Kazahana Sōsetsu clenched his hands. He looked both nervous and furious, yet didn't dare resist lightly. The ninja before him was incredibly strong. Sōsetsu was a capable ninja himself, but facing his opponent, he couldn't find the slightest opening to strike.
"You don't need to test me or doubt me. I came here for you. Resist, and you'll die. Do you want to fight back? Then I'll have no choice but to slaughter everyone in the Daimyo Mansion. Like I said, there isn't a single person here who can put up a fight." Kaede barked.
Kazahana Sōsetsu had been about to make a move, but now he abandoned the idea. His face turned livid, his earlier ease gone. "What exactly do you want? The Land of Snow is a tiny country with little strength. You won't gain anything here."
He knew the Land of Snow's circumstances well. It was remote and bitterly cold. Forget other countries invading—it was hard to convince even wealthy merchants to do business here. The other nobles had no interest in the Land of Snow, and ninjas certainly wouldn't be interested in occupying a country.
But the mysterious ninja who had appeared today overturned everything he had believed.
Have I been away for so long that ninjas out there have changed? He truly couldn't understand.
"I don't want much. Just the Land of Snow. From now on, I'll control its fate. That may not be a bad thing for you—or for the country." Kaede walked up beside the uneasy Kazahana Sōsetsu and spoke without the slightest courtesy.
This ninja has acted so confident ever since he showed up. What should I do? Kazahana Sōsetsu used his tall frame to block the entrance, shielding Kazahana Koyuki.
A wicked smile curled Kaede's lips. Of course, he'd only threatened