Schemes

Half a year later, Peach Country's million-strong army arrived at the border of the Land of Earth.

With the army at the gates, the newly enthroned young Daimyo of the Land of Earth collapsed to the floor in front of everyone when he received the news.

"Quick, go to the Land of Lightning! No matter what, make them send troops!"

The Land of Earth Daimyo's desperate roar echoed far through the palace.

Unfortunately, leaving aside whether the Land of Lightning was willing to send troops, they could not easily break through the blockade Peach Country had set up.

Kurotsuchi, who had delivered the news to the Daimyo, felt her mood grow even darker at the sight of that ugly display.

She had no idea who had given the Daimyo such a rotten suggestion, but the newly enthroned Daimyo had actually set his sights on Kurotsuchi.

Although Kurotsuchi knew the Daimyo only wanted to stabilize his rule, she had still felt some goodwill toward his eager attentions. After all, what young girl did not yearn for love?

Now, Kurotsuchi suddenly felt that her love had died.

She turned and left. Since she could not rely on the Daimyo, she could only head to the battlefield herself. Even if she died in battle, she would at least have upheld her ninja way.

She first returned to Iwagakure, where she happened to run into Ōnoki and Akatsuchi at the village entrance as they prepared to leave for the capital.

"Old man, you're already so old and you're still going out?"

Ōnoki chuckled. "Can't be helped. The Daimyo has summoned me."

"What summon? He's obviously just scared of dying. Does he not realize how old you are? You can barely look after yourself—how can you possibly look after him?"

Kurotsuchi made no effort to