Chapter 85: Audience with the Daimyō — Draining the Pond to Catch the Fish
Just as the Daimyō resolved to make a personal visit to the North City Guard to meet Abe Seimei, a gate sentry of the Daimyō Residence hurriedly approached the main hall and leaned close to the hall guard's ear. Whispering urgently, he relayed what he had just heard. The hall guard's eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you absolutely certain the man said his name was Abe Seimei?"
The sentry nodded firmly. From their vantage point, the hall guards had overheard parts of the conversation inside. They knew the Daimyō was planning to see this very individual—who now stood right outside their gates.
The coincidence was striking. The hall guard hurried inside and dropped to one knee with a respectful bow. "Reporting to Your Excellency, a man claiming to be Abe Seimei stands at the gate, requesting an audience."
The Daimyō's eyes narrowed in disbelief. Truly, this is extraordinary. He quickly commanded, "Do not delay—send for him at once."
Moments later, Uchiha Tonan, having assumed the guise of Abe Seimei, entered the Daimyō Residence, led by an attendant. His gait was calm and measured, deliberate but unhurried. One hand rested gracefully in front of his chest, the other behind his back, his bearing noble and composed.
Ignoring the curious gazes of ministers and aides lining the corridor, Tonan approached the curtains separating the inner chamber. With a deep bow, he announced, "Abe Seimei of Dan Tengai humbly pays respect to Your Excellency, the Daimyō."
The ministers, finally beholding the legendary genius whispered about in rumors, exchanged hushed murmurs.
"Is that truly the Seimei-dono spoken of? Just one look tells me he carries himself like a true noble."
"Indeed… His presence radiates an aura no commoner could muster."
"At a formal occasion such as this, many would falter or tremble. Yet, I see neither fear nor hesitation in Seimei-dono's eyes. His poise is remarkable."
The hall buzzed softly until the Daimyō cleared his throat twice, silencing them. They straightened instantly, realizing their excitement was unbecoming.
The Daimyō peered through the curtain and motioned, "No need for such formality, Seimei-dono."
Tonan slowly lifted his gaze to meet the Daimyō's eyes. The ruler felt an involuntary tightening in his chest. Though aged and dignified, the man before him held eyes deep and unyielding—carrying a pressure that was almost suffocating.
Swallowing hard, the Daimyō forced a polite smile. "Did you perhaps guess that I intended to visit you, Seimei-dono?"
Tonan stroked his beard thoughtfully, glancing around before responding with a knowing smile but no words. This silence only deepened the sense of mystery surrounding him.
After a brief hesitation, the Daimyō looked toward his ministers and signaled their dismissal. "You may leave us. I wish to speak with Seimei-dono privately."
The ministers exchanged glances and nodded in unison. "Yes, Your Excellency." They filed out, pausing briefly at the door, a silent agreement passing between them.
"It seems we share the same thoughts."
"A talent like his… we must secure his favor and counsel."
"To fail in doing so would be folly."
Once the hall was cleared, Tonan and the Daimyō faced each other alone. A tense silence lingered, growing heavier with each passing moment. Finally, the Daimyō broke it with measured solemnity.
"Seimei-dono, I would be honored if you could share with me your 'One Technique and Two Strategies.'"
Tonan narrowed his eyes slightly, as if weighing the Daimyō's resolve. He had anticipated this question and was prepared with a careful response.
"Your Excellency, the 'One Technique and Two Strategies' are no ordinary matters. Even those aware of them seldom grasp their true depth. Mastery requires more than knowledge—it demands rigorous discipline."
"The 'Emperor's Heart Technique,' in particular, is arduous. It demands the guidance of a great master and years of mental training to reach a state of complete serenity—free from fear, anger, or joy. The process is harsh, testing limits beyond most humans' endurance. The younger the disciple, the more readily the mind can adapt and be shaped."
Tonan deliberately kept the explanation brief. He had yet to finalize the precise details of this knowledge and feared revealing too much might raise suspicion.
The Daimyō sat silently for a long moment, mulling over Tonan's words. The phrase "One Technique and Two Strategies" suggested a philosophy of refining the heart and spirit.
"Younger minds," he murmured, "are more malleable, able to accept and integrate teachings more swiftly."
He nodded slowly, then asked with curiosity, "Seimei-dono, if my heir were to learn this, might he attain the level described in the records?"
Tonan stroked his beard again, considering carefully. "I cannot claim certainty, but I am seventy percent confident that with such training, he could unify the Land of Fire and bring an end to its era of turmoil. He would truly deserve the title of Daimyō of the Land of Fire."
The weight of Tonan's words fell like a spell across the chamber, the ensuing silence so thick it amplified the Daimyō's quickened breathing—his mind wrestling with hope and doubt.
After a long pause, the Daimyō's expression hardened with determination. "In that case, I earnestly implore you, Seimei-dono, to teach my children. Naraku, my heir, must learn the One Technique and Two Strategies—and gain wisdom broad enough to govern the Land of Fire wisely."
"As for Nahara," he added with a grimace, "he is unruly and mischievous. I ask you to temper his spirit and calm his nature."
At these words, Tonan's objective was fulfilled. He abandoned all pretense and bowed deeply.
"It is my honor, an old man such as I, to serve Your Excellency's heirs. I have long sought worthy successors to inherit my knowledge. If the First Highness accepts, I will devote all my years of learning to their instruction."
The Daimyō's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and calculation. If Tonan's promises came true, Naraku could break free from the shadow of the ninja village and the Hokage's influence—granting the Daimyō undisputed control over the Land of Fire. The possibilities would be boundless.
He tempered his exhilaration with a nod. "Seimei-dono, once Naraku ascends and proves worthy of the title Daimyō, I assure you a prestigious post—power to oversee the land's affairs."
"For now, though, I will not grant you an official position. Still, your accommodations and treatment shall be generous. Indeed, I suggest you reside within the Daimyō Residence itself, for convenience in teaching."
Tonan shook his head gently. "I have already pledged to Tonan-sama to instruct the orphans. On human grounds, I cannot break that promise. With Your Excellency's permission, I would prefer to continue living at the North City Guard Residence."
Their discussion continued privately, known only to the two and four loyal guards. It was nearly noon when Tonan respectfully declined the Daimyō's invitation to remain, insisting on returning to the orphans.
Upon exiting, a throng of officials who had waited impatiently outside hurried to surround him.
"It is a great honor, Seimei-dono," they greeted respectfully.
Tonan replied calmly, "The pleasure is mine."
"Seimei-dono, I take it you have agreed to His Excellency's request to teach the two heirs?"
"Yes."
"In that case, once the First Heir assumes the Daimyō's mantle, you will be granted the rank of Grand Minister or higher. We will look to you for leadership."
"For me, authority is but fleeting," Tonan answered, shaking his head like a sage above worldly ambitions.
"May I invite you to my residence? Many wish to speak with you and glean your insight."
Tonan declined politely, "I must return to the North City Guard Residence and teach the children."
Despite repeated invitations, Tonan departed swiftly, leaving the ministers murmuring amongst themselves.
"That was disrespectful."
"Such arrogance will be his downfall."
"Do not underestimate such talent."
"Seimei-dono has committed to teaching the rescued orphans—he must fulfill his duty."
"Let us await his leisure."
Watching Tonan's retreating figure, the officials continued their quiet conversation.
That evening, under the warm glow of the setting sun at the North City Guard Residence garden, children ran and played happily.
Tonan sat serenely beneath the eaves, quietly observing as he sipped tea.
"Alright, time to eat. No more playing."
"Oni-san, won't you join us?"
"I have work to do. You all must eat well and sleep early—no rest means no growth. Now, off you go…"
"Oni-san, hugs! Hugs!"
"I want one too! Me too!"
Tonan embraced each child warmly, coaxing them indoors. After days of gentle care, as planned, he had earned their trust and affection.
"Tonan-sama truly cares for them," Yoshiwara Ao remarked from nearby, voice sweet with admiration.
"They are gifts from heaven, fragile as these flower buds," Tonan said, lifting a watering can to gently nourish the garden's blossoms.
"I hope they all grow strong and fast."
Ao smiled, "Do you mean the flowers or the children, Tonan-sama?"
Tonan chuckled softly and shook his head without answering. After a moment, he passed the watering can to Ao and took up the shears, carefully trimming the plants.
The only sounds were the chirping insects and the snip of shears.
Suddenly, Tonan spoke without looking up, "Ao."
Startled, Ao bowed quickly. "Yes, Tonan-sama?"
Tonan's hands moved steadily as he said calmly, "You have three days. I want you to locate all black markets, illegal gambling dens, smuggling rings, and gang hideouts within our jurisdiction."
Ao frowned. "My Lord, you wish to…?"
"Of course. To protect the common folk and purge these cancers from our society."
Ao hesitated, confused. These underground operations funneled hefty payments to the North City Guard Residence monthly.
If Tonan uprooted them all at once, it would be like draining a pond to catch every fish. The criminal underworld would vanish from the northern city—possibly for good.
In his mind, it was reckless.
"But my Lord, if you do this—"
Tonan's shears suddenly stopped mid-air. He slowly turned and fixed Ao with a piercing gaze. Cold sweat broke out over Ao's back.
Dropping to his knees, Ao kowtowed furiously. "Forgive me, my Lord. I spoke out of turn."
Tonan regarded Ao silently as the latter repeatedly bowed his head until his forehead was bleeding. Only then did Tonan turn back to his trimming.
"Knowing your mistake is a start. You've served me long enough that I will spare your life this time."
Ao's terror turned to relief. "Many thanks, my Lord!"
Tonan wiped the shears clean of clippings and tossed them to Ao, who looked up cautiously.
"Come, learn your lesson."
Hands trembling, Ao picked up the shears and extended only his little finger. Closing his eyes, he steeled himself.
A muffled groan escaped as the blade clipped through flesh. Blood dripped vividly. Pain seared his hand, but he held back sound, covering the wound with trembling fingers. Cold sweat and bulging veins marked his agony.
Tonan observed silently. "Not enough."
Gritting his teeth, Ao nodded and bravely extended his ring finger next.
"As I said, Ao, know your place. Do not grow arrogant from small victories. Your task is obedience—no more, no less."
Tonan plucked a daisy from the garden and inhaled its scent, his face alight with a rare softness.
"Bandage your hand carefully and disinfect it. Avoid infection."
Still kneeling, Ao stammered, "Many thanks… for your concern, my Lord."
Tonan carelessly tossed the flower aside and strode past him toward his study, hands clasped behind his back.
"When you leave, have someone clean this place. It reeks of blood."
"Yes, my Lord."