Something felt off.
Hatake Sakumo frowned as they made their way back to Konoha.
He kept replaying everything that had happened at the Daimyō's residence.
On the surface, everything seemed perfectly normal.
The Daimyō had died.
Rogue ninja had defected to Huolongjie and killed the original heir.
Huolongjie then struck a deal with Konoha, exchanging benefits for support, allowing him to ascend as the new Daimyō of the Land of Fire.
And the rogue ninja responsible…
Was already dead.
Everything formed a closed loop.
Huolongjie wasn't entirely clean—but his bloodline was legitimate. As long as sufficient利益 were offered, Konoha supporting his ascension posed no issue.
No one involved was innocent.
And that, paradoxically, made everything seem even more reasonable.
More believable.
Yet—
Sakumo still felt a sense of unease.
But he couldn't find any evidence.
"Still thinking about what happened at the Daimyō's residence, White Fang-senpai?" Arin asked curiously.
"No," Sakumo replied in a low voice.
If anything, the most suspicious element was Arin himself.
The entire incident—
And Arin had nothing to do with it?
That alone felt wrong.
"Then focus on the journey," Arin said calmly.
Everything had unfolded under genjutsu.
Sakumo hadn't noticed anything at all.
If he had realized it was an illusion and dispelled it—
He would have seen the truth.
The one they killed…
Wasn't a rogue ninja.
It was Huolongjie.
As for the poison—
Even if Arin had truly drunk it, the heat within his body would have neutralized it instantly.
How could it possibly harm him?
The one who replaced Huolongjie—
Was naturally Arin's incarnation.
As for the Rain Country—
That had been handled by a Shadow Clone. Teaching the three kids didn't require much difference between a clone and an incarnation.
From the very beginning—
Arin had never intended to help Huolongjie become Daimyō.
He intended to become the Daimyō himself.
The Daimyō of the Land of Fire might not directly control Konoha—
But could still influence it indirectly.
Such a crucial position—
Why would he give it away?
As for when the swap happened—
It was the moment they appeared to "protect" Huolongjie.
At that point, Arin had already switched identities with him.
From beginning to end—
The one they were protecting had always been Arin's incarnation.
Huolongjie's furious protests?
They never heard them.
Even Sakumo only sensed something wrong—
But couldn't pinpoint it.
And so—
The greatest beneficiary of everything…
Was Hyuga Arin.
By the time Sakumo realized—
It would already be too late.
Everything was set in stone.
…
Inside the Hokage's office—
Arin and Sakumo reported back to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen kept glancing at Arin.
"So what exactly are you implying, old man?!" Arin suddenly slammed his hand on the desk.
"You're certain you didn't do anything?" Hiruzen asked suspiciously.
Arin snapped back:
"I was carrying out the mission properly the whole time—what could I have possibly done?!"
(Well… he did do something. Just not something he could admit.)
Hiruzen remained silent.
"You still don't trust me?!" Arin roared.
"Alright, alright…" Hiruzen sighed. "You completed the mission perfectly. The new Daimyō has also praised both of you. But… where's Kazuma?"
Arin: "???"
Sakumo: "???"
"Who's that?" they asked in unison.
"YOUR TEAMMATE!!" Hiruzen's roar echoed throughout the Hokage Tower.
…
Daimyō Residence, Capital of Fire.
"We pay our respects to Lord Daimyō."
All present knelt before Hyuga Arin—
Who had now successfully become the Daimyō of the Land of Fire.
"You are all my trusted ministers. Rise," Arin said, waving his hand.
The officials stood.
These were the regional lords.
Because of the new Daimyō's succession, they had rushed here.
Only with his recognition could their rule remain legitimate.
With a smile, Arin looked at them.
"For the peace of the Land of Fire, I will rely on your continued efforts."
"Yes!!"
Arin had secured the position.
He recognized them—
And they, in turn, had to recognize him.
Even the nobles of the Capital of Fire could do nothing about it.
Everything had been prepared by Huolongjie before his death—
Plans to secure the throne.
All of it—
Now benefited Arin.
The lords reported their matters.
Since it wasn't tribute day, they soon left after making appearances.
A maid supported Arin as he walked into his study.
"What a corrupt society," Arin sighed.
Letting his incarnation enjoy this life wasn't bad.
As for rebellion—
That could wait until after he had enough fun.
"Kazuma."
A figure appeared instantly.
"Yes, Lord Daimyō," Kazuma responded.
After some thought, Arin said:
"I want you to form a dedicated ninja force for me. Can you do it?"
Kazuma looked up.
"What kind of force does Lord Daimyō require?"
Arin thought for a moment.
"At minimum—elite jōnin-level."
Kazuma hesitated.
"That will be difficult."
"I'll give you sufficient funds and manpower," Arin said calmly. "Search across the Land of Fire—or even other nations. Select suitable candidates."
"I want to establish the Twelve Guardian Ninja."
He intended to bring this system forward in advance.
Kazuma responded firmly:
"Yes!!"
With enough money—
There were plenty of powerful rogue ninja to recruit.
Arin nodded.
"You may leave."
"Yes."
Arin turned his gaze to the map of the Land of Fire spread across the table.
"I've essentially taken full control of the Land of Fire now."
…
"Looks like I've got some free time again," Arin muttered, stroking his chin.
His incarnation had become Daimyō—
So it couldn't move recklessly for now.
The Rain Country was handled by a Shadow Clone.
Arin went straight to find Danzo.
Danzo, who spent most of his time in Root, felt a headache coming the moment he saw Arin.
"Danzo-sama—"
"We cannot act against the Uchiha for now," Danzo cut him off immediately.
The disappearance of three Uchiha jōnin had put the entire clan on high alert.
It wasn't that he didn't want to act—
He simply couldn't.
Ever since Arin joined Root, Danzo felt like he had a boss constantly pressuring him.
Every day—
Another reminder.
"Danzo-sama, you misunderstand me. How could I possibly target my fellow villagers?" Arin said helplessly.
Danzo snorted.
He didn't believe a word.
Arin scratched his cheek awkwardly and got straight to the point.
"Let's go kill a Kage at random."
"…Do you have a problem with the Hokage?"
The two looked at each other—
Then silently turned their heads away.
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