Even though those so-called "loyal ministers" had gathered in a private room to scheme—
Their actions were completely transparent to Uchiha Ren.
From the moment they entered Konoha, every word they spoke, every move they made—
Was under surveillance.
Ninja methods were far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.
Ren listened in silence.
External relatives meddling in politics—
A problem that had plagued feudal systems for thousands of years.
If feudal rule endured for millennia, then so did the influence of in-laws and external clans.
History had seen countless figures rise from such factions.
Some became heroes.
Others—
Disasters.
Ren almost found it amusing.
He hadn't expected to see the same pattern play out in this world.
"So… the Daimyo's second son's uncle wants to make his move."
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Interesting."
If things went wrong—
The Daimyo might very well "accidentally" die.
And when that happened—
Internal strife.
Power struggles.
A complete upheaval.
Ren could already imagine it.
Entertaining.
But—
Not yet.
The Daimyo still had value.
At least another ten years.
For now—
The relationship between Konoha and the Daimyo remained… civilized.
If things continued smoothly—
He might even allow the man to step down gracefully one day.
A clean transition.
That would be ideal.
"Keep a close eye on them," Ren said calmly to the ANBU beside him.
"Gather evidence."
"And make sure the Daimyo stays alive."
"He provides Konoha with hundreds of billions in funding every year."
"We don't let people like that die for nothing."
The ANBU silently acknowledged the order.
A small disturbance—
Nothing more.
The banquet continued.
Soon, Ren met with the Fire Daimyo.
He didn't warn him.
No need.
They chatted as if nothing was wrong.
Discussing the future.
Plans for the coming year.
The Land of Rice Fields came up.
With chaos spreading there—
Land prices had collapsed.
Dirt cheap.
People were selling everything just to escape.
And behind the scenes—
Konoha-backed industrial factions were quietly buying everything.
A silent feast.
The Daimyo spoke at length.
To summarize—
He wanted a share.
Ren thought briefly—
Then agreed.
On one condition.
Everything would follow Konoha's plan.
Then came another topic—
The one Ren had been waiting for.
"Your Highness," he said, "don't you think transportation in the Land of Fire is… inefficient?"
"Limited capacity is slowing down our profits."
Electric vehicles helped—
But they weren't enough.
What they needed—
Was rail.
The technology was ready.
What remained—
Was implementation.
A railway network.
Years ahead of its time.
But the challenges were immense.
Land acquisition.
Opposition from powerful landowners.
Sabotage.
Wild beasts.
Terrain.
Countless obstacles.
Still—
It had to be done.
"This requires your support," Ren said.
Daimyo hesitated.
The cost alone was terrifying.
Not to mention the risks.
Especially when land purchases were mentioned—
He shook his head immediately.
Too dangerous.
Too many people would be angered.
Too many enemies created.
Even his own life wouldn't be safe.
"Then we start small," Ren said.
"A pilot railway."
He leaned slightly closer.
"And Konoha will guarantee your safety."
"If necessary…"
"I can assign a personal unit."
"A private force."
"Known only to you and me."
"I call them—"
"The Twelve Guardian Ninja."
The Daimyo felt a chill.
Protection?
Or surveillance?
There was no way to tell.
This was a test.
And he understood it.
So—
He made his choice.
"…Then I'll leave it to you, Hokage."
He accepted.
Resistance was meaningless.
If Konoha truly wanted something—
They would get it.
Better to cooperate.
Ren smiled.
"A wise decision."
The two laughed.
Both understood.
Neither said it aloud.
Then—
Ren's smile faded.
The Daimyo, still smiling, led a young girl forward.
Delicate features.
Soft, pale skin.
A small, youthful frame.
"Rina," the Daimyo said warmly, "greet the Hokage."
"This is my youngest daughter."
"She admires you greatly."
"She insisted on meeting you."
The girl lowered her head slightly.
Trying her best to smile.
A little too carefully.
Ren understood immediately.
This was no coincidence.
Daimyo had done his homework.
This—
Was a counter.
"…She hopes to stay by your side for a while."
The implication was clear.
If they couldn't become relatives—
Then perhaps something closer.
Ren almost laughed.
Old fox.
But—
He couldn't refuse outright.
"…Very well," Ren said.
"She can stay in Konoha."
"There are plenty of residences."
The Daimyo waved his hand.
"No need for that."
"She can stay with you."
"She wants to personally attend to your daily life."
Ren shut that down instantly.
"Not necessary."
The Daimyo looked slightly disappointed—
But I'm satisfied.
His move had landed.
The rest—
He would leave on time.
The banquet continued.
Ren finally found a seat and began eating.
Surrounded.
As always.
Rina stayed close, encouraged by the Daimyo's gaze.
The message was clear—
Other noble daughters could step back.
This match—
He was claiming it.
But—
That only worked on nobles.
Not on ninja.
If anything—
It made things worse.
Hyuga Takuma and Uzumaki Ashina were clearly displeased.
Their competitive spirit only intensified.
Eventually, Ren slipped away.
Too much noise.
Too many people.
He found a quiet corner.
There—
Nara Shikaku was smoking.
"Shikaku," Ren said, "let me ask you something."
"If you answer correctly, I'll give you a week off."
Shikaku immediately perked up.
"Ask away."
Ren took a cigarette from his pack.
Lit it.
"What is love?"
"…What?"
Shikaku blinked.
Then sighed.
"That's your question?"
"There are plenty of girls out there."
"Just pick one and marry her."
"What's the problem?"
Ren exhaled smoke slowly.
"Pick one?"
"Why not… all of them?"
Shikaku froze.
"…Hokage-sama."
"…Your body is impressive."
Ren snorted.
"Wrong answer."
"No vacation."
Shikaku's soul nearly left his body.
Ren returned to the banquet.
The second half had begun.
A dance.
He didn't know how—
But he learned.
For Konoha.
Step by step.
Music flowing.
Hands touching.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air.
But his mind—
Was elsewhere.
The future.
The world.
The path ahead.
Then—
He saw her.
Uchiha Hikaru.
She was here.
When did she arrive?
And then—
His gaze shifted.
Behind her—
A familiar figure.
The same hairstyle.
The same presence.
An old man.
Ren's pupils shrank.
…No way.
Uchiha Madara?
Why are those two together?!
The music stopped.
The dance ended.
And Ren realized—
His back was already soaked in sweat.
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