In the Martial Arts Arena
After leaving the battlefield, Uchiha Nara, accompanied by four guards, sped all the way to the Capital City. He showed the gatekeeper the road sign issued by Konoha and then passed through directly into the city.
He then rushed to the Daimyo Palace to pay his Daimyo. Fortunately, after presenting his travel permit, he was quickly summoned by the Daimyo.
Naraku followed his attendants into the Daimyo Palace and paid his respects to the Daimyo at the foot of the steps.
"Konoha Jonin Uchiha Nara greets His Daimyo, Daimyo!"
Naraku powerful, but he didn't put on airs. He led four guards, knelt on one knee, and looked respectful to his leader.
"Ho ho ho, Konoha Jonin Uchiha Nara, indeed valiant and extraordinary! Seeing is believing, and meeting is even better than hearing about! Warriors! Please take your seats!"
Upon seeing Naraku's submissive demeanor, the Daimyo's goodwill towards him increased significantly, and he became much more courteous and warm towards him than he had been towards other Konoha Ninja.
"Yes, sir!"
Naraku loudly accepted the order and, accompanied by four guards, took his Military Official Seating. He immediately noticed Minato Namikaze, whose hair shone with golden light, and the three ninjas behind him wearing Konoha Namikaze Minato.
"Uchiha Nara, not bad, not bad."
The Daimyo gazed at Uchiha Nara's figure, his face hidden behind a folding fan, but his eyes revealed joy and satisfaction, his goodwill towards him greatly increased upon their first meeting.
"Minato- kun, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
Naraku his seat next to Namikaze Minato, greeting him with a smile. He glanced at the three guards behind Namikaze Minato, especially the silver-haired Kakashi.
"Haha, Naraku, I've been busy with missions, traveling back and forth between the Northeast Stronghold, guarding against Kumogakure."
Naraku, your politeness is a bit too much...
Namikaze Minato saw Naraku, he also smiled, but he only offered a slight nod in response to Naraku's polite manners.
In this world, the monarch is generally just a figurehead, without real power; he is only responsible for people's livelihood and administration, and for supporting the ninja village.
When Konoha Ninja meet Daimyo, they usually bow in greeting, with simple etiquette. Naraku's behavior, however, was somewhat overtly obsequious.
"Ah, I've never heard of your Daimyo before. I'm quite apprehensive. Please forgive me."
Naraku didn't dwell on these matters much. Now was the time when he needed the support of the Daimyo. Since he had come to the Capital City in person, he might as well cram at the last minute, show his loyalty, and win some favor from the Daimyo.
Namikaze Minato didn't dwell on these matters; he simply reminded Naraku to be mindful of his image, since the ninjas of Konoha were the true rulers of the Land of Fire.
"Naraku, becoming Hokage is my dream, and it's also for the better development of Konoha. I will dedicate everything to Konoha."
Therefore, I am determined to Hokage Position, and as a friend, I hope you can understand.
Namikaze Minato brought up the topic of the Hokage competition, his smile faded, and his expression turned slightly serious as he spoke to Naraku.
"Hahaha, Minato- kun, you definitely have the strength to become Hokage. I have always admired your Will of Fire immensely."
However, I cannot relinquish the Hokage Position. If I am fortunate enough to become Hokage, I will request that you serve as my assistant to the Fourth Hokage.
"Minato- kun, I hope you can help me then, and this will also help Konoha."
Naraku laughed heartily, his tone quite bold, but his words were very sincere.
"Hahaha, thank you for your high regard for Naraku. I also fully acknowledge your Will of Fire."
However, I'm sorry, if I were fortunate enough to become the Fourth Hokage, the Hokage's assistant would only be the Lord Third.
However, I will hire you as one of my Advisory Council, and I hope you will support and assist me then."
Namikaze Minato is unaware of what is happening on Naraku's journey. If he knew that Naraku and the Third were about to have a showdown, it's unclear what choice Namikaze Minato would make.
"I can understand. The Lord Third has sacrificed a lot for Konoha. As the previous Hokage and Jiraiya's teacher, I can completely understand why he would serve as the Hokage's assistant."
I never expected that you, Minato- kun, would approve of me so much; it makes me feel like I've found a kindred spirit! Hahaha! If you become the Fourth Hokage, I will fully support you.
However, regarding the Fourth Hokage's support, the Konoha Jonin, who possess the Will of Fire, support me more. Now, the main thing is to see what the Daimyo thinks."
Naraku was somewhat pleased by Namikaze Minato's words. Regardless of who won or lost the battle for the Fourth Hokage, at least the Uchiha clan wouldn't have a hard time, whether he became Hokage or Namikaze Minato became Hokage.
Naraku knew Namikaze Minato. Namikaze Minato, who possessed the Will of Fire, might be able to accept some darkness, but he was a commoner ninja.
After taking office, he will definitely fight for greater rights and a stronger voice for civilian ninjas. As for the two factions of the Third Hokage and Uchiha Nara, with Namikaze Minato's intelligence, he certainly wouldn't want either side to dominate.
The struggle between the two sides is what gives him authority as Hokage. Without the Uchiha, he would truly be nothing more than a puppet in front of the Third Hokage.
Even though Namikaze Minato is mild-mannered, he certainly didn't want this situation to happen in order to govern Konoha properly.
Those who can make a name for themselves in the Shinobi World are unlikely to be unintelligent.
While Naraku and Namikaze Minato were whispering to each other, the head guard next to the Daimyo whispered something in the Daimyo's ear, and the Daimyo nodded in response.
"Konoha Jonin Uchiha Nara, I've heard you're revered Shinobi World as the Asura of Konoha,' a name that commands great respect. Come and spar with the Guardian Ninja to see if your reputation is truly deserved."
"Yes, sir!"
Naraku answered the summoned Daimyo attendant loudly, rose from his seat among the samurai, and walked toward the Martial Arts Arena.
Naraku suppressed the energy of the Red Moon within his body, and could only use no more than one-tenth of his own Chakra. However, Naraku felt that one-tenth of his Chakra would be enough to deal with the likes of the Guardian Ninja.
Naraku's Chakra is enormous; one-tenth of his Chakra is likely the total Chakra amount of any other ninja.
"I'll see what you've got up to!"
A ninja dressed in a robe and carrying a long sword jumped into the arena, bowed slightly to Naraku, and then drew his sword, pointing it diagonally to the ground.
Aren't you going to draw your sword?
The Guardian Ninja saw that Naraku a long sword hanging at his waist, but after waiting for a long time, Naraku still didn't draw his sword.
"The knife is merely for decoration; I am not skilled in swordsmanship."
Naraku smiled and explained that it wasn't that Naraku was bad at swordsmanship, but rather that he was worried about accidentally killing the Guardian Ninja. Otherwise, the Land of Fire's court might think Naraku extremely arrogant, which would damage Naraku image.
"Alright! My sword is named Zhenxiang, it's three feet three inches long, and it's as short as a hair. Please be careful!"
The Guardian Ninja, Naraku, gave a brief explanation.
Naraku nodded, indicating that the opponent could attack.
The Guardian Ninja raised his longsword above his head, his knees slightly bent.
Call out!
With a whoosh, the Guardian Ninja shot Naraku like an arrow, covering the twenty-meter distance in less than a second, and brought his long sword down heavily, as if to cut Naraku in two.
"This person's Ninjutsu is so weak?"
The Guardian Ninja unleashed a deadly attack, but seeing that the opponent seemed frozen in fear, he realized it was too late to retract his attack and began to doubt Naraku's reputation.
I can't stop now, so please don't blame me!
The Daimyo, ministers, samurai, and Guardian Ninja watching the battle all stared wide-eyed at the scene unfolding before them.
Naraku calm. Just as the long sword was about to Naraku his head, he extended his right hand, spreading two fingers apart.
He used two fingers to clamp the imposing sword of the Guardian Ninja, trapping the blade and rendering it completely immobile.