Seeing Kazuyama Gekkō grinning like a fool, the Daimyō became even more convinced—this guy definitely wasn't doing well in Konohagakure.
Oh, right, he was married now. Word was his wife was a pretty capable kunoichi too.
"Kazuyama, why didn't you bring your new bride along? I was hoping to show a bit of hospitality."
"I've really missed you since our last meeting."
"What's this? Planning to stay for good this time?"
The Daimyō wore a friendly smile, and Kazuyama returned it. But beneath their smiles were layers of unspoken tension.
Two old foxes—neither was going to be outmaneuvered that easily.
"Haha, Your Excellency, you're too kind."
"We just arrived. How about letting us rest up a bit first?"
"I still remember the accommodations here at the Daimyō's Manor—luxurious beyond belief."
As he smiled, Kazuyama's expression suddenly shifted, turning sour.
"But Your Excellency, I've got a bone to pick. The soldiers and ninja stationed here—there's a real issue."
"I mean, I'm not just anyone. I made a name for myself in this war."
"Fine, I can understand if the samurai don't recognize me. But the ninja too?"
"Are they even real shinobi? As one of the Twin Stars of Konoha, I'm both well-known and powerful."
Kazuyama's complaints and displeased face caught the Daimyō off guard.
How could his people not recognize Kazuyama Gekkō—and even start a conflict with him?
What was going on?
Puzzled, he turned to Yanagimura for answers.
Yanagimura immediately stepped forward.
"Your Excellency, that ninja has already been screened. He's a total fraud."
"I've already arranged for disciplinary action."
"I've also informed Kazuma that the screening process for ninja needs to be tightened."
The Daimyō nodded in satisfaction, while Kazuyama silently cursed: Old fox.
That gate guard was clearly a legit ninja, and yet with just a few words, the old man painted him as a fraud?
And when did he even talk to Kazuma? What a load of nonsense.
Still, the mention of Kazuma caught Kazuyama's attention.
Kazuma—the hardliner among the Twelve Guardian Ninja. A dangerous man.
Someone so committed to his ideals, he'd even use his own son as a weapon.
The Daimyō gave another approving nod.
"Well done, Yanagimura. People like that need to be dealt with severely."
"Kazuyama came all this way—we can't have imposters ruining his mood!"
"All right, take Kazuyama and his students to rest."
"Kazuyama, join me for dinner tonight. I've gathered a team of excellent chefs—I guarantee you'll love the food."
Kazuyama smiled again, now with a note of cheer in his voice.
The Daimyō was pleased by this shift.
"Much appreciated, Your Excellency. We'll rest for now, and I'll have my students patrol the manor later."
"Too many phonies around—we need to keep an eye out."
With that, Yanagimura gestured for them to move.
Kazuyama, Obito Uchiha, and Shisui Uchiha followed him out.
After they left, the Daimyō turned to Hōgen.
"What's your read?"
"Looks good. Matches our intel—and maybe even worse than we thought. He's already starting to crack under the pressure."
Hōgen was more at ease now. That kind of venting behavior wasn't something you could fake.
"I think so too. Let Kazuma and the others know."
"Find a chance to test him."
"Sure, his reputation came from the battlefield—but I want to see him with my own eyes."
"As for recruiting him, leave that to Yanagimura."
Hōgen nodded and turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, the Daimyō called him back.
"And another thing—let all the gambling dens know. If any of our friends try to cheat, don't blow up unless absolutely necessary."
"I still remember the last time vividly. My manor's not hurting for money, but they messed up my plans."
"As for the ninja who pissed off Kazuyama Gekkō—have Kazuma deal with him. I've got no use for short-sighted fools."
To the Daimyō, only obedient subordinates were useful.
The troublemakers? The faster they're gone, the better.
...
Under Yanagimura's lead, Kazuyama and the two Uchihas arrived at a lavish residence.
"Kazuyama-kun, this is your place. Just let the butler know if you need anything."
"I'll be taking my leave."
"Oh, and Kazuyama—if you go to the gambling house, don't repeat what happened last time. If you're short on cash, just ask me."
Yanagimura was playing it safe. Last time, Kazuyama and Obito stirred up a scandal by cheating at a gambling den.
Cleaning up the aftermath had been a real headache.
As one of the Daimyō's two top ministers—Hōgen handled security, Yanagimura took care of daily affairs—it had landed squarely on his plate.
"Hahaha, don't worry, old man Yanagimura."
"Things haven't been great for me lately, but I've still got some money. That said…"
"How about a couple million ryo?"
Kazuyama wouldn't be Kazuyama if he didn't try to cash in.
Yanagimura sighed and reached into his robe.
"Here, take it—two million ryo. Consider it my personal sponsorship."
"But Kazuyama, do you still remember what I told you before?"
There it is. Knew it wouldn't come free.
This geezer really never wastes a chance.
"Hahaha, of course I remember—but I still need time to think it over."
"You know I'm not single anymore. I've got a wife now."
"Old man Yanagimura, I'm sure you understand."
Yanagimura smiled and nodded. Of course he understood.
They didn't gather all that intel for nothing.
Pakura of Sunagakure—Kazuyama had snatched her up and made her his wife. This guy was trouble.
"Hehe, rest for now. If you need anything, just come find me."
The old man didn't press further. He gave a casual reply and took his leave.
Kazuyama watched him go.
...
"Sensei, is the Daimyō's Manor trying to win us over?"
"I think so too—it's way too obvious."
Back inside, the two Uchiha brats immediately asked.
In return, Kazuyama greeted them with a solid punch each.
One for each. No one dodged.
"Ow! Sensei, what was that for?!"
"That really hurt!"