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The decree from the Daimyo Manor regarding the selection of consorts spread throughout the entire Land of Fire.
The decree mentioned no coercion. Instead, it was issued under the name of celebrating the new ruler's ascension, praying for national prosperity, and extending the Land's fortune. The wording was elegant and sincere.
It stated that the Daimyo, grateful for his people's support, wished to share his glory with all.
Therefore, this selection was not limited to nobles but open to the entire Land of Fire.
Any woman at least eighteen years old, unmarried, and of good character and appearance, regardless of her background, could voluntarily participate.
Once selected, she would gain great honor, and her family would receive generous rewards and protection.
It did not seem like a consort selection.
It was more like a festival that could change one's destiny.
On the day the decree was issued, the Fire Capital completely erupted.
In every street, alley, tavern, and tea house, chatter filled the air.
"Did you hear? Even civilians can join the consort selection! If our daughter is chosen, she'll be set for life!"
"My second daughter is absolutely beautiful!"
"Your second daughter? The one who looks a bit like your neighbor Watanabe?"
"Yes, that's her. It's strange, actually…"
The common folk's conversations were simple and enthusiastic. Though mixed with jokes and gossip, they saw it as proof of the Daimyo's kindness.
But inside the noble estates, the atmosphere was very different.
The noble families of the Fire Capital all held urgent meetings at once.
They understood what this really meant.
This was not merely a consort selection, but an invitation to political alignment.
"We must choose the most outstanding daughter from our clan! This is our chance for a century of prosperity!"
"The rewards don't matter. Forming a bloodline connection with the Daimyo is a priceless treasure!"
Countless greedy eyes focused on this grand event.
If possible, they all wanted their family's daughter to become the Daimyo's lady.
While the outside world was in chaos, the Daimyo Manor remained calm.
In the study, Arashi leaned by the window, leisurely sipping tea while listening to Gen's report.
"Daimyo-sama, several nobles have already sent portraits of their daughters. They've been compiled into a booklet."
Gen's tone carried excitement.
To him, his lord expanding his harem and having more descendants was a great blessing.
"Very good."
Arashi put down his teacup, then suddenly asked, "Gen, do you think I truly lack women?"
Gen froze, unsure why his lord would ask that, and could only bow respectfully. "Daimyo-sama's grace is unmatched. All women in the world are drawn to him."
"You flatter me."
Arashi shook his head slightly.
"What I lack is not women, but an opportunity to see people clearly."
His gaze fell on the streets below, where people bustled about with hidden motives.
"In this consort selection, appearance and talent are secondary."
"This is a large-scale loyalty test, a mirror to expose every hidden monster and schemer."
Arashi turned, his eyes sharp.
"Abolish the previous selection criteria."
"I have only one requirement now. Investigate the families behind the candidates."
"Their loyalty, ambition, and usefulness—these are what matter."
"As for the candidates themselves…"
He paused, a playful smile curving his lips. "What I want are vases."
"The more exquisite, the more they only know how to please me, the better. The simpler, the better."
Gen looked puzzled.
Arashi saw through his thoughts and explained calmly.
"An ambitious, capable woman will think and scheme, bringing unnecessary trouble. And I hate trouble."
"A beautiful vase, however, binds the family behind her to my side."
"What I need is loyalty and control, not a bedmate with ulterior motives."
"Do you understand?"
Gen immediately understood.
So, behind this consort selection, there was far more at play.
"This servant understands!"
"Oh, and one more thing."
Arashi suddenly gave another order.
"Issue a joint command to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Conduct a full tax audit of all Hyuga Clan properties in the Fire Capital."
"I want to know if every single ryo they own is clean."
The order came abruptly.
It wasn't because the Hyuga Clan had refused to send a family member to participate.
It was because of their subtle hostility toward him.
They needed to be taught a lesson.
As one of Konoha's top noble families, the Hyuga owned vast property in the Fire Capital, the source of their clan's wealth.
This audit would not bankrupt them, but it would be a deep humiliation.
Through this, Arashi sent them a message.
Your hesitation will cost you your dignity.
Either kneel.
Or be crushed.
"Yes!"
Gen bowed deeply and left in a hurry.
Arashi sat back in his chair.
He knew Hyuga Hiashi would understand this warning clearly.
At the same time this order spread,
Inside the guesthouse in the Fire Capital,
Minister of Finance Tanaka Shigeru was hosting envoys from Iwa and Suna.
This time, Tanaka did not take them to the lavish noble districts. Instead, he led them through several ordinary streets.
There, they saw a different side of the Fire Capital.
The air was filled with genuine laughter from the people.
"Please look, honored guests," Tanaka said, pointing to a busy fabric shop with a smile. "The owner was once a Genin from Konoha. He was wounded in the leg during the last war and could no longer serve."
"It was Daimyo-sama who created the Disabled Ninja Support Program, allowing him to receive an interest-free loan and open this shop."
The shop owner noticed Tanaka from afar and hurried over, bowing deeply with heartfelt gratitude.
"Lord Tanaka!"
His sincerity was unmistakable.
After that, Tanaka led the envoys past a tea house.
Inside, civilians and ninja chatted about the consort selection ceremony, their expressions filled with excitement and support.
The two envoys' polite smiles grew stiff.
They exchanged silent glances, unease flickering in their eyes.
The true power of the Land of Fire was not just its wealth, but its unity.
The evening banquet further magnified that unseen pressure.
There was no music or entertainment.
The envoy from Iwa picked up a white porcelain teacup. It felt light and delicate in his hand.
A soft fragrance wafted into his nose.
He took a sip, finding the tea smooth and sweet in its aftertaste.
It reminded him of the moss tea treasured by his Daimyo.
That tea had a rough texture and a faint earthy smell.
Compared to this, it was like heaven and earth.
The envoy from Suna subtly clutched the napkin beside him.
Smooth silk, fine and soft to the touch.
In Suna, such fabric would drive noble ladies mad with envy. Even their Daimyo's banquets used only coarse linen.
But here, it was just a disposable napkin.
Such extravagance made his heart race.
What shocked them most was the sugar.
When desserts drizzled with syrup were served, both envoys froze for a moment.
In their nations, sweetness could only come from honey or fruit syrup, both scarce and seasonal luxuries.
But here, judging by Tanaka's relaxed demeanor, sugar seemed common.
Tanaka raised his cup cheerfully, smiling. He did not mention trade at all, speaking only about Daimyo-sama's devotion to peace and concern for the people.
"Honored guests, after such a long journey, you are the most distinguished visitors of our Land of Fire."
"Our Daimyo-sama often says that war brings only ruin, while prosperity is born from peace and exchange."
Then he subtly shifted his tone.
"Therefore, Daimyo-sama has instructed me to seek deeper cultural exchanges with your nations, to strengthen the friendship between our three countries."
Cultural exchange?
The envoys' hearts trembled.
They were no fools.
Behind Tanaka's warm smile hid a cunning snare.
As soon as the banquet ended, the two envoys returned to their rooms and immediately sent urgent reports back to their homelands, detailing everything they had seen, heard, and felt that day, along with Tanaka's meaningful words.
(To be continued.)