Before dawn, the Forest of Death was shrouded in mist, as if a thick veil covered the land.
Thirty-six Konoha Anbu knelt on one knee, exuding a chilling aura.
Shun emerged from the shadows, his crimson Sharingan flickering in the darkness.
His voice was low and clear. "Mission codename: Golden Chrysanthemum, Rank: B-rank. From this moment on, you are no longer Konoha Anbu. Group A will disguise themselves as traveling merchants, Group B as wandering ninjas, and Group C will operate as scholars. Remember the details of your new identities."
The many Anbu nodded in unison. "Understood!"
Shun unfurled a detailed map and said, "The mission objective is to infiltrate the Daimyo's Mansion and spread the idea of 'One Nation, One Jewel,' making the Land of Fire Daimyo believe that the Land of Fire only needs one ruler, and the ninja village system should be abolished. Remember, your mission is not to incite, but to guide, to lead the Daimyo to madness himself."
The Anbu nodded silently, then transformed into shadows, instantly disappearing into the morning mist.
...
Early in the morning, on the most prosperous Goldfinch Street in the Daimyo Capital.
A traveling merchant selling medicinal herbs shouted, "Have you heard? Those ninjasbof Konoha have finally realized who the true 'Jewel' of the Land of Fire is."
His companion, understanding perfectly, echoed, "Isn't that right? The ninja village system should have been abolished long ago. In my opinion, all ninjas should pledge allegiance to His Excellency the Daimyo."
This conversation was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.
Over the next week, such conversations spread like a plague, quickly reaching every corner of the Daimyo Capital.
In the taverns, the drunken patrons talked incoherently, "One Nation, One Jewel, this is the righteous path."
In the geisha houses, the accompanying women no longer sang sentimental love songs, but turned the conversation to the idea of "One Nation, One Jewel," prompting guests to nod in approval.
Even the monks in the temples would occasionally discuss this popular topic after chanting their scriptures.
It seemed the idea of "One Nation, One Jewel" had deeply permeated people's hearts, becoming a topic of conversation after meals.
When it finally reached the Daimyo's ears, the ruler was enjoying a Noh play.
"One Nation, One Jewel? Well said! It should be so!"
The Daimyo's golden fan paused in mid-air, an undisguised pleasure on his face.
Hiruzen, standing by his side, frowned almost imperceptibly, but quickly regained his composure.
...
The speed of Konoha's "concession" exceeded everyone's expectations.
A "concession" document personally signed by Tsunade was soon delivered to the Daimyo.
The Daimyo took the document, and looking at Tsunade's signature on it, the corners of his lips involuntarily curved upwards.
He stroked his neatly trimmed beard, letting out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Even a woman like Tsunade knows how to assess the situation."
The Tsuchigumo clan head, standing by, quickly bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Tsunade seems to have recognized reality."
The Daimyo nodded with satisfaction, then cast his gaze downwards at the more than 7,000 ninjas lined up neatly.
These ninjas, dressed in uniform and holding various weapons, stood there with serious expressions, awaiting the Daimyo's inspection.
Standing on the high platform, the Daimyo looked down at this well-trained group of ninjas, and an unprecedented feeling of power surged within him.
This feeling intoxicated the Daimyo. He seemed to see his influence constantly expanding, while Konoha gradually declined under his pressure.
He excitedly slammed his hand on the table and said, "Issue an order. Expand the National Ninja Army from 7,000 to 10,000. Additionally, increase the tax quota for nobles. We need more funds to maintain the expenses of this ninja army."
Upon hearing this command, the financial officer immediately broke out in a thin sweat.
He stammered, "But, Your Excellency, the war just ended not long ago, and we have already increased taxes twice."
The Daimyo's eyes narrowed sharply, and his fan snapped shut with a "snap," emitting an authoritative aura.
Seeing this, the financial officer immediately prostrated himself on the ground, trembling as he said, "Y-yes, Your Majesty. I will go at once."
Hiruzen stood quietly in the shadows, silently observing this scene. His right hand unconsciously stroked the pipe he held, as if deep in thought.
The Daimyo noticed Hiruzen's actions, a hint of displeasure in his tone. "Hiruzen, you seem to have something to say?"
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, then slowly said, "This old subject is only concerned that the nobles may not accept such a tax burden."
The Daimyo sneered, dismissing it, "Hmph. Do they dare to resist?"
The Tsuchigumo clan head quickly chimed in, "Exactly, with His Excellency the Daimyo's ninja army to suppress them, who would dare to disobey?"
Seeing this, Hiruzen said nothing more, merely lowering his head slightly.
...
In the secret room of the Fujiwara clan, candlelight flickered, casting the silhouettes of six nobles on the walls. They sat around an ancient wooden table, each of their faces exceptionally grim.
The Hirano clan head gritted his teeth, angrily saying, "Three villages in my clan's territory already suffered famine last month. This is all because His Excellency the Daimyo keeps increasing taxes."
His voice echoed in the secret room, carrying clear dissatisfaction and indignation.
A middle-aged noble with a short beard suddenly slammed his hand on the table. His words were vehement, clearly expressing extreme dissatisfaction with the Daimyo's policies.
"The situation in my territory is better, but if taxes are increased again, my people will also riot. His Excellency the Daimyo has simply been blinded by power."
The Fujiwara clan head's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, making a "thump-thump" sound.
"The Daimyo's actions are undoubtedly digging up our roots."
The fat noble, wiping the sweat from his forehead, muttered, "It's all because of that old fox Hiruzen, who actually brought the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado clans to join the Daimyo. Now the Daimyo's power is growing, what else can we do?"
The Fujiwara clan head raised his hand, his words revealing deep concern.
"I gathered you here not for you to complain. I hope we can all think of a way to solve this problem. Do any of you have any ideas?"
The youngest noble whispered, "I know a ninja from the Yotsuki clan."
The Hirano clan head's eyes widened. "You want to contact Kumogakure?"
The Fujiwara clan head stroked his beard and said, "In my opinion, either we don't do it, or we go big. We can also try contacting Ōnoki of Iwagakure and Shun of Konoha."
Everyone in the secret room exchanged a knowing glance.