"I'll help you get rid of the remaining Daimyos."
Genzo didn't smile. He didn't nod with visible relief. He simply held Nathan's gaze for a beat longer, as though confirming the words weren't said in haste or anger, then inclined his head once — the barest acknowledgment of an agreement sealed.
"But I have conditions."
Genzo nodded once. "I'm listening."
"When the South is clear — when we're done — you bring your shinobis to the capital. All of them. To protect the throne and Ayame."
Genzo was quiet for a moment, not hesitating so much as measuring his words before they left him. "I cannot empty the South entirely. Whatever we build here once the Daimyos are gone will need hands to maintain it, people to ensure it doesn't simply collapse back into the same shape we pulled it out of. Some of my people must stay." He met Nathan's gaze evenly. "But that doesn't mean the capital goes unprotected."
