In the distance, a luxurious, grand carriage approached, followed closely by a large procession of vehicles behind it.
A group of individuals in varied roles and attire gathered around the carriage.
There were samurai armed with weapons, clad in armor, as well as mysterious, powerful ninja, along with servants walking closely by their side.
As the procession advanced, gliding smoothly along the newly constructed highway, it moved steadily without a single bump.
Inside the opulent carriage, a dignified, proud middle-aged man sat beside the window. His profile was visible through the curtain—his eyes dark and shadowed, his expression shifting like a fleeting specter.
"Konoha's development has surpassed even my wildest expectations."
He was none other than the Fire Daimyo, holding a folding fan in his hand, his eyes shadowed with unreadable thoughts.
Konoha's progress had completely exceeded his expectations. By the time he realized what was happening, it was already too late.
The carriage glided down the clean, smooth road without any jolting or shaking.
On the roadside, traffic bustled back and forth, featuring mechanized conveyances powered by new energy sources that no longer relied on horses.
This rapid transformation made him feel left behind—a man like the Fire Daimyo himself.
After a short drive, the carriage came to a stop at the village entrance.
At the gate,
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi led dozens of Konoha's clan leaders in respectful anticipation of the Daimyo's arrival.
Seeing the Daimyo slowly step down from the carriage, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward first, greeting him politely.
"Your arrival brings great honor to our humble village."
"Hahahaha, Third, you flatter me," the Fire Daimyo laughed heartily, approaching as if greeting an old friend.
The two exchanged warm small talk, acting just like long-lost friends.
But both were sly old foxes—each concealing his true thoughts behind polite words.
"Third, Konoha has changed beyond recognition. I almost didn't recognize it when I arrived today."
Hiruzen smiled and replied, "It's all thanks to everyone's hard work and, of course, your support, my lord."
"You've come at a perfect time. You'll be able to see Konoha's transformation firsthand and witness how far our village has come in recent years."
The Daimyo's eyes flickered slightly as he slowly nodded.
Hiruzen's suggestion coincided neatly with his own plans.
He too wanted to see for himself just how massive Konoha had become.
Without seeing it firsthand, it all seemed too unbelievable.
How could so much have changed in such a short time, as if the world had been reborn?
In truth, this miracle owed much to the ninja's ingenuity in construction work. A wide range of ninjutsu techniques, with only slight adjustments, could be applied safely to infrastructure building.
Many ninja, recognizing the potential in this emerging industry, abandoned their ninja lives entirely and became workers instead.
Various infrastructures were rebuilt, old houses torn down affordably, and modern buildings erected in their place.
As the Daimyo strolled through the village, a smile remained on his face, though inside, his heart sank like lead.
Damn it, Konoha's changed too much.
Damn it all! This place is practically more prosperous than the capital city of the Land of Fire. I myself don't even live in such a comfortable environment.
After witnessing the dazzling array of goods, along with various foods, fresh vegetables, and fruits imported from across the world, the Fire Daimyo could no longer conceal his shock.
How was this possible?
Had Konoha secretly transformed dramatically while he wasn't watching?
Or had they diverted military funds to develop the village?
Seeing everything, the Fire Daimyo only felt a profound sense of existential doubt.
He had always regarded ninja as mere tools for slaughter—never once giving them a proper glance.
But now, looking again, their talents seemed to have awakened.
It was as if tigers had been released from their cages—instantly reshaping the world.
An uneasy feeling stirred deep within the Fire Daimyo's heart.
At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen, standing beside him, said with a warm smile, "Lord Daimyo, what do you think of Konoha's development?"
The Daimyo's expression stiffened slightly. He nodded and replied with feigned approval, "Indeed, it has opened my eyes completely."
"If I didn't know better, I would've thought this place was the capital of some nation."
The two exchanged hollow small talk for a while before the Daimyo excused himself due to feeling unwell and returned to his residence.
Once back in his quarters, the Daimyo immediately summoned his subordinates—the renowned Twelve Guardian Ninja.
The Twelve Guardian Ninja arrived before the Daimyo and respectfully bowed.
With a light wave of his hand, the Daimyo maintained a calm smile as he addressed them, "You are all my most trusted advisors. Now that we've come to Konoha, does anyone have any thoughts on what we've seen?"
Chiriku, dressed as a monk, pressed his left hand to his chest and spoke with reverence: "My Lord, Konoha's development far surpasses anything in the Land of Fire—it's simply unbelievable. I suggest we learn from Konoha by constructing numerous factories and initiating sweeping reforms."
Next to him, Hama—who often opposed Chiriku—cut in coldly, "Chiriku, you're thinking too simplistically."
"Konoha's rapid growth must be fueled by hidden motives. This poses a serious threat to both the safety of the Land of Fire and yourself."
"My Lord, I recommend reducing the military funding and expenditures provided to Konoha, thereby diminishing its power."
"After all, only the Twelve Guardian Ninja remain your most loyal servants and true strength."
Frowning deeply, Chiriku immediately countered Hama's argument.
"Hama, the Land of Fire and Konoha operate under the One Country, One Village system. Your actions threaten to undermine this relationship and sow discord between us."
The two—one representing the moderate faction, the other the radical—launched into yet another fierce debate, reiterating the same old arguments.
Standing above them on the dais, the Daimyo watched coldly and silently observed their clash.
After a while, the two finally ceased their verbal sparring.
Then, the Daimyo turned his gaze toward a young man standing quietly off to one side.
This young man looked mature beyond his years, with a small goatee beneath his chin. He bore a striking resemblance to Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Asuma, do you have anything to say?"
Asuma Sarutobi hadn't expected to be asked. Surprised, he replied quickly, "My Lord, I haven't returned to Konoha in quite some time, so I'm unfamiliar with current affairs within the village."
"But even so, Konoha's development has exceeded my imagination completely."
The Daimyo nodded, a kind and benevolent smile spreading across his face. "Asuma," he said affectionately, "since it's been so long since your last visit, why don't you take some time off? Go home and spend some time with your family."
Asuma wanted to refuse, but then he thought of Kurenai Yuhi—the object of his quiet affection all these years—and found himself agreeing before he could stop himself.
The girl he had admired from afar since childhood... he really wanted to know how she was faring these days.
As for his old man, Asuma had no interest in seeing his father.
The main reason he had left home in the first place was because he couldn't stand his father Hiruzen Sarutobi's constant lecturing.
Still, aside from Hiruzen, he did feel homesick for his mother, Biwako Sarutobi.
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