After taking care of all these things, Torifu finally returned to his residence. It was already three or four in the afternoon. He had been on the move all day. He finally had some time to rest and fell asleep as soon as he lay down on the bed.
Two days later, the day of the meeting arrived. Uzushiogakure was especially lively today. The villagers all knew that the princes who had been away would be returning to the village for a meeting. They all hoped that this meeting would have a good outcome, that the princes would reconcile, and that they would all return to Uzushiogakure. After all, they were all part of the same clan. No one wanted to see their clan split into several factions. Uniting as one was the only way for the Uzumaki clan to have a long and prosperous future.
It was just a shame that no one knew where the old clan head was. If he were still here, all these problems would have been easily solved.
"Shinobi-sama, are you awake?" The maid knocked on Torifu's door and asked in a low voice.
Torifu walked to the door and pushed it open. The young maid immediately bowed. "Shinobi-sama, please don't miss the meeting at noon today, but also, don't arrive too early."
Torifu nodded. "I certainly won't miss it, but why can't I arrive too early?"
The maid smiled slightly. "It is a rule of our Uzumaki clan. The Uzumaki Clan Meeting is sacred and glorious, so it must be held at noon."
Since that was the case, Torifu could only comply. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. He would just arrive a few minutes early and wait at the door until the time came to go in.
"Understood. Then I'll be on my way to report. The other princes will also be returning today, so it's sure to be a lively affair." She then bowed to Torifu and turned to leave.
Come to think of it, Torifu had not yet seen what the other princes looked like. Of the remaining eight princes, he had only seen the First and Second Princes. He had not even seen a portrait of the other six. But his main task today was not about the princes. It was to expose Rain's manipulation of the First Prince at the meeting. After having completed so many missions, Torifu felt that nothing fazed him anymore. This was clearly a very important task, but Torifu felt very calm inside, with no hint of nervousness. He didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. He waved his hand, and all the puppets were put back into his mark. He then took out his rocking chair from his ring and placed it outside the door, where he lay down and rocked leisurely.
Although the residence was small, the scenery was still quite pleasant, but it was far from what it was like in the Kumotsuru Clan.
About two hours and ten minutes later, Torifu looked at the clock inside his room. "Hmm, it's already 11:55. It's time to go."
For such an important event, he naturally had to go through the front gate and not just climb over the wall. Otherwise, it would be very rude. Torifu straightened his clothes and looked at himself in the mirror, not finding anything amiss. "Looks good. Let's go."
In a few flashes, he arrived at the entrance of the residence and looked toward the Daimyō's mansion. He saw a crowd of people already waiting at the door. They were all wearing very fine silks, some even sewn with gold threads. He didn't need to ask. He could tell from a glance that they were the princes. Naori and Hiruzen were also by the princes' side. They didn't make any unnecessary movements and just gave Torifu a look.
Torifu slowly walked up to them. The princes were a little confused when they saw who this person was. But when Torifu turned around, they noticed the mark embroidered on his back. 'Well, well. It's someone from the Hidden Leaf! It seems older brother also asked the Hidden Leaf for help.' They all looked at the guards next to them but didn't say anything. They all knew what was going on.
A few minutes later, a young maid walked out of the Daimyō's mansion and opened the doors wide. She then bowed to the princes and Torifu. "Please, all princes and the esteemed guest from the Hidden Leaf Village, Torifu-dono, enter the mansion for the meeting." After speaking, she stepped aside and made a gesture for them to enter.
The princes looked at each other. The eldest of them, the Third Prince, was about to step forward when a voice came from behind. "I'm so sorry, all my younger brothers. Your second brother is a little late."
When the other princes heard the Second Prince's voice, they naturally made way for him. The guard with the iron mask helped the Second Prince all the way to the door.
"I caught a cold today. Please forgive me, my younger brothers. Please, come in. Don't be late."
The princes bowed slightly to the Second Prince, and then they all walked into the Daimyō's mansion. At that moment, the time came to twelve o'clock.
The group arrived at the main hall where the banquet had been held last night. The First Prince was still sitting in the highest seat, and Rain stood by his side, smiling as he looked at everyone. "It's been a while, my brothers."
Although they were all unhappy with the First Prince, they didn't forget their manners. After a brief greeting, everyone took their seats. Torifu sat in the same spot as last night, as did the Second Prince. However, they were all destined to go hungry today, as such a sacred meeting would not allow food to desecrate it.
"I believe you all know the purpose of my meeting. There are too many misunderstandings between us brothers that need to be resolved." The First Prince's face became very sad.
But the princes below didn't seem to care. "Older brother, it seems a little late to say that now. Why didn't you explain yourself when Father disappeared?" The Third Prince said righteously, showing his great dissatisfaction with the First Prince's pretense.
The First Prince still looked very wronged. "You're right, third brother, but I was in a daze at the time. Father suddenly went crazy and ran away, and I didn't know how to even bring it up. And my second brother didn't find Father when he went out to chase him." He then said with heartfelt grief, "I wanted to wait until I had cleared my head before I spoke with you, but then eighth brother committed suicide. You must understand me. As your older brother, I really don't want us to become like this."
Every word the First Prince said was sincere, and he even shed a few tears. After hearing his words, the princes were all a little undecided. Even the youngest, the Ninth Prince, started crying with him.
But Torifu didn't feel anything. He had been quietly observing Rain, who was next to the First Prince, the whole time. Ever since he entered the room, Rain had worn the same smiling expression, and it hadn't changed at all. Not only Torifu, but even some of the other princes found it strange. It was as if Rain was a wooden puppet standing there. Torifu and his companions exchanged looks. Just as he was about to speak, the Third Prince's voice suddenly rang out. "Older brother, I feel like that servant behind you is a little strange."
..............
Chapter End
..............
T/N: Drop stones to boost this fanfic ranking for permanent chapter release increase. Review the fanfic to reach 10 reviews milestone.