172 Chapter 166: Daimyo

~Nagoya~

In the capital city of the Land of Fire, a court of powerful and influential individuals was convened, with these people being the individuals who held the most political sway in the nation.

And at the head of all the seats, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, a man viewed by many as the "Most Powerful Man in The World", sat at the helm.

His seemingly innocent and aloof personality seemed to be one that wouldn't usually be seen by important or powerful figures.

Yet the facade the man showed was merely one used to lower the guards of merchants or other nobles he conversated with.

Anyone who remained a member of the court knew of the man's ruthlessness, and that was the precise reason that they were cautious around him, as no one could truly predict what was occurring in his mind.

But on this day in the court, they would have to discuss the arising tensions that have been growing all throughout the Land of Fire, something that they once thought would casually blow away, yet now they see it would be a larger issue than they inferred if not handled carefully.

Each noble stood in their seats, each with a hidden agenda to propel their own goals, while their Samurai stood behind them with an alert expression, ready to step in at any moment that the need may arise.

"So, I assume everyone has heard about the issues that have arisen with the civilian population. What's your opinion on the matter?" The Daimyo said as he fanned himself, an aloof smile on his face as if he were playing some minuscule game.

"The situation with the civilians has become increasingly dangerous. There are many merchant groups from other nations that have begun buying weapons and arms off of the Black Market. Though they undoubtedly have gained assistance from the other nations, the amount that they have been able to procure is very surprising. According to our reports, they have gained many swords, kunai, and even Explosive Tags. We've also heard from our spies that they may even be planning terroist attacks on some of the major cities." The Minister of Finance said as he stood, giving an explanation on the large influx of monetary funds that had began being used in the Land of Fire.

"But how does that relate to how we shall respond? Are you perhaps insisting that we make the first strike? But how should we strike them if we are unable to find their leaders?" One of the nobles said.

"I am not insisting anything. I am only stating the facts about the so-called 'Revolution', and the facts about the monetary power that they seem to wield." The Minister of Finance added.

"Can't we just put a task out for the shinobi to take care of this? It would be a lot simpler to do that than deal with these issues." A newer noble said, wishing to dismiss this issue as soon as possible.

"I'm afraid that it is impossible. Unless Lord Daimyo forces them to do so, they won't accept any political request that pertains to our nation. And we don't even know who leads the organization, and since they won't investigate it further, we're stuck in a perpetual cycle." An advisor of the Daimyo explained.

It was then that the bickering began, with many wild and outlandish ideas being thrown around by the other nobles in the room.

From some claiming that they should simply wipeout anyone thought to be aiding the terrorists, to some hoping that they simply wait until they learned who the true leaders of the movement were to act.

But, all of their words were merely inconsequential, as at the end of the day, only the Daimyo had the final say over what would and would not occur.

And as they all looked over at him, they saw he still sat with the same smile while fanning himself, as if looking at an amusing chess game.

"We will come to a decision once I have had a decent amount of rest. We shall reconvene tomorrow at this same time." 

All the nobles left in an orderly manner after that, leading only the Daimyo, his advisor, and their samurai guards still in the room.

"Have you decided, my Lord?" The advisor asked his leader, his tone showing both respect and awe.

"I have. Have the Shinuchi and Kobai families executed in a week. They are likely amplifying the issue seeing that they wished for me to attack all the civilians so that their outrage may grow further. I believe a suitable strategy could by placing the blame on a third party and steering the topic of the discussion. Perhaps the next war should begin a few years early.

Afterall, the Shinobi World has been at peace for far too long."

And so, as if he simply was moving pawns on a chess board, the fate of the Shinobi World was practically decided by a single man.

However, he was not the only individual with the arrogance of a God who felt as if they controlled the entirety of the world.

And this arrogance would soon lead to a set of events that would elevate the Shinobi World into a new plane of chaos.

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