The grand carriage rolled to a smooth halt at the ornate eastern gates of the Fire Capital.
Dawn painted the sky in soft gold and rose, while the streets already hummed with early activity.
Towering pagodas gleamed, colorful lanterns swayed in the breeze, and the air mixed the savory scents of steaming dumplings, grilled fish, and sweet rice cakes with the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms.
Inside,
Minato and Kushina had changed from their ruined garments—torn and stained from their heated night—into fresh attire.
Minato wore a pristine white and blue Hokage robe with flame embroidery, while Kushina donned an elegant deep red kimono that highlighted her curves, her fiery hair in a loose ponytail.
Minato stepped out first, exuding calm authority. Kushina followed, her movements graceful yet carrying a subtle tenderness between her thighs.
Nearby, the Daimyo's personal guards dismounted. The veteran kept his composure, but the echoes of Kushina's passionate screams and the wet, rhythmic sounds from the carriage still lingered.
The younger guard muttered, "They changed clothes completely… must have destroyed the old ones. Hearing Lady Kushina like that—moaning, screaming for more—was something I won't forget."
The veteran nodded. "Keep quiet about it. We serve the Daimyo."
Citizens pressed against barriers, murmuring in excitement. "The Fourth Hokage in person!" a merchant said. "And Lady Kushina—her beauty is even greater up close."
Lord Haruto, the elderly senior minister with a long white beard, approached with a small group of officials in fine silk and gold ornaments.
Haruto had become a trusted subordinate to Minato years ago, quietly shifting his allegiance. To strengthen their alliance and secure his position under Minato's future rule, he had offered his wife, the intelligent and alluring Nico Robin, to serve Minato as he wished.
Haruto bowed with deep respect. "Hokage-sama, it is an honor to welcome you and Lady Kushina back to the capital. Your presence brings hope to many of us who have waited for real change."
Minato returned the bow. "Thank you, Haruto. How is Nico Robin?"
"She is well and eager to assist in any way you require," Haruto replied smoothly, a subtle understanding passing between them.
"She sends her regards and looks forward to contributing her skills to your plans."
Kushina smiled graciously. "Please give her my warm greetings as well."
A younger minister bowed. "Lady Kushina, your strength and grace are admired throughout the court."
The crowd continued whispering.
"They look like true leaders," a blacksmith noted. "Not like the current ruler wasting resources on parties."
Haruto gestured ahead. "You must be tired after the journey. I can escort you to the prepared mansion overlooking the eastern gardens."
Minato declined. "The journey was refreshing. I'd rather walk the streets and see how the capital has changed. You will accompany us."
Haruto nodded. "Of course. I'll guide you personally." He turned to the other officials. "Return to your duties. Prepare the council reports and strengthen the outer patrols. I will handle this."
The ministers departed with bows, some stealing glances at Kushina as they left.
As the three walked the bustling main avenue, vendors called out their goods and children watched from a distance. Daimyo guards kept a loose perimeter.
Haruto spoke quietly as they passed a crowded market. "The Daimyo has ordered all starving refugees and lower-class citizens removed beyond the city walls.
He wants the streets spotless for tomorrow's grand festival—the one you were invited to attend.
No signs of poverty to ruin his display of wealth."
Kushina frowned. "That's incredibly cruel. People left hungry while he throws a lavish party?"
"Exactly," Haruto said. "This will be his final festival. The resentment has built too high. Rebellion is coming—many are ready to act once the celebrations begin and the Daimyo reveals his excesses."
Minato asked directly, "What about preparations on our side? Give me the details."
Haruto answered efficiently. "We have hidden stockpiles of weapons and supplies in three warehouses near the eastern gates, disguised as festival goods. More than two hundred guards and officials have committed to our cause, including some from the Daimyo's own ranks.
Nico Robin has been essential—her network mapped the palace's weak points, and she gathered critical information through careful persuasion of key figures."
Kushina added, "We must protect civilians during any upheaval. Are evacuation routes ready?"
"Yes," Haruto confirmed. "Robin oversaw those plans herself. She holds great respect for your strength, Lady Kushina."
They paused near a fountain plaza as a group of merchants approached.
Their leader, Goro, bowed. "Hokage-sama, the safer roads have helped trade, but the new taxes for the festival are breaking us. My family barely had enough to eat last week."
Minato listened attentively. "Your concerns are noted. Under better leadership, honest workers will see relief. What word from the outer districts?"
Goro glanced around. "The displaced people are furious. They're camped outside the walls and may try to storm the gates during the festival if the Daimyo flaunts his luxury."
A young flower seller named Aiko stepped closer, offering a bloom to Kushina. "Lady Kushina, the women here support real change. We're tired of noble excess."
Kushina accepted the flower. "Thank you, Aiko. Your voice matters."
Further down the street, an elderly scholar near a blacksmith's stall joined briefly. "The Daimyo's endless parties and concubines have drained the treasury. The people look to you for stability, Hokage-sama."
Haruto added, "My loyalty has been with you for years. Offering Robin's service was my way of ensuring a stronger future. She is fully committed to the cause."
Minato replied, "Your efforts are valuable, Haruto. Keep Robin safe. We will attend the festival tomorrow, observe carefully, and act when the time is right."
The walk continued with more interactions. A group of children shyly presented handmade drawings.
A tavern owner complained about extortion by corrupt guards but pledged quiet support. An informant discreetly passed Haruto a note on palace movements.
Kushina leaned toward Minato at one point. "The city is on edge, but the support is clear."
Minato nodded, his hand brushing hers. "We'll guide this carefully—together."
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