I was right. Their demeanor changed so fast that even Haruto and Emiko struggled to contain their laughter. And they were my best diplomats.
The rest of that little meeting was Kaito profusely apologizing and insisting on setting a date while I pretended to be offended and insisted on the 18th birthday arrangement now. Especially after I enquired about any other cousins of the Daimyo of marriageable age in the capital. Yes, the irony wasn't lost on me.
In between the back and forth, I took a good look on lady Hana. She had blue eyes like mine. And her long black hair matched the models I used to see in the ads back on Earth. She was around 1 year younger than me. But she was a hundred times more elegant and refined in everything she did.
And most importantly. From what I had seen, she was a sweet girl.
Their plan had been to leave after a while. But after a few letter exchanges with the capital. It was decided that lady Hana will remain in Konoha with a few of her ladies in waiting. They could not afford to lose me to anyone, specially other royals anymore.
Someone who needed support to survive was one thing. But someone who could shake the very power structure of Konoha was another. And a guy who could rally half the clans in Konoha counted as the latter. Even if in truth I could not really rally them. But to everyone in Konoha and beyond. I was a dangerous and capable man now.
In the next few days the news spread like wildfire. I knew it was probably the Uchiha or the Daimyo's men behind this. But every man in Konoha knew that story now. The attacks on me and my clan had intensified too. Sabotage, rough inspections and general rumors. But there was a difference. Before the inspectors had been arrogant and smug. Now they were strict but respectful. They could sense the chaos in the air.
The rumors now targeted our origins and talked of treason blatantly. More than anything, the Hokage wanted our political capital curbed. But things had gone out of control. The Hokage had many allies. But he also had many enemies. The loss of prestige was catastrophic. The civilians didn't understand much except that the Hokage was in a spot of bother. But the hounds had sensed weakness. And all those old grudges were surfacing. The Daimyo and the Uchiha's dissatisfaction had found common ground. And everyone else was busy looting in the spoils of the political f..kfest the vote had set off.
But the kiddy gloves were off now. The Hokage faction was coming after me in full force. I decided to hunker down and focus on research on my clan's armor while the giants swung at each other in a damn free for all. I was not doing anything physically. Just brokering deals and alliances between the various powers now. Which was more damaging for him than if I had been throwing an active explosion tag at his home everyday. It was a strange anomaly. I was becoming a respected broker of deals among the clans using the credibility I gained while the public considered me the reincarnation of the Devil unchained out of hell.
If I needed to establish a government. It would be hell on earth for me. But I was a businessman. And my customers the Shinobi considered hell and its attributes to be more of a weapon than something unholy like the general public. Sales were up. So were my coffers. Even if morale was down.
Political power was one thing. Everyday life was another.
But for the first time in years we weren't completely on the backfoot.
Bear showed up a few weeks later.
------
As I entered with Lady Hana(Her presence was requested) The elder council was full again. The fallout had forced the Hokage to reinstate Danzo ahead of schedule. Which had led to even wider political backlash. Especially since his experiments were fresh in the minds of the clans. But the man was effective and worth the trouble strictly speaking.
I also noticed another thing. The council was treating me like an equal now. They were hypocrites. But they were smart hypocrites.
It was a conference room. The head of the FAK and Hatake Sakumo were both present. It appears the Hokage planned to separate the Uchiha and the Daimyo by appeasing the Daimyo.There were also quite a few Kurokami. Naotora, Rei and Shiori, all three of them.
As the smoke filled the room a staring match happened. This time my guard Haruto had been allowed in too. Clan heads were allowed one escort when meeting the Advisory council. I had just never dared before. "I know this trick Lord Third. It is not effective anymore. If there is nothing else. I would like to return to my work."
"Is that all you have to say to me?"
"Asks the man whose people brand me a traitor in the streets. We're way beyond emotional manipulation Lord Third. I know your true face now."
"My true face? How dare you! All I have ever done is for Konoha!"
I just stared. I wanted to call out his lie. But saying he worked against Konoha is accusing him of treason.
"Just tell me why I am here?"
"This has gone too far. We need to make peace in the interests of stability. This political upheavel is not good for Konoha."
"Really, So that you can go back to strangling me and my clan in peace?"
"We were not-"
I interrupted him. "Do not try to make it into anything else. You have sabotaged us, defamed us, humiliated us and spit on all our efforts. Your bastard enforcers didn't even bother to give us credit for the work they blatantly stole from us."
Danzo spoke up, "You had promised the research to the village by contract!"
I just stood up to leave. "You know why it was wrong! Its not that you took it. But that you stole the credit while you attacked us with rumors. I promised to share research for recognition not curses and defamation in the street. You know what, I don't even know why I bothered to come her. Lord Third, if you do not have an order for me. I am leaving."
"I guess we should all calm down and talk this out like adults."
I did not know Hatake Sakumo could speak. At least in the political arena.