Chapter 84: A Seething Daimyo, Ministers' Recommendation
The next day dawned with a clear, cloudless sky. The sunlight filtered softly, casting a pale glow over the surroundings. The air was unusually still—only a few birds could be heard chirping sporadically, lending a lonely, almost desolate feel to the vast expanse.
At the Daimyo's estate, the spacious courtyard gleamed with spotless stonework, lined meticulously with well-pruned flower beds bursting with vibrant colors. The corridor's vermilion pillars gleamed as if freshly lacquered. A few rare birds fluttered about the gardens flanking the wide path that led from the grand gate to the main hall.
Their gentle chirps punctuated the otherwise quiet atmosphere, injecting life into the serene estate. Servants busied themselves with their duties, heads bowed in practiced deference, their movements swift and efficient. Everything appeared flawlessly ordered, as expected in the seat of power for the Land of Fire.
Inside the main hall, behind a heavy silk curtain embroidered with the Uchiha clan crest, the Land of Fire's Daimyo sat solemnly. Below him, seated on tatami mats in perfect seiza posture, were his ministers and aides arranged in formal rows. At the center of this gathering, two young men also knelt in seiza.
One was lean, with a calm and refined demeanor, though a hint of dullness lurked beneath his composed exterior. The other was younger and noticeably heavier, with a roguish glint in his eyes that betrayed a mischievous nature.
These were the First and Second Highnesses of the Land of Fire—the Daimyo's eldest and second sons.
The Daimyo's gaze softened as he looked toward the First Highness. His voice carried a rare warmth as he spoke softly, "Naraku, I hear you've been shutting yourself away in your chambers, buried in your scrolls all day. Don't forget to rest and find time for leisure. You mustn't wear yourself out."
"Thank you for your concern, Father," the First Highness replied with a deep, respectful bow toward the curtain. His expression remained calm and composed, revealing nothing of his true feelings.
The Daimyo then turned to his second son, and his expression darkened immediately.
He frowned deeply, sighing with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. "And you, Nahara… do you even pause to reflect on your behavior?"
The Second Highness bristled, retorting defensively, "I've been at the mansion all this time, Father. I've done nothing wrong."
"And what exactly have you been doing here? You're old enough to distinguish right from wrong. Or do you need me to spell it out?"
The Daimyo struggled to contain his temper, biting back sharper words. His position required that he not sully his son's reputation with scandal; such gossip would sully the family's standing among the clans.
Unable to see the gravity of his actions, the Second Highness shrugged and muttered, "I was just enjoying the company of a few girls. I paid for them myself—what's wrong with that?"
The Daimyo's restraint snapped. His voice thundered through the hall, "How dare you speak so shamelessly in front of these ministers!"
The ministers, seated nearby, had initially listened with mild disinterest, as father-son disputes were not unusual. But seeing the Daimyo's anger flare, they quickly stepped in with soothing words.
"Your Majesty, please calm yourself. The Second Highness is young and inexperienced. Such matters are not worth your ire."
"Yes, Your Majesty, your health is far more important."
"Please, Your Majesty, do not let this disturb your composure."
The Daimyo took a deep breath, regaining control. His voice now tinged with deep disappointment, he declared, "In two days, I will find you a tutor. Someone to guide your behavior and temper. Naraku, this tutor will also educate you in the affairs of governance. Pay close attention, and make every effort to learn."
The First Highness bowed earnestly, "Thank you, Father."
Seeing his eldest son's obedient and earnest demeanor, the Daimyo felt a slight ease in his troubled heart.
The Second Highness, however, scowled and muttered a half-hearted "Thank you, Father." At that moment, the Daimyo's brief comfort evaporated.
He waved his hand sharply, "Enough for today. You both may leave."
After the two sons bowed and departed, the Daimyo's gaze swept over the gathered ministers. "Does anyone have recommendations for suitable candidates to serve as this tutor?"
The ministers exchanged whispers before the Internal Affairs Minister stepped forward. "Your Majesty, a prodigy has recently appeared in the Fire Capital. His reputation has spread like wildfire throughout the city. I believe he is more than qualified to instruct the Highnesses."
The Daimyo's eyes narrowed slightly as he lowered his gaze. He harbored doubts that a mere civilian genius could be trusted with the heirs of the ruling family. He remained silent, awaiting other opinions.
However, the Internal Affairs Minister's mention stirred another voice. "Your Majesty, I too have heard of this individual's extraordinary talent. Rumor has it he answered questions on a recent government exam that ordinary officials could barely comprehend."
Raising an eyebrow in genuine interest, the Daimyo inquired, "Is that so?"
"The stories have circulated throughout the city," the minister affirmed. "I believe we should at least consider giving this person a chance."
The murmurs of approval among the ministers grew. None had ever met this enigmatic figure—each visitor had been turned away. This mystery only deepened their curiosity.
If the Daimyo sent someone to summon this genius, the North City Guard, who controlled the area, would be compelled to comply. It would also provide an opportunity to satisfy their collective curiosity.
After a moment's thought, the Daimyo asked the Internal Affairs Minister, "Do you know where he lives? Any information on his identity?"
The minister bowed his head awkwardly. "I only know his name is Abe Seimei. He lives in the Zifu Mountain region, just beyond the northern city limits. Unfortunately, I have no other details."
The Daimyo's interest dimmed, his voice heavy with displeasure. "How can you recommend someone you know so little about? What if he is a spy planted by a rival nation?"
Though hesitant, the Daimyo could not help but feel intrigued by this mysterious genius. After a pause, he demanded, "What else do the rumors say? Tell me everything."
The Internal Affairs Minister began recounting the tale from the start: the North City Guard's search for a tutor for orphans rescued from human traffickers, the brutally difficult examination they devised, and the astonishing answers of one candidate whose words were said to echo the wisdom of ancient sages, shaking the very foundations of the country.
The story was not just confined to learned circles but had permeated the streets and marketplaces. Other ministers chimed in, showing how much this matter had stirred the capital in recent days.
After listening intently, the Daimyo stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes. "Still, these are only rumors. There is no solid proof or promise behind them. How can we make decisions based on hearsay?"
The Internal Affairs Minister replied, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Abe Seimei is already teaching those orphans at the North City Guard Residence. Moreover, the Captain of the North City Guard is an elite shinobi from Konoha with close ties to Shinnosuke-sama."
"Perhaps we should ask Shinnosuke-sama to visit the North City Guard and retrieve Abe Seimei's examination papers. That way, we can judge for ourselves if these claims hold any weight."
The Daimyo nodded in agreement. Inwardly, he too was eager to examine these fabled test papers.
He ordered, "Send word to Shinnosuke at once. I want those test papers brought here immediately."
The attendants promptly sought out Sarutobi Shinnosuke and relayed the Daimyo's request. Shinnosuke asked no questions and departed swiftly.
Within half an hour, Shinnosuke returned, handing the scrolls to the attendant. He then bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, Uchiha Tonan, Captain of the North City Guard, instructed that only you view this content. After reading it, you may decide whether to share it with the ministers."
"Is that so?" The Daimyo's curiosity deepened.
Once security checks confirmed the scrolls posed no risk, the Daimyo unfolded them and began reading.
The scrolls had become a source of intrigue in the capital for some time. The ministers, eager for a glimpse, craned their necks, but the curtain blocked their view completely.
Sensing their impatience, the Daimyo cleared his throat twice, signaling them to settle.
He started with the self-introduction. "Dan Tengai… a rather poetic name. Does anyone recognize it?"
The ministers exchanged puzzled glances. "Never heard of it."
The Daimyo nodded, continuing to the next page.
When he reached the section on the "Emperor Mind Technique," his pupils constricted sharply. His whole body shook with suppressed astonishment. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
Glancing discreetly at those beyond the curtain to ensure none were peeking, he slightly lifted the scroll to shield the text.
Then, he immersed himself in the answers.
Though Uchiha Tonan had not written out the full details of one technique, two strategies, and six arts, the depth and breadth of the content convinced the Daimyo beyond doubt. Abe Seimei was no ordinary talent; he possessed knowledge spanning the ages, both ancient and current.
The Daimyo accepted the existence of the mysterious technique and strategies presented in the scrolls without question.
Slamming his hand on the table with excitement, he exclaimed, "Excellent! Truly excellent! This is remarkable!"
He immediately commanded an attendant, "Go at once! Bring me all information on Abe… Seimei-dono. I want to investigate personally."
The ministers watched, their curiosity inflamed further by the Daimyo's enthusiasm and the respectful honorific he used for Seimei.
The attendants set out to gather a full dossier on Abe Seimei through all available channels.
For a ruler, the discovery of a gifted individual required thorough background checks—especially if that person was to tutor his heirs and gain access to the Daimyo Residence and sensitive family matters.
Any hint of scandal or disloyalty would disqualify a candidate immediately.
The Daimyo examined the dossier carefully, repeatedly reading through the details. He picked up a monochrome photograph of Seimei and studied it closely, murmuring to himself, "His appearance… at a glance, he is unlike ordinary men. Truly, Seimei-dono is on an entirely different level."
Relieved by the clean report, the Daimyo handed the papers back to the attendant and declared loudly, "The morning assembly is dismissed. Summon the guards. I will visit Seimei-dono personally."