Chiba Kishu's prestige was at its peak, and his name had already been revered like that of a god by the people of many small nations.
Hyuga Kei immediately proceeded with the next step of the plan. In the name of the Land of Rice's daimyo, he sent banquet invitations to the upper-class nobles and dignitaries of neighboring countries. On the surface, it was an aristocratic gathering; in truth, it was a Hongmen Banquet laid by Hyuga Kei.
He invited the daimyos and high-ranking nobles of the Land of the Falls, Land of Iron, Land of Waves, and Land of Moon. Among them, the only notable figures were Mifune, the general of the Land of Iron, and Shibuki, the leader of Takigakure.
These four countries had been selected after Hyuga Kei discussed the matter with Kabuto Yakushi. Once integrated, the five countries would be connected, allowing them not only to share resources but also to enjoy relatively abundant resources. The only other option was the Land of Grass, but it had just endured a great war and would struggle to recover in the short term, becoming nothing more than dead weight.
Within the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Rice, the banquet began. High-ranking figures from every nation drank, reveled, and laughed to their hearts' content.
The five daimyos sat around one table. The Land of Iron's daimyo spoke first. "Where is that Sound Village leader of yours? Why hasn't he shown himself? He's been in the limelight lately."
"He'll be here shortly. He's handling some official business." The Land of Rice's daimyo held a fan before his lips and took a small sip of sake.
"To arrive late for such an important occasion is truly lacking in manners," said the Land of Waves' daimyo.
Watching from the shadows, Hyuga