Hope to Be the First Dragon
"Mr. Jingming."
Suddenly, the figure of the Fire Daimyō appeared not far away.
Uchiha Tunan immediately sensed several hidden gazes observing him from the shadows.
His Royal Highness, bound and helpless, saw the Daimyō approach. A flicker of hope ignited in his eyes as he cried out, "Father! Save me!"
Uchiha Tunan placed the candle on the ground and stepped toward the Daimyō.
"Your Highness, please stay where you are," he said.
The Daimyō gave a slight nod, then turned to leave, signaling for Uchiha Tunan to follow him. The two walked together through the back garden of the Daimyō's palace.
The Daimyō sighed, his expression heavy with concern. "Mr. Jingming, isn't this too cruel for Naraku?"
After all, this was his eldest son, the one destined to inherit his title. Though he trusted Tunan's abilities, the brutal nature of his methods unsettled him.
Uchiha Tunan paused briefly before responding in a calm, measured tone. "Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but I must say this."
The Daimyō looked at him and nodded. "Speak freely, Mr. Jingming."
Tunan clasped his hands behind his back and said solemnly:
"Mercy does not command an army, righteousness does not manage wealth, emotions have no place in politics, kindness is a weakness in governance, and benevolence is not fit to rule.
Otherwise, even if one sits upon the highest throne, they will become nothing more than a puppet."
The Daimyō was taken aback, standing frozen in thought, contemplating Tunan's words.
Uchiha Tunan bowed and continued, "That is my honest counsel. If Your Majesty finds this method unbearable, I will release His Highness at once."
Turning on his heel, he made a move to return to the academy.
"Wait," the Daimyō called out.
Tunan stopped. The Daimyō's expression had hardened with resolve. "Mr. Jingming, we shall proceed with your method. If there is anything I must do, just tell me."
Tunan allowed a small smile to surface. "Your Majesty, the only thing you must do is turn a blind eye. Even if His Highness comes to you in tears, you must not waver."
The Daimyō nodded firmly. "Understood."
For the Fire Daimyō, maintaining absolute control over the Land of Fire was paramount. He did not want to remain subservient to Konoha any longer.
Uchiha Tunan lowered his voice. "There is one more matter that requires Your Majesty's attention. It will benefit your rule in the future."
The Daimyō raised a brow. "What is it?"
"From now on, show more favor to your second son. Keep him close, take him on outings, and, in public, praise him generously. Give him the respect he desires."
The Daimyō frowned. "Why?"
"One raises a son of privilege, but the heir must be raised through hardship. Since His Highness is destined for the throne, the Second Prince must be compensated in other ways.
If you neglect him, resentment will grow in his heart. And when the time comes, the brothers may turn against each other."
Tunan's gaze darkened. "But if His Majesty follows my advice, even if the Second Prince bears resentment, his will shall be corroded. He will become complacent—an idle noble with no ambitions."
The Daimyō's eyes widened with understanding. He exhaled slowly and nodded. "Mr. Jingming, you speak the truth. I leave Naraku's education in your hands. Do what must be done."
The conversation continued into the early morning, and the Daimyō found himself increasingly aligned with Uchiha Tunan's philosophy.
---
Dawn at the Academy
As the sun broke over the horizon, Uchiha Tunan returned alone to the academy courtyard.
Bound tightly to a stake, His Highness craned his neck, searching for his father. But the Daimyō was nowhere to be seen.
A chill ran down his spine.
Uchiha Tunan's face remained expressionless as he approached.
"W-Where's my father...?" His Highness stammered.
Tunan scoffed. He picked up the half-melted candle from the ground, its wax dripping over his fingers.
Without hesitation, he tilted the candle forward.
Hot wax dripped onto the prince's skin.
"AAAAAH!"
His screams tore through the morning air.
Uchiha Tunan's lips curled ever so slightly.
The parents of the shinobi world were truly blinded by their ambition to make their sons into dragons. Even the Fire Daimyō had been willing to turn away.
The gap between Konoha and the nobility was even greater than he had imagined.
Beyond the courtyard walls, hidden in the shadows, the Daimyō flinched at his son's agonized cries. He squeezed his eyes shut, let out a long sigh, then turned and walked away.
At the same time, Uchiha Tunan sensed the secret watchers disappear.
The Daimyō must have dismissed his personal guards. He wouldn't risk them overhearing Uchiha Tunan's lessons.
---
A Different Fate for the Second Prince
Moments later, a drowsy Second Prince stumbled into the courtyard.
His tired eyes widened in shock at the sight before him.
Uchiha Tunan turned toward him, expression unreadable.
The boy swallowed hard. "M-Mr. Jingming... Am I late...?"
To his surprise, Tunan nodded with a kind smile.
"Right on time. Take a seat. Class will begin shortly."
The Second Prince hesitated, glancing at his bound and suffering brother.
But seeing no punishment awaiting him, he quickly obeyed, lowering his head as he hurried inside.
Tunan turned back to His Highness, untying the ropes.
The prince collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.
But before he could recover, cold water splashed over him.
His entire body shivered.
Tunan's voice was devoid of emotion. "Get to class."
Terror flickered through the prince's eyes, but he dared not argue.
Crawling and stumbling, he hurried inside.
Uchiha Tunan stepped up to the podium.
He cast a glance at the Second Prince, who sat stiffly in his seat.
"If Your Highness is tired, you may rest. Education should balance work and rest."
The boy stole a glance at his trembling older brother and shook his head frantically.
"N-No! I'm wide awake!"
Uchiha Tunan smirked and nodded. His gaze then fell coldly on the elder prince.
"Your Highness, listen carefully. This lesson will be tested. If you fail..." His voice trailed off, letting the implication sink in.
The prince's face was pale, but he clenched his fists and forced himself to nod. "Y-Yes, sir..."
Tunan's eyes gleamed.
He was more resilient than expected.
That made things interesting.
He began his lecture.
---
A Lesson in Power
"The art of strategy is the art of controlling the mind," Tunan began.
"A country has three pillars: the ruler, the elites, and the people.
To control a nation, one must win the loyalty of at least two.
But power is made up of individuals, and all individuals share one weakness—self-interest."
His gaze swept the room.
"Thus, to control a nation, you must manipulate desires. Greed, fear, ambition... they are all tools."
The lesson continued until noon.
At the end, Uchiha Tunan demanded their written responses.
He barely glanced at His Highness's paper before tossing it aside.
"Pathetic," he sneered. "Rote memorization without understanding. No lunch for you. Stand outside until six."
The prince's exhausted body wavered.
But he bowed his head and answered numbly: "Yes..."
Uchiha Tunan watched him stagger away.
The true test was yet to come.