Land of Darkness's border, a high slope several miles away from the now-quiet but devastated main battlefield.
The Daimyo of the Land of Darkness, Yokogawa Taichi, dressed in a luxurious fur robe stained with mud and snow, was pacing back and forth anxiously.
Surrounded by several dozen equally shaken nobles and retainers, and further out, several hundred recently rallied, demoralized, and poorly equipped routed soldiers and Ronin.
They gazed into the distance towards the battlefield. The earth-shattering roars and Chakra Fluctuations that had once come from there had already quieted, leaving only a deathly silence.
This silence, however, made people even more uneasy.
"I-Is it over?" A noble asked in a trembling voice, full of fear.
"The Land of Snow must have won!" Another noble said, forcing composure, trying to bolster his own courage, "Kazahana Doto-sama brought so many powerful Ninjas, and that amazing Chakra Armor. Dealing with those Rogue Ninjas from Land of Stars, surely-"
"Shut up!" Taichi interrupted him irritably, his fat face covered in cold sweat and worry, "What if they won? What if they lost? Is Doto a better neighbor than the Star Ninjas? Can't you see his wolfish ambition? If he wins, the next ones he deals with will be us! He definitely doesn't just want that forest!"
His words made the surrounding nobles even paler, remembering Doto's cold gaze and the strange conditions he had proposed.
Could a mere forest truly satisfy Doto's ambition?
For a moment, fear and despair filled everyone's hearts.
Just then, on the horizon of the distant snowy plain, a few rapidly enlarging black dots suddenly appeared!
"Y-Your Highness! Someone's coming!" A sentry soldier cried out in alarm.
Before Taichi and the others could see who it was, those figures had already charged forward like ghosts!
Their speed was unimaginable!
It was Hotarubi and Gotta!
Each led three elite Star Ninjas, and like tigers among sheep, they directly charged into the panicked ranks of the routed Land of Darkness's soldiers!
"Enemy attack! It's the Star Ninjas!!"
"Protect Daimyo-sama!"
Chaotic cries of alarm and screams instantly erupted!
A few still-loyal samurai drew their swords to meet them, but their combat strength were worthless against real Ninjas.
How could these ordinary soldiers and Ronin be a match for elite Star Ninjas?
Hotarubi formed hand seals, brilliant purple Chakra erupting around him: "Mysterious Peacock Method: Feather Strike!"
The purple Chakra swept through like a peacock spreading its tail. Over a dozen soldiers in front were instantly sent flying, their weapons knocked away, falling to the ground incapacitated.
Gotta was even more direct. As the leader of the Iburi Clan, he let out a low roar, parts of his body turning into smoke, easily dodging the slashing swords.
He instantly appeared behind a Rogue Ninja trying to resist, his kunai accurately piercing the other party's heart.
"Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears!" Simultaneously, several sharp earthen spears shot up from the ground, skewering a few charging samurai like candied haws.
The six Star Ninjas they brought were also like efficient killing machines.
Some used Ninjutsu for ranged attacks, others used Taijutsu for close-quarters kills. Their coordination was tacit, their movements clean and efficient.
The routed soldiers of the Land of Darkness, already lacking fighting spirit, were instantly thrown into disarray, crying for their parents, completely collapsing and scattering.
Taichi and the nobles were scared out of their wits, turning to flee.
But Hotarubi and Gotta's target was them!
"Where do you think you're going?!" Hotarubi coldly shouted. His figure flashed, appearing before Taichi as if teleporting. A hand covered in purple Chakra clamped onto the Daimyo's neck like iron pincers, easily lifting his fat body off the ground!
"Guh… Sp-spare me…" Taichi's face turned purple, his legs kicking wildly in the air, tears and snot flowing down together. His previous arrogance and scheming vanished, replaced by primal fear.
A stream of urine and feces flowed from his trousers. Taichi wept openly: "Don't kill me! Don't kill me! I surrender! I surrender! I offer the Land of Darkness to the Land of Stars! Please, spare my life!"
The other Star Ninjas quickly subdued the remaining nobles trying to escape, binding them with special Chakra Restraints.
These nobles who usually threw their weight around were now like lambs for slaughter, slumped on the ground, their pleas for mercy rising in a chorus.
"Spare us, great lords! We are willing to offer all our family's wealth!"
"It was all Yokogawa Taichi's doing! It has nothing to do with us!"
"Star Ninja-sama! I can also pledge loyalty to the Land of Stars! I know many of the Land of Darkness's secrets!"
Gotta looked at these spineless individuals with disgust and said to Hotarubi, "Mission complete. Let's take them back. Shura-sama is still waiting for news."
…
Star City, Military District Headquarters.
This place was completely different from the winter quiet outside, filled with the cold feel of modern technology and the tense atmosphere of efficient operation.
A huge electronic screen wall was divided into dozens of feeds. Some were blurry images transmitted in real-time from miniature cameras worn by frontline Ninjas, some were aerial views captured by high-altitude reconnaissance ninjutsu or summoned creatures, clearly showing the situation at the Land of Darkness's border battlefield, Honsho Town in the Land of Swamps, and the Star Ninja's forces rapidly advancing into the Land of Snow.
Serving as the transmission hub was Hikari, commanding from the front lines.
Several researchers in white coats and Technical Ninjas sat before complex consoles, nervously monitoring data streams.
Using the imprinted [Chakra Network], they maintained encrypted communication channels, keeping in instant contact with various units on the front lines, relaying orders, and collating intelligence.
Menma stood calmly before the main screen, still wearing his black and red-trimmed robe. Beneath his black hair, his sapphire blue eyes calmly scanned each feed.
He didn't need to go to the front lines himself. This was his throne. The entire battlefield's veins were clearly laid out before him.
When the feed showing Hotarubi and Gotta successfully captured the Land of Darkness's Daimyo and nobles came through, his face still showed no expression, as if they had only caught two small fish.
Immediately after, Hikari's cool voice sounded directly in his ear through the encrypted channel:
"Kazahana Doto has been severely injured by Kisame and captured by me. The main Yukigakure's Ninja Force has been routed, and remnants are being mopped up. As per your instructions, I have ordered Kisame to lead a vanguard squad. Relying on his extensive experience, they will spearhead into the Land of Snow's capital, seize key points, and clear obstacles for the subsequent takeover."
Menma gave a slight nod, 'Hikari's speed and decision-making were always so efficient.'
'A veteran Anbu like Kisame was indeed an expert at executing infiltration and control missions.'
'The time has come.'
Menma hesitated no longer, issuing the final commands clearly and calmly:
"Order: The First, Second, and Third Star Ninja Army's units waiting at the border are to march out immediately, all personnel!"
"First Unit, target: Land of Snow. Full takeover. Mop up the remaining resistance. Coordinate with Hoshigaki Kisame to control the capital and all important towns and ports."
"Second Unit, target: Land of Swamps. Maintain order. Suppress any potential unrest. Ensure the safety of the administrative team."
"Third Unit, target: Land of Darkness. Clear the battlefield. Guard prisoners of war. Stabilize the region."
"Order Uzumaki Kanon to immediately lead all reserve administrative officials and logistical support teams into the Land of Snow, Land of Swamps, and Land of Darkness in three groups! Begin establishing the county-level administrative system."
"Primary tasks: open granaries, distribute cold-weather supplies, provide large-scale disaster relief to victims, organize medical forces to treat the injured, and provide work as relief to restore basic production and order as soon as possible!"
"Move out!"
The orders were instantly transmitted to every team leader and responsible person via the imprinted Chakra Network.
The Land of Stars's massive war and administrative machine instantly began operating at full speed, efficiently!
The three Star Ninja Army's units have long assembled and waiting at the border, each a mixed elite force of thirty-six Chunin, Special Jonin, and Jonin, shot out like three drawn swords, thrusting towards the north, the west, and the local battlefield cleanup respectively.
They were well-trained, moved swiftly, and had clear objectives.
Immediately after, an even larger contingent of administrative officials, under the personal coordination of Kanon, riding in various vehicles, on pack animals, and even assisted by some Ninjas, crossed the border in a mighty stream, heading into the three countries.
They carried vast quantities of food, medicine, clothing, and construction materials.
The speed of the Land of Stars's actions exceeded everyone's expectations!
Almost simultaneously with the physical elimination of the various countries' Daimyos and noble factions, the Land of Stars' governance system followed closely behind, rapidly filling the power vacuum!
As the Star Ninja Army forcefully entered and stationed there, and the administrative officials arrived, the resistance from the remaining scattered private soldiers of nobles or die-hard loyalists within the three countries melted away like snow under sunlight.
The Star Ninjas used absolute force to crush any sign of defiance.
Next, a vigorous, unprecedented public trial assembly simultaneously commenced in the major cities of the three countries, especially their respective capitals!
…
A few days later, central plaza of the Land of Swamps' capital.
Despite the severe cold, the plaza was packed with people!
Tens of thousands of citizens and farmers who had come from surrounding villages gathered here.
They wore thin, ragged clothes, their faces bearing the pallor of long-term hunger. But now, a complex emotion burned in their eyes.
There was fear, there was confusion, but more than that was anger suppressed for far too long, on the verge of erupting, and a hint of incredible hope!
A temporary high platform had been erected in the center of the plaza.
On the platform, the captured Land of Swamps's Daimyo, Ono Takuto and several dozen of the most important nobles and ministers were tightly bound and forced to kneel on the icy surface.
Stripped of their former fine clothes and dignity, they trembled like stray dogs, their faces deathly pale.
Surrounding them were Star Ninjas in standard flak jackets, maintaining order with expressionless faces.
Kanon personally presided over the proceedings. She wore the efficient uniform of a Land of Stars administrative official, her expression serious and just.
Miroku stood by her side. Her mere presence had a huge calming and encouraging effect on the western populace.
Kisame stood at a corner of the platform like a guardian, with Samehada on his back. His ferocious appearance and terrifying killing intent effectively suppressed any potential unrest.
"People of the Land of Swamps!" Kanon's voice, amplified, spread across the entire plaza, clear and powerful: "For a long time, you have suffered under the oppression and exploitation of the rotten noble class led by Ono Takuto! They treated you like grass! Even during famine, they indulged in drunken revelry, and even attempted desecration acts!"
"Now, upholding justice, the Land of Stars has captured these parasites!" Her gaze swept over the dense crowd below, her voice rising: "Today! Right here! Shura-sama of the Land of Stars will grant you justice!"
"Every one of you can step forward and accuse these people of their crimes! Speak of the wrongs you have suffered! Seized land, forcibly levied grain, innocently deceased relatives... all of it! Shura-sama of the Land of Stars will uphold justice for you! As long as the evidence is conclusive, the laws of the Land of Stars will deliver the punishment they deserve!"
The crowd fell silent, only the sound of the cold wind whistling.
Long-term oppression had ingrained fear deep into their bones. They didn't dare believe this was real, afraid it was another trap.
Then, Miroku stepped forward. Her voice was gentle yet carried a sacred power to move people: "Do not be afraid. Lift your heads."
"Shura-sama has brought a new order, brought hope. Speak your pain. Let sunlight into those dark corners. I swear in the name of the Priestess of the Land of Demons' Shrine, the trial will be just!"
Miruko's words seemed to possess magic, breaking the ice in some people's hearts.
Finally, a gaunt old farmer, leaning on a cane, tremblingly walked out from the crowd.
Tears streamed down his aged face as he pointed at a portly noble on the platform, his voice hoarse and indignant: "My lord! Priestess-sama! I want to accuse Finance Official Matsudaira! Three years ago, during the flood, all the disaster relief funds were embezzled by him! My son... my son died from exhaustion repairing the embankment, and we didn't get a single coin in compensation! My wife starved to death... he fobbed us off with moldy chaff!"
The old man broke down in sobs by the end.
Where there was a first, there was a second!
A middle-aged woman rushed out, crying and pointing at another noble: "It was him! The steward of the lord's mansion! He seized my family's land and beat my husband into a cripple! The reason was we couldn't pay a tax he invented out of thin air!"
"And him! The Daimyo's lackey! He kidnapped my daughter, ruined her in his mansion, and she threw into a well!"
"Their horse trampled my father to death, and they said we offended the noble and demanded we pay compensation!"
"..."
Grievances, blood, tears, and hatred accumulated over decades, centuries, even longer, burst forth like a breached flood at this moment!
Countless people, eyes red, accused with hoarse voices, pointing at those ashen-faced nobles on the platform.
The situation nearly spiraled out of control. The enraged crowd tried to charge the platform to tear their enemies apart, but were forcibly held back by the Star Ninjas.
Kanon struggled to maintain order, shouting loudly: "Quiet! Everyone, quiet! One at a time! The Star Ninjas will record every accusation! We will definitely investigate!"
The process wasn't entirely one-sided.
When the accusations reached a certain minor noble, the crowd below fell silent for a moment.
Suddenly, a few ragged craftsmen stepped forward, hesitantly saying, "... Fujiwara-sama... he, he did collect taxes, but last winter, he privately opened soup kitchens and saved many people... He also stopped the bailiffs from press-ganging laborers..."
Kanon and the recording official exchanged a glance and nod.
After a preliminary verification, it was confirmed that this noble named Fujiwara had indeed performed some charitable acts and was not utterly wicked.
Kanon announced publicly: "After investigation, Fujiwara is confirmed to have performed good deeds and is not a major evildoer. He is to be released, stripped of his noble status, and demoted to a commoner. His family's assets, except for those necessary for basic subsistence, will be confiscated for public use in disaster relief."
The dozen or so members of the Fujiwara Family, who had been waiting in dead silence for death, wept with joy.
This scene showed the people below that the Land of Stars wasn't solely about killing, but truly valued evidence and justice, increasing their trust by a few more degrees.
As for principal criminals like Takuto, whose crimes were proven and who were filled with monstrous evil, Kanon, after compiling all accusations and verifying them, announced the verdict on the spot: "According to the laws of the Land of Stars and the people's accusations, the former Daimyo of the Land of Swamps, Ono Takuto, is guilty of corruption, dereliction of duty, murder, seizure of civilian property..."
"...one hundred and thirty-seven major crimes! The evidence is conclusive, his crimes are unforgivable! Sentenced to death! To be carried out immediately! All his family's assets are to be confiscated! The other nobles will be sentenced according to their crimes-"
"Great!!"
"Long live the Land of Stars!!"
"Long live Shura-sama!!"
Deafening cheers and cries of anguish erupted from below. It was the catharsis of vengeance achieved and also a longing for the future!
Similar public trial assemblies were simultaneously held in major cities across the Land of Darkness and the Land of Snow.
Once the volcano of anger erupted, its power was astonishing.
Countless hidden crimes were exposed, countless grievances were redressed.
The Land of Stars's administrative officials busily recorded, verified, and judged. The Star Ninjas were responsible for maintaining order and carrying out punishments.
Miroku, and the priests and miko she brought moved through the crowds, calming emotions, preaching the Land of Stars's policies, production encouraging, greatly promoting the people's allegiance.
In this wave of fury that swept through the three countries, the old noble ruling system was uprooted, liquidated both physically and spiritually.
The Land of Stars, posing as saviors and executors of justice, quickly won widespread support from the lower classes, or at least fearful compliance.
With the force of a thunderbolt, the Land of Stars completed the annexation and preliminary digestion of the former Land of Snow, Land of Swamps, and Land of Darkness at a jaw-dropping speed.
Including the previous Land of Demons, they were reorganized into 'county', becoming part of the Land of Stars: Snow County, Swamp County, Darkness County, Demon County.
By the time the distant Land of Earth and Land of Wind's Daimyos received detailed news of the dramatic changes in the west through various intelligence channels, the flags of the Land of Stars had long been planted over the capitals of the four counties.
The administrative system was already operating, relief grain had been distributed to most disaster victims, and the aftershocks of the public trials had not yet fully subsided.
The map had been forcibly rewritten.
A nation whose territory and population had suddenly swollen, leaping to become a massive nation in the western part of the Ninja World, second only to the two great nations of Land of Wind and Land of Earth.
The Land of Stars had risen powerfully!
The formidable military strength, efficient organizational mobilization capabilities, and tradition-defying ruling methods it displayed were like a biting cold current, causing deep unease and vigilance among the Daimyos and Kages of the two great nations.
The structure of the Ninja World had quietly undergone a tremendous change due to the Land of Stars's rapid expansion.