Assigning Tasks to the "Workhorses"

The next day, inside the Daimyo's Imperial Residence in the Daimyo of the Land of Water.

In the depths of the mansion, the Daimyo of the Land of Water is following in the footsteps of the former daimyo of the Tea Country, being controlled by Feng and indulging in pleasure day and night, striving to die of exhaustion as soon as possible.

Feng, who had already returned and rested for a night, was now practicing slowly in the courtyard with a Broad-Bladed Horse-Cutting Sword that had just been hastily made.

He had been practicing swordsmanship with the Kotori Katana, since the author of Hokage is Kotori, and the swords in the Hokage world are mainly katanas.

The katana is short and has a single-edged blade, which is fine for close combat, but it lacks agility and has a limited range of attack methods when used as a throwing sword.

And most importantly, Feng refused to use a flying sword against a katana!

The flying sword in his heart is the traditional China gentleman's sword—elegant, agile, and graceful.

Then, the image of the Gentleman's Sword, a handsome Eight-Face Han Sword from the Han Dynasty of China, came to Feng's mind.

However, Feng couldn't possibly abandon the swordsmanship he had painstakingly practiced over the past ten years just to use the Sword-Control Art; that would be putting the cart before the horse.

Therefore, the flying sword he needs is one that has the dashing appearance of Eight-Face Han Sword and the close-combat style of a katana, suitable for slashing, cutting, and thrusting.

Thus, the enlarged version of the Eight-Face Han Sword, with a more attractive appearance and a wider blade, emerged as a more powerful and effective Horse-Cutting Sword for slashing.

Modifying the Kubikiribōchō is a delicate task that cannot be completed in a short time.

So Feng had someone take some iron and hammer out a similar-looking Horse-Cutting Sword to practice with beforehand, so that he wouldn't have to adapt to the modified Broad-Bladed Horse-Cutting Sword later.

When Feng had been practicing for a long time and was putting down his weapon to rest, Grand General Zoda Xiu walked in from outside, followed quickly by Cabinet Secretary Shimizu Takeshi, and then by Uchiha Jianshi, Yashiro, Inabi Uchiha, and others.

"My lord, the armies of all towns in the Land of Water and the Sea Country have been replaced by our own men."

Currently, we are carrying out our ongoing campaigns in an orderly manner: cracking down on organized crime, eliminating bandits and thieves, promoting legal awareness, and punishing evil while promoting good.

Hidemasa spoke first, reporting on the work situation during this period to Feng, who was resting.

"My lord, we have now taken over most of the political affairs of the water and sea kingdoms."

The efforts to raise children, supply the army, and build bridges and roads did not go very smoothly.

We have expanded too fast and there is too little government talent, especially at the grassroots level. There is a lack of people who have received education in new ideas to manage villages and townships.

Your subordinate hopes you can slow down the pace of expansion.

Give us some time to digest the two countries we currently occupy, one in the water and one in the sea.

The Land of Water, in particular, has a territory larger than the three countries we previously occupied, and its population is as large as all the other territories we have under our rule combined.

"I fear that being too hasty in pursuing quick results might cause some unrest and further delay our progress in digesting and annexing the Land of Water."

Hidemasa speaking, Shimizu Takeshi immediately followed, but the situation he reported was not good.

"Yes, although the situation isn't good, it's understandable, and the suggestion is correct."

Wu, thank you for your hard work.

Do you remember what I asked you and Hidemasa to do at the last meeting?

In three years, you two will each provide me with ten capable individuals, one in each field, in both academic and military fields.

Therefore, I have given everyone three years to develop. During this period, unless there are any special circumstances, we will not make any major moves.

And I hope that within these three years, you must fully digest and govern all the territories you have occupied, and at the same time, cultivate as many talents as possible.

Don't be afraid of those below you rising to power, and don't be afraid of others taking your place. The Ninja World is vast; there are plenty of places for you to showcase your talents.

Feng understood Shimizu Takeshi's predicament, so he didn't blame him. Instead, he calmly comforted the old man and offered some explanations.

This was his top domestic affairs expert. Even though Feng's territory had expanded nearly tenfold from the original small Tea Country, the expert was still able to handle all government affairs in an orderly manner.

For this reason alone, as long as the other party doesn't commit serious crimes such as murder, arson, rebellion, or treason, Feng will turn a blind eye to whatever else the old man does and appease him.

After all, he was relying on others to do work, and many important tasks at that. So, let alone coaxing them, if necessary, he could even treat them like royalty. Feng wouldn't be unable to accept that.

"In that case, I understand. I will certainly not fail my lord's trust!"

Upon hearing Feng's reassurance and explanation, Shimizu Takeshi smiled with satisfaction.

At the same time, he took a small step back, making way for Uchiha Jianshi, Yashiro, Inabi Uchiha, and the others.

"My lord! The Mobile Unit and the Prisoner Camp are cooperating smoothly with the Grand General and the Grand Secretary in taking control of the various towns."

However, because the Land of Water was the stronghold of Kirigakure, the "Bloody Mist Village" caused many Kirigakure Ninja to flee and scatter to various parts of the Land of Water.

Therefore, our various operations almost always encountered sporadic ninjas, resulting in significant losses for the Prisoner Camp and some casualties for the Mobile Unit.

Of the ninjas we encountered, we captured some, killed some, and some escaped.

"We'll definitely encounter them again, my lord. What methods should we use..."

Uchiha Jianshi, as the person designated by Feng to lead the Water Country Mobile Unit, stepped forward to report.

When he spoke of 'what means to use,' his tone was filled with a chilling murderous intent, clearly indicating his attitude.

However, he knew very well that he and the other Uchiha members combined were not as smart as the clan leader, so even though he had his own ideas, he still asked Feng to make the decision.

Otherwise, he feared that his own stupidity would affect Feng's plans, which would be a grave offense deserving of death.

"Hmm~"

Feng frowned upon hearing this, but after thinking for a moment, he made a decision.

"There are two scenarios. If we encounter ninjas from Kirigakure, we can kill or capture them, but we must never let a single one escape."

If they weren't Kirigakure Ninja, and their primary objective was to capture prisoners, it wouldn't matter if they escaped; they could just be captured again later.

However, when the safety of our own people is involved in the operation, we can act arbitrarily, regardless of life or death."

"Yes, my lord."

The Jianshi was immediately approved.

"Inabi Uchiha and Tekka, you two should follow Jianshi to learn what a country's Mobile Unit should do and how to do it."

After we deal with Kirigakure, you will each go to the kingdoms of Nijisanji and Tsukuyomi, so you must study hard.

As for Uncle Yashiro, well, as you can see, I'm severely short-handed. As the family elder who supports me the most, you'd better take on more responsibilities and set an example for the other family members.

I've reserved the Kirigakure support position in Mizukage for you.

"Now, keep a close watch on the Daimyo for me, 24/7. Before we annex Kirigakure, the Daimyo absolutely cannot be allowed to fall."

After discussing the Jianshi, Feng turned around and took the initiative to instruct on the arrangements for Yashiro Uchiha, Inabi Uchiha, and Tekka.

These clansmen, who now almost blindly follow him, are unlikely to betray him as long as Feng does not let them down. The Uchiha, who are all stubborn, are even willing to go through fire and water for him.

As for Feng, he doesn't need his clansmen to go through fire and water for him; he just needs them to get excited and do more work.

"Hehe, no problem, just tell us what to do, and we'll do it."

As expected, the three of them readily complied with Feng's arrangements.

"Well then, everyone go about your business."

"While Kirigakure is still discussing how to deal with us, let's finish what we're doing now before we make a move, so we won't be caught off guard when we need your help."

After finishing his business, Feng started urging the people to get the oxen and horses to work.

As for himself, he naturally focused on cultivation. Since he couldn't open the Gate of Death yet, he needed to practice more.