The Central Shinobi Army encampment was located outside the capital—built against the mountains, beside flowing water, quiet and naturally concealed.
Using specialized civil-engineering ninjutsu, Konoha's construction shinobi had erected a vast, well-organized fortress in the heart of the forest in just two or three days.
A powerful barrier enveloped the outer perimeter, forming an invisible shield that blocked any outside probing.
With the current capabilities of the Royal Capital's Magic Caster Guild, there was no chance of breaking through a shinobi barrier.
And because of the short distance, even if the teleportation array inside the capital were disabled, the Central Shinobi Army could march to the capital in under fifteen minutes—ensuring absolute control over the royal domain.
Just then, the glow of a teleportation circle lit up.
Seven figures stepped out in sequence.
More than thirty unit captains who had been waiting immediately kneeled on one knee.
"We greet the Supreme Leader!"
Uchiha Soren slowly surveyed the lined-up shinobi, satisfaction visible in his eyes.
Every one of these captains possessed elite jōnin level strength—no weaklings, no pretenders. Among them, he also recognized several familiar faces, such as the personal guard team serving his wife, Kaori Minamoto.
"Everyone, rise."
"The Central Shinobi Army has only just been established. There is much to handle—see to your duties."
After meeting the mid-level officers and confirming the army's status, evening had already fallen.
Royal Capital – Royal Castle of Ro-Lent
Princess Lana Tiyer·Shardon·Lail·Vansef—the famed Golden Princess and the only royal who retained limited freedom—sat quietly by her window, bathed in moonlight as silver and soft as mercury.
Her long golden hair shimmered faintly, catching the light like molten silver.
Her features were exquisitely delicate, her lips curved in the faintest, gentle smile.
Her pale skin, exposed where the light blue dress left her shoulders bare, was translucent as fresh snowfall.
Her deep blue eyes glowed like sapphires—soft, mysterious, and captivating.
(The Supreme Leader of the Shinobi World… what kind of man will he be?)
(And…)
(Can I control him?)
Her serene gaze faded, replaced by something cold—an emotion that dismissed the world itself.
Princess Lana's lips lifted in quiet amusement as she recalled everything she had observed.
Her talent had always been too extraordinary—so much so that everyone around her appeared unbearably foolish.
Her father, the king by blood, was compassionate in words and indecisive in action—an incompetent sovereign.
Her eldest brother was corrupt, greedy, and foolish enough to make deals with the Eight Fingers, willing to destroy his own kingdom. His intelligence rivaled that of a pig-man.
Her second brother, though porcine in form, had a bit of sense. He at least understood danger and acted with the future in mind… but he was still bound by the limits of an ordinary mind.
Even Lakyus, the captain of the famed adamantite adventurer team Blue Roses, recognized across the land as the "Light of Life", was to Lana merely another tool—though a useful one.
Thus—
Why could she understand truths so easily while others failed to grasp them?
Unable to reconcile this disparity, Lana grew increasingly misunderstood, increasingly isolated, burying every part of herself deep within.
She developed an eating disorder and drifted toward death.
Until one stormy night, when she met the beloved creature she called her pet.
For its sake, she fought to live—
step by step displaying her capabilities, rising in royal standing, ensuring better treatment for both herself and her companion.
But the sudden arrival of the shinobi changed everything.
(The commander of the Central Shinobi Army, Uchiha Lei—kin of the Supreme Leader. He resembles Lakyus in temperament: strong, but lacking the wisdom to match his strength. As long as I remain useful, he is easy to guide.)
Recalling Lei's cold demeanor and superiority, Lana felt only mild amusement.
Anyone she could communicate with, she could analyze.
Anyone she could analyze, she could exploit.
(The real concern is the Supreme Leader himself. Is he unmatched in might? In intellect? Or… both?)
Earlier that afternoon, she learned from the guards that she would meet Uchiha Soren the next day.
From the subtle shifts in the combat shinobi's expressions and tone, she gleaned the clues she needed.
They revealed nothing unnecessary—professional to the extreme, silent and lethal like assassins.
Comparable to the assassin sisters within Blue Roses.
For such individuals to control the kingdom without anyone noticing—and to admire their leader with awe they could not contain—spoke volumes of the Supreme Leader's power.
Her heartbeat quickened.
(Will he be someone who understands me?)
As anticipation washed over her, Lana rose from her seat.
Holding the hem of her dress, she dipped gently beneath the moonlight—
a graceful, wordless greeting.
Then she stepped lightly, her slender, pale arms moving with her supple waist.
Her light-blue dress fluttered like a blooming lotus under the quiet glow.
The moon served as her silent accompaniment.
Royal Capital Adventurer Guild
Sukama and Lilinet were granted an audience with the Guildmaster, Nara Shikaming.
"Ladies, we meet again."
Well-informed and unfailingly polite, Shikaming arranged for tea before continuing with a warm smile.
"In terms of strength and accomplishments, Four Weapons meets the requirements for promotion. Congratulations—you are now officially bronze-rank adventurers."
Their strength was partly boosted by equipment, and their achievements were slightly lacking, but none of that mattered now.
"Thank you for the Guild's recognition."
Recognizing the guildmaster's high status—having been transferred from the harbor city to the capital—both women offered polite words before Sukama's curiosity broke through.
"Guildmaster Nara, could you tell us anything about Master Soren?"
"I wouldn't dare speak lightly of the Supreme Leader."
Seeing their disappointment, Shikaming retrieved a prepared copy of The Chronicle of the Supreme Leader, smiling.
"But you can learn much from publicly published works of the Shinobi Continent. As for deeper knowledge… that depends on your own efforts."
Building goodwill cost him nothing.
After watching the delighted women accept the book, he presented them with bronze-rank insignia.
"If Four Weapons plans to recruit more members, I happen to know someone who may suit your team very well."
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