After watching the Senju brothers disappear into the trees, Raizen resumed his ride toward the city. He had no clue whether the absence of ambushes meant the other ninjas didn't trust the rumors of his treasure or if they were simply biding their time. Either way, the path ahead was clear for now.
"Through this jungle… even if we make it to the Fire Nation city, it won't be easy," Raizen muttered, scanning the dense forest ahead. He had already dodged multiple sniper teams along the way, but now the city was almost within reach.
With a sharp crack of the whip, his big black horse surged forward, hooves tearing through mud and undergrowth. Raizen leaned low, eyes fixed on the forest edge ahead, when movement caught his attention. From the city, a unit emerged, their banner unmistakable—a blazing ball of flame stitched into its fabric.
Raizen's brow arched. The daimyo's personal guard? Here?
The group advanced steadily, cutting a path through the trees toward him. Soon enough, their paths converged in the forest clearing.
"Alright then?" Raizen called, halting the carriage as the unit came into view. The fire-stitched banner fluttered in the wind, signaling authority that even a cautious ninja wouldn't dare challenge.
One of the guards stepped forward, eyes bright. "You are… Amamiya Raizen of the Amamiya clan, yes?"
Raizen's head tilted. "Huh? Yeah, that's me. And you are…?"
"We serve the Daimyo of the Fire Nation," the guard said with a polite smile. "By order of the Daimyo, we are here to await your arrival."
Raizen squinted at the flag. No doubt about it—that was the daimyo's standard. In the Fire Nation, no one would dare impersonate his guard. He waved the horse forward, letting the carriage roll to meet the unit. The guards relaxed visibly as he approached, signaling him down.
"Excuse me… where is the businessman named Khaki?" one of them asked, scanning the carriage.
"It's on the carriage," Raizen replied, keeping his voice neutral and his eyes sharp. A clone of Khaki stepped out, giving the guards a convincing impression that their cargo was intact. Their eyes lit up, and they hurried forward.
"The Daimyo has been waiting for you, Your Excellency! Please, come meet him without delay."
Raizen feigned excitement at the news, allowing the guards to believe the story completely. "When the Daimyo learned you possess a treasure capable of controlling sprites, he immediately issued orders," the lead guard explained. "Any families who intended to steal it have been warned off. Your path here is now secure."
Of course, Raizen thought dryly, the Senju clan wasn't the only reason no one tried to intercept me.
The Fire Nation Daimyo's command carried real weight. While it might have seemed like a formality, it was enough to deter any ninja family that valued their survival and future contracts. The daimyo controlled the nation's wealth, and all major ninja missions were essentially his to hand out. Cross him, and even the most desperate family would think twice before defying him.
Raizen smirked, realizing why no one had dared to challenge him after the Senju skirmish. Orders like this weren't just polite suggestions—they were threats backed by gold, politics, and survival. A reckless thief could control a sprite all they wanted, but if they incurred the Daimyo's wrath? Future missions—and livelihoods—would dry up instantly.
With the path ahead secured by the daimyo's guards, Raizen allowed himself a quiet sigh. The city was close, and his careful game of strategy and subterfuge had paid off… at least for now.