"I imagine Your Highness the Second Prince must have an extraordinary purpose in recruiting troops and gathering followers."
Itachi came alone to a side chamber. When he saw the man, he was slightly taken aback. There was a heroic air between the man's brows, yet he possessed an indescribable feminine softness, much like Orochimaru.
Wasn't this guy the daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields? How had he become the second prince of the Land of Fire's daimyo?
At once, Itachi felt an inexplicable pressure.
"So, is this some kind of scam or trap?"
It felt as though he had stepped into a mire and found himself surrounded. Izumi and the others were still outside, but with Shisui helping them, there should not have been much of a problem.
But why was he here?
"So you felt that way too. You should know that marriages between great nations are common. As the heir of the Land of Rice Fields, after the previous heir died as an infant in the cradle, I became the shogun's sole successor."
Ishiyama Sanae narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly. Seated high above, wearing a crown, he gave off an indescribably aloof air.
Someone like him only needed to sit securely and wait. So many things should have been within easy reach.
Why would he care whether people like them, who charged at the front lines, lived or died?
To him—or even to Orochimaru—they were nothing more than toys for these daimyos.
"Then you truly are my second prince. But as for serving you, I can't make up my mind just yet. After all, you know the Uchiha Clan's current situation."
Itachi took a deep breath. He was gradually realizing that the waters here were likely beyond his ability to navigate. If so, why wade into