Chapter 166: The Land of Water Delegation
The sea breeze still carried the chill of late winter this time of year, but the sky was clear and the sea calm, with only gentle swells. It was perfect weather for a long voyage.
In the VIP cabin on the ship's second deck, the key members of the diplomatic delegation sat around a chart table.
The nautical chart spread across it marked the entire route from the Land of Water to the Land of Fire.
They would sail around the southern tip of the Land of Iron, pass through the strait between the Land of Frost and the Land of Hot Water, then head north along the Land of Fire's southeastern coast.
Their final destination was Long Beach Port, the Land of Fire's enormous harbor. The whole journey would take about eight days.
"Once we reach Long Beach Port, officials from the Land of Fire will meet us at the ship. From there, it's about a day and a half overland to the capital, with an overnight stay at a way station."
Sōji traced the route across the chart with his fingertip, speaking at an unhurried pace. His Six Eyes remained active, monitoring chakra fluctuations in the surrounding waters through the cabin's wooden walls.
After looking around at everyone, he paused, then turned toward the head of the table. "Your Excellency!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Water raised his head.
Fujiwara Yoshimasa was over fifty, with a lean frame and meticulously combed, graying hair. He wore a formal dark blue kimono, its cuffs embroidered with the chrysanthemum-and-water crest of the Land of Water's ruling family.
Neither his appearance nor his manner resembled those of a traditional aristocrat. He had none of the bloated softness of a pampered life, nor any blustering