With Konoha's support, the Matsukata Family quickly eliminated the Iii and Manri noble families who had instigated the rebellion, and helped the young master reclaim lost territory and return to the Daimyo's mansion in the capital, awaiting his future legitimate succession.
Considering that the young master was only six or seven years old, young and naive, and needed someone to assist and guide him, the Matsukata Family quickly allied with their allies to control the political system of the capital and even the entire Land of Fire, under the guise of 'regency and guardianship.'
As events unfolded to this point, many intelligent people could see that the Matsukata Family Head's actions had overstepped the bounds of a vassal's duty; it was 'assistance' in name, but 'usurpation' in reality.
But by the time they realized that the other party harbored ulterior motives, it was already too late.
The Matsukata Family, which had lain dormant for many years, had a much deeper foundation than they had imagined, acting with thunderous speed and ruthlessness. Any family or force found to be disloyal was purged with extreme brutality under the banner of righteousness.
In just one month, the Matsukata influence rapidly expanded, like a towering tree capable of overshadowing the entire Land of Fire, with its roots spread wide and intertwined, almost completely covering the sky.
Now, the difference between Matsukata Seigou and the Daimyo was merely a title… "Surely I still can't go out, Kazuma?"
Enishi Yuu, dressed in attire befitting his status as heir, sat properly on the tatami, looking at Kazuma, who had clearly returned in defeat, his chubby little face filled with sorrow.
"I want to go see the tombs of my father and brothers, and offer a small prayer. Why can't I…?"
"Please calm down, Your Highness Yuu."
As one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja fiercely loyal to the Daimyo's lineage, Kazuma was deeply pained by the current situation, wishing he could decapitate Matsukata Seigou, this treacherous minister who feigned loyalty, and display his head to the public.
But he knew very well that the Matsukata Family now held immense power in the court, and the young master was weak and outnumbered, so it was best not to conflict with them.
The only course of action for now was to bide his time, relax the enemy's vigilance, secretly contact nobles loyal to the Daimyo, and seek an opportunity to overthrow this traitor.
"Matsukata Seigou and his family are wolves in sheep's clothing. You must endure for now, prioritize your own safety, and only then can you await a turn of events in the future."
"What about Konoha?" Enishi Yuu asked with an unwilling expression, "Since they can eliminate rebels, why don't they help me deal with the Matsukata Family too?"
Facing the impatient and imprudent Enishi Yuu, Kazuma could only try his best to explain clearly.
"No matter what, Matsukata Seigou is still nominally your subject, and he holds the moral high ground of 'regency.' Without your explicit command, Konoha absolutely cannot act."
"Command?" Enishi Yuu keenly caught the keyword, as if grasping a lifeline: "So, if I personally give the Hokage an order, the problem can be solved?"
"It's not that simple, Your Highness."
Kazuma shook his head helplessly, breaking down the various difficulties and explaining them to him.
"Leaving aside how we would break through the blockade to deliver the command, even if we successfully accomplish this, the attitude of the Fourth Hokage is a major problem."
"In my opinion, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, has most likely sided with Matsukata Seigou."
"If that's truly the case, then all our efforts will not only be useless but will also endanger your safety."
"Therefore, we need to contact someone who is absolutely loyal to you and has sufficient ability to eliminate Matsukata Seigou. We cannot act rashly before identifying this person."
A series of setbacks made Enishi Yuu somewhat resigned, complaining with a 'what's the use' attitude: "Who else can resist that guy besides Konoha?… There isn't a second Konoha Village in the Land of Fire!"
This unintentional remark, however, was like a flash of lightning, illuminating Kazuma's equally confused heart.
—Although there is no second Konoha Village in the world, Konoha Village has two Hokage!
—The Third Hokage's abdication was very hasty, clearly problematic.
—Perhaps he was forced to retire against his will and is not at all aligned with the Fourth Hokage!
—If he could be given supreme legitimacy, returning to the position of Hokage might not be impossible… Kazuma was deep in thought, completely unaware that Enishi Yuu behind him had a twisted expression for a moment, his eyes faintly red… Hengzhou Base.
Yun Muyan, who had finally returned to the organization, was strolling through the spacious and brightly lit underground base, looking around and thinking to himself that this guy Jin was truly rich and powerful.
A base of this scale could not be built in a short time; it would take at least several years.
Arriving at his own quarters, he opened the heavy door smoothly using his Chakra as a key, just as no. 666 white zetsu had instructed him when he arrived.
Entering the spacious and clean four-bedroom apartment, Yun Muyan checked each room one by one, then returned to the living room and let out a dissatisfied "Tsk."
"Why is there no refrigerator? Am I supposed to buy one myself? If I had known these were the conditions, I would have stayed in the capital to be a Guardian Ninja for the Daimyo."
While he grumbled about his stingy leader, his body honestly walked towards the low cabinet in the corner, casually wiped the surface with his sleeve, and placed the carefully preserved puppet from his embrace in a position where it wouldn't be easily touched.
"Ayan~"
Jin, who happened to witness this scene, appeared, leaning against the doorframe and teasing with a grin: "You cherish the thing I gave you so much, I'm so touched~"
"I say, you, the leader, seem very idle, don't you?"
Yun Muyan was humiliated and angry, secretly regretting why he hadn't locked the door just now, allowing this shameless guy to see him make a fool of himself.
"Not at all? I'm super busy, okay~ It's just that since this is your first time at the base, I wanted to welcome you~"
"No need," Yun Muyan politely declined, "Are things over there resolved?"
"Of course, thanks to Ayan's Blood Release, the plan went very smoothly."
Jin tilted his head and spread his hands, exclaiming: "Blood Poison combined with genjutsu actually has such a miraculous effect, causing physiological cerebral structural abnormalities, thereby altering a part of cognition… I guess even the Byakugan wouldn't be able to see it, right?"
"Lord Jin~!"
A clear childish voice came, and immediately after, Yun Muyan saw Jin drop his usual frivolous and eccentric demeanor, turning to extend his hands towards the doorway.
A four or five-year-old green-haired girl rushed into his arms and wiggled, clinging to the black robe fabric and pouting: "You haven't come to see Fu-chan in a long time…"
"Does Fu-chan feel very lonely?"
"Mm!"
"Then let's go play 'fly high' with Zetsu!"
"Yay!"
"…"
Watching the two, one large and one small, leave so brazenly, Yun Muyan had so many complaints in his heart that his throat felt a little choked.
—Why would there be such a young girl in the base?
—Looking at their intimate behavior, could she be Jin's illegitimate daughter?
—Whose subordinate is her mother, to be so brave?
—Even a psychopath like Jin is willing to be with her; she must be quite a character!
After a jumble of thoughts drifted through his mind, he suddenly remembered something very important.
"Didn't you say you were going to welcome me, you scoundrel!"