The Metropolis of the Land of Fire.
As the most prosperous city, the endless stream of people on the official road stretched far into the distance.
Most of them were there for business.
Besides locals, there were people from other countries, such as the Land of Wind, the Land of Rivers, the Land of Birds, and so on.
It was also the second major gathering place for Ninjas.
Ninjas who didn't feel at home in their Ninjavillages would usually come here to seek positions as bodyguards.
Although the pay might not be as high as performing missions, the work was stable in the long run.
Naruto gazed at the city from atop his horse.
Since Fujiwara Tenkai and the others were all on horseback, he, Hinata, and Neji also chose to ride to avoid drawing attention.
Even if they didn't know how to ride, they could just use Chakra to control the horses.
It's not all that.
Naruto thought to himself after scanning the area.
As a native of China, he naturally considered the majesty and grandeur of ancient cities there to be second to none.
"We go this way."
Fujiwara Tenkai pointed to the right side of the city gate.
A passage specifically reserved for nobles.
After identifying themselves to the guards, the group passed through smoothly.
The Metropolis was divided into an inner city and an outer city.
The nobles lived in the inner city.
But the outer city was clearly much livelier.
Specialties from all countries were gathered here.
Naruto saw his own business, the Konoha Cola Shop.
But the format was different.
Based on his suggestion, cola in the Land of Firewas divided into two types.
One was a premium cola exclusively for nobles.
The slogan was something about being filtered twenty-one times, using premium spring water from some mountain, and then adding some princess's love story from years ago.
Anyway, it was all about low-key luxury and depth.
Coupled with the taste, it quickly became popular among the nobles.
The other was an affordable product sold to everyone else.
The slogan changed to 'the drink that conquered the nobles,' claiming to be a diluted version, but the taste was the same.
Since opening a shop was expensive, Narutosimply had them set up pushcarts to go directly into the streets and alleys.
The result was naturally a huge profit.
The pearl milk tea that followed used a similar strategy.
And it was even easier to implement.
After all, it came in different flavors.
Naruto casually scanned the surrounding scenery.
According to the rules, only a few nobles could ride horses in the Metropolis.
So, their group was quite conspicuous.
Naruto's gaze stopped.
To his northeast was a street.
It sold nothing but the Four Treasures of the Study.
And it was very lively at the moment.
"Naruto-kun, you've come at a good time. It's October, exactly when the Gongju is taking place."
Fujiwara Tenkai kept a constant eye on Naruto, and seeing him pause, he explained.
Hinata turned her head to glance at him.
Since when did he start calling him Naruto-kun?
"Gongju is a system used by the Land of Fire to select talent nationwide; in other words, an examination. It is presided over by the Ministry of Ceremonies, one of the eight ministries, and the subjects include poetry, classics, medicine, and law."
Fujiwara Tenkai continued to explain.
Oh, the Imperial Examination.
Naruto immediately understood.
Based on his knowledge from his past life, this so-called Gongju was modeled after the Tang Dynasty.
The Land of Fire and others were modeled after ancient Japan.
It was normal to have these things.
Naruto lingered his gaze because he sensed several familiar presences.
Members of the White Lotus Sect.
He had the memories of Lord of Heavenless.
Since Lord of Heavenless had personally taught many members, Naruto was able to sense them.
The group soon arrived at a massive residence.
The plaque at the entrance bore the words 'Fujiwara Clan'.
"Second Young Master."
A servant immediately noticed Fujiwara Tenkai and hurried forward to take the horse.
"I will take the three of you to see my father."
Fujiwara Tenkai handed the horse to the servant and led the way.
His attitude was very friendly.
Neji frowned.
He glanced at the relaxed Naruto, then at Fujiwara Tenkai.
Something's wrong.
He had taken many missions for nobles before.
Nine out of ten didn't like Ninjas much, and the remaining one was hostile.
Fujiwara Tenkai's father was named Fujiwara Kenichiro.
He was nearly sixty years old, but he looked quite energetic, with eyes sharp as lightning and a very dignified air.
He was wearing casual house clothes, and upon hearing Uzumaki Naruto's name, he broke into a smile.
"Welcome to the three from Konoha."
Fujiwara Kenichiro said in a friendly tone, "Since my son went missing, many people have been visiting uninvited lately. I hope the three of you can help me drive away these flies. The duration is half a month."
Naruto gave Neji a meaningful look.
"We will complete the mission."
Neji conscientiously stepped forward half a pace and said.
"Then I'll leave it to you three."
Fujiwara Kenichiro waved his hand and said, "Tenkai, have the kitchen prepare well. We will host a welcome dinner for the three of them tonight."
"Yes."
Fujiwara Tenkai replied respectfully.
The three were assigned to guest rooms.
They were very luxurious.
With two hours left until dinner, the three met in Naruto's room.
Neji, with his Byakugan active, said, "The Fujiwara Estate is heavily guarded. There are at least a hundred fully armed samurai; even ordinary Ninjas would find it hard to break in."
Samurai these days are no longer ordinary samurai; they can use Chakra to some extent.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them Ninjas who use Taijutsu.
Naruto was actually quite curious about how the Six Paths Sage spread Chakra throughout the entire Ninja World.
"The tighter the security, the less optimistic the situation is."
Neji deactivated his Byakugan and said, "Lady Tsunade also said that if it involves the internal affairs of the Land of Fire, we should try not to get involved."
He looked at Naruto, recalling the Fujiwara Clan's attitude.
"There's something I don't know if I should say..."
"Then don't say it."
Naruto said reflexively, then realized and laughed, "That was just a reflex, haha. Go ahead, say it."
"Do you know Fujiwara Tenkai?"
Fortunately, Neji was already used to this guy's eccentricity.
"I don't."
Naruto said honestly.
If you added the character 'Tsubasa' after 'Tenkai,' he would know it.
Not only did he know it, but he was also very familiar with it, the kind of familiarity where everything is laid bare.
Neji fell into deep thought upon hearing this.
Naruto wouldn't lie to him.
But the Fujiwara Clan's attitude was too strange.
He muttered, "Perhaps the Fujiwara Clan wants to drag Konoha into this."
Naruto thought about it carefully; it was indeed a possibility.
Since Fujiwara Tokai cooperated with the Hidden Sand Village, they would cooperate with Konoha Village to distance themselves.
Although Ninjas value missions, their primary condition is to protect their country's Daimyo and nobles.
In other words, Konoha Village is a supporter of the Daimyo.
The Fujiwara Clan might be using this to express their loyalty to the Daimyo.
But just this might not be enough.
"We'll act according to the situation," Naruto finally said.
By the time of the banquet, he finally understood what it meant to be filthy rich.
Even for a Hokage, what Ninjas ate was usually ordinary.
The most luxurious thing might just be barbecue or something.
But compared to the luxury of the nobles, it was nothing.
There were clearly only about ten people, yet there were over thirty dishes.
Well, Hinata was very satisfied.
Considering her personality, Naruto kept picking up food for her.
Halfway through the meal.
Fujiwara Kenichiro had finished eating most of his meal; he gave Hinata a strange look before turning back to Naruto.
"The Gongju examination is imminent, and as the chief examiner, I need to be present. How about one of you accompanies me?"
"Of course," Neji glanced at him and said, "I will go with Lord Fujiwara."
"However, I would actually prefer Naruto to come with me," Fujiwara Kenichiro said with a smile.
"Alright then," Naruto said without looking up.
As the banquet drew to a close, Hinata waved her hand with a flushed face and said, "Naruto-kun, that's enough."
Since she was the only one still eating, she felt really self-conscious.
Seeing this, Fujiwara Kenichiro said, "It's fine, being able to eat is a blessing. We'll just chat for a while."
Neji suddenly looked up and said, "I'll be right back."
He left the hall.
Fujiwara Tenkai immediately stood up and followed him out.
Neji threw a shuriken.
In the darkness, it accurately hit a person in black on the roof.
The sound of metal clashing against metal.
Then, completely caught off guard by the force behind the shuriken, the person in black rolled right off.
The patrolling samurai immediately apprehended them.
"As expected of the Byakugan that is famous throughout the Ninja World."
By the time Fujiwara Tenkai reached the courtyard, the fight was already over.
This was much more comfortable than being in constant fear like before.
The only drawback was the cost.
But that wasn't Neji's flaw; it was theirs.
After this incident, Hinata stopped eating as well.
By the next day, Neji had dealt with over ten intruders.
Naruto found an opportunity to interrogate them using the Sharingan.
He discovered their goal was Fujiwara Tokai, or more accurately, the treasure he had obtained.
Since they couldn't find Fujiwara Tokai, they could only come to the Fujiwara Estate.
"I'm heading out now."
Naruto greeted the two of them.
"No need to ride a horse."
Fujiwara Kenichiro waved his hand and said, "My carriage is very large. Come and sit inside."
"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Naruto shook his head.
"There's nothing inappropriate about it."
"Alright then."
Naruto boarded the carriage as invited.
It was spacious enough to accommodate seven or eight people without any problem.
"After the Gongju, there will be a New Year's banquet."
Fujiwara Kenichiro looked through the window at the bustling street and said, "Naruto, what kind of gift do you think the Fujiwara Clan should send? Especially during this time, we need to demonstrate our loyalty."
"Just send whatever the Daimyo likes," Naruto said casually.
"He likes beauties."
Fujiwara Kenichiro turned his head and said seriously, "The First Prince is targeting the Fujiwara Clan mainly for two reasons: one is that the Fujiwara Clan supports the Second Prince, and the other is his deal with Princess En Yui, which allowed him to obtain the so-called second most beautiful woman under heaven."
"So you want to give the second most beautiful woman under heaven to the Daimyo?"
Naruto's eyebrows twitched.
Do you want them to play out a scene of 'filial piety'?
But the First Prince would likely not fly into a rage for the sake of a beauty.
"It can both please the Daimyo and disgust the First Prince."
Fujiwara Kenichiro frowned, "The only trouble is that it's difficult to get hold of this White Lotus Saintess. Perhaps you have a way."
He changed his form of address for Naruto again.
Sounding more respectful.
As expected, he didn't think the First Prince would draw his blade against the Daimyo for Haku's sake.
Naruto looked at him and suddenly broke into a smile.
All schemes are futile in the face of absolute strength.
But it's also quite interesting.
The First Prince wouldn't dare draw his blade against the Daimyo, nor against Fujiwara Kenichiro.
Because the cost would be too great.
But the Sharingan can.
"You have a way?"
Fujiwara Kenichiro noticed his smile and asked, "If you are willing, when the Second Prince ascends to the throne in the future, you will be a founding official. That would be much more promising than being a vulgar Ninja."
"I can give it a try."
Naruto said mysteriously, "Within three days, that White Lotus Saintess will be delivered to you."
Fujiwara Kenichiro was slightly startled.
Only three days?
Truly surprising.
"Then I shall await your news, sir."
Fujiwara Kenichiro's form of address changed once more.
The carriage stopped.
Naruto pulled back the curtain and looked at the building in front of him.
It looked a bit like the Imperial Academy he had seen in his past life.
The examinees sat in small cubicles, separated to prevent cheating.
Naruto followed Fujiwara Kenichiro to sit on the high platform.
As a new face, he also attracted many gazes.
Among them were some familiar presences.
Naruto raised an eyebrow and smiled.
As long as there was enough time, perhaps one day most of the official positions in the Land of Firewould be taken by the White Lotus Sect.
Of course, those at the very top didn't have much of a chance.
Naruto had also studied this part of history in his past life.
The Gongju system of Nihon later existed in name only due to excessive aristocratization.
Time passed.
People began to hand in their papers.
Naruto glanced over.
Poetry and prose, huh.
If it weren't for being in the world of Naruto, he figured he could plagiarize some poems by the great Bai Juyi to become a literary copyist.
The exam ended.
Fujiwara Kenichiro went to process the scrolls.
Naruto leaned against the wall, dozing off.
A moment later, a young man passed by and whispered: "The Dharma King invites your excellency for a talk."
After saying that, he left as if nothing had happened.
Naruto looked around.
He was suddenly curious about how far the White Lotus Sect's intelligence system had reached.
Back at the Fujiwara Estate, Naruto left a Shadow Clone, activated Kagura's Mind's Eye, and soon found Zabuza and Haku.
At a certain palace.
Naruto landed lightly.
Zabuza subconsciously gripped the Executioner's Blade, only letting go when he saw it was him.
But he broke into a cold sweat inwardly.
He hadn't noticed him even at such close range.
His strength is getting more and more terrifying.
Naruto was using his own identity, The Hermit.
Zabuza and Haku both knew, so there was no need to create another one.
"What other plans does Wuming have to topple the Fujiwara Clan?"
Naruto asked straight to the point.
"He said if you reached the Metropolis, you would be in charge of the rest,"
Zabuza said, sizing him up.
To be honest, he didn't trust this thirteen-year-old kid.
Besides being strong, it was impossible for him to have wisdom like Wuming's.
But this guy was ranked at the top of the langya list by Wuming.
One should know that the langya list was extremely popular in the Land of Fire.
Because it had never made any mistakes.
Although it took advantage of the momentum of the Gongju system.
"Does the First Prince have troops in his hands?"
Naruto wasn't surprised and asked again.
"There is a team of guards, about a hundred people."
Zabuza was a bit puzzled, "The numbers are too small for a mutiny."
"It's not a mutiny."
Naruto smiled and said, "It's to make the First Prince fly into a rage for the sake of a beauty."
He explained the plan.
It wasn't actually complicated.
But it was different from Fujiwara Kenichiro's intentions.
"It's not easy for a hundred people to charge into the Fujiwara Estate; we need the White Lotus Sect's help," Naruto said.
"That's simple," Zabuza chuckled upon hearing this.
The next day.
Naruto brought the unconscious Haku to Fujiwara Kenichiro.
"Truly a beauty that could topple cities and nations."
Fujiwara Kenichiro lifted Haku's veil, spacing out for a moment before saying, "With such a beauty, the Daimyo will surely be very pleased."
It was his first time seeing the White Lotus Saintess's true face.
Haku rarely went out.
People had only heard of the title.
Plus, with the First Prince's obsession, naturally no one dared to harass her.
In fact, even if they had seen her, it wouldn't matter.
After all, Haku's status as the second most beautiful under heaven was obtained through Ninjutsu.
The annual banquet was next month, held at the end of the year.
Naruto had enough time to make arrangements.
Besides accompanying Fujiwara Kenichiro to proctor the exams every day, he was waiting for news from the White Lotus Sect.
A week later, the First Prince had discovered the White Lotus Saintess's disappearance and could find no trace of her anywhere.
"Damn it!"
Enyoshi smashed a vase violently, his face full of rage.
The surrounding servants fell silent.
After a moment, someone knocked on the door and said, "First Prince, the messengers from Langya Pavilion have arrived."
"Let them in quickly!"
Enyoshi took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, looked at the young man who walked in, and asked, "Where is the White Lotus Flower now?"
The young man, who was Naruto, replied: "She was abducted by Fujiwara Kenichiro a few days ago, specifically to retaliate against you."
"What?!"
Enyoshi couldn't suppress his internal fury; his voice suddenly rose, "How dare that old dog?! Doesn't everyone know the White Lotus Flower is my woman!"
Naruto's expression remained unchanged as he said, "According to our information, he seems to want to give the White Lotus Flower to the Daimyo as a gift."
"He's looking for death!"
Enyoshi roared, "If he dares to do that, I will definitely kill his entire family!"
"The First Prince is indeed heroic."
Naruto gave a thumbs up.
As Enyoshi was about to speak, he saw a flash of crimson in the young man's eyes.
Instantly, his anger was no longer under control and was fully released; he drew his katana.
"Wutai! Lead everyone and follow me!"
Naruto tilted his head, and Wutai's eyes also turned red.
He let out a long cry and said, "Fujiwara Kenichirohas humiliated the First Prince; his crime is punishable by death! All brothers, blades in hand, kill the old dog!"
The palace gates opened.
A hundred people marched grandly through the night.
With such a large commotion, the City Guard was immediately alerted; after reporting the situation, they immediately came to block them.
But the path was filled with all sorts of obstacles and traps.
So much so that the hundred samurai led by Enyoshi moved as if through an uninhabited land.
Ordinary residents naturally didn't dare to come out.
The vibrations brought by the horses' hooves...
...woke the peaceful Fujiwara Estate.
Neji and Hinata had already left in advance.
Although they had accepted the mission, it was impossible for them to become enemies with the Daimyo.
Even if they were willing, Tsunade wouldn't be.
The Daimyo was Konoha's true financial backer.
"First Prince?"
Fujiwara Kenichiro met Enyoshi under heavy guard.
His expression was extremely unsightly.
While he was in the wrong first, he was still the Grand Minister after all.
Enyoshi bringing troops was a great humiliation to him.
No matter the outcome tonight, his Fujiwara Clanwould likely have an even harder time.
"What is the meaning of this, First Prince?"
Fujiwara Kenichiro tried his best to remain calm and said, "If you retreat now, there is still room for redemption."
At the same time, he was puzzled—why hadn't the City Guard arrived yet?
Among the several major armies of the Land of Fire, the City Guard was actually the most elite.
Because they were the army that protected the Daimyo and the Metropolis.
According to past efficiency, they should have arrived long ago.
"Room for redemption?"
Enyoshi laughed loudly, "When you snatched the White Lotus Flower, did you ever think of leaving me any room?"
Fujiwara Kenichiro's face turned slightly pale.
It really was about this matter.
What 'top of the langya list'? He couldn't even handle this matter properly?
Wait, where were the three of them?
Only now did Fujiwara Kenichiro realize that in such a big commotion, he hadn't seen the Konoha Ninjas performing the protection mission.
"Tenkai, go find Naruto and the others."
He whispered the instruction.
Although he already had an ominous premonition in his heart.
Fujiwara Tenkai immediately understood and hurriedly sent people to look, but there was no trace of them.
"We've been tricked!"
Upon receiving the news, Fujiwara Kenichiro, no matter how stupid, realized he had fallen into a trap.
No, not just him, but also the murderous Enyoshi in front of him.
"First Prince, there must be something fishy about this!"
Fujiwara Kenichiro hurriedly said, "How about both sides lay down their weapons and negotiate? I will immediately return the White Lotus Flower to the Prince."
"So it really was you!"
Enyoshi raised his katana and shouted, "Kill them!"
A battle thus unfolded.
Half an hour later, the City Guard finally arrived.
The commander looked at the Fujiwara Estatefilled with corpses and Enyoshi bathed in blood, and couldn't help but gulp.
"The world is about to change!"
Meanwhile, at a certain palace.
Neji and Hinata listened to En Yui recount the events.
Zabuza and Haku stood guard on both sides.
Neji's heart skipped a beat.
He felt like he shouldn't be here.
The White Lotus Sect, the Fujiwara Clan, the First Prince.
Every single one was a danger he should stay away from.
But tonight, they were all mixed together.
Hinata lowered her head.
Her thoughts were completely different from Neji's.
Why didn't Naruto-kun tell me earlier?
I could have helped him too.
The next day.
The tragedy at the Fujiwara Estate shocked the entire Land of Fire.
On one side was the head of the civil officials, and on the other was the First Prince.
No one expected it to escalate into a bloody battle.
Naruto quietly arrived at the imperial court.
"Fool! Fool!"
Daimyo En Shū's angry and violent voice echoed in the spacious hall.
Saliva sprayed.
Enyoshi, kneeling on the ground, trembled slightly, revealing the fear in his heart.
But thinking back to last night's impulse, for some reason, he didn't regret it.
However, he understood he had made a huge mistake, or rather, violated a taboo.
Committing a crime in the Metropolis was originally a crime punishable by exterminating nine generations of the family.
Not to mention disregarding the law to privately kill a minister.
Although the law wasn't very useful to them, at least on the surface it couldn't be broken, as they were the ones who made it.
"Father, please listen to my explanation."
Enyoshi waited for En Shū to finish scolding before stating his reasons.
He had thought about it all night.
His life would probably be safe, but it was highly likely his title of Prince would be stripped.
This was more painful than killing him, so he had to save himself.
"Lady White Lotus and I have already consummated our relationship, and she is pregnant."
Enyoshi spoke shocking words, "Fujiwara Kenichirowas overcome by lust and abducted Lady White Lotus; how could I not be angry?"
The hidden Naruto couldn't help but complain.
You really are a god-tier player!
But he had to admit this move was very effective.
Putting oneself in another's shoes, any man in Enyoshi's position might have done such a thing.
En Shū pressed his aching forehead.
He glared at Enyoshi and said, "Even so, you shouldn't have committed such a brutal act!"
"It was my impulse."
Enyoshi kowtowed heavily and said, "I am willing to accept all punishment."
En Shū was very disappointed and conflicted.
Enyoshi was one of his favorite sons and was highly likely to become the Daimyo in the future.
But having committed such a sin, he had to be dealt with severely.
"Daimyo."
An old man sitting in the first seat on the left raised his head and spoke, "Filial piety is the foremost of all virtues. The First Prince acted out of concern for the safety of his wife and daughter; in the end, it was the Fujiwara Clan that was in the wrong first."
His name was Toyota Shinji, and his official position was Minister of the Left.
In the Ritsuryō system, the Grand Minister was the highest, followed by the Ministers of the Left and Right.
At the same time, the Toyota Clan was also the natal family of the First Prince's mother.
It was logical for him to speak up.
After him, some other ministers also spoke.
Of course, where there were pleas for mercy, there were also calls for severe punishment.
Led by the Second Prince, they demanded severe punishment to uphold the laws of the country.
En Shū looked at the clear divide between the two factions, his face growing darker.
No reigning Daimyo wanted to see such a situation.
Before he was even dead, the officials had already chosen the future.
But it was precisely because of the power struggle that En Shū began to suspect if Enyoshi had fallen into a trap.
The Fujiwara Clan had always been supporters of the Second Prince.
After much thought, En Shū finally made his judgment.
He ordered Toyota Shinji to investigate the matter thoroughly, especially why the Fujiwara Clan had abducted the White Lotus Flower.
As for Enyoshi, he was to reflect in seclusion and guard the Fujiwara Clan's tomb for three years.
Naruto turned and left the hall.
["Congratulations to the host for achieving the 'Fly into a Rage for a Beauty' achievement, obtaining one ordinary card draw."]
["Congratulations to the host for achieving the 'Turning Clouds and Rain' achievement, obtaining three attribute points."]