wish to know everything about this man before making my decision."
Attendants hurried away to retrieve documents from various sources. The Daimyō scanned through them, pausing at a faded black-and-white photograph of the scholar. His expression turned thoughtful.
"His appearance… He carries an aura unlike ordinary men. There is wisdom in those eyes."
After a long pause, the Daimyō set the records aside and stood. His voice was firm, resolute.
"Summon the guards. I will meet this Abe Jingming in person."
The chamber buzzed with anticipation. The court had rarely seen the Daimyō take such personal interest in a mere scholar.
But if the rumors were true—this man could change the future of the Fire Daimyō's court forever.