As Minato pushed open the heavy oak doors, they creaked loudly under the strain, echoing through the vast entry hall.
Kushina followed right behind, her steps quick and purposeful on the polished marble floors.
The mansion's interior unfolded like a carefully staged display of power: massive crystal chandeliers swayed gently overhead, casting shifting patterns of light across silk wall scrolls and ornate wooden pillars carved with intricate battle scenes.
The air carried a mix of fresh tatami, expensive incense, and the faint metallic tang of hidden weapons.
Servants moved silently in the background, adjusting vases of rare flowers or polishing already spotless surfaces.
Kushina dropped into one of the grand ebony chairs near the center, running her hand over the detailed dragon carvings on the armrests.
The wood felt solid and cool, clearly imported from distant lands at great cost.
"It's even worse than I thought," she said, glancing around with a sharp, critical eye.
"All this excess on display. I'm surprised someone hasn't killed him yet."Minato paced a few steps toward a large window overlooking the inner garden, his hand resting briefly on the frame as he scanned the shadows outside.
"Many have tried," he replied evenly, turning back to face her.
"Failed every time. The security here is layered deeper than it looks—traps in the floors, guards on rotating shifts." He crossed the room in three strides and stopped in front of her chair, offering a hand to help her up.
"You should rest here and prepare for tomorrow. The meeting will test everything we planned."Kushina took his hand and stood, giving it a firm squeeze before letting go.
"I'm ready," she stated, her tone direct and focused. They shared a quick nod, the kind born from years of working together under pressure. Minato adjusted the strap on his gear pouch, then pulled her into a brief, solid hug—his arms wrapping around her shoulders with practiced ease.
"Then it's good. I'm going to take care of some things," he said, releasing her and heading toward the side corridor without another glance back.
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the hall quieter than before.Fubuki examined herself one last time in the tall mirror as Haruka made a final adjustment to the light blue dress.
The silk fabric shifted smoothly, hugging her figure with precise tailoring that allowed full range of movement while maintaining its elegant lines. Haruka stepped back, smoothing a wrinkle near the shoulder.
"You are ready, my lady," Haruka said, her voice calm and professional as she gathered the small tray of hairpins from the vanity.Fubuki turned away from the mirror, testing a step in the dress to ensure it wouldn't restrict her.
"Very well. It is almost time to go and greet Father." She moved toward the chamber door, Haruka falling in step just behind her.
As they exited into the main hallway, Fubuki spoke again without slowing.
"Any reports from the outer courts today?"Haruka kept pace, her own simpler robes rustling softly.
"Nothing unusual, my lady. Two minor petitions from the western provinces arrived, but they were redirected as expected. The servants have been whispering about increased patrols near the eastern walls, though."Fubuki nodded once, her eyes scanning the passing rooms.
Servants immediately knelt as she approached, heads lowered in perfect unison, their murmurs of respect fading behind her. The palace stretched out endlessly—halls wide enough for mounted guards to ride through, lined with jade statues, weapon displays, and rooms dedicated to everything from private baths to strategy maps.
Its scale alone could swallow villages whole, designed to intimidate before a single word was spoken.
Moonlight streamed through high arched windows, highlighting the golden inlays on the pillars and giving the entire structure an almost unreal glow.
They continued in silence for several minutes, passing smaller courtyards where night-blooming flowers released their scent. Haruka cleared her throat lightly.
"Will you need me to wait outside the residence, my lady?"
"No," Fubuki replied.
"Return to the chambers and prepare the scrolls for tomorrow's review. I will handle this alone." Haruka bowed and split off at the next junction, disappearing down a side passage.
Fubuki pressed on, the path growing more guarded with each turn. Elite sentinels stood at regular intervals, their armor reflecting the lantern light.
As she reached the Daimyo's personal residence, a full line of guards blocked the massive ironwood doors. Their full-plate armor covered every inch, masks hiding all expression, and their stance suggested readiness for instant action.
She couldn't pinpoint their exact numbers in the surrounding shadows, but the weight of their presence was unmistakable.She halted a few paces away and waited.The guards remained completely still.
"May I meet the Lord Daimyo?" she asked clearly.
"Wait," the lead guard responded, his voice stern and cold, carrying no deference despite her status.
Clenching her fist she just stood there waiting for them to open the doors.
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