The Final Battle

Flower Capital, Tenshukaku, a terrace on a certain floor.

Ian had transformed into a golden-armored winged man and was sitting cross-legged on the ground.

His right hand was spread open upwards, his left hand gripping his right wrist, and a ball of golden flame surged from his palm, flickering constantly before Ian's eyes.

Ian's brow was furrowed, his eyes fixed on the flame before him.

He was training.

He couldn't understand what willpower even was.

But since they called it willpower, it must be related to the mind, right?

Ian was now trying his best to focus his mental energy on the flame in his hand.

Focus, and focus again, think of nothing, let his mind be completely filled by the flame in his hand.

Let the flame be completely under his control.

Ian's breathing had almost stopped.

"Hoo—"

He let out a long sigh.

It was completely useless.

As expected, it wasn't that easy to get started.

But the method should be correct.

In the end, wasn't willpower just the power of thought? Focusing his attention should be the right approach.

He'd take it slow; he'd succeed eventually.

"Your Majesty Ian!"

Fukurokuju hurried over and knelt on one knee before Ian. "We've investigated and confirmed. The rebels from the three villages have joined forces. They've set up camp at the border between Flower Capital and Rano, and should launch their attack tomorrow."

Ian returned to his human form. "Are the troops assembled?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Fukurokuju nodded. "We can set out at any time."

According to his plan, they should launch a surprise night attack while the enemy was resting, and settle the outcome in one battle.

"Then we'll depart tomorrow morning."

Ian said.

Fukurokuju didn't understand.

No matter how he thought about it, a night raid would be much easier to win than a head-on confrontation, right?

"Yes."

Still, he nodded respectfully.

He was just a ninja; he only needed to obey orders.

Ian's thinking was actually very simple. Since those ordinary soldiers were insignificant, his real opponents were only those few Daimyo.

It didn't matter if he went early or late, so why not get a good night's sleep?

"I'll go prepare."

Fukurokuju took his leave.

Ian watched the man's retreating figure.

He had to admit, although he was a fair-weather friend, his professional ability was indeed outstanding. He handled any tasks assigned to him with perfect order.

Just as Ian was about to continue his training, he raised an eyebrow. A small, red horn emerged from the side of the doorframe.

The corners of his mouth curled up. "Come out."

"Hehe!"

Yamato's happy face poked out from behind the door. "I heard you!"

"Huh? Heard what?"

Ian asked blankly. "Heard what?"

"Don't try to fool me!"

Yamato stomped over angrily, her footsteps thudding as she approached, looking down at Ian. "I heard everything! Ian, you're going to do something really fun, right!"

"I! Am! Going! Too!"

She said, enunciating each word.

Ian pursed his lips. "That's not fun at all."

War, how could it be fun?

Killing was never something that made Ian happy.

"And it's going to be dangerous."

Ian looked seriously into the girl's golden pupils.

He was fine; even if he couldn't win, with his defense and flight abilities, no one could stop him from escaping.

But this girl couldn't.

She was indeed exceptionally talented, but she was still too young and too weak.

"That's precisely because it's dangerous that I have to go with you!"

Yamato said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "How can I let you face danger alone!"

Ian's lips twitched.

He was moved, truly moved, but was it possible that bringing her along would actually make things more dangerous?

"I don't care either way!"

Yamato sniffled, plopped down beside Ian, and grabbed his arm tightly, puffing out her cheeks. "I'm going with you! If you don't agree, I'm never letting go!"

She certainly meant what she said; when Ian went to take a bath, she was ready to follow him into the bathhouse.

Ian could only temporarily be a dirty old man, after all, this Yamato had never thought of herself as a boy.

When it was time to sleep, she unceremoniously crawled into Ian's futon. She even justified it, "It's been a while since I slept with Ian! We used to sleep together all the time!"

Because you're growing up, kid.

When she was four or five, he could sleep with her and tell her stories, but as she got older, it became inappropriate.

Wait, did Teacher Kai not spoil Yamato this much? Could it be that I'm the one playing the role of her father?

Ian thought, but he said aloud, "Because I'm afraid you'll wet the bed."

The girl had a remarkably deep sleep; once she fell asleep, it was hard to wake her, so she often wet the bed when she was little.

"Hmph hmph!"

Instead of feeling any shame, Yamato proudly lifted her chin. "I haven't wet the bed in a long time!"

Is that something to be proud of?

"Ian!!"

Yamato shook his arm forcefully. "Let me go! I want to go too!"

So clingy.

But then again, they hadn't been apart since she was two years old.

If she were to do something dangerous, Ian naturally wouldn't be at ease either.

"Alright, alright,"

Ian finally said with a hint of impatience. "Go ask Teacher Kai. If he agrees, then I have no objections."

"Yay!"

Yamato instantly jumped up. "I'm going to ask Father right now!"

The little girl scampered away.

Finally, peace and quiet.

Teacher Kai, you definitely won't disappoint me, right?

However, this trust was immediately shattered.

As soon as Ian fell asleep, hurried footsteps approached from a distance, then the paper door was pulled open, and the white-haired brat leaped up, pouncing on Ian, happily rolling around.

"Ian! Father agreed!"

Ian's expression was blank as he stared hollowly at the ceiling.

As expected, I'm this girl's real dad, aren't I?

Is this something a father would do?

After Yamato had her fill of playing, she giggled and snuggled into the futon, hugging Ian's arm and closing her eyes. "Okay, sleep time!"

As soon as she spoke, the sound of shallow breathing filled the air.

So carefree.

Ian helplessly closed his eyes. Fine, I'll just be careful on the battlefield.

He too fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, it was already late morning. Outside the main keep, soldiers and ninjas were assembled.

Ian stood on the upper floor, gazing into the distance, at the plains outside Flower Capital. He lowered his head.

"Depart."

The army set off.

Time returned to not long ago.

Rano.

The allied forces of the three Daimyo had already started fires and were cooking early, and were now assembled.

"Depart!"

The three Daimyo rode their tall horses at the front of the troops, drawing their swords and pointing them in the direction of Flower Capital in the distance.

And on a rocky mountain not far away, Toki quietly watched them leave.

This was the final battle for Wano Country.

A battle where the outcome was already decided.

She didn't want to watch, and simply turned to leave.

This was indeed the final battle for the people of this country.

But it was by no means the end, by no means.