"Asking for time — such nice words. But I'm afraid that after today, 'a little time' would turn into 'forever'..."
However, Aoi was going to disappoint him.
"No, I don't need to replace any officials," Aoi scoffed, curling his lip.
"You can even continue living in your palace and exercising the full authority of the Daimyo."
"What?"
Shimura froze, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "But... if that is the case, what benefit do you gain from this?"
"Benefit?"
Aoi couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Economic development in the Shinobi World was slow.
Compared to Earth, not even the agricultural economy was well-developed here, so naturally, they knew nothing about the mysteries of capital.
In a company, the true directors only make decisions and collect profits; the daily work is left to the employees...
To put it simply: He would be a Puppet Daimyo.
Die, or become a puppet...
"It seems... I have no choice?"
Shimura ground his teeth, his eyes burning with boundless hatred toward Aoi.
Even though a thin veil of dignity was being kept up, it didn't change the fact that he had lost his country.
But Aoi couldn't care less...
He hadn't come here to make friends with Shimura!
"Go!"
With a soft command, a pure white serpent slithered out from Aoi's sleeve. It bit Shimura firmly on the neck, leaving behind a mark shaped like an incomplete black magatama.
"AAHHH!!!"
Shimura collapsed to the ground in agony, curling up in pain. He glared at Aoi through gritted teeth.
"I thought you were a good man... I never expected you to be nothing but a venomous snake!"
"A venomous snake, you say?"
Before Aoi could even reply, Shinki rushed over and clamped his hand tightly over his father's mouth.
"Father, don't speak nonsense! Master Aoi... he is the savior of our country!"
"What?!"
Shimura's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe his own son would say such things — and even address the man who had stolen their country as 'Master'!
"Have you lost your mind?!" Shimura roared.
"No, I haven't!"
Shinki shook his head resolutely. "Only by following Master can I gain great power. And only with that power can I protect you and Noko!"
Just half a day ago, he had experienced firsthand what it felt like to be powerless.
Like fish on a chopping board, waiting to be carved up. He would never allow himself to be that weak and helpless again...
He needed power. Tremendous power!
A breeze blew, lifting the collar of Shinki's robe. Beneath the fabric, an incomplete black magatama glistened with a sinister, nauseating luster...
The Serpent Curse Mark. It granted ordinary humans power far exceeding their natural limits. And power... was the easiest thing in the world to lose oneself in.
One day later...
"Master! If I keep training like this, once the Curse Mark spreads across my entire body... will I be strong enough to defeat those Genin?"
Shinki circled around Aoi, running back and forth excitedly, much like a dog waiting for its master's reward.
"That is correct. And once you reach that point, I will grant you even greater power," Aoi nodded with a smile.
Shinki's spirit soared, filled with motivation.
Off to the side, Shimura held Noko tightly in his arms, watching his son with deep sorrow and regret.
He knows... Shinki has been completely consumed by this obsession. There is no turning back for him now.
Which was exactly why he had to protect his only daughter even more carefully.
"Noko, you must be extremely wary of Aoi," Shimura whispered, feeling the burning pain of the Curse Mark on his neck.
"That man... he is a demon!"
"I know, Father," Noko nodded gently.
Almost casually, she pulled her sleeve down over her wrist, hiding three smooth, round black magatama marks beneath the fabric.
> Follower: Noko
> Loyalty: (70/100)
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