After fully grasping the meaning behind Genma's words, Shimizu Kisuke hesitated slightly.
Fundamentally, merging their forces was indeed a good idea. A ninja like Hane Genma would undoubtedly bolster Reito Castle's combat strength. More importantly, this move would consolidate Kawagenkoku's armed forces, paving the way for unifying the region's political landscape. When a region has only one daimyo, with military efforts aligned outward and political directives flowing smoothly from top to bottom, internal conflicts vanish, and Kawagenkoku's situation would improve dramatically.
With this as a foundation, even if grand ambitions for the future weren't guaranteed, the situation would certainly be far clearer than before. The benefits were obvious, yet Shimizu Kisuke still wavered.
It wasn't that he distrusted Genma. To put it bluntly, a daimyo's priorities differed from a ninja's. As long as both sides remained rational, cooperation wouldn't be an issue. The problem was that, no matter how clever Shimizu Kisuke was, he couldn't escape the limitations of his status. He was a daimyo, and the idea of a ninja planning to betray another daimyo in his presence felt inherently uncomfortable.
Moreover, the previous daimyo of Kikyo Castle had died not long ago, and theoretically, Genma wasn't entirely unconnected to that incident. If they proceeded with this partnership, it was inevitable that the guest might eventually overshadow the host. In such a scenario, the daimyo would likely have to swallow his pride for the sake of the nation.
Shimizu Kisuke had complete control over the Akimichi clan, wielding them like an extension of his own arm. However, Genma's Firefly Organization was unlikely to integrate so harmoniously. Still, reason told Kisuke that these concerns weren't insurmountable. After all, this daimyo was someone who constantly pondered how to surrender, to whom, and in what manner. Partnering with Genma—how could the outcome possibly be worse than surrender?
After some thought, Shimizu Kisuke decided to be forthright. "If we proceed with this partnership," he asked, "what will become of Kikyo Castle's daimyo?"
Genma shook his head, adopting a slightly puzzled expression. "Lord Daimyo, it seems your intelligence-gathering capabilities are somewhat limited… Kikyo Castle currently has no daimyo."
Back then, Genma hadn't allowed Date Toyosaka to assume the title of daimyo, instead appointing him as "Acting Castle Lord." At the time, Genma's foresight hadn't extended so far; denying Date the title was merely a petty act to annoy him. Now, it had turned into an unintended stroke of fortune.
"No daimyo? Isn't Lord Date Toyosaka the current daimyo of Kikyo Castle?" Shimizu Kisuke couldn't hide his surprise.
Why was there always some new twist he hadn't anticipated?
Genma shook his head firmly. "After the previous daimyo of Kikyo Castle died unexpectedly, his direct kin also tragically perished. Thus, the responsibility of managing Kikyo Castle fell to Date Toyosaka. However, he governs not as a daimyo but as the Acting Castle Lord."
The previous daimyo and his family hadn't died by Genma's hand—the true culprit was someone else entirely, and Date Toyosaka could vouch for that.
"Acting Castle Lord? So he's not a daimyo…" Kisuke murmured.
In other words, Genma and his Firefly Organization had never been subordinate to another daimyo. Without a formal allegiance, their shift in loyalty couldn't be labeled as betrayal. Though this was merely a convenient technicality, Shimizu Kisuke understood the importance of legitimacy. For the first time, he felt a sense of clarity.
"Of course not," Genma continued. "If you're willing, Lord Daimyo, Date could become your vassal."
If Kisuke wasn't willing, that was no concern of Genma's. He wasn't Date Toyosaka's father, after all, and had no obligation to coddle him. Regardless, Date's role as a puppet was clear, and his opinions were largely irrelevant.
Throughout their conversation, Genma's way of addressing the daimyo had felt deliberately awkward. Now, Kisuke realized it was a subtle hint: if they collaborated, it would be as equals. Having witnessed Genma's strength firsthand, Kisuke had no objections to this arrangement. In the presence of a powerful ninja, a daimyo couldn't afford to take himself too seriously—a mindset that ensured longevity.
Ninjas might not extend a daimyo's lifespan, but they could certainly send one to an early grave at lightning speed. The unspoken agreement between political powers and ninja forces was just that—an agreement. And that agreement's binding force was weakening by the day. With the vivid example of his "peers" before him, Kisuke knew the value of caution.
He wasn't one to dawdle. After weighing the pros and cons, he stood and extended his right hand firmly toward Genma. "Mister Genma, to a fruitful partnership."
"To a fruitful partnership, Lord Daimyo," Genma replied, standing and clasping Kisuke's hand in a solemn handshake.
As they sat back down, Kisuke added, "There's one thing I must clarify upfront. I cannot force the Akimichi clan to join your organization. I hope you understand."
"I understand," Genma said. "Leave that to me."
Daimyo or not, it was merely a bonus to the Akimichi clan. Though he'd chatted with Kisuke at length, Genma hadn't forgotten his true objective. After hashing out some details and finalizing their agreement, Genma took his leave.
The Akimichi clan was unaware they'd been sold out by their lord. Despite their low morale, they continued to fight for Reito Castle. Genma didn't even need to send a message—single-combat duels occurred every other day, and soon enough, an Akimichi ninja would show up. Their numbers were small, so it wouldn't take long for Genma to face them all.
Gradually, the Firefly Organization's ninjas and the Akimichi clan began mingling during these duels, casually commenting on the battles together. In this natural way, the Akimichi learned what kind of group the Firefly Organization truly was.
Of course, not every Akimichi fought with the same frequency. By the time Akimichi Jinsei took his third beating, winter had ended, and spring had warmed the land.
Guess what? Through relentless cycles of eating, sleeping, and pummeling the Akimichi, Genma unknowingly mastered Yang chakra nature transformation. Winter was typically a season for bulking up, but after this one, the Akimichi ninjas were leaner than ever.
Genma was happy to keep fighting. With these free sparring partners, he not only learned a new chakra nature but also made significant progress in taijutsu and Boil Release. However, Akimichi Jinsei had finally had enough.
That evening, he arrived alone at Kikyo Castle, ready for a face-to-face talk with Genma. The Firefly Organization's camp had long since completed its construction, and Genma met Jinsei in the reception room of his residence. Jinsei was visibly furious but lacked any real means to retaliate.
"Lord Genma," Jinsei began bluntly, his tone rigid and tinged with grievance, "our battles have dragged on through the entire winter. Even I can see you're scheming something. Whatever you want, just say it."
What could Genma possibly be scheming? It was nothing more than a calculated game of cat and mouse. Still, Jinsei's solo visit to Kikyo Castle showed he wasn't worried about his safety. If Genma had any intent to harm him, he'd have died on the battlefield long ago. His bold attitude was, in a way, a sign of confidence.
"Oh? Clan Leader Jinsei, I don't recall you wearing that headband style before," Genma remarked, sidestepping the question and poking at a sore spot.
After a failed attempt at styling his hair, Jinsei had resorted to wrapping his head in a cloth. And now, the culprit was teasing him about it. Jinsei felt his anger swell, as if his stomach had inflated another inch.
"I don't have any special demands," Genma continued. "In fact, our entire organization greatly admires Lord Shimizu Kisuke and wishes to serve him. However, the daimyo has been concerned about your clan's feelings, worried that mixing ninjas from different backgrounds might cause conflict. That's why he's hesitated to accept us. So, I've had no choice but to keep fighting you to prove our strength. Recently, though, Lord Shimizu came up with a solution that benefits everyone—but he's worried you won't accept it."
Jinsei didn't see anything unacceptable about it. After taking a beating for so long, they'd gained some understanding of Genma and the Firefly Organization. Would their joining Reito Castle really be a bad thing?
"A solution that benefits everyone? What is it?" Jinsei asked.
"We join the Akimichi clan," Genma replied, "and together, we serve as the daimyo's ninjas."
"What?" Jinsei let out a bitter laugh.
Join the Akimichi clan? They didn't have the strength to subdue Genma. Even if one organization could join a ninja clan, the clan's control would inevitably fall into Genma's hands. It would be a complete reversal of power.
"Lord Genma, if you want to invite us to join the Firefly Organization, just say so."
"Clan Leader Jinsei, you're a straightforward man," Genma said. "I've always admired your clan's strength. If our forces could unite, it would benefit Lord Shimizu, Reito Castle, Kikyo Castle, and all of Kawagenkoku."
Genma wasn't just eyeing the Akimichi clan. He was casting a net, hoping to eventually reel in the Yamanaka and Nara clans as well. If it was true that Genma intended to serve under Reito Castle, Jinsei could agree to join the Firefly Organization on the spot. Genma had fought nearly every Akimichi ninja, forging a bond through combat. He'd won them over, albeit not in the most virtuous way.
As clan leader, however, Jinsei had to be cautious. "Like the Fuma clan in your organization?" he asked.
Over time, Jinsei had learned how the Fuma clan operated within the Firefly Organization: they followed collective orders while retaining relative independence.
"Exactly," Genma said. "Within the organization, the Akimichi clan remains the Akimichi clan. That won't change."
In truth, after surviving their toughest times, the former Hanemiya ninjas in the organization could reclaim their original surnames without issue. But to maintain harmony with the Fuma clan and uphold the "all are brothers" atmosphere, Genma hadn't done so yet.
Jinsei considered this. "I'll need to discuss this with the clan," he said. "More importantly, this must align with Lord Daimyo's wishes."
"That's only natural," Genma replied. "We deeply respect Lord Shimizu."
Genma knew the Akimichi clan wasn't Jinsei's personal fiefdom. But with the daimyo's approval and the clan's integrity preserved, their collective will would likely align with his goals.
Jinsei left soon after. By the next morning, he returned to Kikyo Castle with his two brothers, Kigetsu and Shingu.
"Lord Genma," Jinsei said formally, his attire and demeanor impeccable, "per the daimyo's instructions, the Akimichi clan is willing to join the Firefly Organization. From now on, we will follow the organization's will and orders. We ask that you treat us with fairness and openness, valuing our lives as you would your own kin."
"I will never take any member's life lightly," Genma replied. "This isn't a vow—it's a fact."
The ninjas standing behind him could all attest to that. Then, Genma and Jinsei clasped hands firmly.
Nearby, Fuma Goro stirred excitedly. "Here it comes, everyone!" he whispered.
"Here comes what?" someone played along.
"The blood-melding ritual, what else?" Goro replied.
Having endured a cut himself, Goro was eager to see others go through the same ordeal. He now knew Genma's recovery ability was extraordinary, but the upside was that while Goro only had to take one cut, Genma took one every time. In a way, it was his own fault.
"Is that really necessary?" Genma muttered.
The Akimichi were adept at Yang chakra, so a cut would heal quickly, pain aside. But before he could object, Morinaga Chihori approached with a tray covered in white silk, a short sword resting atop it—complete with five rings. It was the same blade Genma had taken from the Sarutobi clan.
The atmosphere was set, so Genma sighed. "Fine, let's do it."
"Blood… melding what?" Jinsei asked, confused.
Before he could process it, Genma gripped his hand tightly. In a swift motion, Genma drove the blade through both their palms, pinning them together. Jinsei's mouth twitched in pain.
He instantly understood the ritual's significance, but… what kind of barbaric tribal custom was this?
As their blood dripped, the surrounding crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause. Jinsei was baffled. Why were they so excited? He couldn't grasp what this ritual meant to the once-desperate Fuma clan.
Chihori retrieved the sword, cleaned and disinfected it, then stored it with great care. Genma's mouth twitched—seriously? He half-suspected he'd die of some cross-infection one day.
With the ritual complete, the Akimichi were now part of the fold. As they bandaged their wounds, Genma began assigning tasks to his new allies.
"Clan Leader Jinsei," he said, "the ninja forces of Kawagenkoku will soon be reorganized. This is important but not urgent. Right now, I have a critical task for you."
Jinsei nodded stiffly, bracing for a severe test as a new member.
"Speak, Lord Genma."
"Here's the deal," Genma said. "I need to focus my energy on military matters, which means the daimyo must allocate budget and funds to military efforts. Your task is crucial: secure as much funding as possible from Lord Shimizu. Administrative costs are negligible right now, and the daimyo doesn't need an overly lavish lifestyle. So where should Kawagenkoku's money go? To us, of course."
Jinsei: "…"
What? This was the critical task? It was indeed urgent and important, but why entrust it to him, the organization's "new guy"? Genma, of course, knew exactly why: this task would clarify Jinsei's position.
Ninjas were ninjas, and daimyo were daimyo. They could work closely, but their roles must remain distinct.
"Any issues?" Genma asked, noting Jinsei's silence.
"None at all," Jinsei replied. "But… how much budget do we need?"
"As much as you can get," Genma said. "If you can convince the daimyo to cut back on meals, even better."
Just don't starve him, right? Impossible. Jinsei's expression turned skeptical. Wasn't Genma supposed to respect Lord Shimizu? This was a strange way to show it.
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