Inside the deliberation hall of the Daimyo Mansion in the Land of Water.
Since protesting last month, the price of grain exported by the Land of Fire quickly returned to its original level. Trade between the two countries resumed its stability, and many ministers wore relaxed expressions.
Shun suddenly put down the memorial in his hand, his tone a bit nonchalant. "I'm a little bored. I want to go to the Land of Fire to take a look."
As soon as his words fell, the deliberation hall instantly became silent.
The ministers looked at each other, their eyes full of doubt.
The Minister of Finance cautiously asked, "Your Excellency, the Land of Fire has adjusted the grain prices back, and trade between the two countries is currently smooth. Is there any special significance in going to the Land of Fire now?"
Shun's gaze swept over everyone as he said, "The Land of Fire Daimyo is Queen Tsunade's uncle. I plan to take Shiryu back to the Land of Fire to visit relatives and, incidentally, strengthen the relationship between our two countries. This child is already over 3 and almost 4 years old, it's time he met his Grand Maternal Uncle."
As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers suddenly understood.
Shiryu is the child of Shun and Tsunade. Taking him to meet his Grand Maternal Uncle is both a reasonable family matter and a way to consolidate relations between the two countries under the guise of visiting relatives, a truly win-win situation.
The noble ministers nodded in agreement, their previous doubts instantly vanishing.
"Your Excellency has considered everything thoroughly. Young Master Shiryu is at an age where he should visit relatives and broaden his horizons. This move can both foster family affection and stabilize diplomatic relations between our two countries, it's brilliant." An old minister bowed in praise, and the others also chimed in.
Shun was not interested in these flattering words. He raised his hand, signaling to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"Immediately draft an official letter informing the Land of Fire Daimyo that I will be visiting with my wife, child, and entourage the day after tomorrow."
"Yes." The Minister of Foreign Affairs quickly agreed and turned to prepare the official letter.
The official letter was delivered to the Land of Fire Daimyo at the fastest possible speed.
Upon receiving the news, the Land of Fire Daimyo, though somewhat surprised, dared not neglect it and immediately ordered preparations for the reception. He even specially prepared Land of Fire-style pastries and toys, hoping to please Shiryu.
The next day at noon, in the plaza of the Land of Water Daimyo Mansion, Minato and several Anbu members were already waiting. They formed a Flying Thunder God formation, and light blue Chakra formed complex runes on the ground.
Shun held Shiryu in his left arm and Tsunade's hand in his right.
Shiryu, dressed in an exquisite brocade robe, clutched a wooden dragon carving in his hand, curiously observing the surrounding Chakra, occasionally tugging on Shun's sleeve
"Daddy, this blue light is so pretty."
Minato respectfully said, "Your Excellency, we are ready."
Shun rubbed the top of Shiryu's head, smiling and nodding. "Thank you for your hard work, Minato. Let's go."
At Minato's command, the Flying Thunder God formation instantly activated. Dazzling blue light enveloped everyone, and in the next second, their figures vanished from their original spot. When they reappeared, they had arrived at the old Konoha site in the Land of Fire.
At the old Konoha site, pedestrians came and went on the streets, and children played in the plaza.
Shiryu's eyes lit up when he saw children his age, and he wanted to run out.
Tsunade gently held the little fellow. "Shiryu, let's go see your Grand Maternal Uncle first, and then I'll take you to play."
Shiryu pouted but obediently stopped, following everyone to board the carriage and head to the Daimyo Mansion.
In the afternoon, the carriage arrived at the Land of Fire Daimyo Mansion.
The Land of Fire Daimyo personally led a group of ministers to greet them at the mansion gate.
Shun stepped out of the carriage, holding Shiryu's hand, with Tsunade following closely behind.
"My dear nephew Shun, and niece Tsunade, you must have had a tiring journey."
The Land of Fire Daimyo said with a smile, his gaze softening instantly when it fell on Shiryu.
"This must be Shiryu, right? You've grown so much."
Encouraged by Tsunade, Shiryu shyly spoke. "Hello, Grand Maternal Uncle, I am Shiryu."
His soft, sweet voice brought a light chuckle from everyone, and the atmosphere immediately became much more relaxed.
The Land of Fire Daimyo smiled so widely his mouth couldn't close. He bent down to pat Shiryu's head, but due to his discomfort, his movement paused before he managed to lightly touch the little fellow's hair.
Tsunade's gaze narrowed slightly. When she had seen the Land of Fire Daimyo a few years ago, he had a full head of black hair and was full of vigor. Now, however, his hair was completely white, and even a simple bending motion seemed strenuous, making him appear more than ten years older.
Afterward, the Land of Fire Daimyo hosted a banquet to entertain everyone.
At the banquet, a dazzling array of delicacies was served, and a plate of sweet cakes was specially prepared for Shiryu.
The Land of Fire ministers frequently toasted Shun, exchanging polite remarks, while Shiryu sat beside Shun, nibbling on the cakes and occasionally curiously looking at the people around him.
Tsunade sat next to Shun, but she constantly observed the Land of Fire Daimyo's condition.
Although the Land of Fire Daimyo maintained a smile throughout, he occasionally subtly pressed his abdomen, his complexion sometimes turning an abnormal pale, and his hand trembled slightly when holding the wine cup. Even picking up food seemed a bit weak.
Tsunade grew suspicious. She quietly leaned close to Shun's ear and whispered, "Shun, the Land of Fire Daimyo's pulse is erratic, and his vitality is weak. He seems to have been poisoned with a slow-acting toxin, and he's been poisoned for quite some time. From the looks of it, he probably doesn't have much time left."
Shun's fingers, gripping his wine cup, paused slightly. He subtly observed the Land of Fire Daimyo and indeed noticed the abnormalities Tsunade mentioned.
After considering the pros and cons, Shun put down his wine cup and said calmly, "Tsunade is my queen, and you are her uncle. I brought Shiryu here for two reasons. First, to visit relatives, and second, to strengthen the friendship between our two countries. Just now, Tsunade noticed your poor complexion, and upon closer inspection, she discovered that you have been poisoned with a slow-acting toxin. This poison has a long incubation period, but once it takes effect, it will kill instantly. If not treated promptly, I fear your lifespan will not be much longer."
"What? The Daimyo has been poisoned?"
The Land of Fire ministers immediately erupted in commotion, all looking at the Land of Fire Daimyo, their faces filled with shock and worry.
The Land of Fire Daimyo's face instantly turned ashen, but a tumultuous storm raged in his heart. He had long sensed that something was wrong with his body. For the past six months, he had constantly felt weak and had abdominal pain. He had privately had imperial physicians examine him, but they could never find the cause.
Now, to have it revealed that he was poisoned with a slow-acting toxin, his first thought went to his sons. He had been on the throne for forty-one years, and his sons had been openly and secretly vying for the succession for years. Now, they must have grown impatient and wanted to secretly use poison to take his life.
This was a colossal family scandal that absolutely could not be exposed in public. Otherwise, the Land of Fire Imperial Family would lose all respect, and it would also trigger internal strife.
He suppressed the anger and sorrow in his heart, slowly raising his hand to signal the ministers to be quiet.
His gaze fell on Tsunade, his tone urgent and pleading. "Tsunade, since you can tell that I've been poisoned, you must have a way to cure it, right? Please save me."