CHARTER 85
See You
At that moment, a guard hurriedly approached the entrance of the Fire Daimyō's palace, leaning in to whisper something to the sentry stationed at the main hall.
A look of astonishment gradually appeared on the sentry's face.
"He really said his name is Abe Jingming?"
The guard gave a firm nod.
The sentry, overhearing the conversation inside the hall, knew that the Daimyō was currently planning to meet this so-called Abe Jingming. Quickly adjusting his posture, he rushed into the hall and knelt on one knee.
"My Lord, there is a man outside who claims to be Abe Jingming and seeks an audience with you."
The Fire Daimyō's eyes widened in surprise. Is this fate? he thought to himself.
Without hesitation, he eagerly commanded, "Quickly, bring him in."
---
Soon, Uchiha Tunan, disguised as Abe Jingming, stepped into the grand palace under the guidance of the attendants. His stride was measured, exuding confidence. With one hand placed against his chest and the other resting behind his back, he ignored the curious gazes of the assembled ministers and officials. He walked straight to the shōji screen that concealed the Daimyō and bowed deeply.
"Yanno Gofu Abe Jingming greets Your Excellency."
The ministers, having finally laid eyes on the rumored strategist, began whispering amongst themselves.
"So this is the famed Jingming? He certainly carries himself like a true master."
"Yes, his posture alone speaks volumes. Such composure in the presence of the Daimyō is remarkable."
"In a setting like this, most men would struggle to remain steady, yet there isn't the slightest trace of fear in his eyes. He is undoubtedly extraordinary."
---
The Fire Daimyō straightened his back and cleared his throat. The murmuring ministers quickly recognized their breach of decorum and fell silent.
Peering through the silk curtain that veiled his throne, the Daimyō carefully examined the elderly man before him. Then, with a slight wave of his hand, he said, "Mr. Jingming, you may rise."
Uchiha Tunan slowly lifted his gaze and locked eyes with the Daimyō.
A chill ran down the Daimyō's spine.
Despite his aged appearance, the depth and intensity in his eyes were suffocating. It was a gaze that held wisdom, calculation, and overwhelming presence.
Swallowing hard, the Daimyō forced a smile onto his face. "Mr. Jingming, did you foresee that I would summon you today?"
Uchiha Tunan gently stroked his beard, his expression unreadable as he took in his surroundings. After a moment, he smiled subtly.
This simple act made the Daimyō uneasy. He hesitated, then glanced at the ministers behind him before making a decision.
"All of you, leave us. I wish to speak with Mr. Jingming alone."
The officials exchanged glances but obeyed in unison. "Yes, my Lord."
One by one, they exited the hall. However, instead of dispersing, they lingered just outside the palace gates, waiting expectantly.
"It seems His Excellency shares our admiration for this man."
"A strategist of this caliber is someone we must all learn from."
---
As the last of the officials left, silence settled over the hall. Only Uchiha Tunan and the Fire Daimyō remained.
A brief yet heavy silence followed.
Eventually, the Daimyō, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, leaned forward and spoke in a measured tone.
"Mr. Jingming, may I inquire about the two strategies you wrote about?"
Uchiha Tunan narrowed his eyes slightly. As expected, the Daimyō was deeply intrigued. He responded coolly:
"Your Excellency, one technique and two strategies are not ordinary teachings. Simply knowing them is not enough—without proper discipline, they cannot be utilized.
Especially the Emperor's Mind Technique. It requires guidance from a skilled mentor, rigorous training of the mind, and years of cultivation. Only by achieving a state where one's emotions remain unshaken, neither showing joy nor anger outwardly, can one truly master it.
The process is long and arduous, requiring immense patience. The younger one starts, the better."
Of course, Uchiha Tunan had not fully constructed the intricate details of this supposed method. He knew that revealing too much too soon could arouse suspicion.
Hearing this, the Daimyō fell into deep thought. His fingers tapped against the wooden armrest of his throne as he analyzed Tunan's words.
Indeed, the younger the mind, the more adaptable it is. Whether in swordsmanship or governance, early conditioning always produced the best results.
The Daimyō finally nodded. "If my successor were to learn these techniques and strategies, could he truly achieve the level of mastery you described?"
Uchiha Tunan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I do not dare claim that learning these methods will guarantee the unification of the Five Great Nations or end this era of conflict.
However, I am 70% certain that he can become a true ruler of the Land of Fire."
The hall fell into complete silence.
Only the Daimyō's slightly rapid breathing was audible—he was clearly suppressing his excitement.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke in a sincere tone.
"In that case, I humbly request that you take both of my children as your students.
Naraku is my heir. I want you to teach him one technique and two strategies so that he may govern the Land of Fire wisely.
As for Nahara, he is strong-willed and undisciplined. I ask that you mold him into a proper leader."
---
Hearing this, Uchiha Tunan's objective had been achieved. There was no need to continue playing coy.
He immediately bowed. "It is an honor to pass on my teachings to the next generation.
Your Excellency, rest assured—I will devote myself fully to their education."
The Daimyō's excitement was evident. If what this man claimed was true, then his son Naraku would no longer be shackled by the Hidden Leaf's influence. He would finally rule as an independent Daimyō.
Suppressing his emotions, the Daimyō smiled. "If Naraku succeeds and truly becomes the rightful ruler, then I promise you this:
You will be named Dazai of the Land of Fire and granted supreme authority as my chief advisor."
Uchiha Tunan decisively shook his head.
"I have already promised Lord Tunan to continue teaching the orphans. I cannot abandon my word. I will remain in Beicheng Weifu."
---
Later That Evening – Beicheng Weifu Garden
As the setting sun bathed the orphanage garden in golden light, children ran and played. Their laughter echoed across the courtyard.
Uchiha Tunan sat under the eaves, sipping tea, watching them with quiet contemplation.
"Alright, it's time to eat," he finally called.
A small boy tugged at his sleeve. "Onii-san, aren't you playing with us?"
Tunan smiled. "I have important matters to attend to. Go eat, and sleep early—lack of rest will stunt your growth."
One by one, the children ran up to hug him before dashing inside.
Watching them leave, Tunan's expression darkened slightly.
Yoshihara Ao, standing beside him, observed his demeanor. "Tunan-sama is very fond of the children."
Tunan placed his teacup down, his voice almost a whisper.
"They are like the morning sun, innocent and full of potential."
Then, as if shifting to another thought entirely, he turned to Yoshihara Ao.
"Within three days, I want a full report on every black-market casino, illegal brothel, smuggling ring, and criminal stronghold in the region."
Ao hesitated. "My lord, are you planning—"
Tunan's hand suddenly stopped mid-air, and he turned, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"Just do it."
Ao immediately fell to his knees, cold sweat dripping down his face. "Y-Yes, my lord."
Tunan resumed sipping his tea, his voice calm.
"The Land of Fire must be cleansed of its impurities."
And with that, he plucked a daisy from the garden, bringing it to his nose with an air of tranquility.
One step closer to true power.