Chapter 125: Daimyo
The entire Land of Wind had taken on a strange atmosphere.
Under the pretext of hunting down the remnants of Rasa's faction, the Princess had all but locked down the major roads throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the fugitive Baki, leading a band of rogue ninja, rampaged across the Land of Wind, slaughtering nobles and government officials indiscriminately.
Despite their efforts, the combined forces of the Land of Wind and Sunagakure always seemed to fall just a step behind.
Wherever Rasa's remnants went, rivers of blood followed…
A great number of the old noble families were wiped out, and some officials even chose to flee.
Even as the Princess repeatedly increased the number of pursuers, she was unable to completely eradicate them, and instead, her own forces suffered significant casualties.
Other nations and ninja villages had caught wind of the situation, gathering intelligence on the Land of Wind. The consensus was clear—this was a "bloody civil war" that would send the country into total decline.
The political system and military strength were both on the verge of collapse.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire personally wrote a letter offering to supply grain and daily necessities to help stabilize the Land of Wind's internal affairs.
As the civil war dragged on, the noble representatives of the old regime gradually withdrew from the center of political power.
The Princess's faction swiftly filled the power vacuum, gaining complete control over the Land of Wind.
And so, she naturally became one of the few female Daimyo in the nation's history.
Three months after Ichikawa Naomi officially took the title of Daimyo, Baki and the remnants of Rasa's faction were finally eliminated.
With that, the Land of Wind's "Bloody Civil War" was declared over.
Yet even after the conflict ended, the country remained in a state of semi-isolation. Apart from a few merchant caravans personally approved by the Daimyo, no one was permitted to enter or leave the country.
This policy sparked dissatisfaction among certain merchants.
However, the moniker of the "Bloody Princess" was no mere exaggeration, and those who voiced complaints quickly fell silent.
Throughout the war, nearly all of the old noble families had been eradicated, and four-fifths of the country's oasis lands had been reclaimed.
As a series of policies favoring the common people were gradually implemented, the previously indifferent civilians—who had never cared for the struggles between nobles, the Daimyo, or the ninja—became supporters of Ichikawa Naomi.
In just six months, the capital of the Land of Wind had regained its former prosperity.
Yet the Daimyo's residence itself saw little change. The grand hall at the center remained the same—an artificial golden sand dune, solidified into a small mountain.
Many officials had advised removing the golden dune and reconstructing the Daimyo's palace.
However, Ichikawa Naomi firmly rejected the proposal, stating that with the country in ruins and so many places in need of financial support, now was not the time for extravagant renovations.
Moreover, this golden mountain stood as a testament to the "Bloody Civil War," a constant reminder to herself and the upper echelons of the Land of Wind.
Her decision earned her the respect of many who had previously remained on the fence.
...
Inside a familiar pavilion, the once serene corner adorned with flower pots and wicker chairs had been transformed into a small desk stacked with government documents from all across the Land of Wind.
Danzo glanced at the window, a hint of nostalgia flashing across his face.
He then turned his gaze to Ichikawa Naomi, who was kneeling respectfully by the desk, and remarked,
"Didn't Nono send you plenty of internal affairs personnel? There's no need for you to handle everything yourself."
"My lord entrusted the Land of Wind to me. I dare not show the slightest negligence."
Hearing her response, Danzo sighed and shook his head.
He could guess at some of the deeper reasons behind her diligence.
Stepping forward, he lifted her chin and studied her striking features.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Strength is the foundation of everything."
Despite her position as Daimyo, she remained utterly submissive to Danzo's every action. She gazed at him with longing eyes and whispered,
"I am not as talented as Lady Pakura. The only way I can help you is by doing what I can."
Danzo scoffed, releasing her chin. "You're letting power cloud your vision."
"I have disappointed you…" Without hesitation, Ichikawa Naomi prostrated herself on the ground, pressing her forehead tightly against the floor.
Looking at the complicated woman kneeling before him, Danzo wasn't sure what to feel.
He greatly enjoyed the way she submitted to him—not just physically, but from the depths of her soul.
If Pakura's attachment to him was possessive in nature, then Ichikawa Naomi's was rooted in fear and obedience.
Yes, fear—an innate terror that consumed her very soul.
Every time her will neared its breaking point, Danzo could sense it clearly—excitement, pleasure, submission, fear, dependence, the desire to please… a complex mix of emotions.
At times, he even wondered if she suffered from Stockholm Syndrome.
Yet at the same time, she held an insatiable hunger for power—an innate obsession with control.
"Enough of that. How are the matters I assigned to you progressing?"
At his words, Ichikawa Naomi quickly answered with reverence, "Everything has been arranged, my lord."
After speaking, she hesitated for a moment, as if making a difficult decision. With a hint of mist in her eyes, she cautiously murmured,
"If my lord dislikes the way I am now… I can always stay by your side…"
Danzo gave a dismissive wave. "You should remain here as Daimyo of the Land of Wind. If you stick too close to me, Pakura might just burn you alive… Dealing with you two is already troublesome enough."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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