Torikaze agreed on this point. "Ran is indeed a capable child. Otherwise, I wouldn't have traveled all this way to come here. You should already know what I discussed with him, right?"
The Third Prince nodded, then rose and bowed to Torikaze. "Thank you, Lord Torikaze, for being willing to train my son. He certainly won't disappoint you."
Torikaze waved a hand. "No need to be so polite. Ran is Lord Ashina's grandson, so I'm only helping him out a little. Besides, he's my sister-in-law's cousin, so we're related in a way."
Then he smiled faintly. "More importantly, the kid is interesting. He's quick-witted and quite strong. Reaching Kage-level at his age shows exceptional talent. His future is promising."
The Third Prince seemed to laugh at himself. "I used every trick I had to raise him. At least I didn't waste his talent. Perhaps Ran really can one day make the Land of Whirlpools renowned throughout the Shinobi World again."
Torikaze glanced at him. "Back then, I thought you were a capable and ambitious man. I never expected you would ultimately choose this outcome."
The Third Prince shook his head. "I thought so too, but in the end, it proved that I lacked the qualifications and talent to govern a country. If Father had given the position of Daimyo and clan head to one of my other brothers back then, perhaps things would have been better."
Torikaze said nothing, because that was an impossible scenario. No one could turn back time.
There were only two ways to feel about what had been done: satisfaction or regret. Clearly, the Third Prince now felt regret.
"I'm very decisive when facing enemies. I dare to fight and kill, but when it comes to family, I'm completely different."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have let my