"Hundreds of years ago, a devastating plague broke out in the Water Kingdom," Kanhara Hayato began. "It was a saint who brought the elixir that cured both illness and injury, giving the people a renewed hope for life.""To honor his sacrifice, after his death, the people began the Water Garden Festival," he continued. "What started as a gesture of gratitude eventually grew into the kingdom's largest celebration."After hearing Hayato's explanation, Logan fell silent in thought. Then he asked, "That saint who saved the kingdom... was his last name Oda?"Kanhara Hayato chuckled lightly. "That's right."To be more accurate, even if it hadn't been originally, after the Oda family rose to power, any historical figure of note was retroactively given the surname "Oda." Celebrations like these often trace their roots to divine right or ancestral reverence—tools used by those in power to reinforce their rule.But sometimes, looking too closely at the truth strips things of their original magic.Even if the underlying intent was to solidify the daimyo's legitimacy, there was no denying that the festival had become the most anticipated event of the year for ordinary people.Girls dressed in elegant kimonos, their hair adorned with delicate ornaments. Boys, puffing out their chests, walked proudly at their sides like dutiful knights.Men shouted and bustled as they assembled floats, raised stages, or hawked festival treats in the streets. Women picked through fresh vegetables and meat at market stalls, preparing to cook extravagant meals for their families.Joyful noise filled the air—laughter, music, and chatter. The festival was a time for letting go of worries and embracing happiness.As Logan walked the streets, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the Spring Festivals of his previous life. He missed the small details—the firecrackers, red envelopes, the crowded dinners... even the mountains of exam prep books he'd worked through.Well, okay—maybe not the books. Those still haunted his dreams from time to time.He sometimes found himself back in a high school exam hall, that oppressive silence hanging in the air. Even now, in his dreams, the tension could trigger a cold sweat.Terumi Mei walked up beside him and gently nudged his shoulder."What's with that serious face?" she asked. "You look like you're being haunted.""I was just thinking about some... terrifying things.""Terrifying?" she smirked. "You?""Of course. I'm not made of stone. I've got plenty of fears." He exhaled, his expression calm. "Everything I've done so far has been to keep those fears locked deep inside—to make sure they never come true."She glanced at him, then looked away. "You know, they say there's going to be a massive fireworks display tonight for the Water Garden Festival.""Hmm," Logan responded with a nod."I've never watched fireworks with anyone before," she said quietly, stealing glances at him.Logan nodded again. "What a coincidence. Neither have I."Terumi Mei waited, anticipating what he'd say next.But to her surprise, Logan just kept walking, saying nothing more.She puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "This guy...!"Then, as if reading her mind, Logan turned around."If you're not busy tonight," he said, "let's go see the fireworks together."Terumi Mei raised her chin and replied with mock haughtiness, "I suppose I can reluctantly agree to your request."The two of them smiled and continued walking side by side.Kyoto was built like a perfect square, with one main road running through the center and symmetrical districts on either side. As they moved from the outer city to the inner city, the crowd thinned, people's clothes became more extravagant, and their speech carried a polished, superior tone.It was like walking into a place where a single plate of pickled radish could cost 198 ryo.Logan and his group, in their modest clothing, looked completely out of place."Why are they letting a bunch of bumpkins in?" someone sneered nearby.The disdain in their voices was clear. But when the onlookers noticed the Kirigakure forehead protectors worn by the group, their expressions changed immediately.The tension from the previous daimyo's public execution still lingered in the air of Kyoto. These nobles remembered all too well—these ninjas didn't play by the rules. If they could kill a daimyo, they could certainly deal with ordinary people.Their arrogance melted into fear. They shrank back, making way like frightened quail.A few couldn't resist glancing at the man in the front—Logan."He's Logan?" they whispered.He wasn't the towering, bloodthirsty brute they had imagined. Instead, he was—"Beautiful," someone murmured, cheeks turning pink.Noble daughters, wealthy wives, and pampered young masters all quietly stared.Fortunately, Logan was thick-skinned and used to the attention. He ignored the whispers and headed to their assigned residence.The "residence" turned out to be an opulent estate—once the courtyard of a wealthy family, now completely reserved for their group. Servants, handymen, and guards were stationed throughout the grounds.Clearly, the daimyo was taking their visit very seriously.Once they arrived, the group unpacked their belongings.Terumi Mei led the civilian staff to meet Kyoto officials to discuss arms funding. Meanwhile, Kanhara Hayato, protected in secret by Zabuza, reached out to local intelligence contacts.His mission was no less important. With so many parties targeting Logan, he had to lock down the intelligence network to avoid any surprises.Everyone had their roles to play.Logan, on the other hand, was idle. He couldn't sit around doing nothing, so he grabbed a notebook and roamed the city streets, eager to learn about Kyoto's unique customs and history.As each day passed, the festive energy grew stronger, and the flow of visitors increased tenfold.From the Suien Shrine in the western district, the sound of chanting and practice echoed each morning.Finally, the day of the Water Garden Festival arrived.A group of attendants and warriors came to fetch Logan and his team."Master Logan, the banquet is about to begin. Please follow me."Logan looked toward the Daming Mansion at the city's center.Was this a setup? A Hongmen Banquet?What had Hori Masaji meant before?There will be an outcome today.Logan nodded. "Lead the way.""Yes, sir."Four people attended the banquet: Logan, Terumi Mei, Zabuza, and Kanhara Hayato.Zabuza served as Terumi Mei's bodyguard. Kanhara Hayato was responsible for intelligence and monitoring the web of political figures who'd be present.As they walked to the daimyo's residence, the setting sun gave way to a sea of colored lanterns. One by one, they lit up the streets, obscuring the stars.When the group entered the banquet hall, it was already dark. Two long rows of low tables were arranged on tatami mats, and many familiar faces were present.Kurenai Yuhi from Konoha. Nozomi from the Cloud Village. Ninjas from the Sand and Stone Villages.Logan gave a polite nod to those he didn't recognize.A servant guided them to Kirigakure's designated table.Then, a voice called out from the main seat:"Mr. Logan, please come and sit with me."It was a gentle yet commanding voice—a perfect mix of maturity and youthful clarity.Logan looked up to see Oda Ieyasu walking toward him, barefoot.He took Logan's hand firmly."Come, sit beside me. There is no distinction between us."Logan stared into the man's eyes.This was the man who now ruled the Water Kingdom. A man showing warmth to the enemy who had killed his father.Remarkable, Logan thought.He couldn't imagine being so composed under the same circumstances.Oda Ieyasu gestured to the seat beside him."Alright," Logan said.Terumi Mei and the others sat at the Kirigakure table, while Logan took his place next to the daimyo.When new guests entered and saw the two sitting as equals, they froze, bewildered.They didn't understand the deeper meaning, but they knew something significant was at play.At six o'clock, the dinner began. Envoys from various nations presented gifts to the daimyo. Oda Ieyasu introduced Logan as his guest of honor, exchanging clever remarks and toasts that lightened the atmosphere.Eventually, Logan set down his cup, his expression cooling."That should be enough for this performance."Oda Ieyasu smiled and echoed, "Almost."He stood up and gestured for Logan to follow.Kanhara Hayato, who had been teasing a dancer nearby, immediately grew alert and nudged Zabuza."Let's go."Zabuza glanced up. "Should we? The leaders are talking. We're just support.""That's the mistake amateurs make," Hayato said. "Politicians are more shameless than any ninja. They'll smile while stabbing you in the back.""More shameless than me?" Zabuza asked, amused."Exactly.""Gross."Terumi Mei turned and snapped, "Stop your comedy routine and move."They hurried to catch up—only to be stopped by two crossed blades from palace guards.Oda Ieyasu waved them through. "If you're coming, come."They entered the daimyo's study. A maid poured tea, bowed, and closed the door.Tea, not wine.It was time to talk seriously."I can tell, Mr. Logan," Oda Ieyasu said, "you carry a lot of burdens. So do I."He poured a cup and gestured. "Why don't you start?"Logan reached into his robe and pulled out a folded paper. He placed it on the table and tapped it lightly.It read one word: "Awakening"—still stained with blood."What does this mean?" Logan asked coldly."My good intentions," Oda Ieyasu replied."You call this kindness?"Oda Ieyasu smiled. "Your friend gained a powerful summoning beast. You discovered the danger of 'Awakening Thought' early. All we lost was a man who had already drowned in his own lust.""To people like us," he added, "this is kindness."Logan narrowed his eyes. "People like us?"Oda Ieyasu pointed between them. "You... and us.""Alright, Mr. Logan," he said, voice steady. "I've answered your question. Now it's my turn."
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