"Did I come too late?"
Sōgen sighed with a hint of regret.
Even though they traveled tirelessly through the night, they still couldn't match the speed of Hema and his group's escape. By the time they arrived at the Daimyo's residence, the capital of the Fire Country was already under complete lockdown. Ninja of the royal guard, along with numerous soldiers, were conducting a grand but seemingly pointless search.
In Sōgen's eyes, this so-called lockdown, this so-called search operation, looked overly theatrical.
If they truly wanted to capture someone, there was no need for such a massive display. Sending a dozen or so sensory ninjas would be far more efficient than this noisy show.
"What's next, sir?" asked Moonlight Gale.
Their purpose in coming to the Daimyo's residence was to eliminate the source of turmoil. However, now that Hema and his followers—the presumed root of chaos—had betrayed the Daimyo and killed four of their own before fleeing, it was as if they had geared up for a fierce punch, only for their target to disappear just as they threw it.
"No need to rush. Let's pay our respects to the Daimyo first," Sōgen replied with a smile.
While Hema's actions were a bit unexpected, it wasn't a big problem. Hema and his people could be dealt with later; after all, the Daimyo wasn't going anywhere. They could decide on their next steps after meeting with him.
There was also another matter to deal with before then.
"How…how could they dare?" muttered Daido, standing there in shock. His face was blank, and he exuded an unapproachable aura, clearly shaken by the sudden, grim news. He never imagined that a brief farewell to his comrades would turn into a permanent goodbye. The so-called "Jewel" refers to the King in shogi (Japanese chess) — a unique core piece. If the King is checkmated, it signifies imminent defeat.
Currently, the Land of Fire has two "Jewels."
The Daimyo and the Hokage.
In theory, the Daimyo holds a higher position, but the Hokage, who leads Konoha, the most powerful military group in the Land of Fire, doesn't fall under the Daimyo's jurisdiction. Their relationship is more akin to that of partners than that of superior and subordinate.
"So? Are you planning to disband Konoha, abolish the Hokage, and place the power of the ninja under your direct control?"
Sōgen maintained his slight smile as if discussing something amusing, but Daido and those present — Hayate Gekkō, Kurenai Yūhi, and even the guards beside the Daimyo — reacted visibly, their expressions shifting.
"Haha!" The Daimyo suddenly laughed, shaking his head vigorously. "Do I look that foolish?" At this moment, Sōgen sensed an aura from this old-looking man that he hadn't noticed before — the dignity of a true leader.
However—
"This has nothing to do with intelligence. There's a reason they say greed blinds people." Sōgen, undeterred by the Daimyo's change in aura, fearlessly voiced his thoughts.
"Alright! I'll take back what I said earlier. You're already sharp enough." The Daimyo chuckled, his imposing aura dissolving as though the momentary change had been an illusion. "It's true that I haven't supported Homare and the others — not openly or covertly. I've simply chosen to stand by as a spectator."
Another unexpected answer.
Yet Sōgen's intuition told him that the Daimyo was likely being honest.
"A bystander? You knew their rhetoric would damage relations between the Daimyo's government and Konoha, and you chose to stand by?" Sōgen pressed on, his words sharp and unrestrained.
"In the Land of Fire, we don't punish people for their words. Homare and the others only spoke their minds — at least, as far as I know, they hadn't done anything extreme. But they recently crossed the line. That's why the Ōtōryū has been gathering evidence, preparing to act when the time is right. I never expected them to go this far and even defect."
The Daimyo's face turned serious as he looked toward Daido. "Daido, I didn't discuss this with you because you're among the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and I wasn't entirely sure if you acted as one unified group. Though it seems like there's constant conflict among you, particularly since Asuma Sarutobi's recent fallout with you."
Daido was silent for a moment, his voice gravelly, "So were Kitagane and the others... just sacrifices?"
"I already told you, I had no idea they'd go this far. Kitagane and the others... I've issued a bounty on them — dead or alive. Anyone who brings them back will be well rewarded. Additionally, there'll be support for Shirokawa Village from the Daimyo's government."
Shirokawa Village,
It's where Kitagane and the others hailed from, their home.
Daido fell silent. Despite his frustration, the Daimyo had taken commendable steps. If he hadn't lied, Kitagane's death wasn't something he could blame the Daimyo for — the true culprits were Homare and his group of troublemakers.
Sōgen watched, unimpressed, as Daido was "convinced" by the Daimyo.
He sneered at the Daimyo's words. To him, "standing by" was merely enabling. But it didn't matter much; challenging the Daimyo over this would be difficult, and, most importantly, the Daimyo was a "smart man."
Whether or not he spoke truthfully, the Daimyo clearly wasn't the type to make reckless, all-or-nothing moves. As long as Konoha wasn't weakened enough for the Daimyo to feel an opportunity, he wouldn't act against Konoha or their alliance.
Thus,
There was no need to replace the Daimyo. Switching to a young radical might only create bigger problems.
"Can Konoha's ninja also accept this bounty?"
Sōgen asked the question, though the answer seemed obvious.
"Of course. In fact, this bounty was issued with the hope that Konoha's ninjas would assist. While I've sent Ōtōryū agents to hunt down Homare and his group, it's clear they failed. Compared to Konoha, the Ōtōryū is still inexperienced. This crucial task is best left to Konoha's ninja."
The Daimyo's response was expected.
Of course, his criticism of the Ōtōryū and praise for Konoha was a little surprising, but it was trivial.
"If that's the case, I'll make sure to keep an eye out. Coincidentally, I recently made some changes to Konoha's Police Force, forming a competent squad. They haven't had much to do in the village and have been idle. Looks like they'll have a proper task now."
"I appreciate it. The reward will not disappoint."
The Daimyo answered openly.
"By the way, Daimyo-sama, I'd like to stay at the Daimyo's estate for a few days if that's possible?" Sōgen maintained his smile. "With some luck, I might catch Homare myself and collect that bounty."
"As long as you're not a criminal, the Daimyo's estate welcomes all visitors."
With that,
Their conversation had come to a close. Sōgen promptly took his leave, heading for Konoha's embassy, where visiting Konoha shinobi typically stayed while conducting official business at the Daimyo's estate.
Daido also departed after securing permission from the Daimyo to join the pursuit of Homare and his followers.
The Daimyo remained seated in the quiet room.
After a long silence,
He asked, "Genpachi, Yoshinobu, what are your thoughts on him? The youngest Hokage Advisor and reportedly the youngest clan leader in Uchiha history." Beside him, one of his guards was none other than Genpachi, the elderly man in charge of the Forbidden Scroll library.
"Strong!" Genpachi answered curtly.
The Daimyo shook his head with a smile, looking at the other guard. "Yoshinobu, how about you? I know Uchiha Sōgen is indeed strong, but how strong are we talking? How would you compare against him?"
Yoshinobu, a man with piercing eyes that seemed to see through all obstacles, exchanged a look with Genpachi, both men showing reluctance. "It's impossible to compare. Without testing him directly, I can't gauge how powerful he is. But my gut tells me that challenging him would lead to certain death."
"I feel the same."
Genpachi added.
"When I looked him in the eye, I saw mountains of corpses and rivers of blood... I was utterly defeated in spirit. If he used his Sharingan's genjutsu, I wouldn't stand a chance. Even if Yoshinobu and I joined forces, I doubt we'd have any hope of winning."
The Daimyo fell silent.
He'd anticipated that Uchiha Sōgen might be extraordinarily strong.
But Genpachi and Yoshinobu's responses exceeded his expectations. As a non-shinobi, the Daimyo couldn't fully grasp Sōgen's power, but he vaguely understood that Sōgen was stronger than both Genpachi and Yoshinobu combined.
"And... does Homare stand a chance?"
"In a direct confrontation, none at all." Genpachi answered swiftly. "As for any clever schemes... to be frank, I doubt his chances. Konoha's strength isn't something a few renegades can topple. Not that it's impossible, just highly unlikely."
Yoshinobu remained silent; Genpachi had spoken his mind.
His opinion matched Genpachi's. Homare and his group were unlikely to bring down Konoha. Did they think the Sand, Mist, Cloud, and Stone shinobi were all incompetent?
"I see."
The Daimyo sighed softly, saying nothing more as he looked outside at the drifting clouds in the glassy blue sky.
(End of chapter) "How could they dare?" he repeated.
Daido couldn't understand how Hema and his companions could dare to kill within the palace. Among the twelve protectors, Hema was one who respected the Daimyo the most. It was like a never-ending nightmare.
"Daido," Sōgen called, breaking Daido's trance. Startled, Daido quickly lowered his head and apologized repeatedly. "Forgive me, assistant to the Hokage. I…this is my failure. I didn't imagine they'd dare do something like this. I apologize for making you come all this way."
His disjointed words revealed his troubled heart.
"It's alright; this isn't your fault. I know this must be difficult for you. However, the Daimyo's envoy has arrived. Would you like to join me in meeting the Daimyo, or would you prefer some time to collect yourself?" Sōgen asked, concerned.
They hadn't concealed their identities upon arrival, especially with Daido—an easily recognizable "local figure"—among them. Almost immediately, a royal ninja approached, and upon reporting their identities, the Daimyo was informed. They also casually inquired about the commotion, thus learning the unfortunate news.
"Since I've returned from leave, I'll accompany you to report to the Daimyo," Daido replied, struggling to control his emotions.
As his overheated mind cooled, he gradually regained his composure and decided to escort the assistant to the Hokage, as he had personally invited him. Afterward, he could investigate the murder of North Root and his comrades.
"Then let's go together," Sōgen agreed calmly.
He observed the grand capital before him. Despite the lockdown, the absence of pedestrians allowed him to appreciate the orderly architecture, which gave the Daimyo's residence a distinctly solemn atmosphere—unlike the chaotic charm of Konoha.
Following the Daimyo's envoy, they soon arrived at the central palace. However, the Daimyo's palace, though sprawling and heavily guarded, wasn't as awe-inspiring as expected. Its layout and aesthetics were not much different from the Uchiha or Hyuga clan compounds.
Soon, they were face-to-face with the Fire Daimyo.
The man appeared prematurely aged, not necessarily old, but lacking the commanding aura one might expect from a nation's leader. "Daido, you've returned! And this is…?"
His gaze shifted to Sōgen.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Daimyo. I am Uchiha Sōgen," Sōgen said, maintaining a calm and composed introduction while studying the man known as the first figure of the Fire Country.
"Oh! I know of you—the youngest head of the Uchiha clan, the youngest assistant to the Hokage in Konoha. That's wonderful! When I heard of the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice, I was worried for Konoha's future. Without stability in Konoha, the Fire Country would also face unrest. But seeing such a promising young man as yourself, my worries are eased."
"You flatter me; I am but a student of my predecessors," Sōgen replied with a modest smile.
"Haha! Humility is a fine quality, though a young man shouldn't lose his ambition either! So, Sōgen, what brings you to the Daimyo's residence?" the Daimyo asked.
"Well, I heard there was a group of troublemakers trying to drive a wedge between the Daimyo's residence and Konoha. Their activities had become so blatant that I was authorized by the Hokage to handle the matter. Unfortunately, it seems I arrived a bit late, as these troublemakers have already fled."
While speaking, Sōgen's gaze was fixed on the Daimyo.
Unexpectedly, the Daimyo showed no signs of panic but rather a look of regret, as if embarrassed. He let out a deep sigh. "So you came for that matter? As for Hema, Ryojin, and the others…well, I'm not entirely unaware of their sentiments."
The Daimyo's frankness left Daido, who had been silently listening, wide-eyed with shock.
It wasn't the Daimyo's knowledge of Hema's intentions that surprised him, but rather his openness about it. Anxiety also welled up within him. If he had known about Hema's actions, why had he allowed them to run amok?
Daido restrained his urge to confront the Daimyo. Doing so wouldn't bring back North Root or the others; it would only embarrass him and potentially involve the Fire Temple, which he had no wish to see harmed.
"I know Hema and the others' motivations, their agenda, and even some of their covert maneuvers," said the Daimyo, as if reading Daido's thoughts. He continued, "And I…to be frank, was indeed swayed by their ideals. Taking control of the ninja forces and becoming the sole power in the Fire Country—a truly tempting proposition."
He sighed.