He's been hiding there since just now.
This man is Hakushi.
As the adoptive father of the current Witch Shion of the Land of Demons, he holds considerable power within the country.
"I expected something like this. So, what are the demands of their Daimyo?"
Hakushi asked this.
Incorporating the Land of Shadow into the Land of Demons is not a simple matter.
The Land of Demons is essentially a country without a Daimyo. If the Land of Shadow wants to merge, it's impossible to retain the Daimyo system; it must be abolished.
Although, in a sense, a witch is equivalent to a Daimyo, to outsiders, it's just a different title.
However, in Hakushi's view, there is a fundamental difference between the witch of the Land of Demons and the Daimyo of other countries in the Ninja Realm.
Because a Daimyo can be replaced, but a witch cannot.
In addition, over the generations, witches have shown little interest in power, generally adopting a laissez-faire attitude. As long as the bottom line is not touched, witches do not interfere much and allow freedom to grow.
The nobles who seek the witch's favor wouldn't dare to act recklessly in the Land of Demons.
In this territory, offending the witch means losing her protection, which is very dangerous during times of monster chaos.
As for leaving the Land of Demons, the Ninja Realm is currently a war-torn era, and the stability of the Land of Demons is highly desirable.
Considering various factors, even if the witch doesn't hold any actual power, every word she says is an embodiment of power.
"They hope to retain their status as grand nobles after losing the Daimyo position, and demand economic compensation."
Shion summarized the demands in the letter.
This was not beyond Hakushi's expectations.
The demands are not greedy, rather reasonable.
Retaining their status as grand nobles is understandable.
Hakushi is not particularly averse to such collective nobility—it's an indelible part of any era, merely a matter of high profile or low profile.
After all, the rapid economic development of the Land of Demons is largely due to the foundation laid by the Uchiha Clan.
And militarily, the Uchiha Clan, Hyuga Clan, and Uzumaki Clan also made significant contributions.
Compared to ninja clans inheriting Kekkeigenkai, ordinary nobility are not particularly noteworthy targets.
As for economic compensation, that term seems somewhat ambiguous.
"In other words, negotiations and compromises are necessary... Well, that's understandable, as even a small country's merger can bring great benefits. Not making certain compensations is indeed unreasonable. It seems the Daimyo of the Land of Shadow wants to be conservative, hoping only for the long-term stability of his family."
Hakushi nodded, seeing through the Daimyo of the Land of Shadow's intentions.
Nobles with such self-awareness are the kind Hakushi prefers.
Their requirements are based on the basic national conditions of the Land of Demons.
"I will send someone to the Land of Shadow to negotiate with the Daimyo, to determine the scope of 'compensation'."
Land of Snow, Land of Shadow, and Land of Bear are three crucial sectors in the expansion plan.
The Land of Snow can be said to be under control now, with national power rapidly developing, and arrangements are being made for the Land of Bear. It's only a matter of time before it's under control as well.
Once the Land of Shadow is merged, the expansion plan will be foolproof.
"Can I go out and play now, Father?"
Shion looked expectantly with her pupils.
"Did you finish your witch studies? That's important to you, right?"
"It's too boring. Anyway, that kind of training can't be completed in a short time. Being too strict would really accelerate aging and turn you into an old man early, Father."
Shion smiled at Hakushi.
"Alright. As long as you watch the time, it's not a problem."
A five or six-year-old girl, at the stage of expressing herself, naturally finds training dull and tedious.
"Understood. I heard Koyuki's first film will start showing soon, I'm really looking forward to it."
Shion's face showed a happy expression.
Thanks to Hakushi as a link, Shion got to know Kazahana Koyuki, the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, and they have a good relationship.
Apparently, Koyuki is passionate about the film industry and can switch between roles as Daimyo and actress. Beloved as the Daimyo of the Land of Snow and an actress with excellent talent, she balances the two roles, which Shion greatly admires.
"As you like. But remember, finish your witch studies, don't always think about playing. Your existence is special to the Land of Demons."
Even as he said that, Shion remained unconcerned with training.
Unlike Mire's calm and steady personality, Shion is lively and curious, interested in new things, unlikely to be obedient, and highly individualistic.
So, is she another problem child?
Thinking of this, Hakushi felt a wave of melancholy.