The barracks of the new army.
Nobuaki Oda took over the mechanical exoskeleton from Minato Namikaze.
It felt incredibly heavy. Without his long - term training, he wouldn't have been able to handle it.
He frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "Can ordinary people really use such armor?"
"Your Highness, don't worry."
Minato didn't offer much explanation and said, "You'll know the reason once you put it on."
Nobuaki Oda nodded.
He unfolded what was called an exoskeleton but was actually a very thick set of black mechanical armor.
It completely enveloped him.
Not a single bit of skin was exposed.
"Please enter the password."
A transparent screen appeared in front of Nobuaki Oda.
Seeing the words on it, he said, "Black Armor Army Number 001."
"Password correct. The mechanical exoskeleton is activating."
Colorless chakra and electric current flowed through the steel frame.
Two - thirds of the power of this suit came from chakra, and one - third from electricity.
Suddenly, Nobuaki Oda felt that the mechanical power suit became extremely light, as if it had no weight at all.
He was momentarily stunned and immediately did the Eighth Set of Broadcast Gymnastics, the morning exercise routine of the new army.
It was smooth, incredibly smooth.
That was the only feeling Nobuaki Oda had.
He walked up to a huge rock, His eyes flashed, and he actually lifted it effortlessly.
"Give me a sword."
Nobuaki Oda put down the rock and then took the samurai sword that Minato handed over. He swung it hard, sparks flew everywhere, and the sharp blade curled up.
He couldn't help but be impressed.
"No wonder Father is willing to spend five times the cost of an ordinary army to supply the Black Armor Army. It's really worth it. Even if it's ten times, I'd be willing."
The Black Armor Army got its name because the mechanical exoskeletons were entirely black.
"Your Highness is overpraising."
Minato smiled and helped him take off the mechanical power suit.
Konoha spent seven years building this armor with all its might. It wasn't just for dealing with ordinary armies.
He had tested it. After putting on this suit, ordinary Genin could hardly pose a threat.
The only pity was that it was too expensive.
What Nobuaki Oda didn't know was that the money borne by the Daimyo only reached two - thirds.
The remaining one - third was paid by Haruki himself.
It wasn't to save money for the Daimyo but to pay the soldiers of the Black Armor Army as salaries.
The Land of Fire was basically in a feudal period. Except for nobles and Ninjas, most people were very poor.
This included the army.
But ordinary soldiers weren't much better off than farmers. The only advantage was that there were promotion channels.
"It's not overpraising. It's the truth."
Nobuaki Oda had been in high spirits in recent years.
With Minato's Black Armor Army as his backing, he had won over quite a few civil and military officials.
Although he couldn't compare with his elder brother, he at least had a team.
"Minato, Father's fiftieth birthday is in a few days. What gift should I give?"
Nobuaki Oda remembered his real business.
Trying out the exoskeleton power suit was just an impromptu idea. The real purpose was to discuss the birthday gift with Minato.
Over the past few years, all the suggestions Minato made hit the mark. He has already regarded Minato as his military advisor.
"Fifty years old, huh." Minato stroked his chin. "The Daimyo's health should be in a bad state now, right?"
"Well, there are indeed some problems. I guess my big bro is about to take over, so he doesn't even bother to care about my little schemes these years."
Nobuaki Oda let out a soft laugh. "But he has no idea about the strength of the Black Armor Army. He thinks that with the support of the other five armies, he can rest easy."
"If it were my suggestion, send pills to the Daimyo."
"Do you mean poison?" Nobuaki Oda was startled upon hearing this. "Isn't this a bit too reckless?"
"No, it's to prolong his life." Minato shook his head. "My teacher is Haruki, one of the Twin Gems of Konoha and one of the most powerful medical ninjas in the ninja world. He spent a large amount of precious medicinal herbs to make pills that can let the Daimyo live a few more years."
"Really?" Nobuaki Oda had a hard time understanding Minato's meaning. If it weren't for their years of acquaintance, he would even suspect that Minato is an undercover agent.
"Who do you think will be more anxious upon hearing this news?"
Seeing Nobuaki Oda looking puzzled, Minato added, "Your big bro is already over thirty - five years old this year. If the Daimyo lives for another ten years, he'll be forty - five. Even if he inherits the position of Daimyo, how many more years can he live?"
During this period, the average lifespan in the ninja world was only in the fifties.
It was even shorter for ordinary civilians.
"I see!" Nobuaki Oda's eyes lit up. "Big bro can't wait for another ten years. In his eagerness, he might do something stupid. Then we'll have a legitimate reason to start an army."
"Exactly."
"Minato, you're really good at coming up with strategies. If it weren't for your ambition to become the Hokage, the position of Grand Minister would definitely be yours."
Nobuaki Oda said sincerely.
The Grand Minister was the highest official position under the Daimyo, equivalent to the position of prime minister.
"Everyone has their own aspirations, Your Highness. There's no need to force it."
Minato replied with a smile.
Nobuaki Oda didn't insist either. He left after lunch.
Minato returned to his room.
"Teacher."
"Here, take this."
Haruki handed him the pills and said, "There is no divine medicine that can truly prolong life in this world, but this can make the Daimyo regain the vitality of a young man in a short period of time."
"Okay." Minato put away the pills and mused, "The Daimyo and the nobles' patience with me is almost at its limit. Maybe the Daimyo's birthday will be an excellent opportunity."
This chapter is not over!
Haruki nodded.
After all, Minato was a ninja. Although the Daimyo didn't think he had any ulterior motives, the other nobles were extremely envious.
Controlling an army meant becoming one of the most powerful people in the Land of Fire.
Previously, the other five armies were in the hands of the five major military families. Only the Black Armor Army, everyone knew that Minato was going to leave.
"Let's wait for the eldest prince to make a move."
Haruki needed a just cause to stabilize the other daimyos, but in the past two years, the Land of Lightning, which most advocated military expansion, had been itching to act.
In the original story, the Cloud Hidden Village took advantage of the disappearance of the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure to attack the Land of Wind.
But now the Third Kazekage was still safe and sound.
Haruki doesn't know where the Cloud Hidden Village will launch an attack.
On the third day.
The Daimyo's palace.
Decorated with lanterns and streamers, it presented a jubilant atmosphere.
Nobuaki Oda was announced by the maids and got to see the Daimyo.
After bowing, he waited in his seat.
It was nine o'clock.
The main hall was filled with civil and military officials.
Nobuaki Oda glanced at Hideyoshi Oda, but didn't say a word.
According to the rules, Hideyoshi Oda was the first to present a gift.
Nobuaki Oda would be the fourth one.
After waiting for a few minutes, Nobuaki Oda stood up and walked up to the Daimyo, with a big smile on his face.
"Father, I heard that you're not feeling well. So I spent a fortune to get a bottle of pills from Haruki of Konoha. He said that taking them can extend your lifespan by ten years."
His words stunned everyone.
The Daimyo visibly trembled. The smile on his face turned into surprise and eagerness.
"Quick, bring it here and let me have a look."
Nobuaki Oda immediately walked up to him.
The Daimyo snatched the pills and took a sniff, instantly feeling all the tiredness in his body disappear.
He didn't have any doubts.
Firstly, Nobuaki Oda wouldn't dare to harm him in public. Secondly, he had a good impression of Haruki.
The Daimyo swallowed one pill.
An indescribable sense of comfort spread through his body.
He closed his eyes, with a look of elation on his face.
Nobuaki Oda returned to his seat and saw the look in Hideyoshi Oda's eyes as if he wanted to kill him.
...
Late at night, the moonlight shone into the magnificent room.
Hideyoshi Oda's otherwise handsome face was full of ferocity.
There was a mess in front of him.
All kinds of porcelain, writing brushes, papers, and books were in a heap.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Hideyoshi Oda angrily smashed a beautiful ceramic vase.
"Ten years. How am I supposed to endure these ten years? And what's the point of enduring them?"
After waiting for more than twenty years with the hope right in front of him, he wondered how on earth his fourth brother came up with such a vicious idea!
"My lord."
The door was pushed open, and a middle - aged man in his late forties walked in.
Compared to Hideyoshi Oda, he was calm and unhurried.
He was Takeuchi Yuta, the current Grand Minister.
"What got into you? Why are you so out of it?"
He looked at the floor and shook his head. "If word gets to the Daimyo, he'll scold you again."
"Uncle, I'm really furious."
Hideyoshi Oda's emotions calmed down a bit as he sighed and said, "Who ever heard of being a prince for forty - five years?"
"Is that bottle of medicine really that miraculous?"
Takeuchi Yuta frowned. He instinctively didn't quite believe there was a miraculous pill that could extend one's lifespan by ten years.
"Mother sent word that recently the Daimyo's body is as good as that of a young man in his twenties or thirties. He's back to his wild days of carousing every night."
Hideyoshi Oda showed his dissatisfaction. "For several days in a row, he hasn't even seen mother."
Seeing his dejected look, Takeuchi Yuta couldn't help but shake his head. "Uncle has told you that those who achieve great things don't get bogged down by trifles. It's not the most desperate time yet."
"Do you have a way?" Hideyoshi Oda looked up, as if grasping at a straw. "Please tell me, uncle!"
"You've got the support of almost everyone now. Once the Daimyo (a feudal lord in Japan) dies, you can take his place."
Takeuchi Yuta said slowly.
Hideyoshi Oda was shocked and suddenly sat up straight.
Although he wanted to become the Daimyo, he had never really thought of killing his father.
"Uncle, this..."
"Do you want to wait for ten years?"
Takeuchi Yuta's rhetorical question left Hideyoshi Oda silent.
After ten years, how many more years could he live?
His expression gradually calmed down, and a cold look appeared in his eyes.
"A ruler can't be indecisive."
Takeuchi Yuta nodded in satisfaction. "Besides, the Daimyo wasn't killed by us, but by Nobuaki Oda. The magic elixir he offered had too strong a medicinal effect, causing the Daimyo, who was too weak to absorb it, to die suddenly."
"Awesome!"
Hideyoshi Oda seemed to get some kind of psychological comfort and said, "It's all the fault of the fourth brother. As the eldest brother, I should set things right."
"Good."
Takeuchi Yuta patted him on the shoulder and said, "Get ready."
A week later.
The night was hazy.
Hideyoshi Oda stood in front of the palace.
His gaze penetrated the overlapping buildings, as if he could see the indulgent scene in his father's room.
The standing army of the Land of Fire, including the new army, has a total of six branches, but not all of them guard the Metropolis.
There are three in the Metropolis.
In fact, one guards the Daimyo's palace, one is stationed in the Metropolis, and the other is in the suburbs. It's Minato's new army.
To prevent the new army from causing trouble, Takeuchi Yuta planned a rebellion two days ago and transferred the new army away.
Even if they knew, it would be too late to rush back.
And the remaining two teams all support him.
In other words, the whole Metropolis is under his control. How could anyone fight against him?
Hideyoshi Oda didn't wait long before a samurai rode a fast horse up to him.
"Prince, Takeuchi Yuta and General Ogoshi have controlled the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Please go there, Prince."
He immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
If he had to say what he was most worried about, it was naturally the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
As ninjas protecting the Daimyo, they are extremely powerful.
But being caught off guard, it's also difficult for them to prevent a sneak attack.
Moreover, they are protecting the Daimyo, and he is about to become the Daimyo.
Hideyoshi Oda rode his horse into the palace.
After passing through the complicated streets, he arrived in front of the Daimyo's room.
"Uncle."
He dismounted and greeted Takeuchi Yuta, then looked at General Ogoshi beside him, Ogoshi Takayuki, who was in charge of guarding the palace.
"General Ogoshi."
"Greetings, Prince."
Ogoshi Takayuki was wearing armor and took off his helmet and smiled.
He was very young, not over thirty.
To have reached this position, he naturally has extraordinary strength.
His teacher is Takeuchi Yuta. His father is a general, and his grandfather has also been a general.
"Shall we go in now?" Ogoshi Takayuki pointed at the room and asked.
"Not in a hurry." Hideyoshi Oda smiled. "Let Father have one last unrestrained moment."
"Prince, you're really filial."
Ogoshi Takayuki landed behind him in a gesture of courtesy between a vassal and a lord, indicating his stance.
The voices in the room grew weaker and weaker.
After a long scream, Hideyoshi Oda waved his hand forward.
Immediately, a group of soldiers entered.
Chaos erupted again.
"Please."
Takeuchi Yuta bowed, extending his right hand in a gesture of invitation.
Hideyoshi Oda burst into laughter and drew out the long sword from his waist.
"Hideyoshi, what are you up to?!"
The Daimyo, wearing pajamas, was being held by others at this moment. It wasn't until he saw Hideyoshi Oda that he understood what was going on.
But he couldn't believe that his always obedient and well - behaved son was going to kill him.
"Father, I can't wait any longer."
Hideyoshi Oda shook his head and stabbed the Daimyo with all his might.
Blood sprayed.
He was in a daze for a moment, but then his face turned cold. He turned around and said, "Father died suddenly because of the pills of the Fourth Prince. Please, General Ogoshi, lead your men to his residence and arrest him."
"Yes, my lord!"
Ogoshi Takayuki said seriously, "Before tonight, he will definitely be brought before you, my lord!"
A smile immediately appeared on Hideyoshi Oda's face.
Ogoshi Takayuki mounted his horse, put on his helmet, and whipped his horse.
One group after another of soldiers lined up and followed him, thundering away towards the outside of the palace.
"Truly the most elite army in the Land of Fire."
Seeing the dense crowd, Hideyoshi Oda couldn't help but praise, "It's quite a grand send - off for the Fourth Prince before his death. He's getting off lightly."
"After all, he is the Fourth Prince."
Takeuchi Yuta walked up to him and smiled, "The people in this room also need to be dealt with."
"Kill them."
Hideyoshi Oda ordered without hesitation.
"Now that you're a qualified Daimyo, summon all the officials tomorrow. Be on guard against anyone plotting a rebellion."
Takeuchi Yuta didn't think there was anything wrong with his cruelty.
He added, "Among the other three armies, be vigilant against General Yamazaki. His attitude towards you has been lukewarm. As for the Black Armor Army led by Minato Namikaze, he is from Konoha after all, so it's not advisable to use force against him. Order him to step down from his post and return to Konoha on the grounds that his term has expired."
"I'll follow what my uncle says."
Hideyoshi Oda nodded.
Ogoshi Takayuki left the palace and arrived at Nobuaki Oda's residence, only to find it empty.
The next day, countless flyers fluttered over the Metropolis of the Land of Fire.
The content was a photo.
Hideyoshi Oda was looking fierce as he stabbed the long sword into the Daimyo's body.
Then, Nobuaki Oda, who was suppressing bandits and quelling chaos in Ibaraki, and the Black Armor Army raised an army under the slogan of purging the emperor's side and attacked the Metropolis directly.