The Daimyo's Decision

Deep within that towering, imposing, and breathtakingly magnificent palace, a crucial meeting of paramount importance, concerning the future direction of the nation, was being held.

The spacious conference room seemed to be shrouded in a solemn atmosphere. The people kneeling in this vast space all had serious expressions, their eyes meeting but they dared not speak easily, as if afraid of breaking the immense pressure hidden behind this tranquility.

On the high platform sat a tall, straight-backed, black-haired man with a cold and dignified demeanor. This man was none other than Morita Daimyo, the renowned Morita of the Land of Fire.

The power he wielded was unparalleled and unmatched, making him the undisputed absolute ruler of this great nation!

Among these Five Great Nations, the daimyo stood at the pinnacle of power, becoming the supreme symbol of their respective countries.

They were highly respected and addressed as "lords," their status so lofty that it was as if they stood atop a pyramid, overlooking all things in the world.

These daimyo not only possessed awe-inspiring prestige, but also held heavy responsibilities—as the core leaders of the Five Great Nations, they were hailed as the pinnacle of the Five Great Nations, wielding the highest level of administrative and military command.

It can be said that the rise and fall, honor and disgrace of the entire nation are closely tied to their every thought.

Whenever the daimyo make a major decision or issue a decree, it can stir up changes throughout the country and affect the lives of everyone.

The man was dressed in an incredibly luxurious and exquisitely tailored outfit. The silky smooth satin shimmered with a captivating luster under the bright lights, exuding endless luxury and nobility.

He casually propped his chin up with one hand, his face showing obvious impatience, as if the meeting in front of him was nothing more than a boring and tedious interruption.

He wore a uniquely shaped fan-shaped ornament on his head, which was carefully inlaid with crystal-clear gemstones that sparkled with dazzling light.

At the same time, he gently waved the folding fan in his hand, as if trying to dispel the stuffy atmosphere brought about by the surrounding heating.

Morita's eyes revealed a strong sense of arrogance and nobility. His slightly narrowed eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, mercilessly scrutinizing the many people kneeling below, as if looking down on a group of insignificant and worthless dust.

His lips curled slightly upward, forming a disdainful smile, as if he had everything in the world under his control and could manipulate it at will.

"I heard that Konoha has once again made requests regarding the budget?"

The ministers and advisors seated below exchanged glances, none daring to speak for a moment.

The Ninja Village is one of the most important military pillars of a country!

They protect the peace of their region with their immense ninja power; however, the personal will of the daimyo can directly determine the fate, life or death of the village's leader.

This is sufficient proof that their control over military power has reached its zenith.

In addition, the daimyo firmly held the crucial power to wage war.

It's important to understand that the reason those ninja villages were able to exist and thrive was entirely due to the full support of the daimyo, including all the resources and economic systems they relied on.

Every year, these ninja villages must receive a sufficient budget from the daimyo in order to operate normally.

Of course, conversely, the daimyo also greatly needs the strength and ability of the ninjas so that they can protect the peace and stability of the region and successfully complete those extremely difficult and dangerous missions.

But who could have imagined? Just last month, not long after the funds were allocated to Konoha, these people submitted a completely new budget request!

For a moment, the entire room fell into a suffocating silence.

After a while, a highly respected and experienced senior official finally stepped forward cautiously, attempting to break the silence with utmost humility.

"Konoha has always been the strongest and most reliable line of defense for our Land of Fire. For so many years, they have tirelessly and silently dedicated themselves to the safety of the nation. So I think their sudden request for a budget increase must be due to some urgent and pressing situation..."

Upon hearing this, the lord frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with the minister's explanation.

"Hmph! Konoha has always been like this, coming over every few days to ask for money. Do they really think our money grows on trees?"

The ministers all bowed their heads, silent as if trembling in fear.

Daimyo pondered for a moment, then let out a cold laugh.

"It's just gold and silver. My treasury is full, what is there to fear?"

"As they request, let them serve the Land of Fire even more diligently. If they dare to make any further unreasonable demands, I will not grant them so easily."

Morita Daimyo waved his fan and made a decision casually.

"Yes, sir!"

Officials, dressed in splendid attire, are engaged in a heated discussion about the budget.

Suddenly, the conference room door was rudely pushed open with a dull thud, and Kohaku stepped in without hesitation.

The officials and attendants present all knelt down in silence, their faces showing no surprise, as if they were already used to Kohaku's actions.

In the Land of Fire, everyone knew of the daimyo's doting affection for Kohaku, and no one dared to show the slightest disrespect, for the previous one who dared to defy him had already lost his head.

Morita Daimyo sat upright on the high platform. The moment his gaze fell upon Kohaku, his originally stern face instantly transformed into a doting smile. He put down his fan, leaned forward slightly, and his eyes were full of tenderness.

Kohaku, are you back?

I don't know what got into this kid a while ago, he insisted on going to Konoha to "have some fun," and in the end he agreed.

Unfortunately, Kohaku's mother was the woman he deeply loved, but she passed away from illness a few years ago, so he became even more indulgent towards his son.

Kohaku strode to Morita's side, her face somber. "Father."

Da Ming gently patted Kohaku's shoulder. "Hey, what's wrong now? Who dares to mess with you? Come sit down first."

Kohaku sat down next to Morita without any hesitation, and Morita gently patted his son's shoulder.

He was willing to provide Kohaku with the ultimate lifestyle, gorgeous clothes, and rare treasures; as long as Kohaku was happy, he was willing to pay any price.

"Father, I... I've fallen in love with someone." Kohaku's voice was soft, yet it rippled clearly in the quiet meeting room like a stone falling into a lake.

Upon hearing this, all the officials and attendants present exchanged astonished glances.

He muttered to himself: Who's so unlucky to have been liked by this little tyrant? Kohaku has always been a willful and capricious person. If he likes her, who knows how much trouble that will cause.

Morita Daimyo was slightly taken aback at first, then burst into a hearty laugh. His eyes were full of mockery as he stared at his still childish son.

"You are still young, how can you know what it means to like someone?" Morita's words revealed a hint of contempt.

Kohaku's cheeks flushed instantly with embarrassment, and he eagerly tried to explain, "Father, I know! I really like him!"

As he spoke, Kohaku began to recount the events that had transpired along the way. His eyes softened, as if he were transported back to the moment he met Koki. He described Koki's every smile, every gesture, leaving no detail unmentioned.

Morita Daimyo listened quietly, looking at the serious expression on his son's face, and sighed that his son had perhaps really grown up and had someone he liked.

But... it seems she likes a boy?

After Kohaku finished her story, Morita Daimyo chuckled and patted Kohaku's shoulder lightly, "What's so difficult about that?"

Then, he turned to his attendants and instructed, "From this moment forward, select a group of elite ninjas to form a dedicated force to protect the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. This force will become the Daimyo's personal power."

The attendant immediately nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

Morita looked at Kohaku and smiled, saying, "Then, why don't we just have that Koki come? As long as he becomes a member of the Daimyo's direct forces, he can stay by your side often."

Kohaku's eyes lit up instantly, and he jumped up excitedly, hugging his father tightly. "Really? Father, you're so wonderful!"

Morita Daimyo smiled broadly as he stroked Kohaku's head, a resolute glint in his eyes.