Those in Power

Back home, Ryosuke finally let down his guard completely.

He first went to see Hanabi, who was babbling and beginning to learn how to walk, before heading to the study with Hyuga Hiashi.

"Let Souji and Seisai join us too."

Seeing Souji and Seisai stop at the door, Ryosuke smiled and invited them in.

Though Hyuga Hiashi was somewhat puzzled, he did not refuse Ryosuke's invitation and gestured for the two of them to enter the study.

He knew Ryosuke had his reasons for doing this.

He also understood that Souji and Seisai might already have learned something.

"Tell me, what did you see during this trip?"

Rather than directly asking about their mission, Hyuga Hiashi sat down and brought up something seemingly unrelated.

"I saw a great deal. What surprised me most was the status the Daimyo and nobles held in this country—or rather, throughout the Ninja World." Ryosuke was in no hurry either, recounting what he had seen and felt along the way.

"I originally thought that, as ordinary people, those Daimyo and nobles were merely puppets we ninja put forward to handle political affairs. I never expected them to possess real power."

"Then your view was far too one-sided this time."

Rarely given a chance to show off before his son-in-law, Hyuga Hiashi eagerly said, "Since ancient times, the person with the greatest individual strength has not necessarily become the lord."

"You must have seen the 'power' required to become a lord, haven't you?"

Without much thought, Ryosuke nodded and spoke two words. "The people's support."

"Exactly. The people's support."

Hyuga Hiashi chuckled. "I have to admit, those nobles have an exceptional grasp of this. At times, they give us ninja quite a headache."

"Though they are ordinary people, they have won over many through their exceptional ideas and principles, including many powerful ninja."

"A few years ago, the Guardian Ninja of the Daimyo's Mansion ignored the Daimyo's objections and came to Konoha to assassinate the Third Hokage. They wanted to make the Daimyo the sole ruler of this country."

"But unfortunately, they failed."

"As for that matter, while the Hyuga Clan never received any definite information, I believe there was more behind it than met the eye."

Leaning back in his chair, Ryosuke smiled as well. "Ordinary people commanding ninja with extraordinary power? It sounded bold—and impressive."

Such things had not been uncommon in the thousands of years of cultural history of the country from his previous life.

It left many later generations unable to understand why brilliant scholars and peerless generals would obey the emperor's orders and display such absolute loyalty.

But in truth, it came down to one thing: superiority of thought.

Regardless of whether the decisions made by emperors of different eras proved right or wrong over time, it could not be denied that they stood at the pinnacle of thought and ideals in their respective ages.

When an emperor made a decision, he did not represent himself alone, but the majority of the people in the nation.

A country was actually like a company, with the emperor serving as the final decision-maker who chose among various proposals.

Though he could veto many plans and possessed immense authority, he still had to hear everyone's views and choose the best option.

If he ignored everyone else and stubbornly did whatever he pleased, that emperor would only be overthrown—voted out by the company's board of directors.

The reason Ryosuke had not considered this at first was because the nature of this world differed from his former one.

This world was unlike the one he had known. It possessed extraordinary power, and... Genjutsu.

Just as Obito Uchiha had used Genjutsu to control the Mizukage and manipulate all of Kirigakure, Ryosuke had initially believed these Daimyo were also controlled by ninja and merely issued various orders under their influence.

But after this journey, he realized he had been wrong.

"They control public opinion. Unless absolutely necessary, we ninja will not lay a hand on nobles."

Hyuga Hiashi reminded Ryosuke, "Though Genjutsu exists, it cannot control everyone. Nor can it make people under its control make the choices they ought to make."

"These nobles are shrewd. If a ruler makes a wrong choice under our Genjutsu, the other rulers in the Land of Fire will easily notice. Then they will stir up a wave of resistance against ninja."

"Although we ninja possess extraordinary power, we cannot fight the countless ordinary people of this world, because we cannot possibly kill them all..."

Hyuga Hiashi did not continue, but Ryosuke understood what he meant.

"Then from now on, we should befriend these nobles. While maintaining good relations, we should support one another." Ryosuke rubbed his fingers together and made his decision with a soft laugh.

"Just so happens, the results of this mission exceeded our expectations. The Daimyo not only gave us many resources, but he is also willing to grant the Hyuga Clan a Guardian Ninja position."

"With this position, we will have many more opportunities to interact with those nobles. If we build good relationships, perhaps we will no longer have to worry about funding and other matters in the future."

"A Guardian Ninja position?"

Hyuga Hiashi was somewhat surprised, but he quickly realized something. An unfamiliar stiff smile appeared on his stern face as he asked, "Did you frighten him?"

Ryosuke shook his head. "I merely revealed some of the things that have happened in the village recently. Everything I said was true, so it will not affect future dealings."

"Borrowing a tiger's might..."

Hyuga Hiashi nodded, understanding what Ryosuke had done, then asked, "What are your plans for this Guardian Ninja position?"

He did not ask for specifics, nor did he dwell on tedious details. He went straight to the next key point.

Since Ryosuke had brought it up, he trusted that Ryosuke could handle it properly.

Standing behind Ryosuke, Souji and Seisai silently watched the father and son sit facing each other and converse. They did not join in, but they found it rather novel.

Especially since Ryosuke-sama was still so young.

But when they thought of the time they had spent living outside the village with Ryosuke over the past month, it all seemed only natural.

"During this trip to Kyoto City, Souji got along well with those nobles. I plan to give him this position."

Ryosuke did not waste words and directly voiced his thoughts. "But a Guardian Ninja must be at least Jonin-level. In a while, please discuss it with the village and arrange a Jonin assessment for Souji."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "If possible, arrange one for Seisai as well."

"Making the arrangements will not be a problem, but the Jonin assessment is not something one can pass so casually."

Seeing how much Ryosuke trusted the two of them, Hyuga Hiashi looked again at the pair standing behind him. "I will make time to guide you both during this period, but whether you can pass the assessment will depend on yourselves."

"And I want to remind you that the assessment missions required for Chunin to advance to Jonin are extremely dangerous. Seventy percent of the village's Chunin do not dare apply because of the high mortality rate."

"Clan Head, rest assured. We will never disappoint Ryosuke-sama's faith in us."

Souji and Seisai hurriedly promised.

Thank you to readers Fengyun Chuiwu and Huomuhua for their generous support.