A Duel with Kaguya Jun!

After the Daimyo told them about the attack on him, the ninja clans present immediately suspected their respective enemies.

That was perfectly normal. They were usually rivals, after all, and held deeply ingrained stereotypes about one another-the inherently evil Uchiha! The rabid Kaguya! The rigid Hyuga! The bromance-loving Senju... Huh? Why did that last one feel subtly wrong?

However, the Daimyo's next words dispelled their suspicions. "There's no need to worry, everyone. These assassins were ninja from the Land of Lightning. They tried to assassinate me a few days ago, but my subordinates fought bravely, risking their lives, and successfully drove them off!"

Hearing this, Uzumaki Gamu thought, If they're from the Land of Lightning, they must be the Raikage's ancestors. In this era, the Five Great Nations already existed, but their corresponding ninja villages had yet to be founded, so those ninja were probably the predecessors of Kumogakure's ninja.

But if they already knew who the attackers were, why gather everyone here? Were they supposed to prevent another attack?

...No, was this about retaliation??

Hashirama voiced the question on everyone's behalf. "Then why have you gathered us, Lord Daimyo? Are you planning to retaliate against the Land of Lightning?"

"Hahaha, let's forget about that." The Daimyo laughed it off. "Starting a war over a matter of pride would hardly be worth the cost."

It's actually not just about pride... Being the Daimyo isn't easy either, Uzumaki Gamu quipped inwardly. Why did he think that?

Well, that required an explanation of this world's political landscape.

How should he put it? In short-they were currently in an extremely awkward political balance!

Because individuals in this world were far too powerful, and those powerful individuals all belonged to the major ninja clans, the nation's military forces had never been unified. Although the Daimyo ruled the country, his armed forces were extremely weak compared to the clans'. As the saying went, political power grew out of the barrel of a gun. Without sufficient military strength, the Daimyo had very little control over the ninja clans within the Land of Fire and could only negotiate with them.

Put bluntly, ninja clans were this world's warlords!

The Daimyo, the country's nominal ruler, could do nothing about those warlords. That was honestly rather pathetic!

But if the Daimyo was so weak, why hadn't any ninja clan used its military strength to usurp him and take control of the Land of Fire?

First, the major clans kept one another in check. No one had yet pulled far enough ahead to accomplish it-though, of course, once Hashirama and Madara matured in the not-too-distant future, they would change the entire situation!

Second was the issue of legitimacy. The Daimyo possessed a lawful hereditary claim, and his family had ruled the Land of Fire since ancient times. Unless he committed some heinous atrocity, openly deposing him would be unjustifiable! Anyone who did so would face a united backlash!

Third, the vast majority of ninja clans knew absolutely nothing about managing an economy.

Ninja clans survived by accepting missions, completing commissions, and collecting payment. Those with less shame could simply use force to steal. In short, they produced nothing and obtained all their resources from others. But usable resources didn't materialize out of thin air. Someone had to produce them... which brought economic production into the picture!

Most ninja had nothing in their heads but the brute-force urge to fight, fight, fight. They knew nothing about economic production. They might manage on a small scale, but putting them in charge of it at the national level would be suicide!

That was where a national administrator like the Daimyo became necessary!

Thus, this world's awkward arrangement among the great nations emerged! The Daimyo managed the economy and people's livelihoods, overseeing economic development and production, while the major ninja clans handled wars and other military operations! The clans recognized the Daimyo as their national leader, but not as an absolute monarch. They wouldn't necessarily accept foolish orders-after all, this was a world that revered martial strength. Might made right! Without power, what could a Daimyo use to order others around?

The Daimyo sensibly consulted everyone too-getting assassinated for overstepping would be rather awkward-and together, they stumbled toward the future in this uneasy arrangement!

Returning to the subject, then, why wasn't the Daimyo interested in retaliation?

Money, naturally. Hiring the major ninja clans to wage war meant bearing all the costs himself. A little travel allowance wouldn't cover it. Preparations, supplies, compensation for the families of the fallen, victory bonuses... all of it cost money. And since the clans weren't his own troops, he had to pay mercenary rates, with no guarantee that various officials wouldn't take kickbacks along the way. The expense was enormous, so retaliating to save face... simply wasn't necessary!

Besides, those clans might not actually obey and go to war! Even if they accepted... what if they slacked off?

These clans were hardly united. Schemes like making a breakthrough in the center while allied troops stood idle, or saying "hold your position and I'll find a solution," were entirely possible! Would the Daimyo have to micromanage like a certain bald man? Those were all reasons a certain political party had lost!

If he really handled things that way, the Land of Fire wouldn't be far from destruction!

Which brought them back to the question: if they weren't going to war, why gather so many people?

The Daimyo slowly revealed his real intentions. "Well... many of my subordinates died repelling the attack, and the city's defenses are now severely undermanned. Training new guards will take time, so I invited you all here to discuss how we might get through this period!"

Uzumaki Gamu thought, Got it. He wants us to be his guards. But did he really need to summon this many major clans? In a situation like this, hiring any one major clan for a temporary guard mission would have sufficed. There was no need to summon all of them.

That was true, but after a little thought, Uzumaki Gamu understood what the Daimyo was doing-passing the buck.

The Land of Fire's current situation was one of evenly matched ninja clans maintaining a delicate balance. The Daimyo remained neutral, dealing with them only through missions and favoring none. Although that balance was unstable, it at least prevented any one clan from becoming dominant! Someone like the future Hashirama gaining dominance would be fine, but if a dictator took over instead... ordinary people's lives might become even more miserable than they already were!

If the Daimyo casually chose a major clan as his guards now, he could upset that balance. After all, he paid well, and a clan could greatly improve its fighting strength by using his funds to arm itself. What happened afterward would be uncertain, and the other clans might not accept the arrangement, leading to pointless conflict. Better to throw the problem to the clans from the start and make them work out a solution themselves!

The quick-witted soon grasped the key points of the Daimyo's thinking and agreed with him-discussing it together was certainly better than having him appoint someone outright!

Those who didn't understand were interested in the mission too-guard duty paid very well!

But that created another problem: who would guard the Daimyo?

Leaving the smaller clans aside, the major clans-particularly the Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, and Kaguya-refused to yield to one another. The Uzumaki were more laid-back: do whatever you like; once our population grows, we'll leave the Land of Fire and establish our own country! If one of those four clans was chosen, wouldn't they start fighting on the spot?

The Daimyo shared that concern, so he had simply summoned everyone and left them to discuss it! As for whether they fought... just keep it outside the Capital City!

Well, ninja at this point still fell within the bounds of what could be called ninja!

A dozen or so years later, if Hashirama and Madara fought near the Capital City, there would be nothing left of it but a crater when they finished!

And just as the Daimyo had expected, the major ninja clans were already radiating hostility before the discussions even began.

Hashirama frowned. This atmosphere feels wrong. My clan uncles are thinking about fighting for it!

At the same time, Madara sensed something was off too. This isn't good. My clan uncles are itching to take this guard mission... Accepting it would certainly be useful, but fighting the other major clans here... The Uchiha naturally feared nothing, but Madara really didn't want to fight his two friends!

Besides those two, another clever person present thought anxiously, This is awful. I knew I shouldn't have accepted the invitation and gotten involved. He was the young heir of the Nara Clan, Nara Shikatsugu.

The Nara Clan produced plenty of intelligent people, and he was no exception. Figuring a fight might break out, he was already preparing to call the companions from allied clans who had come with him and retreat.

Just then, someone spoke, interrupting everyone's thoughts!

Hehehe, time to stir things up!! -Uzumaki Gamu!

Uzumaki Gamu suddenly said, "Lord Daimyo, would you consider establishing a ninja guard unit exclusively for yourself?"

Hearing this, the Daimyo looked at Uzumaki Gamu with amusement. "Oh? And you are?"

Uzumaki Gamu raised his hand. "Gamu Uzumaki... of the Uzumaki Clan!"

Daigu chimed in, "He's my younger brother, Lord Daimyo!"

"Oh... I see. Could you explain your idea in more detail?" the Daimyo asked curiously.

Curious? What a lousy act. I don't believe he's never considered it. He just couldn't propose it himself, Uzumaki Gamu thought. The Daimyo had certainly considered recruiting ninja from the other clans as his guards, but raising it himself would make him seem ambitious and easily arouse the major clans' suspicions... Putting his life in danger would be awkward!

Uzumaki Gamu had his own reasons for bringing it up here. First, he wanted to improve his relationship with the Daimyo. Favors made people more accommodating; helping him now would make it much easier to ask him for something later!

Second... this was also preparation for the future! It was an opportunity to bring the major ninja clans together.

So Uzumaki Gamu said, "The Daimyo provides the funding, and the major ninja clans provide the personnel. Together, we form a twelve-person ninja unit dedicated to protecting you... Lord Daimyo, what do you think of this proposal?" This wasn't something Uzumaki Gamu had invented out of thin air. In the not-too-distant future, a ninja organization serving the Daimyo exclusively really would exist-the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Their most famous member was Naruto's unit of monetary measurement, Asuma Sarutobi! Asuma's bounty was worth thirty-five million, making him Naruto's most famous bounty unit.

The Daimyo's eyes lit up at Uzumaki Gamu's words, but he showed little emotion, asking calmly instead, "Do you all think Gamu Uzumaki's proposal is feasible?" Still passing the buck!

None of the major clans responded. Frankly, most of them were unhappy about this Uzumaki brat blurting out whatever he liked!

Most clans already feared the Daimyo gaining too much power, since it could easily affect their standing. Yet this kid had gone and proposed it himself... Was he asking for a beating?

Daigu was also rather frightened by his younger brother. Was that something he should suggest himself?

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, the Daimyo took the initiative. "Hahaha, this young man of the Uzumaki Clan has admirable ambition... Still, this isn't something we can decide quickly. Let us stop here for today. Please enjoy my hospitality at the Reception Hall, and we'll discuss the details tomorrow!" He smoothed things over and shelved the issue for now. As for the specifics... he would see what the clans decided in their private discussions tonight!

With that, the Daimyo departed first, guided by an attendant. Before leaving, of course, he gave Uzumaki Gamu a meaningful look. The Daimyo: This boy is interesting. I should cultivate a friendship with him once he grows up.

Uzumaki Gamu showed no reaction. Uzumaki Gamu: What reaction am I supposed to have to some middle-aged man? Send a cute girl, then we can talk!

Once the Daimyo left, someone immediately stepped forward to criticize Uzumaki Gamu.

A man who appeared to belong to the Kaguya clan confronted him. "Uzumaki brat, do you even know what you're saying?"

"What am I saying? A twelve-person squad won't give the Daimyo that much power. Besides, everyone sent there will belong to the major ninja clans. Are you afraid your own clansmen will betray you?" Uzumaki Gamu said candidly.

Daigu's headache grew worse. Little brother-no, you're my big brother now. Can you really say that right here on the Daimyo's turf?

Then Madara suddenly spoke. "Our clansmen would never betray us!"

Hashirama followed his lead. "And a twelve-person squad really won't have much impact! We'd also earn a favor from the Daimyo!" The two had stepped forward to back Uzumaki Gamu up!

Now those were real brothers! The yellow oath paper and roast chicken hadn't gone to waste!!

Their words left the other ninja clans bewildered. How were they so coordinated? Since when had the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki started pissing into the same pot?

Impossible! Never mind the Uzumaki-the Senju and Uchiha were sworn enemies!! Sworn enemies!! They couldn't possibly join forces!!

Uzumaki Gamu continued, "Everyone should be willing to let the other clans take this mission. It's a commission from the Daimyo, after all, and it pays well. But honestly, none of you here can guarantee you'll secure this guard mission. Why not compromise? Each clan sends someone, and we protect the Daimyo together. Those sent will be core members of their clans, so betrayal won't be a concern. At the same time, you'll get firsthand intelligence about what's happening around the Daimyo. That should be a pretty good arrangement for everyone, right?"

Indeed, money was a trivial matter compared to intelligence! And regarding Uzumaki Gamu's other point-competing for the mission-leaving the five major clans aside, the smaller clans had already assumed they were merely here for appearances. His proposal, however, offered them a chance to get paid. They began leaning toward supporting him!

To get anything done, you really did have to unite every force you could!

The smaller clans were settled. Next came the major ones!

Hashirama and Madara were definitely on Uzumaki Gamu's side. Although they hadn't figured out exactly what he was trying to do, their trust in him made them offer immediate support. Of course, the Uchiha other than Madara wouldn't agree with Uzumaki Gamu, but with Madara there, he could at least exert some influence!

That left the Hyuga and Kaguya. The Hyuga were always cautious and didn't respond immediately, but the Kaguya stepped forward!

Naturally, the Kaguya adults had their dignity to consider. They couldn't argue with a child themselves.

So Kaguya Jun, who was around the same age, stepped forward. "Hmph, nonsense! What do you mean we can't guarantee we'll get this mission? I, Kaguya Jun, am making this clear right now! This mission belongs to the Kaguya! Even the legendary Sage of Six Paths can't take it from us!!" That sounded rather like Ah Wei... but Ah Wei was already dead! "You chose this, idol!" Would Kaguya Jun end up dead after saying that too?

"Oh, so you're pretty brave, huh?" Uzumaki Gamu countered. "Can you beat Hashirama Senju over there?"

Hashirama immediately flexed his muscles!

The sight of those muscles left Kaguya Jun speechless. He remembered his lost youth-the day Hashirama had spun him like a top!

"...Hmph, beating you would be easy!!" After struggling for words, Kaguya Jun dodged the question and redirected his attack at Uzumaki Gamu. Apparently, he knew he couldn't beat Hashirama and had backed down. He could only reclaim his pride through Uzumaki Gamu!

A correction: it wasn't merely that he knew. They really had fought. The Kaguya and Senju had clashed a while ago, and ninja of similar ages naturally paired off to fight. So... Hashirama had spun Kaguya Jun like a top!

Memories of such a one-sided beating left a deep impression, so Kaguya Jun now felt a little scared whenever he saw Hashirama!

The future Kakuzu: Don't be ashamed. Be proud instead! You're a man who fought the First Hokage and lived to walk away unscathed!! Kakuzu had a point! Plenty of people got instantly defeated the moment they faced Hashirama. Simply escaping intact was enough to brag about!!! Look at Kakuzu-he kept boasting about having fought Hashirama all the way into Shippuden!

Hearing Kaguya Jun's declaration, Uzumaki Gamu smiled. "Oh? You think you're guaranteed to beat me? Then let's fight. If I win, the Kaguya voluntarily withdraw from this mission. How about it?"

Kaguya Jun really wanted to accept. Among the younger generation, he only feared Hashirama's overwhelming raw stats... Well, Madara too. Uchiha Genjutsu was hard for him to handle! Top-tier mechanics among their peers.

But those were the only two he feared. Who the fuck was this redhead who'd appeared out of nowhere? Fuck him up! Uzumaki Gamu: Hehehe, right now I have both stats and mechanics. Are you tired of living? Challenging me to a duel?!!

However, with the adults present, he didn't dare decide on his own. He glanced sideways at his clan's elders for approval!

The Kaguya adults' response was-don't chicken out, just fight!! A very Kaguya answer! In short, charge headfirst!

With permission granted, Kaguya Jun immediately laughed wildly. "Hehehe, if you're asking for a beating, I'll oblige!! Bring it on!!" His arrogant laughter made it sound as though victory was already assured!

"It's mealtime. Who's fighting you now? We'll talk tomorrow morning." Uzumaki Gamu stood up to leave. Sorry, everything happens at my pace!!

"Coward, don't you dare leave!!" Kaguya Jun shouted angrily!

He even prepared to use Shikotsumyaku and start fighting Uzumaki Gamu immediately... He intended to fight inside the Daimyo's city? What a lunatic!

But Hashirama used the Body Flicker Technique to appear beside Uzumaki Gamu, then gave Kaguya Jun a glare! Uzumaki Gamu: See that? That's a true brother!! Yep, I'm leaving my little sister to you!! Mito: ...You're selling me off just like that?

Kaguya Jun instantly became as docile as a kitten. I preferred your arrogant attitude from a moment ago. Keep it up! Kaguya Jun: Boohoo, he's hiding behind a monster to bully me!! Why doesn't anyone back me up? Sob, sob, sob!

In short, Hashirama's might was already beginning to show. Kaguya Jun didn't dare act up and could only follow Uzumaki Gamu's suggestion. "Hmph, fine. In light of the pure, unadulterated stupidity radiating from you, I'll give you one night to prepare! Don't go crying under your blankets!"

Uzumaki Gamu replied, "Are you talking about yourself? Well, don't end up on your knees crying after I beat you tomorrow!" With that, he left, giving Kaguya Jun no opportunity to say anything else!

Damn it, that bastard... Tomorrow, I'll make sure he's seriously injured!! Intimidated by Hashirama, Kaguya Jun didn't dare threaten him aloud and could only swear inwardly to teach Uzumaki Gamu a lesson.

After Uzumaki Gamu left, Hashirama immediately followed. He wanted to ask what Uzumaki Gamu was planning!

Watching the two leave, Madara told his clansmen, "I'll go gather some intelligence. You uncles should head back to the Reception Hall and rest!" With that, he departed using the Body Flicker Technique!

Once the three of them were gone, the other clans said little. They were all considering the feasibility of Uzumaki Gamu's proposal.

They had all night, anyway. They could think it over at their leisure!

Uzumaki Gamu's older brother, Daigu, also couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief.

His clan uncle's earlier concern certainly hadn't been unfounded. This little brother of his... really was impossible to figure out!

...The three on the move...

Uzumaki Gamu and his two friends reached a small grove outside the city.

Uzumaki Gamu turned to Madara and Hashirama. "You two are pretty proactive. I didn't even call you, and you followed me all on your own?"

Madara rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Proactive, my ass!! What the hell are you doing this time? Giving the Daimyo personnel doesn't serve the interests of our ninja clans!"

"It's an experiment," Uzumaki Gamu said casually. "Bring people from the different clans together ahead of time and see whether everyone can coexist peacefully!"

Hearing that, Madara and Hashirama froze for a moment.

Hashirama spoke as though he understood. "I see. An experiment for the future?... Actually, what future?"

Madara gave him an exasperated look. "If you didn't understand, why act like you'd suddenly figured everything out?"

"Hahaha, I was just joking! Madara, you're too gullible!" Hashirama teased. "Isn't this preparation for our dream of building a village together?"

"..." These two bastards! I really want to stab them both to death!! Madara, who got toyed with every time, felt like stabbing the two bastards in front of him. Fine, he was just angry. If he actually had to kill them, he couldn't bear it. The future Madara: Whenever I think of Hashirama stabbing me through the heart from behind, my heart starts aching for no reason.

After a sigh, Madara said, "The idea really is good. Create a twelve-person organization and bring members of different clans together to see in advance whether they can get along..."

"What a wonderful idea... Gamu, you usually act a little unreliable, but you've never forgotten our dream, have you?" Hashirama said, moved.

My name is Uzumaki Gamu, so of course I wouldn't forget our dream. But honestly, I just came up with this proposal on a whim. I really am unreliable most of the time. Uzumaki Gamu kept that to himself, quietly maintaining his impressive pose while Hashirama and Madara looked at him admiringly, satisfying his vanity!

"It's a good idea, but there are obstacles... The Kaguya definitely won't agree. And the Uchiha... Ah..." Madara couldn't help sighing. His fellow Uchiha were inherently prouder than the other clans. If not for their shared dream, even he wouldn't have considered accepting such a mission!

Hashirama said, "Madara, try persuading your clansmen. Someone should be willing to accept this mission!"

"It isn't the clansmen who need persuading. It's the elders back home..." Madara sighed. "Their hearts have been sealed shut by hatred. They can't see the right path at all..." He was helpless too. His fellow Uchiha... were far too extreme!

Many things could be resolved peacefully, yet for their clan's honor, they insisted on choosing the worst possible approach. This would also be demonstrated in the future-such as a certain person who chose to slaughter his entire clan to keep the Uchiha's honor from being sullied.

"Well, at least try... Trying doesn't cost anything. What if it works?" Uzumaki Gamu asked.

"...Fine. I'll do my best!" Madara could only agree!

The three chatted a while longer, then returned to the Reception Hall once the moon hung high in the sky!

Then... the following morning arrived, and it was time for Uzumaki Gamu and Kaguya Jun's arranged fight!

Kaguya Jun got up at five in the morning. After breakfast, he stationed himself outside the Reception Hall, waiting for Uzumaki Gamu to appear so they could settle who was stronger.

Then... two hours passed, and Uzumaki Gamu still hadn't appeared!

Kaguya Jun: Fuck!! I came out too fucking early!! He was full of regret now. Why hadn't he agreed on a specific time before coming out? Slipping back into the Reception Hall to look for him now would be humiliating!!