The Royal Capital of the Land of Fire.
For the people of the city, today was undoubtedly a momentous occasion.
It was the day Princess Tamako, daughter of the Feudal Lord Shijimi, was to become engaged to Prince Shichisuke of the Mitai Clan.
Rumors of the close relationship between the two Feudal Lords had been circulating for half a year.
Now, the marriage alliance between their families would play a crucial role in maintaining stability in the Land of Fire.
Sosuke and the others walked through the streets of the Royal Capital.
Everywhere, the city was filled with a festive atmosphere.
Looking at the bustling streets, Sosuke smiled and said softly,
"It seems the people here are quite pleased with the marriage alliance between the Feudal Lords."
Hearing Sosuke's words, Minato looked at the lively scene around them. Disgust flickered in his eyes, but he said nothing.
Tokino, meanwhile, wore a faintly cold expression and said icily,
"They're nothing but a bunch of people being fooled by their rulers. A marriage alliance like this... Just thinking about it makes me sick!"
Hearing Tokino say this, Sosuke's lips curled into a smile. He gave him an amused glance and said softly,
"Are you saying that because of Sakuya?"
Uchiha Tokino didn't answer, but his mind drifted back to a certain time a year ago.
Still unable to move on from being defeated by Sosuke, he had been venting his frustration in the forest when he had "coincidentally" run into Sosuke.
His expression turned cold as he glared at Sosuke, his voice icy.
"Sosuke, what are you doing here!?"
Sosuke paid no attention to Tokino's hostility. Standing before him, he wore the smile Tokino found so insincere and said softly,
"Uchiha Tokino, do you remember what you once said?"
At those words,