Capital of the Land of Fire
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When the daimyo ascended the throne, the Land of Fire was only a small country. During his reign, he worked diligently to strengthen the nation's power. Recognizing the potential behind the ninja, he collaborated with Hashirama and agreed to the establishment of the Ninja Village, hiring the services of Konoha Ninja Village.
The daimyo then used the ninja village as the main force and the samurai army as supplementary combat units, personally orchestrating foreign military operations. By gradually eroding surrounding small countries, he established the current pattern of the Land of Fire.
Among all the monarchs of the Land of Fire, this daimyo stands out as one of the best, perhaps even the greatest. He is destined to be admired by future generations.
However, due to overworking on national affairs, the daimyo became ill without realizing it. A minor illness exacerbated all the hidden health issues within his body, and he fell seriously ill. Within half a month, the daimyo passed away in his mansion.
Upon hearing the news, Tobirama quickly notified Hashirama, who was recuperating at home. Hashirama sighed and said, "I didn't expect His Highness to go before me. When I visited the daimyo's mansion before, he seemed full of spirit."
Hashirama had collaborated with the daimyo for many years, developing a friendship beyond just monarch and subject. He felt profound sadness, compounded by the regret of not being able to see the daimyo one last time.
"Nii-san, now that the daimyo has passed away, I will go to the daimyo's mansion for the funeral," Tobirama said. "The village's affairs will be entrusted to you while I leave."
"No, I want to go too," Hashirama shook his head. "I have known His Highness for many years. I cannot stay in the village. Don't worry about my health. It can withstand the journey."
Tobirama knew that having Hashirama attend the funeral in person would help gain the trust of the new daimyo, but he was concerned about Hashirama's weakening body and didn't want to burden him. Seeing Hashirama's determined expression, Tobirama understood he couldn't dissuade him, so he said no more.
With Hashirama and Tobirama preparing to leave the village, the daily affairs were managed by Mito. As the wife of the First Hokage, she had the ability to temporarily take over duties. Tobirama selected some members from the Anbu to serve as a guard, protecting him and Hashirama on their journey to the daimyo's mansion.
Initially, Tobirama planned to bring only a small team due to his own formidable strength. However, with Hashirama joining, he had to select larger teams. There were many who would desire Hashirama's life, and as long as he lived, someone would be willing to assassinate him for fame and fortune.
In the past, assassins from the Land of Taki attempted to kill Hashirama. Although Hashirama was at his peak and easily defeated them, the assassins were strong enough to escape using secret techniques. Now, with rumors of Hashirama's abdication spreading, there might be those daring enough to attempt an assassination. Tobirama had to be fully prepared.
Soon, the escort team was identified, consisting of three Anbu teams, including his seven disciples. Fumori Masaki did not expect to have the opportunity to visit the capital so soon, but given the circumstances, he might not have the chance to see the scriptures in the Temple of Fire.
While shouldering the responsibility of protecting the Hokage, the others harbored a longing to see the capital. They had never been to the capital and were curious about its appearance. At least, Rimi looked forward to seeing the prosperity of the capital, as indicated by the clothes Fumori Masaki had sent her from there.
The funeral of a monarch necessitated urgency, and they were soon ready to go. A group of people gathered at the village entrance. Besides the seven disciples and Rimi, the three teams included a member of the Hyuga clan selected for their exceptional abilities.
Hyuga members were skilled in reconnaissance. Having a Hyuga clan member guaranteed control of the surrounding situation. Fumori Masaki first saw this Hyuga branch member, introduced by Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, as Hyuga Kei.
Hyuga Kei was a talented individual in the Hyuga family, closely related to the current Hyuga clan head. The Hyuga family sent him to the Anbu directly under the Hokage to strengthen ties. Similar thoughts were behind the selection of every Anbu member.
The captains of the three teams were Senju Toka, a female ninja who had long followed Hashirama and Tobirama, Sarutobi Sasuke, the Patriarch of the Sarutobi family, and Aburame Yuichi, the Patriarch of the Aburame family.
With these people around, Tobirama felt confident in Hashirama's safety. After assigning responsibilities to each of them, they set off.
There was an official road directly connecting Konoha Ninja Village to the capital. All unnecessary obstacles were removed, ensuring a clear path to the capital. During the battle between Hashirama and Madara, this road was affected, but it was soon repaired.
Along the way, Hyuga Kei constantly monitored the surroundings with his Byakugan, coordinating with Aburame Yuichi's insects. There were almost no ninjas who could hide from them, ensuring a calm journey. However, everyone refrained from chatting, as this was not an outing.
Outside of missions, Fumori Masaki and others could freely laugh and talk, but during missions, everyone was required to take things seriously and not relax. He detested frivolous behavior, which never appeared in front of him.
After Anbu training, Fumori Masaki and others' quality undoubtedly met the standard. During the journey, they remained silent and loyal to their duties. Only during rest did they use a method of dialogue they had developed to complain about the current depressed atmosphere.
In their minds, Hashirama was mostly amiable, but under these circumstances, he appeared indifferent. If he had headed to the capital, the atmosphere would have been less dull.
Hashirama could have livened up the atmosphere, but his health was poor, and he was worried about the daimyo's death. He either hurried along or sat and rested without saying much.
A few days later, the capital appeared before them. After speaking with the capital guards, they were allowed into the city.
As soon as they entered the capital, Sarutobi Hiruzen and others, who had never been there, were dazzled. The buildings in Konoha Ninja Village were plain, but the capital was extraordinarily prosperous, with streets and alleys, restaurants, and teahouses not found in Konoha, leaving them awestruck.
Even Fumori Masaki, with experience from another world, found the reality and atmosphere of the capital far surpassing any TV drama depiction.
Hashirama and Tobirama were accustomed to the capital and wasted no time. Instead of heading straight to the daimyo's mansion, Tobirama took everyone to the Temple of Fire in the capital. They wouldn't bring so many people to meet the new daimyo; only Hashirama and Tobirama would go, while the rest stayed at the Temple of Fire.
Fumori Masaki felt incredibly fortunate. Not only did he come to the capital, but he also got to visit the Temple of Fire. While it was unlikely he could immediately study the Ninja classics of the Land of Fire, he could at least learn some knowledge from the monks or the priest.
At the Temple of Fire, the elder priest and several monks came out to greet Hashirama and Tobirama. The priest was a kind old man over fifty, who informed Fumori Masaki and others that guest rooms would be arranged for them. They could stay at the Temple of Fire until Hashirama and Tobirama returned.
After instructing the three captains, including Senju Toka, Tobirama and Hashirama headed to the daimyo's mansion. The captains followed closely, returning to the Temple of Fire only after seeing the two enter the daimyo's mansion.
The remaining group, led by the monks, went to the guest rooms, and the elder priest of the Temple of Fire would later take them on a tour of the temple.
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