T/n: For Every 100 Power Stone 1+ Chapter ( I hope I don't regret it and get burned out!! XD)
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Yuzuru said his goodbyes to Mikoto Uchiha and made his way to the Raikage's tower.
He had barely stepped into the office when a man in embroidered court robes was pounding the table in indignation. The Third Raikage sat silent, saying nothing.
When Yuzuru entered, the Third Raikage finally spoke. "Yuzuru, you're here."
Yuzuru nodded. Before he could say a word, the man who had been slamming the table rushed up to him.
"You're Yuzuru Uchiha?"
"I've long heard that Uchiha shinobi are arrogant," the envoy snapped, "but I never imagined you'd even dare to free a criminal clan that the Daimyō had imprisoned."
"Listen well: a tool is always just a tool. It doesn't matter if others see you as some bullshit great ninja clan or as powerhouses who shake the shinobi world. You must always remember your place and are absolutely forbidden from stepping out of line."
"I order you to go right now and capture all those Chinoike clan members and drag them back to Hell Valley."
"Otherwise..."
The Daimyō's envoy paused for effect and fixed Yuzuru with a threatening look. "Or else the fate of the Chinoike clan will be the future of your Uchiha!"
"Is that so?" Yuzuru smiled, then abruptly reached out and grabbed the envoy by the throat, lifting his slightly short, portly body off the floor. "Looks like you want to dance."
The envoy hadn't expected Yuzuru to move. Feeling the raw killing intent with no attempt at concealment, he turned his face toward the Third Raikage. "Raikage, are you planning a rebellion?!"
"If you kill me, you will not survive the Daimyō's wrath," the envoy added.
The Third Raikage remained silent.
Suffocated by the tightening grip, the envoy began to panic. He shouted at the Raikage, "Raikage, the Daimyō has always supported you! Is this how you repay him?"
At that, the Raikage looked conflicted. He opened his mouth. "Yuzuru, perhaps you should—"
Snap!
Before he could finish the sentence, Yuzuru snapped the envoy's neck.
"Third Raikage," Yuzuru said calmly afterward, "you heard his words. In their eyes, we've always been nothing but tools."
"'Support' was only because you could bring them profit."
"If interests clash, they will cut you off without pity."
"They're already reacting this strongly to the release of a clan that was once slandered. Imagine what will happen if one day we don't obey their every order."
Yuzuru's tone was cool and steady.
Like the capitalist masters of the previous life, no matter how benevolent they might appear, their essence was exploitation. To be eternally grateful for a single kindness would be the height of foolishness.
"This is not child's play," Yuzuru continued. "This is a life-and-death struggle. If we're going to act, we cannot afford mercy."
The Third Raikage sighed. "I know. If I truly had no worries, I wouldn't have supported your decision in the first place."
"But when the moment comes, it's hard not to feel some hesitation."
"Rest assured, Yuzuru. I won't risk small losses for greater ones."
In his heart, he too was very dissatisfied with the current system.
Those who followed him were all brothers who had been through life and death together; they were people of flesh and blood, with feelings.
But those high and mighty nobles treated them as mere tools, to be discarded at will to achieve their goals.
As a Kage, he had seen such things far too many times.
Now that such an opportunity was before him, he absolutely could not let it pass!
"You can leave this matter to me," Yuzuru said. "I'll go to Kyoto in person."
With that, he turned and left.
The Raikage was a man of loyalty and sentiment; he wouldn't force anyone's hand.
After leaving the Raikage tower, Yuzuru met with A, Sakumo Hatake, and Fugaku Uchiha. When he explained the situation, all three nearly dropped their jaws.
"Overthrow the Daimyō… is that even possible?" A blurted.
"Does Father know about this?" A asked.
Yuzuru nodded. "Of course. I had his approval before I released the Chinoike clan."
"No wonder…" A drew a deep breath and grinned. "I won't overthink it. If you and Father have decided, then let's do it!"
Yuzuru turned to Fugaku. Fugaku quickly replied, "Yuzuru, you told me not to overthink things. Like A, I'll follow whatever you say."
Yuzuru nodded with approval. Fugaku's biggest flaw was indecision, but as an ally he was dependable.
Yuzuru patted Fugaku on the shoulder and fixed his gaze on Sakumo Hatake.
Sakumo's voice was grave. "Yuzuru, I will help you accomplish whatever you need."
"Very well."
A smile crossed Yuzuru's face. Sakumo had the steadfast honor of a traditional warrior; once he pledged loyalty, he obeyed without question. To Sakumo, ordering him to kill the Daimyō was no different than ordering him to kill a rabid dog—as long as the object of his loyalty remained intact.
After gauging each man's resolve, Yuzuru raised his hand. "Let's move out!"
"Yes!"
———
Land of Lightning.
Kyoto.
Daimyo's Residence.
The Daimyō of the Land of Lightning sat at the head of the hall and addressed his ministers. "I've already sent word to the Cloud Hidden Village. I expect the Raikage will re-detain the Chinoike clan soon. The messenger should return with news shortly."
One minister spoke in a low voice, "My lord, this is not so simple. They released the imprisoned clan without seeking your permission. That means they hold you in contempt."
Another minister agreed, "Exactly. We should have them eliminate the Chinoike clan entirely to prove their loyalty."
"We should cut funding to the Cloud Hidden Village so they learn the cost of insolence."
"Bring the Raikage to Kyoto to offer a formal apology in person!"
"You have been too lenient with them, Lord Daimyō. That's why they grow bold."
"Those shinobi must be kept under constant pressure. I think we should follow the Wind Country's example: starve them, and they'll learn who their true benefactor is."
The Daimyō looked troubled. "You're not wrong. But what if the Raikage resists? That man has always had a temper."
Silence fell for a moment—and then the ministers laughed.
"Hahahaha… My lord, you're joking. How could those lowly shinobi dare to oppose you?"
"Exactly. You're worrying for nothing. You are the master of the Land of Lightning."
"If they defy your command, the whole shinobi world will turn against them. The Raikage wouldn't be stupid enough to provoke that."