"Kill them all!"
"Burn everything!"
"Take everything!"
"Charge!"
With a loud roar, Itsuki led his ninja army fiercely toward a city… Bird City!
It was a large city, with its own garrison and home to many nobles.
Nobles are the best!
The smell of money was all over them.
Itsuki's eyes lit up—another big payday!
By looting this city, and with the cities he already ransacked, his village, Hidden Fire Village, would be set for the next decade.
But!
When Itsuki and his ninja army reached the city, they were stunned. The city lord and all the nobles were standing at the city gates, respectfully holding a banner: **"Welcome, Ninjas of Hidden Fire Village!"**
What happened to tight security?
Where was the noble pride?
"Welcome, Lord Kage!"
Before Itsuki could even speak, the city lord shouted, "All of Bird City's nobles welcome the honorable Lord Kage to his loyal city!"
*Thud!*
The city lord and all the nobles knelt down in unison before Itsuki.
*Bang!*
They bowed together!
*Bang!*
Again!
*Bang!*
For a third time!
It was perfectly synchronized! They definitely practiced this!
Itsuki: "…"
Ninjas from Hidden Fire Village: "…"
Spies watching from the shadows: "…"
Civilians hiding nearby: "…"
This wasn't part of the plan!
"Lord Kage!"
Gekko Hayate whispered, "Do we still carry out the 'Three Lights' policy?"
Itsuki turned to look at him, falling silent.
These nobles, kneeling so obediently, practically begging to be slaughtered… it felt wrong.
Damn it!
Who said nobles were stupid?
Who said they were naturally proud?
Whoever said that, show yourself! I'll beat you to death!
These nobles were cunning, no doubt about it!
Then, something even more shocking happened.
The city lord, still kneeling, crawled forward like a fat rat until he reached Itsuki's feet. Without even daring to lift his head, he respectfully said, "Honorable Lord Kage, please come into Bird City. We've already prepared a grand feast for you."
Itsuki thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright, let's go!"
He led the way into the city.
A trap?
That would be perfect. He was just looking for an excuse to enforce the "Three Lights" policy.
It'd be great if a few hundred ninjas suddenly attacked them.
But!
There wasn't a trap in sight—not even a hint of danger!
Well, not exactly *nothing*.
On the way, there were flowers and applause. The cheers of the civilians soared to the sky.
The nobles' behavior left everyone dumbfounded once again.
They advanced on their knees, completely ignoring the stunned expressions of the civilians around them, like a swarm of locusts.
Swollen knees, bleeding and raw? So what?
We're nobles!
You commoners can't compare to us!
Look at that fat noble who's probably eaten way too much, with rolls of flab everywhere. Three hundred pounds? That's nothing. He can crawl faster than you peasants can run.
And that pale, skinny guy, ruined by excess drinking and womanizing?
He's no different!
If I die, I'll die in front of Lord Kage!
I'm the most loyal to Lord Kage!
The ninjas of Hidden Fire Village were completely bewildered.
A few days ago, Itsuki had led them out of the village to confront the nobles.
At first, they were too afraid to act, but after Itsuki tempted them with piles of money, they started slaughtering nobles. Eventually, it became second nature to them.
But now, seeing the nobles in this state stirred up all kinds of mixed feelings.
This is what it means to be a noble!
Itsuki and his top officers entered the feast hall.
A thousand different dishes, all exquisite, left the ninja commanders speechless.
There were fewer than thirty people in their group.
The sweet aroma of the wine made some of the ninjas gulp instinctively.
Then…
A line of beautifully dressed attendants appeared.
Each person had two attendants to themselves.
Itsuki sat at the head of the table, flanked by rows of them on either side.
The ninjas, of course, had their own attendants as well.
… Damn these nobles!
This life was way too corrupt!
The ninjas cursed in their hearts.
Itsuki and his officers weren't worried about being poisoned.
Assassination? Ninjas were the experts!
If the nobles dared try that, they'd be signing their own death warrants.
Itsuki lazily reclined on a soft couch and said, "Not bad. I'm impressed!"
"Your joy is the greatest reward for us."
The city lord knelt humbly below, not even daring to glance at Itsuki.
Itsuki took a sip of wine and casually asked, "I heard the Daimyo has sent word to Konoha, asking them to send troops against us. What about you guys…?"
"That was the Daimyo acting on his own. We, however, warmly welcome the ninjas of Hidden Fire Village."
The city lord quickly replied, "You don't know, but the moment we heard you were coming, we began preparing to welcome you."
"Oh!"
Itsuki pretended to be enlightened. "So, the Daimyo acted on his own, huh?"
"Exactly!"
"Alright! I understand!"
Itsuki clapped his hands.
Immediately, Gekko Hayate brought several papers to the city lord.
Upon seeing them, cold sweat began to drip from the lord's forehead.
It was a declaration.
The document clearly stated that the ninjas of Hidden Fire Village were invited by Bird City, and there was absolutely no coercion involved.
Furthermore, the nobles of Bird City harshly condemned the Konoha ninjas, declaring they would not be allowed to step foot into Bird City, nor disturb their esteemed guests.
What the hell!
If this declaration got out, it would be a direct slap in the face to the Daimyo.
At the same time, it would legitimize Itsuki's actions, making it harder for Konoha to interfere.
Legitimacy!
A righteous cause!
Some people might think these things don't matter much.
But!
To many others, they were of utmost importance.
Especially between nations.
"What's the matter?"
Seeing the city lord drenched in sweat, Itsuki smiled. "Don't want to sign it? Or are you trying to deceive me?"
His smile was gentle, like a neighborhood kid.
"No!"
The city lord's heart froze, a wave of unspeakable fear flooding over him.
With a loud shout, he said, "I'm willing! I really am!"
Then, without hesitation, he picked up the pen and signed his name on the declaration.
Signing this would only offend the Daimyo and Konoha.
Not signing meant he wouldn't see tomorrow.
He knew this all too well.
The other party had already proven they were more than willing to slaughter every noble.
"Hmm!"
Itsuki nodded in satisfaction and gestured to Hayate.
Gekko Hayate then went to each of the seated nobles, having them sign as well.
Afterward, they went outside to have the remaining nobles sign, ensuring no one was left out.
There was a minor incident during this.
One noble refused to sign, out of sheer terror of the Daimyo.
Fear of the Daimyo was deeply ingrained in him.
He didn't dare offend Itsuki, but he also didn't dare offend the Daimyo.
He held onto a shred of hope.
Itsuki smiled at him and said, "Then you should leave. If you don't welcome me, it wouldn't be right for you to stay here."
"I…"
The noble opened his mouth to speak, but never got the chance.
Hayate appeared at his side, and with a few quick slashes of his sword, the noble froze in place.
Two members of the Anbu appeared, supporting him as they escorted him out.
But with every step they took, pieces of him began to fall off.
Hayate's sword had been so fast that the noble had been sliced into several pieces in an instant.
The Anbu who were supporting him were a bit annoyed.
They had to pick up his pieces along the way.
However!
After that incident, the other nobles were incredibly cooperative.
(End of Chapter)