This manor had once belonged to Rute, the former master of the Blue Gate Division. After his death, the organization became Shigeo's secret branch, while all business matters were left to Cheng Da. For years, Shigeo never involved himself in Higashihime Island's affairs. In his mind, other than the profits sent to Ink Village, this place no longer had any connection to him.
But unexpectedly, Cheng Da and his sister had come to revere him as the island's lord, treating him as its sovereign ruler.
Higashihime Island was tiny—less than one-third the size of Whirlpool Village—and not even marked on any shinobi world map.
Yet it enjoyed a pleasant climate and strong economy, and under Cheng Da's years of diligent management, the people had achieved peaceful, prosperous lives.
Calling it a "small country" was barely an exaggeration; no foreign nation interfered in its administration or defense.
Even so, the realization left Shigeo strangely amused.
Cheng Mei'er, dressed in a formal gown, handed her Persian cat to a maid and respectfully led him forward.
As they approached the villa, rows of ninja and attendants lined both sides of the path, bowing deeply as Shigeo passed.
He frowned slightly at the display.
Mei'er noticed immediately and gestured for them to withdraw.
"Everyone, you may go. Leave us," she ordered quickly, bowing her head. He doesn't like showing off, she thought nervously.
"Don't worry," Shigeo said calmly. "I didn't come to reprimand anyone."
"No, my lord," Mei'er said quickly, voice trembling. "This estate already belongs to you. How could we call it trouble? Everything we do here, we do for our rightful master. Please, this way…"
She guided him into the dining hall, personally setting the table with her own hands.
Shigeo didn't object, sitting down and saying evenly, "Bring me all the information on the recent attacks on Higashihime Island. From now on, if anything like this happens again, report it immediately."
Mei'er froze. Her face paled, and she suddenly knelt.
"My lord, we never meant to hide it! It's just—my brother didn't want to burden you. Your grace and generosity are higher than the heavens. We've already received more blessings than we deserve. We dared not overstep again!"
"So you decided it was a small matter," Shigeo said flatly, tossing a photo onto the table. "And not worth troubling me?"
It was the same image of the black clay explosive from the report.
Mei'er stayed kneeling, trembling, head lowered so far she nearly touched the floor. She had no words.
At that moment, footsteps echoed from the entrance—Cheng Da rushed in, followed by a woman and two children. Shigeo blinked. He has a family now?
"Oh? You're married now—and already have children? And you never told me?" Shigeo's tone was one of mild surprise, not anger.
From the first time Cheng Da handed him the island's profits years ago, Shigeo had regarded him as a trustworthy man—a friend, even. Though they hadn't contacted each other in years, he had assumed the feeling was mutual.
Yet seeing Cheng Da's reaction now, he realized the man did not see him as a friend, but as something far higher—an untouchable figure.
The simple remark struck Cheng Da like a thunderbolt.
"My lord, forgive me! Please forgive me!" He dropped to his knees. "I… I am of low birth, unworthy of your notice. I didn't dare trouble you with such matters as my marriage or children. I meant no disrespect—please forgive me!"
His wife and children knelt beside him, trembling in fear.
Shigeo finally understood. Cheng Da's silence about the attacks came from devotion, not deceit.
Once just a poor farmer whose family had been destroyed by Rute, his only dream had been to save his sister. After Shigeo's intervention, he had risen to lead Higashihime Island and manage the Xiangyang Company.
He owed everything to Shigeo—his wealth, his home, his power. To him, Shigeo was not a friend, but a godlike benefactor. That fear of burdening him, that need to protect him from worry—that was why he hid the truth.
But he didn't understand: sometimes small matters hid enormous danger.
Like that black clay bird in the photo.
Inside the villa's grand hall, five people knelt before Shigeo. The air was thick and tense, the scent of smoke and cooking meat drifting faintly from the kitchen.
He removed his cloak and draped it over a chair. From the kitchen came the bubbling sound of simmering stew.
The smell of beef filled the air.
Shigeo glanced at the two frightened children and sighed.
"Cheng Da, do I look like I'm here to kill your whole family? Why are you so nervous?"
At that, not only Cheng Da's family but also the ninja guards and even the kitchen staff all fell to their knees.
"My lord, please calm your anger!"
Even the dogs outside whimpered.
"Enough! Everyone, stand up! Bring the food—and you, Cheng Da, sit down with your family," Shigeo said sternly. If kindness won't calm them, firmness will.
Cheng Da hesitated, still kneeling, until his wife finally took his hand, pulling him up. "Thank you, my lord," she whispered. The children rose with her. Mei'er, legs shaking, slowly stood as well.
"Sit," Shigeo ordered again.
"Yes, my lord."
He could see it clearly—they didn't just respect him. They feared him.
He had treated Cheng Da as a friend. Cheng Da, however, saw him only as a superior.
That, perhaps, couldn't be helped. After all, they'd only met twice. To anyone else, Shigeo was an unreachable figure—someone beyond mortal rank.
During dinner, Shigeo didn't mention the attacks again. He simply ate with them quietly, exchanging simple, casual words. Gradually, the tension eased.
The children relaxed first. After finishing their meal, they slipped from the table and stood to the side, watching him curiously.
Though the atmosphere softened, Shigeo still felt a lingering unease.
He couldn't treat Cheng Da's family like subordinates, and yet their fear made genuine conversation impossible.
He sighed inwardly. I came here for answers—and somehow became their god.
(End of Chapter)
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