Records

So long as Tayuya didn't stupidly travel to certain places, she would not be searched out for her arrest.

The Village Hidden in Grass was also worth mentioning. While news had already made headlines of her escape, many believed it to be Orochimaru's doing.

Kabuto had relayed the information to the snake, who found it interesting but didn't pay any mind to it. He had what he wanted, and that was the Uchiha at his side. Who cared that a failed subordinate escaped from one of the world's most prominent prisons?

Greed and lust often clouded judgment.

And as long as Tayuya remained within Arthur's borders, it was soon becoming apparent that no one could lay a hand on her.

Half a day slipped away, each moment marked by the replenishment of chakra needed for the ceaseless use of the Flying Raijin.

Some agencies were small and less active, allowing for more relaxed delivery mechanisms, such as messenger hawks inconspicuously transmitting documents without drawing suspicion.

Finally, by noon, Arthur had lodged Tayuya's papers with all of the significant agencies across the eastern hemisphere, expecting responses and confirmations in two to three business days.

He had done well in the delicately placed bureaucratic alterations, leveraging his position effectively to orchestrate the clearing of a criminal's name. But in tandem, Arthur was aware of the gaps that separated him from the scrutiny into which he had stepped.

He found his situation ironic—while he engaged in dealings meant to cleanse Tayuya's association with criminality, he himself had broken the law's tenets for personal gain.

Arthur had manipulated more than a few legal frameworks across borders, creating a confluence of influence that could easily land him in a courtroom if his deeds were exposed.

But he understood how to maintain this fine balance, aware that his own influence held sway over both enemies and allies alike.

Such was the life of a man who wielded power without restraints. He had unfettered access to countless secrets and credence within the upper echelons of society—a real lord maneuvering in this wicked world.

Three days later.

Reports flowed into his office, and the absence of inquiries or challenges from the various agencies suggested success through his changes.

Arthur received confirmations of approval and signatures, each note a validation of his efforts.

Soon enough, that moment arrived—his mission had concluded. Tayuya's name would be erased from public and private records across the east side of the hemisphere.

She would no longer be defined by the residues of her past and would soon be forgotten.

This opportunity for reinvention was now in her grasp, and he intended to ensure she would not squander it.

While at his desk, Arthur was distracted by the tapping of fingers, contemplating when it would be best to take the Box of Paradise.

Then he heard three knocks at his office door. He turned his head toward the entrance.

"Come in," he called, already knowing it was his secretary.

The door creaked open, and a woman entered. With a humble bow, she approached his desk and handed him a neatly folded letter.

"This just arrived for you, my lord," she said with a respectful tone.

Arthur was only a little intrigued. It wasn't often that she delivered letters personally. Most of the time, he'd just have her open them for him. Unless it was that significant, then she'd advise him of its contents.

Her nod acknowledged his silence as she exited the room.

With his curiosity piqued, he unfolded the letter. The familiar handwriting belonged to Hiromu. However, the content of the note was an unexpected one:

'Dear Lord Belfort, I write to you from my sickbed, feeling wretched and unable to attend the upcoming feudal lord's meeting in the Land of Flowers. This illness has taken a toll on my strength, and it is with regret that I must delegate our representation at this important gathering. A representative from our country must attend, and I would appreciate your attendance as my successor. I trust that you will perform admirably, as you always do. Regards, Hiromu.'

Arthur felt a tad annoyed.

These meetings occurred quarterly, rotating through the countries, and while they may seem unimportant, they were vital for maintaining alliances and discussing land distributions, trade pacts, and agricultural challenges.

He had completely forgotten about this scheduled meeting, his focus having been on Tayuya's expungement.

Hiromu's health issue could not have come at a worse time, yet there was little space for sympathy in the role he had personally chosen.

The feudal lord meetings were honestly nothing to brag about. They were a parade of political posturing, dusty rhetoric, and an abundance of minutiae about land distributions, political ordeals, and resource allocations.

Every four months, a different country was selected to host under an unwritten agreement that even the Kages were not allowed to attend or talk about.

In truth, the gatherings often devolved into drudgery, devoid of significant decisions that could alter the world's landscape unless the five major companies aligned themselves in uncommon alliances.

With Hiromu sick, there was no one else to fulfil the role, and it fell upon Arthur to represent the Water Country. To send someone of lesser rank would be akin to declaring war on dignity itself; it was an affront the gathered lords would not tolerate.

Arthur would gladly declare war and slaughter all those who considered themselves lords. But he wasn't stupid. His current military power wasn't strong enough, and he himself was too weak.

With every action came a reaction, and killing feudal lords could bear severe consequences.

Yet, amid Arthur's annoyance, there was an opportunity.

This meeting was not merely another bureaucratic obligation; it offered a chance to engage with Yoshiyuki Kaneko, feudal lord of the Fire Country!

Through all his observations of the feudal hierarchy, Arthur knew the importance of establishing rapport with other lords, particularly someone as shrewd as Yoshiyuki.

From what Arthur remembered of this feudal lord, Yoshiyuki was characterized by his indecisive and capricious nature. He often let himself be influenced by external factors and the opinions of those around him, leading to decisions that seemed to lack conviction.

When faced with the need for quick and consequential choices, he typically delegated the responsibility to his advisers, allowing the most persuasive among them to sway his judgment.

Such an act was unbecoming of a real lord, no different than the rulers on earth.

While Yoshiyuki had a notable admiration for Jiraiya and expressed interest in him as a candidate for Hokage, his tendency to conform ultimately led him to follow the recommendations of advisers like Shikaku Nara and Danzō Shimura.

During significant events, such as the emergency meeting following the incapacitation of the third Hokage, he played a role in the decision-making process for the next leader of the village.

However, three years from now, his reluctance to replace the comatose Tsunade during Pain's invasion showed his hesitance in leadership, as he leaned heavily on others' opinions for guidance, ultimately allowing Danzō's ideologies to sway him toward appointing the man as a Hokage candidate.

In the context of the Fourth World War, Yoshiyuki, along with other feudal lords, sought safety in a fortified location. Despite the dangers surrounding him, he seemed more preoccupied with trivial matters, such as naming the medals for Shinobi, rather than the situation.

His detachment became even more evident when he and the other feudal lords found themselves caught in the Infinite Tsukuyomi, revealing his tendency to overlook critical threats until it was too late.

Arthur knew these characters well. And where there was opportunity, there was a chance for growth.

He rose from his desk, smoothing his attire to prepare for the journey ahead after dawning the traditional headpiece most feudal lords wore.

He then summoned his secretary once more.

"Make arrangements for my travel to the Land of Flowers," he commanded. "I won't require an escort. Just a reliable carriage."

"Of course, my lord. Should I arrange for anyone to accompany you? I'm more than available," she inquired, glancing up from her notes.

"No," he reiterated, dismissing the notion. "Just ensure the carriage is ready."

After she departed, he returned to his contemplation.

The Box of Paradise could wait, as its significance shouldn't matter for another three years anyway.

He would need to seize the opportunity presented to him to engage Yoshiyuki and potentially increase the Water Country's influence that spanned the ninja nations.

Two days later.

Traveling through verdant pastures, teeming forests, and finally toward the aromatic flora that defined the Land of Flowers, Arthur arrived at his destination.

This place was almost like a fantasy land. The grandeur of the feudal domain was encased within animated blooms and stunning landscapes.

The Land of Flowers was a small yet remarkably fertile nation known for its vibrant agricultural output, particularly in floral cultivation. Its rich soil allowed for the flourishing of various crops, which had become the cornerstone of its economy and were traded extensively.

The nation had long established a critical relationship with the neighbouring Land of Earth, which, due to its less hospitable terrain, depended on flowers for sustenance.

It was a country only ever written about in one of the light novels from earth. Arthur only knew of its existence because it was required of him as the feudal lord's successor.

The country's interdependence was rooted in history, having faced conflicts in the aftermath of a harsh winter that strained their previous treaty. Although the Land of Flowers lost some territory during that turbulent period, it found refuge in an alliance with the Land of Lightning, which continued to provide support ever since.

Several years from now, after the Fourth World War, tensions rose as the feudal lord from the Earth Country plotted an invasion against the Land of Flowers.

Many viewed this potential aggression as a capricious strategy to seize control over a resource-rich neighbour. The feudal lord of this country at that time was the son of the current feudal lord. He was very young and grappling with the choice of surrendering to avoid conflict.

However, the impending threat captured the attention of the Leaf Village, prompting its leaders to act in defense of the small nation.

Naruto, who had become the seventh Hokage, allowed his adviser, Shikamaru, to take a stand against the invasion, advocating for a peaceful resolution. They even went as far as to persuade the fourth Tsuchikage, who was Kurotsuchi, not to support her own feudal lord's ambitions.

When that effort fell short, they proposed a territorial compromise to appease the Land of Earth, leading to a Continental Summit intended to determine the fate of the Land of Flowers.

The feudal lord of the Earth Country was hesitant to publicly advocate for his country, relying on the support of his allies for that diplomatic crisis.

Ultimately, the Summit's outcome allowed the Land of Flowers to avoid invasion and solidify its position on the regional stage, stressing its importance in the balance of power.

If it were Arthur, he wouldn't have hesitated to declare war on the Fire Country for having involved themselves in his affairs.

As his carriage approached the meeting hall, he was met not only by guards but by the feudal lord of this country, who had come to greet him personally.

Arthur had forgotten the man's name, a lapse quickly alleviated by his instinct to display respect.

"Ah, senior," he greeted with a confident smile as he dismounted. "It's a pleasure to be here."

The feudal lord chuckled due to him being shown respect.

"You honour us with your presence, Lord Belfort. We've been eager to meet you, especially after hearing of the commendable strides you've made in the Water Country's economy."

"Your country must be lovely during this season," Arthur commented, shifting the conversation as they walked toward the meeting room.

Floral scents filled the air, a charming dichotomy to the diplomatic exchange ahead.