"Your Highness! Your Highness!"
In the Land of Fire's Capital, a samurai dressed in black raced into the court. The Daimyo was discussing Sasuke's arrival as a bodyguard with Shinhiko Kōzuki, while Shinhiko continued to stall on Madara's behalf.
Just as the Daimyo was about to pressure Shinhiko with a show of anger, the samurai stumbled up before him and pulled a secret letter from his waist.
The moment the panicked samurai appeared, every official in the court fell silent without a word being exchanged.
They all knew that this samurai was a servant who had grown up alongside the Daimyo and commanded his secret forces. For him to appear here in such a panic, something serious must have happened.
With a grave expression, the Daimyo opened the letter the black-clad samurai presented. After reading its contents, his eyes widened, and he staggered back into his seat. For a time, silence settled over the court.
"Shinhiko, Yuanxin, you should read this letter too."
After an unknown stretch of time, the Land of Fire's Daimyo finally recovered from his shock. His right hand trembled slightly as he tossed the letter before Shinhiko and Yuanxin, then looked helplessly at Shinhiko. In his eyes, Shinhiko had been an invaluable benefactor during the Fifth Hokage's rise. Perhaps this veteran minister could put in a few good words for him.
At the thought that his actions might anger a Hokage who possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique, the Daimyo broke into an involuntary cold sweat.
Below him, Shinhiko and Yuanxin exchanged a glance, then took turns reading the secret letter. Once they finished, both recalled the things they had told Madara three years ago to drive a wedge between him and the Daimyo.
Three years had passed, and Madara had been so quiet throughout them