Uchiha Seiryu [193-198] (Patreon)

Chapter 193: The Dust Settles

Just as Dotō Kazahana finished counting his ninja subordinates and led his men out of the royal palace, a flying insect at the main gate buzzed away.

...

"The fish is on the hook." 

In Team 8, who were laying traps with Shikamaru's squad, Aburame Shino suddenly looked up and said to the others.

"Hey, do we really need this many traps?" Inuzuka Kiba grumbled while laboriously digging through the frozen ground to bury a triggered electromagnetic interference trap, then wiped the sweat, now crystallized, from his brow. "The enemy is just a few special-abilities jonin, and some chunin and genin. We don't even need Shisui-sensei to act—if Naruto's team handles the jonin and we take the rest, isn't that enough?"

"Woof!" Akamaru, perched on Kiba's shoulder, barked in agreement.

"It's necessary," Shikamaru answered as he worked with Choji to set a new trap. "These traps aren't to kill the enemy, but to protect the civilians attracted here by our plan."

"Our strategy will draw a lot of unarmed civilians to Rainbow Glacier. If we just start fighting without caring for them, under the ninjutsu of Sasuke's group, even if two out of ten survive, it's pure luck. That's really bad for our future cooperation with Konoha and the Land of Snow."

"And besides, didn't Shisui-sensei say he won't act unless it's absolutely necessary? If we want to qualify for the Chuunin Exams, we need to handle these enemies ourselves."

"Well, I guess you're right, but this work is really boring," Kiba complained.

"It may be boring, but we're the Reconnaissance Squad. Besides gathering intel, setting traps is part of the job."

"That's about it for me," Ino sighed in relief after planting a string of explosive tags in a weak spot of the ice. "Now we just need Sasuke and Neji to lure the enemy over."

"Hinata, go check how Naruto's doing. He'll need to lead the charge in the fight." Shikamaru glanced at the map and called to Hinata nearby.

"Yes!" Hinata nodded. After rubbing her cold-reddened hands, she jumped to the top of the ice cliff where Naruto had been lying in ambush for a while.

Naruto sat cross-legged on the cliff, bundled in a warm robe, his golden hair shining in the sunlight as the cold wind blew.

"Naruto-kun…" Hinata murmured.

"Huh? Oh, Hinata." Naruto's face broke into a bright smile. "What's up?"

"Um... Shikamaru asked me to check if you're ready over here?" To others, Naruto's clear, slightly goofy smile might seem at odds with the high-level aura he showed earlier, but Hinata liked Naruto just like this, so her face turned even redder.

"Don't worry! According to the plan, once the princess leads the civilians through, it'll be my turn to stop the enemy and trigger your anti-electronics traps." Naruto waved, showing he knew what to do. Then, seeing Hinata's face grow redder, he couldn't help but ask, "Why is your face so red? Are you cold? Here, wear my coat."

Saying this, Naruto took off his coat and draped it over Hinata's shoulders. The lingering scent of Naruto on the coat instantly overloaded Hinata's brain, and steam started rising from her head.

Hinata's reaction startled Naruto: "Are you okay? If you're not feeling well, just hide during the action later."

"N-no, I'm fine. Naruto-kun, I'll head back now." Hinata barely resisted the urge to faint, said goodbye, and rushed back to her assigned post.

...

Soon enough, from their hidden vantage points, the group saw Kazahana Koyuki leading hundreds of civilians toward them.

"Sasuke, there are almost fifty chakra signals behind us," Neji, disguised as one of Koyuki's attendants, checked behind with his 360-degree Byakugan and quietly reported to Sasuke.

"Shikamaru, are you ready over there?" Sasuke asked over the radio and, receiving confirmation, turned to Kazahana Koyuki, who had just swapped back to her real identity. "Well then, princess, it's up to you now. You'll be fine, right?"

Koyuki nervously glanced behind her at the civilians she'd led to Rainbow Glacier, hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Leave it to me."

"Excellent. We can guarantee no one will interfere while you unlock the treasure, and your uncle will be permanently left behind at Rainbow Glacier. But after that, whether you become a true princess loved by your people or a puppet with nothing once outside help is gone—that's up to your own performance." Sasuke smiled, hand on the hilt of his sword, while Neji released the safety on his ninja tools.

Just as Koyuki passed the predetermined spot with the crowd, a deafening roar echoed across the snowy plain.

Everyone turned to see a blond figure, wielding a massive Rasengan meters in diameter, plummeting from the sky. The huge Rasengan crashed into the ground—but, contrary to expectation, there was no massive explosion. The chakra sphere simply vanished upon contact with the snowfield.

"Missed?" 

Behind, Koyuki stared blankly at Naruto's superhero landing. 

"Did he miss?"

"Don't worry—let the chakra do its work," Sasuke grinned, then he and Neji charged out from the crowd.

Moments later, the snowfield erupted with chaos. The traps had absorbed the chakra from Naruto's giant Rasengan and activated. Every potential enemy hiding spot Shikamaru had calculated exploded one after another, forcing out ninja in strange armor; some of the weaker ones died immediately.

The cold wind blew across the rainbow ice. Akamaru dug at the snow restlessly.

Shikamaru's shadow snaked across the ice. In Hinata's Byakugan vision, fifty blue-glowing chakra signatures, now exposed, surged toward the glacier's interior.

Shino's sunglasses flashed in the cold. Bugs poured from his collar: "Their armor is special, but..." He looked at Shikamaru. "It's enough for my kikaichu to find a gap."

Shikamaru bit his finger, drawing the last line of a jutsu on the ground. The smell of explosive tags mixed with the sharpness of ice. "Three minutes. When Choji triggers the first avalanche, Ino, we need to control the guy in the middle."

Mechanical rumbling echoed across the wilds as Dotō Kazahana, under escort by a squad of Snow ninja, charged toward the main force. Terrifying chakra waves surged from his armor; the footsteps of fifty Snow ninja rang with metallic echoes in the icy valley.

"Choji! Now! Ino, get ready!" Shikamaru's shadow stabbed into the ice.

Akimichi Choji poured his waiting bag of chips into his mouth, then activated his clan's Expansion Jutsu. His giant body slammed into the ice, spreading cracks like a spiderweb. Tons of ice spikes hanging above the glacier crashed down.

Snow ninja weaving hand signs suddenly found their chakra armor blaring an alarm. Looking up, they saw the heavy ice spikes falling toward them.

"Lightning Style: Chidori!" Sasuke, wreathed in lightning, charged into the enemy ranks. His sword stabbed into the glacier. Purple lightning snaked through the cracks, shocking the snow ninja as sparks burst from their armor joints.

Yamanaka Ino's blonde hair whipped in the snow. She targeted Dotō Kazahana with her Mind Body Switch Technique, while a string of shadow crept up to his feet.

Amid the chaos, Shino's bugs covered half the Snow ninja—the rasp of carapaces was nerve-wracking.

The snow ninja, already numb from Sasuke's lightning, now faced constant error warnings from their armor.

Dotō Kazahana's roar shook loose ice: "Konoha ninja! Do you want war with the Land of Snow?!"

But the next second, he realized his body was completely out of control, his mind pulled into a strange black space. In front of him, a blonde girl brushed her hair behind her ear and made a throat-slitting gesture.

Returning to himself, Dotō Kazahana found his body immobilized, a long shadow connecting him to a boy not far away.

"Eight Trigrams: Chakra Point Sealing!"

At that moment, Neji dropped from above and Hinata appeared behind Dotō Kazahana. Their wrist guards, covered in mini sealing scrolls, flashed with various jutsu. One by one, they drove steel needles into the gaps of Dotō Kazahana's chakra armor, cutting off his chakra circulation. Sasuke, after electrocuting the Snow ninja, calmly approached, wiped his blade, and sneered, "War with Konoha? Can you handle it?"

Dotō Kazahana's Snow ninja suffered massive losses from the ice spikes and Sasuke's lightning. The survivors barely caught a breath before two crimson whirlwinds tore into them.

Kiba and Akamaru's combo technique, Fang Over Fang, instantly ripped through the remaining formation. Naruto's Shadow Clone army joined the fray, quickly mopping up the rest.

Now completely immobilized, Dotō Kazahana glared at the Konoha ninja. Gritting his teeth, he tried one last time.

"What did Koyuki promise you Konoha? I'll give you double!"

"Oh?" Sasuke walked up with interest. "That's quite an offer...but I refuse."

"Why?" Dotō Kazahana asked in disbelief.

"Honestly, if you'd acted like a halfway decent daimyo, Konoha would have worked with you directly, instead of going to all this trouble for Koyuki," Sasuke said, shaking his head.

After accepting Seiryu's mission, Sasuke had carefully considered his purpose.

The Land of Snow's location wasn't as strategic as the Land of Rice Fields or Hot Water. It didn't border the Land of Fire, and its economy was limited by the harsh climate. As just an ordinary ally, it could offer little value.

If the two countries formally allied, the Land of Fire would probably have to subsidize Snow's development.

But if Konoha ever went to war with the Land of Earth, Snow's location could become a burden for Iwagakure, giving Konoha a strategic advantage.

To make this possible, the people of Snow had to truly accept the Land of Fire as an ally and be willing to stand with them in war.

So, between Dotō Kazahana and Koyuki, Sasuke didn't hesitate—he chose Koyuki. She had many flaws as a ruler, but one thing was certain: she genuinely loved her country, so she wouldn't pocket aid meant for her people.

As for Dotō Kazahana, Sasuke had no hope for such a parasite. Especially after learning about his actions over the years, Sasuke recalled a lesson Seiryu once gave him and Neji.

Sizing up Nadare, Sasuke guessed the aid Konoha sent to Snow in the morning would end up in Nadare's private vault by afternoon.

If the people of Snow got nothing from the alliance, why would they ever stand with the Land of Fire?

"What do you say?" Neji asked Sasuke with a raised eyebrow.

"Finish him. Give him a dignified death—he is a daimyo, after all," Sasuke replied.

Chapter 194: The Kazekage Is Assassinated, the Artist Flunks Out

Neji nodded, sealing Dotō Kazahana's chakra points and removing his armor as he scanned the circuits and chakra inscriptions with his Byakugan. He couldn't build such things, but years with Tenten had given him a good eye for them.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru and the others tied Dotō Kazahana up tightly.

"Didn't you say you'd give me a quick death?" Dotō Kazahana, indignant, glared at the group.

"We said a dignified death, not a quick one," Sasuke chuckled. "And a daimyo's death should come after being judged by Snow's new ruler—let the whole nation witness it."

Dotō Kazahana's eyes bulged with rage, but before he could shout, Shikamaru stuffed something into his mouth, silencing him.

…

Inside Rainbow Glacier, watched by the crowd, Koyuki used the hexagonal crystal to unlock the treasure. As the rainbow light shone from the entrance, the citizens of Snow erupted in cheers.

"Princess! You're really the princess!"

"Wonderful! Our Land of Snow is saved!"

But as the rainbow faded, the treasure turned out to be a long-sealed machine.

"What is this..." Koyuki wiped the dust off the label. "A geothermal generator? This is the thing Father said would bring happiness to Snow?"

"Of course. To you, this is more valuable than any treasure." Sasuke and his team, dragging the ashen Nadare, entered. "But that's only true if you're a worthy daimyo. For him, it's worthless."

"Uncle Dotō..." Koyuki looked at her tied-up uncle with mixed feelings. Dotō Kazahana, however, stared in disbelief at the generator. After all his scheming, the treasure he'd obsessed over was just this? He couldn't accept it.

"With this, Snow's agriculture can finally develop. Your father was a visionary," Sasuke said, gazing at the machine. "If it had been working all these years, your country wouldn't be in such ruin. Your land is enough to feed your people."

"But unfortunately," Sasuke glanced at Dotō Kazahana, "your country produced such a parasite."

...

With the treasure found and the generator restarted, Koyuki was welcomed into her palace as Snow's true ruler.

Seiryu, upon receiving word in Konoha, delegated formal negotiations with Koyuki entirely to Sasuke. He even sent him, via a Ryūchi Cave messenger snake, the Uchiha clan's ceremonial robe for the Chuunin Exams.

So at Koyuki's coronation, Sasuke attended in full regalia, representing Konoha. In his speech, he emphasized the friendship between the Land of Fire and the Land of Snow, and Konoha's vital support in Snow's restoration.

At Dotō Kazahana's public trial, after being sentenced execution by the furious people of Snow, Sasuke—on behalf of Konoha—formally began negotiations with Snow.

Afterward, Koyuki and Sasuke both signed the alliance treaty.

To avoid provoking Onoki in the neighboring Land of Earth, the treaty wasn't as comprehensive as those with Hot Water or Rice Fields. Konoha wouldn't garrison troops in Snow; cooperation would focus on non-military economic aid.

Sasuke also promised to help Snow develop a ninja force using their chakra armor, in exchange for favorable investment policies toward Fire Country merchants.

...

"Well done." In Konoha's Hokage office, Seiryu smiled approvingly at Sasuke's mission report and the negotiation results. "You did even better than I'd expected."

"Thanks to your guidance, sensei," Sasuke replied with a smile while making tea for Seiryu.

"In a while, it'll be time for the Chuunin Exams. This time, we'll hold a joint exam and let the geniuses of your generation shine. Are you confident about your results?"

"Of course. Among my peers, I doubt there are many who can challenge us," Sasuke said with a smile.

Seiryu's mouth twitched at Sasuke's confidence. That Indra chakra gene really couldn't be changed.

Still, at least Sasuke never went out looking for a beating, and he was aware of his own strength—unlike in the original timeline, where he lacked proper mentorship and overestimated himself.

"Since you're so confident, I'll set a higher bar for your promotion—you don't get the championship, you stay a genin for another year," Seiryu laughed. "Same for Neji and Naruto."

"So only one of us can become a chuunin?" Sasuke asked.

"Maybe none," Seiryu said slowly.

"Just watch, sensei. The championship is mine," Sasuke declared confidently.

...

After Sasuke left, Seiryu began arranging the joint Chuunin Exams. The geniuses of this generation were ready; it was time to show their strength to the ninja world.

But before the invitations could be sent, two events shook Konoha and put Seiryu on edge.

First, Kazekage Rasa, after years of tempting fate, finally met his end. Sunagakure's jinchuriki, Gaara, after enduring endless assassination attempts by his own father, finally snapped, reached a temporary agreement with Shukaku, and killed Rasa.

With the Kazekage dead, Sunagakure's economy collapsed. Gaara was quickly subdued, but there was no one else who could serve as Shukaku's jinchuriki.

Upon hearing this, Seiryu immediately visited Ryūchi Cave to consult Orochimaru, confirming that he had nothing to do with it. Orochimaru, after all, had given up on his Konoha-destruction plan now that Hiruzen had retired and spent his days fishing, while Orochimaru himself was absorbed in natural energy research.

So, as Konoha's official ally, Seiryu sent condolences to Sunagakure for Rasa's death.

Then, just two days later, news came from the Land of Earth that Iwagakure's chuunin Deidara, after offending too many people, had failed the jonin promotion vote and defected in a rage.

Seiryu's heart skipped a beat.

What the hell? The Kazekage assassinated, and now the artist flunks out? The Fourth Ninja World War seemed imminent.

"If that's the case, it's time to put this plan into motion," Seiryu said, pulling out a plan titled "Ninja Professionalization Reform Plan (Konoha Year 61)" from his desk.

In recent years, thanks to Seiryu's deliberate policy, Konoha's D-rank missions—like finding lost pets—had dropped by half, while government funding had tripled, reaching 5% of the Land of Fire's tax revenue.

Konoha's ninja, except for border troops, ANBU, and police, mostly trained and improved themselves, paid by the village.

Seiryu's plan aimed to transform ninja from mercenaries to professional soldiers with three reforms:

Military System Professionalization:

Abolish genin/chuunin/jonin ranks. Implement a military hierarchy: Ninja Soldier → Ninja Lieutenant → Ninja Captain → Ninja General → Shadow Marshal.

The mission hall becomes a place for less talented ninja to take D-rank jobs.

Ninja Tool Research and Medical Ninja Academy become independent technical branches.

Economic Security:

A fixed proportion of Fire Country's taxes would fund the ninja army, making this a formal policy (so future Hokage won't have to beg for money).

Establish a proper ninja welfare system. Currently, there's no retirement; ninja rarely live long enough for it to matter, but that's not sustainable.

Seiryu planned a ninja pension—after 20 years' service or retirement due to injury, a monthly stipend.

Ninja Rights:

Set a minimum service age: no more early graduation or under-12 ninja.

Extend ninja academy years in the future, raising the minimum age further.

If Konoha ever needed kids under 12 on the battlefield, Seiryu would step down.

This plan would take two years to implement, by which time Konoha would be ready to challenge the whole ninja world.

But before Seiryu could present the plan to the court, ANBU spies brought unpleasant news: some civil officials planned to impeach Seiryu for overreaching, demanding he return power to the daimyo.

Seiryu was stunned. Where did these officials get the guts?

Chapter 195: Do I Need My Teacher's Permission to Kill You?

Seiryu couldn't understand where these officials found such courage.

Back in Fire Capital, the residence of former Left Minister Abe Taiichi was still infamous for its massacre. Didn't these officials remember?

Seiryu hadn't offended the civil officials recently; aside from war preparations, he left the court alone, turning a blind eye to minor corruption unless it was egregious.

But now, it seemed they wanted more.

"Inaho," Seiryu called, face dark.

"Yes." Uchiha Inaho entered the office.

"Bring Left Minister Miura Kazuo to me," Seiryu ordered.

"Yes!" Inaho left at once.

Soon, Miura Kazuo, who'd just been about to enjoy the evening with his wife, was brought to the Hokage's office.

Kazuo knew just how terrifying Seiryu could be. Didn't Abe Taiichi, who nearly destroyed him, fall in a single round? As a seasoned politician, Kazuo was keenly aware of his own vulnerability.

"Grand Minister," he greeted respectfully.

"Ah, Left Minister. I thought you were too busy these days to see me," Seiryu said coldly.

Sweat beaded on Kazuo's forehead.

"You joke, Grand Minister. The twelve cities of Fire are all your responsibility; my own work is nothing in comparison."

"Is that so?" Seiryu tossed the ANBU report at Kazuo. "Isn't managing the officials your job?"

Kazuo glanced at the report and immediately dropped to his knees: "I deserve death, I had nothing to do with this!"

"I know you didn't," Seiryu replied. "Otherwise our meeting would be in the police interrogation room."

"Thank you for your mercy," Kazuo said, wiping sweat.

"But the rise of this faction in court is still your oversight," Seiryu said coldly.

"Yes," Kazuo bowed, "but please, give me a chance to redeem myself."

"You get one chance. I trust you won't disappoint me. Tell me—who are these people, and what's behind them?"

Kazuo studied the report carefully, then said, "These are all officials who joined in the past two years, none higher than 6th rank. They're usually insignificant, but somehow they've banded together for this treasonous act."

"The ringleader, Tajima Yukio, seems close to some domestic nobles."

"Nobles?" Seiryu frowned. "You mean the old nobility is behind this? Are they bored of peace?"

"Yes. In recent years, your policies have boosted industry, giving commoners alternatives to the nobles' land rents, so they've had to lower rents."

"These young officials were likely agitated by the nobles," Kazuo said.

"So, just a bunch of old landlords," Seiryu sneered. 

History showed that landlords were always more destructive than constructive, even willing to sell out the country if their interests were touched. But unlike his previous life, in this superhuman world, Seiryu stood near the top—he didn't need to care about these old fossils.

If they kept pushing, he'd gladly show them what purging by the clan register meant.

"I understand. I'll attend court tomorrow. Kazuo, by morning I want evidence of corruption and factionalism for every name on this list. Got it?"

"Yes! I'll investigate right away," Kazuo nodded frantically. The message was clear: even if fabricated, proof of guilt must be ready by morning.

After Kazuo left, Seiryu had Inaho send the list to the police.

Kakashi, upon receiving it, summoned the two squad captains.

That night, in a tavern's private room in northwest Konoha, a dozen young men gathered. After a few drinks, one burst out: "That Grand Minister Seiryu, entrusted by the late daimyo and even made teacher to the young lord, but look at him now! He lets the daimyo waste time on cricket-fighting."

"The daimyo ignores state affairs; the country is run by Seiryu and that villain Kazuo. If this continues, the nation is doomed!" another slammed the table.

"Four years ago, our Left Minister Abe Taiichi was so upright, yet for crossing these two, he and his family were slaughtered!" another said. "So we must unite and drive these villains out!"

"Yes! Even if he can kill Lord Abe, our land's loyal men can never all be killed!" another official declared.

But just then, the door was kicked open.

"Who's there?" The group turned. Sakurai Hideaki, now squad leader of Konoha Police Force's Second Company, stepped in grimly.

He'd overheard everything. These fools dared call his Hokage a villain? They needed a lesson in the Third-Cleaning Education Squad.

"Sakurai Hideaki, First Squad Leader of Konoha Police Second Company. We received a tip about illegal assembly. Looks like it's true—take them all!"

"On what grounds?! Do you know who we are?" one young official protested.

"I don't care who you are. Right now, you're suspects in conspiracy," Hideaki sneered.

"You lowly ninjas dare offend us? We're government officials!" As the police moved in, one official lashed out, scuffling with a rookie genin.

"You bastard! Resisting arrest?" Hideaki snarled, drawing his police baton. He dropped the man with a kick, then struck six times in a second—leg, waist, mouth, then head three times.

After six blows, the man finally screamed.

"So the legends are true!" The rookie cops' eyes lit up. They'd heard stories of the original police force, who could strike six times in a second, making all evil wail in pain. But with Konoha's improved civic quality, this move had become legend—until tonight.

After the combo, Hideaki frowned at his baton.

He's still screaming? I've gone soft. Time to practice more.

"Take them all," Hideaki ordered.

"Yes!" the force replied.

"You lowly ninja, Lord Noda won't let you get away with this!" one official spat.

"Oh? Noda?" Hideaki smirked. "So you rebels have backers."

"Hmph! Lord Noda is the daimyo's uncle. Your Hokage abuses power, makes the people suffer. Lord Noda will end you all," their leader said.

"I see," Hideaki nodded. "Anything else to confess?"

The man looked away.

"Guess not. Take them away!" Hideaki said. "Koji, go to the Yamanaka clan, fetch a chuunin to help interrogate these rebels."

"Yes!"

...

While Hideaki was arresting people, in the palace garden, eight-year-old Yokokawa Yoshihiro was playing with a cricket brought back by a genin squad from the western forests.

It looked strong. Yokokawa Yoshihiro beamed. "I'll call you Amano-mikado! Now Konohamaru's big ape is no match for me!"

Just then, a court eunuch arrived. "Your Highness, Prince Noda requests an audience."

"If he has something to say, tell him to find my teacher. If he can't, send someone to the Hokage office," Yokokawa Yoshihiro said without looking up.

"Your Highness, please see him. He is, after all, your uncle," the eunuch urged.

"Fine, let's see him." Yokokawa Yoshihiro nodded.

Soon, Prince Noda, in full regalia, arrived. After some pleasantries, he began attacking Seiryu, blaming him for all ills.

Yokokawa Yoshihiro listened expressionlessly. "Kill him."

Noda's face lit up, but he cautioned, "Though Seiryu's removal is urgent, he still holds great power. We must plan carefully."

Yokokawa Yoshihiro: "Why would I need to consult my teacher to kill you?"

Chapter 196: Go On, Stir Things Up—Stir as Much as You Like

Yokokawa Yoshihiro's words left the once-excited Prince Noda frozen in place—wait, "kill him" was aimed at me? But Yokokawa Yoshihiro didn't give him any time to react. He shouted toward the door, "Uncle Asuma, send this guy to my teacher."

A figure flickered into existence behind Noda—a ghost in the daylight. This pampered noble didn't even have time to struggle before he lost all ability to resist. Asuma restrained Prince Noda, then turned back to Yokokawa Yoshihiro with a wry smile. "Your Highness, you can just call me by my name."

"That won't do," Yokokawa Yoshihiro shook his head. "Not only were you one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja who protected my father, you're also Konohamaru's uncle. I'm like a brother to Konohamaru—how could I call you by your given name?"

Prince Noda, now pinned by Asuma, widened his eyes and struggled, shouting angrily, "Yoshihiro! I am your great-uncle! Would your late father in heaven approve of you doing this?!"

"You think you're worthy of being my uncle?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro snapped back, unafraid. "Under my teacher, the Land of Fire is thriving, but you attack our most loyal ministers for your own selfish gain. Someone! Strip him of all his titles!"

"Um, Your Highness, revoking noble titles requires officials from the Imperial Registry to be present," a eunuch reminded him.

"I don't care! I don't want to see this guy with any titles in court tomorrow. Understand?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro insisted stubbornly, sounding every bit the eight-year-old child he was.

"Then, I'll take him to see the Hokage?" Asuma prompted.

"Give my regards to my teacher. Oh, and while you're at it, post a new task at the mission hall: catching crickets. I heard the Land of Grass has a special breed—if possible, bring one back for me," Yokokawa Yoshihiro said.

"Alright…" Asuma looked at the child with a complicated expression. The late daimyo wasn't perfect, but he was a capable ruler. Yet this kid… he sure was playful. But thinking of how much faster the Land of Fire developed under Seiryu's leadership compared to previous eras, Asuma figured it wasn't so bad if Yokokawa Yoshihiro stayed carefree for now.

More importantly, after Hiruzen Sarutobi's retirement, Asuma's once-strained relationship with his father had improved. Marriage had made Asuma more grounded, and Hiruzen had made it clear: with a new war on the horizon, the Sarutobi couldn't drag Seiryu down. Asuma was amused his father had actually become more supportive after stepping down, but Hiruzen's reasoning was simple: whoever's Hokage, that's the camp he's in. Internal struggles are one thing—external threats are another.

Soon, Asuma delivered the tightly bound Prince Noda to the Hokage's office.

Upon Asuma's explanation, Seiryu appeared with a cold face. "You're the mastermind who incited those young officials to force the palace, aren't you?"

"Hmph! What's left to say? The Land of Fire's government has fallen to the hands of a traitor like you. I can't imagine what my brother was thinking, making you Grand Minister. My nephew is also deceived—he sits as daimyo but wastes his life on childish play," Prince Noda snapped.

"Talks big," Seiryu sneered. "Let me ask you: has the Land of Fire's development under my rule had any problems?"

Noda tried to speak, but Seiryu didn't give him the chance.

"You say these things only because my reforms hurt your profits," Seiryu said coldly. "On your lands, four new factories employ thousands, reducing your land rents. That's why you jump out as a clown. What's more amusing: before Gato and company invested in your territory, I even had them visit you, to see if you wanted to invest. I gave you old nobles plenty of face, but you didn't appreciate it."

"I acted for the country's sake!" Noda insisted.

"You dare talk about serving the country? You look down on merchants, think your noble hands shouldn't be stained with money. But as soon as your own patch of land is threatened, you stir up trouble!" Seiryu glared, pointing at Noda's nose.

"The other nations have never stopped coveting our land. Anyone with foresight can see a war is brewing beneath this calm surface. Everything I've done is to prepare for that war. And you? At this critical moment, you try to pull the rug out—for a little rent money! Go on, stir things up. Stir until Konoha loses its military supplies and loses the war, until the Land of Fire is thrown into chaos, until we're destroyed!"

Seiryu drew his blade and placed it at Noda's neck. The cold steel and crackling lightning made Noda panic. He looked up and saw Seiryu's unmasked killing intent, and—pampered noble that he was—he fainted dead away.

"Inaho, throw him in the holding cells with the other troublemakers. Let the Yamanaka clan have fun with them," Seiryu ordered, disgusted.

…

The next day at court, Seiryu—who hadn't attended in a long time—stood at the head of the civil officials. Miura Kazuo, who usually took that spot, stood quietly behind him, head down. This sent a clear signal to many in the court.

Before they could process it, Yokokawa Yoshihiro entered with a retinue of officials, and the court session began.

Taking his seat, Yokokawa Yoshihiro saw Seiryu at the front and beamed. "Teacher, you're here! Someone, bring my teacher a chair!"

"No need, Your Highness," Seiryu replied, exasperated. At just over twenty, he didn't need to be shown such deference.

"Very well," Yokokawa Yoshihiro nodded.

"Speak if you have business; otherwise, court is dismissed!" the eunuch announced.

At that moment, Miura Kazuo signaled a subordinate in the back.

"Your Highness, I have a report!" The lackey stood out. "I accuse Tajima Yukio, Yamamoto Masahiro, Shimizu Ken… and thirteen others of forming cliques, corruption, dereliction of duty, and insubordination."

Following his lead, more of Miura's faction stood to accuse the officials who'd challenged Seiryu. The crimes became more and more far-fetched; unable to think up any more, someone finally accused them of rape and pillage.

"What? Such vermin in my court?!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro was furious.

"Your Highness, as Grand Minister, I am responsible for this. I accept punishment," Seiryu said calmly.

"Teacher, you work tirelessly for our safety—blame lies with these worms, not with you." Yokokawa Yoshihiro turned to Miura. "But Left Minister, you handle court affairs. How do you explain this?"

Miura broke out in a cold sweat. So, the teacher and student are united and pinning this on me, huh? But he dared not show any dissatisfaction, dropping to his knees. "I am at fault, but I beg Your Highness for a chance to redeem myself."

"Then I leave this case to you—don't disappoint me," Yokokawa Yoshihiro said.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Miura said, kowtowing before rising.

Suddenly, a young official in the back of the civil lineup stepped forward. "Your Highness! Those men are innocent! This is all a setup by Seiryu and Miura!"

"How dare you!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro's anger flared. "Who are you?"

He stood tall, ready to die. "I am Nishiyama Jirosuke. I beg you to execute the traitor Seiryu!"

"Silence!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro slammed his chair in fury. "How dare you speak my teacher's name!"

"Your Highness!" Nishiyama fell to his knees, banging his head on the floor.

Seiryu looked at him coldly. According to ANBU's list, all involved had been arrested, except this one, who'd escaped because he was out of the village. Seiryu hadn't expected him to show up and challenge him so openly. The man was reckless, but at least not as cowardly as Noda, who'd fainted yesterday.

"Your Highness, Left Minister received word yesterday and asked Konoha's Police Leader Hatake Kakashi to investigate. The results should be ready—let's have the evidence brought here," Seiryu said.

"Good," Yokokawa Yoshihiro nodded.

Soon, Kakashi entered with a squad, each holding a slack-jawed, drooling, vacant-eyed official. The one Kakashi himself carried was none other than Prince Noda.

"Your Highness," Kakashi saluted, then produced a thick stack of files. "These are memories extracted by the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques. After interrogation, their minds have collapsed—please forgive us."

Miura twitched at the sight of all these drooling officials. "That's what ninjas are good at…"

"The Police Leader acts in the state's interest—no need for apologies," Yokokawa Yoshihiro said, taking the evidence.

"They're all patriots! How could you treat them like this?" Nishiyama cried out.

"I alone judge loyalty—you have no say!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro snapped. He thrust out his hands. "How dare you slander my teacher! Strip him of his robes and rank, execute his entire clan, and those others as well, to set an example!"

"No! Your Highness!" Nishiyama cried as his official robes were stripped, but Yokokawa Yoshihiro was unmoved.

As Yokokawa Yoshihiro ordered the execution, the court fell silent—no one dared cross him now.

After a moment, Yokokawa Yoshihiro hopped down from his throne, grabbed Seiryu's hand, and said, "Teacher, please don't take these traitors' words to heart. The Land of Fire's government depends on you."

Chapter 197: Yokokawa Yoshihiro: Not Learning!

Thus ended Seiryu's impeachment—a total farce.

The Land of Fire's government continued as normal, minus a batch of young officials, and a whole lot of land suddenly became ownerless. Replacements kept things running smoothly; in some regions, peasants awoke to find their oppressive rents vanished and land granted to them—a dream come true. As for Yokokawa Yoshihiro's cricket, Seiryu sent Team 8 to catch one in the Land of Grass. Aside from some families paying the price, the future looked bright for everyone else.

People were reminded of how terrifying Seiryu could be—but even more frightening, this time he had the daimyo's full support. Nothing could be criticized from any angle.

And Seiryu was thoroughly satisfied with his special disciple Yokokawa Yoshihiro. As long as Yokokawa Yoshihiro didn't cause trouble, Seiryu was happy to guarantee him a life of luxury. The boy's playfulness was no crime—his only hobby was cricket fights, which was a very cheap passion for his position.

However, after this incident, Seiryu realized his neglected disciple actually had some wisdom in him.

So, when Team 8 delivered Yokokawa Yoshihiro's cricket, Seiryu brought it to the palace himself.

After announcing his arrival, a eunuch led Seiryu to Yokokawa Yoshihiro's quarters.

When he arrived, Yokokawa Yoshihiro and Konohamaru were sprawled on the floor, intently watching two robust crickets battle in a small bowl.

"Go, Amano-mikado!"

"Don't lose, Great Ape Demon!"

The two kids slapped the floor and cheered. But Yokokawa Yoshihiro's cricket, Amano-mikado, lost after a short struggle.

"I win again!" Konohamaru grinned, scooping up his champion with a bamboo tube.

"Ugh! That's the sixth cricket I've had ninja fetch for me—why can't I beat your Great Ape Demon?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro grumbled.

"Because his cricket has been nourished by special chakra," Seiryu said at last. "Wild-caught ones can't compete."

At his voice, both kids looked back.

"Uncle Seiryu?" Konohamaru greeted him with a smile.

"Teacher? What brings you here?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro was surprised. Besides holidays, Seiryu rarely visited him.

"The cricket you wanted—Team 8 caught one from the Land of Grass. I brought it, but it seems unnecessary. Wild crickets can't match those raised with special chakra," Seiryu said, handing over a bamboo tube.

Yokokawa Yoshihiro glared at Konohamaru. "You cheat!"

Konohamaru protested, "I raised it myself! How is that cheating?"

"The chakra on this cricket is faint, but… it's similar to your grandfather's contract beast, Enma. Did you use Sarutobi clan's joint jutsu elixirs on this cricket?" Seiryu twitched.

After Hiruzen retired, he doted on Konohamaru. With the Third always around, Konohamaru was even more of a rascal than before. Kakashi's police often got complaints about him, but out of respect for the Third, they let it go.

"Teacher, I want a cricket like that too!" Now Yokokawa Yoshihiro knew why he'd been losing; he was a bit mad and turned to Seiryu.

"I haven't really studied how to raise them. Maybe I'll ask the Aburame—they're the real bug experts," Seiryu said.

"Great! Teacher, you're the best!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro cheered.

"Konohamaru, go home now. I need to talk to Yoshihiro," Seiryu said.

"Okay!" Konohamaru nodded and left with his champion.

After he left, Yokokawa Yoshihiro had tea and snacks prepared for Seiryu, and they sat at the table.

A maid brought Seiryu's tea and Yokokawa Yoshihiro's milk and snacks.

After sipping his milk, Yokokawa Yoshihiro said, "Teacher, take all the tribute tea from the local states this year. I don't drink it."

"I appreciate it, but since that tea is tribute from other countries, me taking it might cause gossip, like last time," Seiryu replied.

"Who dares? I'll smack them!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro grumbled.

"You're daimyo now. Be careful what you say," Seiryu cautioned.

"I know," Yokokawa Yoshihiro grinned sheepishly.

"But, Yoshihiro, you've been my student more than three years and I've barely taught you. I feel I've let your father down," Seiryu sighed. "Tell me, what do you want to learn? Anything I can do, I'll teach you. If I can't, I'll find someone who can."

"Anything?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro's eyes lit up, but he double-checked.

"Anything," Seiryu confirmed.

"Then, teach me how to raise a cricket like Konohamaru's Great Ape Demon!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro said.

Seiryu's mouth twitched. If it were Naruto, he'd have smacked him with a belt, but this was the daimyo, so he rephrased: "Don't you want to learn something more useful?"

"Like what?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro asked.

"How about governance?" Seiryu suggested.

"What's that like?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro asked.

"My methods can't guarantee eternal peace, but they'll ensure long-term stability," Seiryu said.

"Is it fun?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro tilted his head.

"Governing is bearing the people's livelihood on your shoulders. It's not a game," Seiryu said sternly.

"Then I don't want to learn! I trust you, teacher," Yokokawa Yoshihiro shook his head like a rattle. "You do the hard work."

"Then, how about chakra control and ninjutsu? Your father wanted me to teach you self-defense," Seiryu said.

"Is it fun?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro asked.

"Ninja training is tough, with no slacking off," Seiryu said.

"Nope, not learning!" Yokokawa Yoshihiro shook his head. "I live in Konoha. With you and my seniors here, no one can get past the barrier and hurt me. You'll all protect me, right?"

Seiryu's mouth twitched. Should he smack the back of the kid's head three times and wait for him to come crying at midnight?

"Do you plan to just play your whole life?" Seiryu asked.

"What's wrong with that?" Yokokawa Yoshihiro replied. "Leave professional work to professionals. The Land of Fire has developed faster under you than any previous daimyo. If I learned this stuff, I couldn't do better anyway, so why bother?"

He spread his hands. "Even if I learn nothing, as long as the country prospers during my reign, I'll be remembered well by history. So, teacher, you and the others work hard—I'll just play."

Seiryu twitched again. The kid was treating him like free labor.

Still, it wasn't a bad arrangement. The kid's attitude saved him a lot of trouble. But Seiryu couldn't just agree.

Seiryu sighed and turned to leave.

Gyokyo called after him, "Teacher, don't go! Take the tea!"

After leaving Yokokawa Yoshihiro, Seiryu returned to his office and resumed working on his military reform plan.

Whether Yokokawa Yoshihiro truly intended to be a hands-off ruler or was faking it to lull Seiryu, one thing was clear: for a long time, this kid wouldn't cause any trouble.

And in the future? By the time Seiryu finished his reforms, he'd be at the top of the ninja world—no plot would matter to him anymore.

…

Two days later, Seiryu completed his plan and presented it at the jonin meeting.

It passed quickly and would be trialed after the joint Chunin Exams.

As the exam drew near, the invited factions arrived in Konoha.

First came Takagi, personally leading the Southern Mist team. Normally, only small villages arrived early for such events, but Takagi made it clear that serving Konoha was an honor for the Southern Mist—his smile at the village gates looked like a dutiful son greeting his father.

Among the small villages who accepted Seiryu's invitation, the Land of Rain stood out.

Jiraiya, who'd gone to investigate Akatsuki, had just returned, bringing news: Nagato wanted to meet with Seiryu and would attend the exams himself to show sincerity.

"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama," Seiryu said after reading Nagato's letter and Jiraiya's report.

"No need," Jiraiya waved. "I raised those three. You were right—if they ever turned on the village, I'd be an accomplice. And I'm just a genin now—'sama' doesn't suit me."

"Don't say that. Konoha remembers your service. If you wish, I can reinstate you as jonin soon," Seiryu offered.

"No thanks. Wandering and writing suits me fine," Jiraiya smiled. The prosperity of Fire and Konoha under Seiryu's rule made him believe that perhaps Seiryu's changes really were for the better.

"Oh, Jiraiya-sama, since you're back, could you take Naruto to Mount Myoboku to learn Sage Mode soon?" Seiryu asked.

But before he finished, the office door burst open.

Naruto dashed in, panting. "Sensei, something's wrong!"

"What happened?" Seiryu frowned. "Such panic—what's going on?"

"No time to explain—just come home and you'll see!" Naruto insisted.

Seiryu followed Naruto home, only to find another blond, slurping instant noodles in Kakashi's living room. Seiryu's mouth twitched.

The guest was none other than the newest rogue ninja from the Land of Earth—wanted alive for 30 million at the bounty exchange—former Tsuchikage's disciple, Konoha Construction's chief demolitionist: Deidara.

Chapter 198: Nagato's Visit

The word miserable didn't even begin to describe Deidara's state. His clothes were filthy, his once-sleek blond hair was now greasy and tangled. Surrounded by four or five empty ramen bowls, he was still wolfing down noodles—clearly starving.

No wonder. Last time he left, it was a well-planned trip, like a vacation. This time, Deidara clearly left on impulse, unprepared, even slashing his forehead protector before fleeing. Life as a missing-nin is hard unless you're extremely powerful; just fending off bounty hunters is enough trouble.

He probably didn't bring any money. And as for stealing food? Deidara couldn't bear to.

After finishing his sixth bowl, Deidara burped and slumped at the table.

Jiraiya, who'd come with Naruto, noticed the slashed Iwagakure forehead protector and frowned. "An Iwa missing-nin? Naruto, how did you get involved with him?"

Jiraiya was serious—missing-nin were public enemies of ninja everywhere. He didn't want Naruto mixed up in this, especially not with a missing-nin from another major village.

"Missing-nin? Pervy Sage, this is my big bro!" Naruto grumbled, handing Deidara a glass of water.

Deidara gulped it down and sighed. "Thanks, little bro."

"How long since you last ate?" Seiryu asked.

"Three or four days," Deidara replied. "Left in a hurry, didn't bring money, and there were annoying flies on the road—after dealing with them, I couldn't resupply."

"What do you plan to do now?" Seiryu asked.

"Obviously, come back to work," Deidara said.

"Didn't your teacher arrange a job like you had in Konoha? Why did you defect?" Seiryu asked.

"Don't mention it! That old man opened a construction company, told me to be the demolitionist—but their engineers are nothing compared to Yamato. All I did was build houses. That's an insult to my art!" Deidara fumed.

Seiryu broke into a sweat. Onoki only saw how Konoha profited from Deidara, without considering his feelings. In Konoha, he worked on world-class marvels; back home, he was told to build houses. That's like making a master painter copy forgeries. No wonder Deidara couldn't stand it.

"But you coming back won't be easy," Seiryu said. "If you hadn't slashed your forehead protector, I could've arranged for you to be an external consultant. But now, harboring a missing-nin is an act of war."

"So what then? You can't just let that old geezer catch me, can you?" Deidara asked.

"In a few days, I can introduce you to a new employer," Seiryu said, thinking of Nagato's visit. "The work may not be as nice, but they won't stop you from pursuing your art."

"Thanks, Hokage-uncle," Deidara nodded. He wasn't picky—if he could focus on his art, he'd sleep under bridges and eat pig slop.

"In the meantime, stay here and don't go out. Your teacher will be leading a team to the exams soon—if he finds you, I can't help," Seiryu warned.

"Don't worry, I won't go anywhere," Deidara promised.

After settling Deidara, two days passed, and the Rain team's genin arrived in Konoha for the joint Chunin Exams. Officially, their leader was Konan—the Angel, famous for filling the gap in high-level power during the Land of Waterfall War. But even the Amegakure genin didn't know: among the crowd, a red-haired man in a wheelchair was the real leader—Nagato.

Nagato, pushed by Konan, watched as she met Seiryu.

"Lady Angel, I've long heard your name," Seiryu said, extending his hand with a smile.

"The pleasure is mine," Konan replied, shaking his hand.

"Welcome to Konoha for the Chunin Exams. I wish you all the results you desire," Seiryu said. "We've prepared a banquet in your honor."

After treating the Rain team and their jonin to a fine meal at Gato's restaurant, Seiryu waited in a private tea room for his real guest.

Soon, Gato personally escorted Konan and Nagato in his wheelchair to the room.

Leaving them alone, Seiryu brewed tea in silence. Only after pouring two cups did he look up. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, drink."

Nagato and Konan accepted the cups but just watched Seiryu.

Seiryu didn't mind. "It's been three years since our last meeting in Mist. How has Rain fared, isolated these years?"

"Thanks to you, not bad," Nagato replied.

"What brings you to Konoha?" Seiryu asked, getting to the point.

Nagato took a deep breath. "After leaving Mist, Akatsuki paused its activities, but we've watched your moves closely. I have a few questions and hope you'll answer them."

"Go ahead," Seiryu nodded.

"Four tailed beasts are now in Konoha. I thought you'd use them for war, but after you lost the Six-Tails' jinchuriki, you made a tailed beast reserve and released it. So, what is Konoha's purpose in collecting tailed beasts?"

Seiryu smiled, then asked, "Before I answer, let me ask you: Akatsuki also wanted to collect tailed beasts. You still have the Five-Tails, right? What was your goal?"

"Deterrence," Nagato answered. "I planned to gather them, then use their power to make the great nations—who start wars at will—feel pain. Only after feeling pain will they value peace. That was my plan… why I gave it up…"

He looked at Seiryu in silence.

Their last encounter, Seiryu had easily defeated all his techniques—his vaunted Six Paths of Pain were toys. Nagato realized even with all the beasts, he couldn't win against Seiryu, whose Mangekyo Sharingan was the ultimate counter.

"That wouldn't work," Seiryu sighed.

Nagato gazed deeply at him, then nodded.

Seeing his look, Seiryu added, "Even without me, that approach can never bring peace."

"Why not?" Nagato asked.

"What you propose is what the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara once did. They dominated the world, and their will was the will of the ninja world. They wanted peace, and for ten years after the warring states era, there was peace. But when Hashirama died, the First Ninja War broke out immediately."

"No, your plan could be even worse. If you succeed, your weapon won't disappear with your death. The blade you forge—can you guarantee your successor will be as pure as you?" Seiryu said.

Nagato fell silent.

Seiryu was right—Nagato longed for peace because he'd lived through war. But what if he died?

"One more thing: to those who never suffered war, having the ultimate weapon you create could be even more dangerous than war itself," Seiryu added.

A long silence followed.

"Is there really no way to end war in the ninja world?" Nagato sighed at last.

"Let me answer your question. Konoha is indeed gathering tailed beasts, and, like Akatsuki, we plan to collect them all," Seiryu said. "Our goal is also peace."

"For peace?" Nagato frowned. "But I haven't seen anything in your country's actions that looks like pursuit of peace—whether arming Waterfall in their war with Earth, or your actions in the Land of Water. It all looks like preparation for war."

"Nagato?" Konan tried to warn him, but Seiryu simply waved her off and smiled.

"No problem," Seiryu said. "Nagato is right—Konoha is always preparing for war. But that doesn't mean our goal isn't peace."

Nagato looked puzzled.

"Have you ever thought about the nature of war?" Seiryu asked.

"The nature of war?" Nagato frowned.

"Yes. War is an extension of politics. In all three ninja wars, Konoha was on the defensive. Do you know why? Because the rulers of other nations lusted after the Land of Fire's fertile land. And in the Second War, Rain was chosen as the battlefield because no one wanted to fight on their own land."

"So unless you solve war at this level, peace will never come," Seiryu said.

"Then what do you plan to do?" Nagato asked after a moment's thought.