The fire Daimyō

Over the next few weeks, the two newly joined clans began their inclusion into the current camp.

It became apparent, that through their experience as nomads, the Hoshikawa clan was able to give advice on useful and effective locations, to build the village.

This also helped, in forming bonds between the clans even faster. While the Kurogane Clan was not as easygoing as the Hoshikawa tribe, they also showed their ability, not to be outshined.

It seemed, that by coincidence, the two clans actually had a bit of a friendly rivalry among themselves. Said rivalry came from their completely opposite origins.

One a clan that has lived in the same location for centuries, building their preferred home, the other nomads who traveled and lived practically everywhere. Even their fighting styles were like this, in some spars that took place, to become more familiar with each other, those two showed two completely different fighting styles.

The Kurogane, with their metal release fought like a moving fortress, impregnable defense under normal means, and though slow, but powerful attacks, that even Madara and Chouichiro hat to acknowledge.

The Hoshikawa, meanwhile, preferred always the most efficient way to take down their enemies. As nomads that traveled through many lands, they encountered their fair share of different adversaries. This helped them in create a unique way of fighting, a method to adapt to most enemies and use their weaknesses against them. Even if there were no weaknesses to be abused, they could always count on their Celestial style, to fight back.

Kaitou and the others were quite surprised by this development, but welcomed it with open arms. A healthy rivalry could work wonders, and if those two clans were to realize that they could support each other and overcome their distinct weaknesses upon working together, then Konoha could gain another great combination like the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, but this remained to be seen.

After the clans started to settle down, there was another surprise. An envoy sent by the Daimyō. The envoy conveyed a message, that the Daimyō requests for a meeting with leaders.

This situation was met with caution and suspicion. To be on the safer side, all of the, decided to rather go with a smaller group, to not intimidate the Daimyō needlessly. It was decided that only Hashirama, Madara, Shikakane, and a member of the Hoshikawa family as an intermediary, would go this time.

They decided to not to delay it for too long, and started traveling back to the Daimyō along the envoy.

The journey merely took a few days before they reached the noble districts, where the Daimyō resided.

As the delegation made their way through the grand halls of the Daimyō's palace, the difference between their world and his became increasingly obvious. The lavish decor, the soft murmur of courtiers discussing politics, and the ever-present air of control - it was a stark contrast to the battlefield, where alliances were forged through blood and steel, not words and parchment. 

The Daimyō himself was an older man, his sharp eyes betraying a lifetime of political maneuvering. He regarded the shinobi with curiosity and caution, his advisors standing close, their expressions unreadable. The meeting had barely begun when he got straight to the point. 

"This proposal of yours… a village of shinobi, all united under one banner. A bold idea. And bold ideas often lead to rebellion." His gaze swept over them, lingering on Hashirama. "Why should I allow this to happen?" 

Hashirama, ever the diplomat, leaned forward slightly. "Because a village means stability. The shinobi clans have fought for generations, each one vying for power, burning the land with their wars. If we are united, that stops. We will protect the Land of Fire as one, as this is our home." 

One of the noble advisors scoffed. "And what guarantee do we have that this 'village' of yours won't turn its strength against us?" 

Madara exhaled sharply, already growing tired of the conversation. "Do not mistake our desire for peace for weakness. We are shinobi, not your dogs, but we are also not your enemies. Unless, of course, you make us so." 

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air. Hashirama shot Madara a look, but the Uchiha merely crossed his arms, unbothered. 

Shikakane Nara stepped in smoothly, his tone even. "The shinobi have always fought because there was no other choice. But this village… it offers something different. Order. Loyalty. A future where children don't have to grow up knowing only war." 

Elder Hotaka Kurogane nodded in agreement. "Our blacksmiths have forged weapons for samurai and shinobi alike for centuries. We know the strength of both. A village like this could be the greatest force of defense the Land of Fire has ever seen." 

The Daimyō steepled his fingers. "Defense, you say? That sounds good… but also dangerous." 

Another of his advisors leaned forward. "There must be conditions. This 'Hokage' of yours - he must answer to the Daimyō. The village must provide forces in times of war. And the shinobi must not interfere in matters of state." 

Hashirama hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "The condition to provide assistance in war is acceptable and a given. The rest meanwhile, it will not be possible that the 'Hokage' will answer every call, this position will have too many responsibilities for that." 

Shikakane used this as an opportunity, "If I'm allowed to say something, then I would propose, to make this relationship more of a partnership for business. The Daimyō will be the main sponsor of the village and can request help through mission assignments, while also have a say in important matters, such as the election of the 'Hokage' position. On our side we will contribute forces in times of war, and if agreed upon by both parties will send specially selected Shinobi, that would serve as guards for you, Lord Daimyō."

All parties thought about this, and continued to tweak a few smaller things about this proposal.

As the meeting concluded, the Daimyō gave his final word. "Very well. The Hidden Village of Konoha will be recognized under these terms. But you should not forget who rules this land." 

As they left the palace, Madara walked ahead, his steps heavy with frustration. Hashirama caught up with him. 

"What was that back there?" 

Madara didn't stop. "You're too willing to kneel. These men see us as nothing more than weapons. They will use us until we are no longer useful, and then they will cast us aside." 

Hashirama sighed. "This is how we avoid more bloodshed. A compromise." 

Madara finally stopped and turned to him. "No, Hashirama. This is just a slightly better word for submission. And one day, you will see the cost of it." 

The other two members remained silent, to give the two leaders room for their discussion, after the two finished all of them started the journey back, though, their was a palpable tension in the air.

Now without the envoy, the whole way back merely took hours to complete.