Chapter 31: The Future

Land of Fire

In the most prosperous town under the control of the wealthiest Daimyo in the Land of Fire.

Kaz was wandering through the Daimyo's unimpeded as lurked in the shadows.

It's been months since he was tasked to transmit information concerning the Land of Fire.

As the most prosperous town in the Land of Fire, it boasted a population of almost a hundred thousand.

Many caravans from foreign lands, and merchants arrive here to sell their goods.

With so much trade the rumors were just as much.

What better to filter the rumors than to stalk the Daimyo himself as the retainers inform him of the most concerning rumors?

Hidden in the open ceiling behind one of the numerous pillars that adorned the ceiling, he watched as the retainers.

One by one informed the Daimyo of various rumors that should be paid attention to.

"I believe it is imperative that we now consider Hashirama Senju's proposition that was brought to our attention years ago, Daimyo."

The Daimyo who was obese and sitting on a grand chair, showed amusement, "I believe you said years ago that we shouldn't support shinobi after all they are barbaric and arrogant. What has made you change your mind?"

"For years the most prominent clans have been the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan. No other clan was capable of matching their prowess.

But now the balance has been broken, the Uchiha Clan has not won a single battle that Hashirama participated in.

Now in the most recent battle between the Uchiha and the Senju, Izuna Uchiha has fallen in battle.

With the Uchiha losing one of their strongest shinobi, it shouldn't be too long till the Senju destroy the Uchiha Clan.

Once they do, no one will be able to stop their founding of a village, we must be the first to support them."

Once the words of the retainer ended, a commotion broke out among the retainers as they advised the Daimyo to quickly send words.

While others sought to validate if the retainer's words were true.

The Daimyo, knowing the weight of this information, looked at his most trusted retainer who simply nodded their head saying the word of the retainer was true.

With confirmation, the Daimyo announced to send word to the Senju that they agreed to their proposition and to prepare gifts to the Senju for their splendid victory against the Uchiha.

Kaz's eyes gleamed.

Finally my Master said it would happen but I didn't think it would actually happen.

The information he was told to report as soon as it appeared was the death of Madara Uchiha's brother. 

He spent months here although it seemed long, he expected it to be years before he returned to his Master's side.

Soon…He will be by his master's side soon.

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On an island west of the main island of the Land of Water

Ritsu was accompanied by Jinsei, Riku, and Masayoshi.

They were currently face to face with a minor Daimyo, the owner of this small island.

[Nekohachi Takahashi - Daimyo

Age: 44

Affiliation: Takahashi Family Line

Loyalty: Family 55, Hikaru Suzuki 33, Ryōsuke Yamashita 45 

Kekkei Genkai: None

Bloodline: 5%

Talent: Fire F, Water E, Calligraphy B, Mathematics B,

Summary: Why did you bother to inspect this man when you already had information on him? Did you expect him to be a hidden genius? Just a greedy man wanting more than he already has, while blaming his wife for not giving birth to a son.]

The man in front of them was a tall man with no muscle, but the man had a beer belly and a long black beard.

His eyes were black, and his hair was fading and tied into a bun.

The man was currently sweating bullets at the individuals in front of him.

At least to one in particular.

The man with white hair and a huge frame was covered with numerous scars that were visible even when he was covered.

The man exuded an aura that made him uneasy.

At first, Takahashi thought Jinsei was the leader of the group but when the young boy introduced them, it turned out he was the son of a Clan leader that had brought six clans under him.

It was quite a big number of clans to be following under one clan.

The boy's father must be quite strong to accomplish such a task.

After they finished introducing themselves, Takahashi was confused as to why this group of shinobi sought him out.

When they explained to him that they wished for him to be their backer he was reluctant as he didn't want to support them.

His land didn't have much, he couldn't support them financially as he didn't want to let go of his hard-earned money.

If he had to then that would mean he would have to raise taxes, but he doesn't believe it would work as the peasants refused to pay a year ago when he raised the taxes again.

They talked about something along the lines of wanting to found a village and they needed the support of the Daimyo giving them missions, and signing papers.

At first, Takahashi thought that if that was all they needed it would be great, however as he thought about how he might have to work he was reluctant to agree.

But his demeanor changed when was presented with money that was equal to ten years' worth of taxes.

He gave them his insignia and promised that he would be their Daimyo for their village. He even signed the paper that they handed to him.

He even took the initiative to introduce his daughters.

They were already of age but he had yet to find them suitable suitors.

Luckily it seems they came right to his doorstep.

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Months passed since the day they visited.

The following days were spent counting all the money Takahashi was given.

Besides the money he was given the last few months, he was also given a couple of papers that required his signature.

At first, he tried to read the details in the papers, however the tall frame man looked quite intimidating.

His body was full of muscle and scars when Takahashi looked at him he couldn't help but feel that the man was impatient.

Initially he was worried over signing the document but after a month he was brought deeds of stores and towns that he now had ownership of.

Other times they would bring him vast amounts of money.

He didn't even have to do anything; he just had to sign papers and they gave him gifts.

Maybe ninjas aren't as scary as he thought them to be.

He wanted to visit the man who brought these clans together but recently word has spread to his little island over how the weather would drastically change.

The weather would cause landslides, flooding, thunder, and falling trees.

Because of the weather he didn't dare to go out.

Even with the group he was backing, he rather not take any chance that might harm his life.

To the common shinobi it was a matter of exerting a bit more effort to avoid these dangers.

But to the common man a tree falling on them could cause serious injuries.

Not to mention being buried in landslides and the only entourage you had with you were common mercenaries.

One of the victims due the chaotic weather was one of his friends.

In fact, it was his only friend who met a tragic end when he was visiting a town he owned.

It was a storming night and the trees near him had fallen onto his carriage killing him and his family.

Whether fortunate or unfortunate his friend had him in his will.

So just as quickly as he felt devastated his mood was easily uplifted when saw the deeds to towns his friend owned.

Due to his vast amount of wealth that he acquired in a short time he felt that he should be a bit nicer to his people.

He lowered taxes by a whole percent.

'They should be grateful that I even considered lowering the taxes.'

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"Young Master, due to our recent activities the Daimyos of the Land of Water have started to hire shinobi. 

Although some suspect the events are caused by shinobi no one has concrete proof.

Some are even hiring shinobi whenever they are met with bad weather.

There seems to be no reaction from shinobi clans other than Daimyos, who are very overly worried," reported Chikao.

"That's good as long as the shinobi don't react we will keep doing what we are doing."

"But if we keep going then they will start to get suspicious."

"Very well, we will lower the frequency then. Now tell me how those two responded to my request."

Chikao gave a wry smile, "Kinji said that he would encourage his Clan, as for him he's recently proposed to someone within his Clan.

He believes it is a bit too soon and wishes to take his time."

"And Jinsei? What was his response?" 

"He plans on grooming a successor."

Ritsu's facial expression visibly darkened, "What did his father think about his words."

"His father wasn't there at the time."

"I'll need to have a word with that old man so maybe he can convince his son. How are the other clans doing?"

"I've finished documenting all the families, orphans, and newly weds."

"It's expected that are numbers will be increasing steadily."

"Very well, is there anything else?"

"Yes," Chikao's face became solemn, "We've received word from Kaz….." his words trailing off 

Ritsu remained pensive, "So Izuna Uchiha has finally died. The final battle between Uchiha and Senju is close.

Prepare the shinobi who are specializing in ambush and speed.

We will need to sow discord amongst the Yuki Faction and the Hozuki Faction. Dismissed."

Ritsu waved off Chikao as turned to look out the window behind him.

'It's close.'

The sound of the door closes.

'I will be the First Mizukage in this world, that's a given.'

'But what's next?'

'All the animes, novels, fan fictions I've read the protagonist would always try to maintain peace.'

'Am I that type of person, no I'm not I've killed and I felt nothing at the time. My actions in this world would be psychopathic in my previous world.'

'Yet our history has shown just how messed up we can be.'

The sound of the door opening caused Ritsu to face the person entering his office without knocking.

As he did his determination blazed through his eyes.

'And I will make sure that I am forever remembered throughout history….No matter the cost.'

"Ena…..What brings you here at this hour?"

Ena stayed quiet struggling to voice her concerns.

"Brother, I…I want to do more, I want to help the cl–y–you…I want to help you. You had Chikao train me, then Master Jinsei."

Her chubby face showed determination. 

"But I feel that I'm not doing enough. I want to carry a bigger burden."

'She wasn't going to take no for an answer…..'

"Hmmm…. I was going to have a talk with Father about preparing you to be the successor of the Karatachi Clan."

"B–Brother what do you mean? Are you…"

"When the village is formed I will be the first Mizukage."

"Mizukage?"

"Yes this Land is known for always being shrouded in Mist, but with my intervention the future generations will not experience this.

Hence I decided the title of the leader of the village will be in remembrance of the Mist that once shrouded the Land of Water.

I will be the first Mizukage, my focus will no longer be on the Karatachi, but for the greater of the village as a whole."

...…Silence enveloped the two siblings as Ena was stunned by the prospect of possibly being the Clan Leader in the future.

"The Clan…" she started feebly.

"Then you beat them." interrupted Ritsu in a resolute voice.

"Beat them till they acknowledge you, strength was always the answer in the past and it will be in the future.

Without strength you can't protect those besides you or your loved ones.

Remember that."

Ena stared at the back of her brother that turned to gaze at the stars.

"Even if I become the Clanhead as long as you live our Clan will never face any problems."

"As long as I live....That's right as long as I am alive nothing will happen."

Ritsu turned as he put emphasis on being alive…

His eyes bore through her, Ena felt a horrible premonition.

"The unpredictability of this world is what makes life so fleeting.

Just as the Yua Clan betrayed us…..They indulge in victory.

Yet in the end they were exterminated and enslaved.

Clans that were numerous and thriving vanished in a night.

Who is to say the same won't happen to me, to the clans, or the village."

"I won't let it happen."

"We'll see….."

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A/N: I am back in school. I will try and upload once a week on Monday preferably.