If Nagato's destruction of Konoha had, to some extent, shown people his overwhelming power—
Then for the Daimyo, it meant nothing.
Because none of it concerned them.
To them, ninja fighting each other was no different from dogs biting one another—it was merely entertainment.
Even if Konoha were destroyed, others would rebuild a ninja village—and it would still require the Daimyo's approval.
After all, the Daimyo possessed the land.
They possessed the nation!
While ninja could only survive under their favor!
But now, things were different.
A Kagerō had appeared—
And along with him, that accursed concept: "Land Reform"!
Fire Country Daimyo: "This Kagerō must be killed!"
Earth Country Daimyo: "Compared to Nagato's terrorist destruction of Konoha, this Kagerō is the true root of upheaval. Land reform? Hah."
Cloud Country Daimyo's expression darkened. "This kind of reform would completely overturn the world. And when that happens, we will cease to exist!"
Wind Country Daimyo frowned. "Even though our land is scarce, that makes it all the more precious. I propose that once this viewing ends, we eliminate that boy named Kagerō."
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!" the others echoed in low voices.
After all, what this boy named Kagerō proposed… was true revolution!!!
Land—being the rarest resource in this world—
How could it be reformed?
How could it be touched?!
To them, Nagato was merely a powerful ninja.
But Kagerō was different.
He possessed the power to overturn the entire world!
The Fire Country Daimyo spoke in a low voice:
"Land reform sounds impressive, but there's no need to worry. It simply cannot be realized!"
As soon as he said this, the others immediately looked up, asking why.
The Fire Country Daimyo narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"To carry out reform, one must have strength. Do the civilians have strength? They don't even possess swords or blades!"
"That's right!" The others brightened instantly.
"We worried for nothing, hahaha!"
"With those people? Are they going to start a revolution with hoes? Hahaha!"
"..."
Yet despite their laughter, their eyes remained fixed on the vast screen stretching across the sky.
Their words were relaxed—
But their hearts were anything but.
Jiraiya did not sleep that night.
Kagerō's words echoed in his mind again and again.
The more he thought about them, the more shocked he became.
He felt as though he had glimpsed the day peace would arrive.
"So the root problem isn't ninja warfare… but the system. Because ninja are tools of the system, both war and peace are beyond their control…"
Jiraiya murmured, deeply shaken.
He had never thought about things this way before.
The key lay in one sentence:
Ninja are tools of the system.
Once he grasped this, everything seemed to make sense.
"But why can't I fully understand it? How could ninja possibly be tools?" Jiraiya struggled internally.
By dawn, as they set out once more, he finally asked the question aloud.
Kagerō simply smiled faintly.
"When we reach Konoha, I'll give you the answer. For now, let's head to the Daimyo's capital—the most prosperous place in this world!"
Jiraiya pursed his lips, saying nothing.
To him, the Daimyo's capital was just a place with higher prices and prettier dancers.
After all, throughout his travels, he had focused on ninja matters…
And the Icha Icha series…
He rarely paid attention to anything else.
That difference in perspective—was the difference between people.
And sometimes, that difference could be fatal.
As they approached the Daimyo's capital, the roads became increasingly smooth.
The number of merchants traveling back and forth visibly increased.
Even the outer walls were constructed from solid stone, with soldiers stationed above, armed with spears and bows.
After entering the capital—
The streets were wide.
Shops lined both sides, bustling with activity.
The variety of goods far exceeded what they had seen before.
Civilians and merchants filled the streets.
Ox carts carried goods back and forth.
Every face was full of energy, eyes shining with purpose.
As their ox cart entered the inner city—
It began to feel out of place.
The surroundings were impeccably clean.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air.
The place had already taken on the shape of a true city.
Located at the center of the world, the Land of Fire gathered people from many nations.
The atmosphere was lively and vibrant.
Senju Hashirama: "The Daimyo's capital has changed a lot… I remember when the ground was still dirt. Now it's all stone."
Back when he was the First Hokage, he had visited the capital.
He knew what it used to be like.
Compared to then, the current scene shocked him.
Even Konoha had not reached this level.
And its size was more than ten times that of the village.
Wealthy.
Prosperous.
Clean.
Spacious.
All of it was laid bare before their eyes.
Uchiha Madara: "Mm… it's developed quickly. The Land of Fire's capital is probably the most prosperous place in the world."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Teacher is right. Other nations' capitals aren't nearly as large."
Fourth Raikage: "Hmph. What's the use of appearances? It might just be decoration."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Nonsense. Why don't you try decorating yours and let me see?"
Tsunade: "The Daimyo's capital, huh… their casinos always welcome me!"
"See that?" Jiraiya pointed ahead excitedly. "That grand building on the high ground—that's the Daimyo's residence! Look at how tall it is!"
Though he was a ninja of Konoha, he was still a citizen of the Land of Fire.
Seeing such magnificent architecture filled him with pride.
Standing atop the ox cart, Kagerō gazed at the towering complex surrounded by high walls, his heart filled with emotion.
Then he turned back to look at the inner city walls.
"Jiraiya," he asked calmly, "the Daimyo's capital is indeed vast and prosperous… but why are there three layers of walls?"