Seeing the tense atmosphere, the Water Daimyo tried to smooth things over.
"Fifth Mizukage, believe me, whether Mother Island becomes ours or not, I will not let Kirigakure pursue such dangerous research again," he said. "I am providing military funds to develop military talent for the country, not to dabble in these dangerous and questionable practices!"
His voice was passionate, and Ao quietly reminded him, "Daimyo-sama, keep your voice down. Those young people are coming over..."
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, the Daimyo turned around to see the villagers making way. Natsuhane and Honoka Uzumaki were walking hand in hand towards the Kirigakure troops.
"This boy dares to come over! Big brother, quickly have someone kill him. I will sign the agreement immediately after it's done!" the former Sea Daimyo urgently pleaded. "Mei Terumi, I am your future husband. You have to help me too!"
However, things did not go as he had hoped. The Water Daimyo and Mei Terumi paid no attention to his pleas, showing no intention of taking action. Both were very interested in Natsuhane's strength.
When Natsuhane reached them, the Water Daimyo, out of habit, assumed a superior posture and asked arrogantly, "Young man, not bad. The two ministers said you single-handedly repelled the Johuto pirates. Is that true?"
"Heh... are you questioning my strength?" Natsuhane coldly eyed the Water Daimyo. "And please mind your words and attitude. I am not a 'young man.' I am a Daimyo like you, our positions are equal."
Hearing Natsuhane's tone, one of the Kirigakure elders turned red with anger.
"How dare you! A mere Daimyo of a small country, and one who seized power under dubious circumstances! How dare you speak to our Water Daimyo like that? Do you really think you are someone important?"
The Water Daimyo quickly waved his hand. "It's fine. Times have changed. The young people these days are very bold. It's just their nature. I can understand."
The Water Daimyo might have been magnanimous, but Natsuhane had no intention of tolerating such disrespect on his own turf. He moved his hands swiftly, forming seals.
"He's going to attack!"
The Kirigakure elder could not believe that the young man dared to make a move despite the presence of the Kirigakure ninja force.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
Three fire dragons shot from Natsuhane's mouth. As they ascended, the dragons expanded rapidly, covering the sky.
The Kirigakure members were stunned by the immense power of the fire release. Even Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, was taken aback. She knew she could not fend off the three dragons with her water release alone.
As the dragons approached, Mei Terumi quickly commanded, "Everyone, use Water Wall Jutsu! Full power!"
Her shout snapped everyone out of their shock.
"Water Style: Water Wall!" ×N
The Kirigakure ninjas formed a line, spewing waterfall-like streams that converged into a massive curved water wall, forming a protective circle around them.
The fire dragons collided with the water wall. Thanks to the collective effort of the Kirigakure ninjas, they barely managed to hold the fire at bay. Thick steam enveloped the area, and amidst the mist, Natsuhane's cold voice echoed.
"How about that? Do you need another round?"
"No, no, that's enough!" The Water Daimyo's legs went weak, and he stammered, "I... I was wrong. You indeed have the strength to defeat the Johuto pirates single-handedly. I believe you!"
"Daimyo-sama, how can you give in?" the elder who had rebuked Natsuhane earlier urged, "He is alone, and we have so many ninjas. We still have a chance if we fight!"
"Idiot!" The Water Daimyo scolded, "Don't you think? He is an exceptional talent. Fighting him does us no good. We should be trying to form an alliance! With such a powerful Daimyo in the Sea Country, and considering the Sea Country is not a ninja nation, he could become a hidden asset if another war breaks out."
"You are wise, Daimyo-sama!"
"Enough!" the Water Daimyo shouted, "Stop flattering me and apologize to the young man!"
The former Sea Daimyo was frantic. "Big brother! What about me? You can't abandon me. What about those three islands?"
"A powerful ally is more valuable than three barren islands. And don't call me big brother; we are not close..."
"..." Hearing his "big brother's" words, the former Sea Daimyo was utterly hopeless.
This world respects the strong. With strength, one has a voice and garners respect and favor.
...
As the steam cleared, the Daimyo's residence returned to its original state.
The villagers of the Sea Country wore expressions of pride.
"Hahaha, did you see those Kirigakure ninjas? They used to be so arrogant, but now they are so pathetic. I feel so relieved!"
"Natsuhane-sama really helped us vent our frustration. We no longer have to bow to the Kirigakure ninjas! This feels great!"
"Why would we even need to look at their faces again? With Natsuhane-sama here, we don't need their protection anymore. I've been wanting to stop paying that tribute for a long time! Let them scram!"
The villagers expressed their long-suppressed emotions freely.
The Water Daimyo and the Kirigakure elders approached Natsuhane, their tone completely different from before.
"I'm truly amazed. Such strength at a young age, indeed, there are hidden talents among the people. It's no wonder you have the support of all the Sea Country citizens."
"You must be Natsuhane. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the current ruler of the Water Country, Dan."
"As rulers of neighboring countries, although I seem to be about thirty years older than you, it doesn't matter! From now on, let's call each other brothers."
"If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to assist you!"
Natsuhane smiled lightly. "Heh... then I will rely on you, brother."
The Water Daimyo was delighted. He immediately gestured to his men to bring the former Sea Daimyo and Takeshi over, throwing them in front of Natsuhane.
"I've wanted to get rid of them for a long time! In the face of danger, they abandoned the country and fled. How can they be considered human?"
"Natsuhane, their lives are in your hands. Consider it returning them to their rightful owner. Do with them as you wish!"
Natsuhane glanced at them and instructed the guards, "Lock these two traitors in the dungeon, with the Johuto captives. Someone will come for them later... they should be arriving soon."
"Yes!" The guards nodded, carrying the former Sea Daimyo and Takeshi away.
The Water Daimyo, still smiling, said, "Brother, the Sea Country and the Water Country have always had a cooperative relationship. Now that you are in power, this relationship... should not change, right?"
"Rest assured, you no longer need to pay tribute to me. From now on, our countries will be equal allies. If one faces difficulty, the other will help with all their strength. How about that?"
"Agreed."
Natsuhane agreed readily. "As one of the Five Great Nations, the Water Country valuing us like this, how could I refuse? But... I have two conditions."
"Brother, you say it. If I can do it, not just two conditions, even ten are fine!"
"Alright, then ten it is!" Natsuhane replied without hesitation.
"..." The Water Daimyo was taken aback. He did not expect Natsuhane to take him so literally.
A promise is a promise. Having agreed to ten conditions, the Water Daimyo had no choice but to accept, regretting his words.
Natsuhane wasted no time, stating his conditions. "First, I need you to return ten years of tribute to my Sea Country citizens. Previously, you were supposed to protect us, but in reality, you took money and did nothing. This is unacceptable, and you must compensate."
"This...!"
The Water Daimyo hesitated, but only for a moment. Losing some money was manageable, considering the wealth they had previously extorted from the Sea Country.
"Alright, brother! I agree. I will send the money tomorrow!"
"Hooray!"
The villagers cheered in unison, "Daimyo-sama, you are the best!"
...
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