Teasing (1)

Sure enough, after traveling for some time, Sosuke and his group arrived at the Royal Capital of the Land of Fire.

Compared to the monotonous simplicity of Konoha Village, the prosperity of the Royal Capital was far more suitable for the subjects of the Land of Fire to reside in.

The streets were bustling with people and carriages, and trade for the town's residents was incredibly convenient. Even though the war had only recently ended, everything within the Royal Capital seemed completely unaffected by it.

Upon locating the Daimyo Mansion within the capital and explaining their purpose, Sosuke and his group were granted an audience with Shijimi Nobuo, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

Outwardly, Shijimi Nobuo looked like a kind and amiable middle-aged man.

Although he wore luxurious attire, his words and actions lacked the arrogance typical of most nobles; instead, he spoke to Sosuke and his group in a gentle and harmonious manner.

He did not slight them because of their youth, and his hospitality was flawless, treating them entirely as honored guests. This approach left a very favorable impression on Sosuke and the others.

Beneath his glasses, however, Sosuke's eyes flickered with a strange light as he secretly speculated about the Daimyo's behavior.

Is it necessary for a Daimyo to be this polite to us? Is he trying to show goodwill to Root, or to the Hyuga and Uchiha clans? How much does he know about Danzo's plan to unite the Hyuga clan against the Uchiha clan?

His face, however, betrayed none of his inner thoughts as he conversed with the Daimyo in a respectful and courteous manner.

A short while later, Shijimi Nobuo excused himself, and they were led to a magnificent palace.

It was here that Sosuke and the others finally saw the target of their mission—Shijimi Tamako.

When Shijimi Tamako looked up and saw the three of them, she couldn't help but knit her delicate brows, her eyes piercing coldly at Sosuke and his companions.

Looking at the clearly adolescent figures of Sosuke and the others, she asked the maid kneeling beside her in a cold voice.

"Are these the Konoha ninja my father arranged for me!? Does Konoha Village hold this Highness in such low regard that they would send three brats!?"

With that, she angrily flicked her sleeves and walked toward her inner chambers with a gloomy expression.

Watching the Daimyo's daughter throw a tantrum the moment they met, Sosuke and the others couldn't help but offer wry smiles.

Aren't you just a young girl yourself!? How do you have the nerve to call others brats!?

Sosuke, in particular, felt a mix of amusement and helplessness, thinking to himself.

Could it be that I overthought things, and Danzo's purpose was simply to send us here to act as sparring partners and bodyguards for this somewhat willful princess?

Regardless, after Shijimi Tamako's petulant departure, the group was temporarily shown to their quarters to rest.

Since their time would be revolving around this princess from now on, they felt no particular concern.

The three rooms were arranged side-by-side, each independent.

Returning to their respective rooms, Sosuke continued to refine his chakra and push against the third gate of the Eight Inner Gates.

Time spent in cultivation always passed quickly.

When Sosuke awoke from his meditation, night had already fallen.

Just as he prepared to go out to find something to eat, his Slash Path perception detected a large number of people surrounding their living quarters.

At that moment, Shackle and Pupil from the neighboring rooms hurried over and said, "Captain Aizen, we've been surrounded!"

Sensing the sheer number of intruders, Sosuke was not overly worried. He softly instructed them to prioritize protecting the Daimyo's daughter, while carefully pondering who would dare send so many people to attack the Daimyo Mansion.

However, a remark from Shackle caught his attention.

He frowned, looking puzzled as he said, "But, it seems the attackers are all holding wooden swords, not iron blades! How strange!"

Hearing this, Sosuke immediately realized that this might be a test or a provocation orchestrated by the Daimyo's daughter earlier that day.

He spoke softly to Shackle and Pupil. "Don't use lethal force. If I'm not mistaken, these people were likely hired by Miss Tamako. Perhaps they are only here under her orders to teach us a lesson."

Shackle and Pupil found Sosuke's words hard to believe.

To mobilize so many people just to teach us a lesson—is that princess a fool!?

However, the wooden weapons in the hands of those outside left them no choice but to believe it, and the hot-bloodedness of youth was instantly ignited!

They were merely warriors wielding wooden tools; it was truly an insult to underestimate them like this.

Wearing their masks, the three of them walked out of the room unhurriedly, facing the group of adult warriors who had surrounded the building.

At this point, Shackle looked toward a certain spot and said to Sosuke, "Captain Aizen, Miss Tamako is up on that high tower. It seems these warriors really were just hired by her to teach us a lesson. What shall we do?"

Hearing this, Pupil found it hard to endure and said angrily, "What else can we do!? Since she looks down on ninja so much, we'll beat these warriors into the ground! Let her see exactly what our strength is!"

Shackle ignored him and looked at Sosuke, waiting for his decision.

Since he knew this was all a prank by Miss Tamako, Sosuke didn't mind, but to ensure a better relationship with the princess in the future, he decided it would be best to settle this once and for all.

Sosuke did not answer. He took a light step forward, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he looked at the crowd, his right hand slowly drawing Kyoka Suigetsu from his waist.

"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu."

Following his murmur, everyone present seemed to see a fleeting, hazy glimmer flash across the blade.

Afterward, Sosuke began to walk with measured steps toward the princess in the high tower.

At this moment, the group of samurai began their assault on Sosuke and the others; although they were fallen samurai, there was no doubt their taijutsu was quite formidable.

Shackle, Pupil, and Aizen were struggling significantly to deal with such a large number of samurai.

Amidst the chaotic fray, a faint smile played on the corners of Sosuke's mouth as he walked through the crowd as easily and leisurely as if he were strolling after a rain shower.

It was as if no one could see him, as if the entire world had forgotten his existence!

High above in the tower.

Miss Tamako was nibbling on delicate tea snacks with her dainty mouth while observing the battle between Shackle, Pupil, and Aizen.

She was not belittling them, however, but rather observing the ninja's combat with focus, seeking out the essence within it.

Seeing the three young ninja fighting with such ease despite being surrounded by so many samurai, she could not help but let out a soft sigh.

"Sigh, as expected, ninjas truly have their own formidable strengths; even a few brats can achieve such a level."

"Lady Tamako, what have you discovered? I don't see anything impressive about them; if it's just to this extent, surely you could do the same, my lady."

A handmaiden asked in confusion.

"You, you simply don't understand that the true power of a ninja lies in their unpredictable ninjutsu. These few brats are already on par with samurai in taijutsu alone; if they were to unleash their ninjutsu, these samurai would surely be defeated in an instant."

Just then.

"Clap, clap, clap."

"Miss Tamako, thank you for your praise of ninjas."

Beside her, the sound of light applause rang out, followed by Sosuke's magnetic voice.

In an instant, Shijimi Tamako was so startled by the sudden applause at her side that her hair stood on end.

A thin layer of cold sweat broke out across her fair forehead in that very moment!!

Since when!!? How could there be someone here!!?

As for the handmaidens beside her, they all stared at Sosuke, who had suddenly appeared next to Lady Tamako, with expressions of terror as if they had seen a ghost!

Sosuke looked at the crowd, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile.

"It is quite difficult to master the strength required to step over ants without crushing them. Leave behind your noble collections and precious recommendations, and remember... before us, there are no enemies!"