He sat among the most formidable individuals ever documented. His name was inscribed in capital letters in the Bingo Book, a warning that prompted immediate flight at the mere sight of him. This titan had altered the course of history, radically transforming society and the way it operated. Alone, he had reduced cities and armies to ashes, instilling terror in the hearts of all who uttered his name. Feeling minuscule in his presence was inevitable.
"Uchiha-dono, allow me to introduce those who will work with us in the future to achieve our goals," Hashuba began before directing his arm towards Suzuki. "You've probably already met my right-hand man, Suzuki."
The designated individual respectfully inclined his head towards Madara upon the introduction.
"Indeed, Suzuki-san, your reputation precedes you," Madara responded with calculated neutrality.
"The honor is mine to know that the great Uchiha Madara is aware of me," Suzuki added, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"To my left, you will find Rômaji-sama," Hashuba continued, indicating a man dressed in a white kimono adorned with yellow stripes on the collars this time. In his hand, a staff that seemed to be a support. "In my opinion, he is the wisest person among us and a close friend of the family."
Rômaji made a barely perceptible nod, his age reflected in his gesture. He stroked his beard, already absorbed in a thousand possible scenarios resulting from the encounter with the famous Uchiha.
"It is difficult for me to accept that you are still alive, Uchiha-dono," the old man admitted, engrossed in the details of the Shinobi God's battle at the Valley of the End.
"We are two in this case, Rômaji-sama," Madara replied, aware that without Sakura, he would have succumbed long ago. He did not dwell further on this thought as the Daimyo presented another member of the council, following a strict hierarchical order.
"Allow me to introduce Taisho Nakamura, the financial architect behind our most ambitious expeditions," announced the Daimyo, indicating a man with an impassive face. His modest attire concealed the stature of a businessman. He must have been particularly affluent to have launched a project of such magnitude without relying on Sakura's funds.
"Daimyo-dono, you have a man of exemplary loyalty here. Few individuals would consent to invest their fortune without any guarantee in return," remarked Madara, his gaze scrutinizing Taisho, who silently savored the veiled compliment. In politics, words were weapons, tools of manipulation cleverly used.
"Uchiha-dono," Taisho respectfully bowed.
"Next, allow me to introduce Riku Koyabashi, without whom the foundations of Ta No Kuni would not have been laid," Hashuba explained, indicating a man approaching his fifties. A small goatee adorned his face, half of his skull revealing an accepted baldness. Clad in a kimono of green and purple tones, he displayed a posture typical of nobility.
"Tell me, Koyabashi," Madara began, disregarding formalities. "What motivated a man of your stature to choose Hashuba Shôta over another during the Muromachi wars?"
The underlying accusation was evident in his words, a sign of Madara's mistrust towards this nobleman, often greedy for power. While the accusation might have offended Koyabashi, he skillfully concealed his emotions, remaining composed.
"Among three zealots, I preferred to align with the one who aspired to the prosperity of my homeland," Riku wisely replied, a response that seemed to satisfy Madara, who nodded slightly in approval.
"You bear no resemblance to the nobles I've encountered throughout my life, Koyabashi-san," noted the clan leader, this time adding a suffix of respect.
"I endeavor to set myself apart, Uchiha-dono," the noble greeted with a bow.
"Allow me to introduce my son, Daiki Shôta," Hashuba announced, indicating a man in his twenties, of remarkable stature. He bowed deeply, demonstrating his respect for his elders. Despite his status as the Daimyo's son, he understood the importance of adhering to hierarchies. Clad in a kimono of violet and orange tones, Daiki might not have inherited his father's martial talent, but he excelled in the subtle art of number manipulation.
"Uchiha-dono," greeted the Daimyo's son with a respectful voice. However, Madara noted that Daiki had been casting furtive glances towards Sakura since the beginning. Understandable, thought Madara. If she elicited such interest from him, she must be exceptional, capturing the attention of all.
"This is Tsubasa, the foremost rice producer in the country. Thanks to him, we enjoy the status of a neutral country, thanks to his production," Hashuba introduced, indicating a robust man. Clad in the simplest manner, his kimono betrayed the hard work of a field laborer.
"Uchiha-dono," Tsubasa bowed deeply.
"And this is Tanaka, my personal secretary," Hashuba announced, gesturing towards a slightly withdrawn man.
"It's a privilege to meet you in person, Uchiha-dono," the secretary declared, bowing respectfully.
Throughout this period, Sakura observed the subtle political game unfolding. She noted that two individuals in the room must not be offended under any circumstances and must be shown the utmost respect by using the suffixes -dono and -sama, as Madara did. Suzuki also seemed to hold a particular significance in the eyes of the brunet, probably due to his past exploits. The same went for Riku Koyabashi, who, despite a threat, had managed to earn a certain degree of respect from Madara. However, it was different for Taisho, even though he received a compliment.
"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Haruno Sakura," Madara announced, extending his arm towards the young woman, who elegantly bowed her head. "Without her presence, I would not be able to hold this discussion with you."
Only Suzuki, apparently, was not taken aback by this declaration, having already had a glimpse of this woman's exceptional skills.
"So, the great Madara owes his life to a woman?" Rômaji remarked, skeptical. It was well known that the clan leader tended to underestimate the female gender.
"Not just any woman, Rômaji-sama," intervened Suzuki in defense of Madara. "During our journey back, she demonstrated extraordinary talents."
This revelation garnered more looks towards Sakura, sparking general curiosity.
"What kind of abilities?" Daiki queried, not taking his gaze away from the young woman who, at first glance, was strikingly beautiful.
"The talents of a true shinobi," Madara immediately responded before Suzuki had a chance to speak. It was evident that the situation discomforted Sakura, being the center of attention without being acknowledged. Nevertheless, could we begin this meeting, Daimyo-dono?"
"Absolutely!" agreed Hashuba, thus signaling for everyone to take their seats. Cushions were arranged around a rectangular low table. "Well, Uchiha-dono, please elaborate further on the nature of your proposal."
"The unification of the Elemental Nations under one banner: ours," declared Madara straightforwardly.
"It sounds like a conquest project by force," observed Suzuki while pouring himself a generous cup of tea. After such a trying journey, he needed it.
"Not quite," corrected Madara, turning his gaze towards Sakura. He had hesitated long before adhering to her plan, but being indebted to her for his life, he agreed to work for peace in his own way... at least, for the time being. Madara extended his hand towards the young woman, granting an unprecedented permission during a war council. "Sakura-san, please explain."
Allowing a woman to take part in such an assembly was already rare, but giving her equal voice was an unprecedented precedent.
"I am grateful, Uchiha-dono," Sakura began, respecting the protocol. "The era we are traversing is but fleeting, and not everyone necessarily shares your vision of life, Daimyo-dono: an existence steeped in tranquility and prosperity. With the new system in place, we are heading towards a different kind of conflict."
"What could be worse than what we've already experienced?" Riku asked, having sacrificed so much for the unity of the country.
"A global-scale war, Koyabashi-san," Sakura replied, maintaining her calm and seriousness. "As Uchiha-dono previously pointed out to you, Daimyo-dono, you have chosen the path of prosperity for your homeland. But how many share your vision? Practically none. So, how long before leaders turn their attention to their neighbors to expand their territory?"
A heavy silence settled, each individual absorbing the words of the young woman, unfortunately laden with truth.
"The leaders of other nations have reputations more than dubious. After all, power emerges from the blood of our victims. It's the victors who dictate history, and many of them are not charitable souls," added Sakura, under Madara's attentive gaze, finding her remarkable in many aspects. "Unfortunately, the beginnings of war are closer than we imagine."
"Do you have evidence to support your claims, Haruno-dono?" Taisho asked, using the respectful form Madara had instituted towards this woman as clan leader.
"Like Uchiha-dono, I am a shinobi, and gathering information is one of my specialties," explained Sakura, fixing each council member in the eyes. "As a woman, in one hundred percent of cases, one does not suspect what a woman is capable of. Thus, I have managed to obtain the right information from the right people."
"Are you saying..." Daiki began, immediately letting his mind drift towards more intimate methods, but he was promptly interrupted by Sakura.
"That I have slit more than one throat to obtain this information," she cut in, a note of hardness in her voice.
"And what are these gathered pieces of information?" Rômaji asked, continuing to stroke his beard.
"Since the disappearance of Hashirama Senju, troop movements have been detected in several countries. The excuse of military training has been used to obscure the tracks, but exchanges have indeed taken place, and the noose is slowly tightening," Sakura declared before reaching for the tea set within her reach.
The young physician found herself in a delicate situation, facing men steeped in patriarchy, present in this room because of their battles for honor. Their feats were undeniable, and seeing a woman who had earned the respect of the famous Uchiha Madara baffled them to the highest degree. He, renowned for his strictness regarding the place of women in the world, made the task even more complex for Sakura. She had to play a subtle game, testing her intelligence. She had to demonstrate her dangerousness, her power, without appearing superior. Thus, while conversing with the others, she poured herself a cup of tea with the elegance typical of women of the time.
"Which countries will be affected?" Suzuki asked before bringing his own cup of hot tea to his lips.
"Probably all major countries and their vassals," Sakura replied, turning her head towards Madara. "Tea, Uchiha-dono?"
"With pleasure," accepted Madara.
With this simple gesture, Sakura showed deference towards Madara, thus reinforcing the idea that he dominated the situation. Even if it was just a performance, the others around the table did not need to be made aware.
"Do you think we will be affected by this impending war?" the Daimyo asked this time.
"If we do nothing, yes," confirmed Madara, taking the cup of tea handed to him by Sakura.
"You must maintain your status as a neutral country at all costs, Daimyo-dono," added Sakura.
"Why is that?" Hashuba asked.
"Because it is this world war that will make us a power," Sakura replied confidently.
"How? Excuse me, Uchiha-dono, but as powerful as you are, two people will not make our country a world power by remaining inactive," intervened Suzuki, skeptical of the proposed approach.
"What do you think the victims of war will do upon learning that there is a country spared from conflict?" Madara asked the assembly. "They will seek refuge."
"Of course, we are not passively awaiting their arrival," Sakura added after Madara. "We intend, Uchiha-dono and myself, to traverse the battlefields to rally as many people to our cause as possible."
"Hence the reason for the construction of so many new residences," Taisho murmured to himself while stroking his jaw, a sign of contemplation.
"Exactly, but it won't just be civilians. We plan to gather shinobi as well as entire clans," explained Sakura, occasionally sipping her tea, which, she had to admit, was of good quality.
"Why would they rally to our cause? What will make them loyal?" Riku Koyabashi questioned.
"Because they will all have something in common: they will be the victims of war. We will have saved them from death, offered them a new home, a place to live, work, and start a family away from war and misery," Sakura passionately explained, speaking from her heart. "When a human being hits rock bottom, they grasp at any hand extended to lift them from their misery... it's the same principle as offering a piece of meat to a hungry animal, after a while, it allows itself to be petted. And when it's Uchiha Madara himself who comes to protect you, trust can only settle."
"The mass purchase of resources in other countries had a dual purpose. To weaken them and allow us to welcome people in secret," added Madara, placing his empty cup on the table.
"You have someone dangerously informed here, Uchiha-dono," admitted Hashuba, acknowledging that she knew what she was talking about.
"Oh, believe me, she is not only formidable in this regard, Daimyo-dono," retorted Madara, eliciting a soothing laughter in the room. Internally, Sakura felt proud of herself because if the atmosphere relaxed despite her status as a woman, it was a victory halfway won.
"How do you plan to finance such a large-scale project, Uchiha-dono?" Taisho Nakamura asked, aware that wars cost a lot, very much.
"Know that the information I am about to reveal is vital... or rather, the sole knowledge of this information is worth a fortune on the scale of the Elemental Nations," began Madara, suddenly capturing the attention of everyone in the room. Even the guards posted at every corner were attentive from the beginning. It wasn't every day that one witnessed the beginnings of a world peace. "And if anyone mentions this information outside this room, I will kill them without hesitation."
The end of the sentence was spoken with a coldness that betrayed his intention to kill. Only Sakura and the Daimyo seemed unaffected.
"We understand, Uchiha-dono," declared Hashuba after a few seconds, seeing the other council members uncomfortable.
"Sakura-san," Madara called, turning to the young woman. She raised her arm above the table, palm facing downwards. Once she had everyone's attention, she created a constant flow of coins for about ten seconds. Under the stunned gaze of the council members, she poured a hundred gold coins onto the table without interruption.
"I could continue to create money for hours... no... for days," Sakura declared, observing the men in amazement, most of them with their mouths open. "I would like to add something to Uchiha-dono's warning. Thanks to this skill, I am the wealthiest person in all the Elemental Nations. So, I will tell you this: if you ever intended to betray us, Uchiha-dono and myself, for money, know that I will always pay more."
Madara questioned once again the true identity of this woman by his side. He had never encountered a person of the female gender like her. She displayed remarkable intelligence at this moment.
She possessed all the qualities of a woman: beauty, the ability to be a homemaker, but also the strength and skills of a man. Madara thought that he would probably be the only one speaking during this meeting, believing that Sakura would be too impressed to react... but no. She was comfortable, confident, and even managed to utter subtle threats. It was as if she had been doing this all her life.
Madara clearly noticed that her behavior was radically different from when they were alone. He felt extremely lucky to know this other side of Sakura and couldn't help but find her even more attractive.
"How?" Taisho finally asked, his eyes as wide as saucers.
"I will not reveal that information," Madara replied firmly.
"Consider it a repayment of your investment, Taisho Nakamura, for blindly supporting your Daimyo," Sakura added, her tone confident.
Upon hearing these words, Tanaka, who had been transcribing the conversation from the beginning, hastily stood up with an empty box to fill it with the gold coins generated by Sakura.
"I can now understand why you hold her in such high regard, Uchiha-dono," remarked Rômaji.
Madara remained silent in response to this comment, but after a moment, he used his one valid arm to adjust his kimono. He revealed a small part of his chest, displaying two large, slightly pink scars that stood out distinctly from the rest of his fair skin.
"Let's just say that's not the main reason she has my respect, Rômaji-sama," Madara admitted, illustrating to everyone why he was still alive.
This woman was also a physician, probably an exceptional one, judging by the location of the two scars. After a moment, Madara adjusted his kimono, concealing his two marks.
"A female physician," observed Hashuba.
"Yes, Daimyo-dono," Sakura replied, trying to contain her pride. Since the beginning of the meeting, Madara had not ceased to praise and defend her, practically placing her on equal footing with himself.
"It is true that with unlimited investment, many things change, Daimyo-dono," Tsubasa intervened for the first time.
"I agree, Tsubasa. The possibilities for Ta No Kuni are also endless," confirmed Hashuba, who was still struggling to lead the new situation. "You fulfill your commitments, Uchiha-dono. We have initiated ours. What do you advise for the future?"
"Continue what you are doing for now. Stockpile resources, and most importantly, hide them. Continue building new homes for the future victims of war," said Madara seriously. "Soon, you will probably be solicited to join a camp. You must maintain neutrality at all costs, even if it means paying for it."
"Convincing Hi No Kuni should not be a problem," intervened Suzuki.
"Why is that, Suzuki-san?" Madara asked.
"During my expedition to Konoha No Sato, I used the excuse that our crops had been affected by a disease, drastically reducing our reserves for the coming winter. You understand that with little food, we will not be able to contribute to a war effort," explained Suzuki before providing some figures. "Furthermore, we have no Shinobi force. Our army does not exceed a thousand men for the entire country. Granted, it is still a thousand men, but a well-trained Shinobi would make short work of it."
"Your argument holds, Suzuki-san. I still maintain that you took great risks by going directly to Konoha," added the clan leader.
"He has always embodied audacity in terms of strategy," murmured Rômaji, recalling a battle once orchestrated by Suzuki. "A word of warning, Uchiha-dono, if you ever find yourself facing him on the chessboard, be vigilant."
"Once hostilities are declared, what will be our roadmap?" Daiki asked, remaining silent since Sakura had kindly reminded him to stay focused.
"Have purchases of wood and stone been made?" Madara inquired, fixing his gaze on the young man.
"Yes, thanks to Rômaji-sama, we have concluded some agreements with the Land of Lightning for regular stone supplies. Another agreement has also been reached with a lumberyard in the Land of Fire," Daiki replied, consulting the scrolls spread out in front of him.
"It is time to begin construction of an imposing wall for the capital. From what I have observed, your city occupies a strategic position that makes it vulnerable only from one side," remarked Madara, having noted the excellent location of the city nestled on a mountainside, within a valley stretching for several kilometers. "This will not be interpreted as aggression, but rather as a preventive measure, given the outbreak of a world war."
"You plan to fortify this city, don't you?" asked Suzuki.
"Exactly. Given the imminent influx of hundreds, even thousands of people due to the conflict, it is imperative to be prepared to defend them in the future," admitted Madara.
"It seems necessary to establish a new administrative system, father," observed Daiki, realizing the magnitude of the task ahead.
"Why?" Hashuba inquired.
"If thousands of potential workers arrive, they will need to be organized according to their skills. The city will become a constantly evolving anthill," explained Daiki seriously. "What would normally take decades to accomplish could probably be completed in a year, at most."
"The world begets the world," added wisely Rômaji.
"I now understand why you chose your son as an advisor, Daimyo-dono," complimented Madara, recognizing that the young man possessed a sharp mind. "However, your son is right, and I recommend entrusting the project to several architects to ensure total impregnability."
"Do you think the war will still reach this city?" Suzuki asked, seeking confirmation more than genuine questioning.
"It is a precautionary measure for us, and a warning to potential adversaries. For the world will think twice before breaking against a city capable of resisting entire armies," explained the shinobi, aware that the more powerful an enemy became, the more alliances formed against him.
"What will you do if Shinobi attack us?" Tsubasa inquired, having never witnessed the talent of Shinobi but having heard legends about them.
"A more elaborate military system will need to be put in place. Entire clans from minor countries will flee their homes because of the war. None will dare to oppose, for we will offer them refuge, and especially because I will be the one to offer this asylum," Madara declared.
"Your reputation precedes you, Uchiha-dono," added Hashuba, having heard of clans destroyed for not respecting their commitments to Madara Uchiha.
"Know one thing, Daimyo-dono, for the moment, my presence will be required in many different places, and even more so when the war breaks out. But understand that we will have to rethink together how to govern," Madara declared frankly. "I am not talking about deposing you from your position as Daimyo, quite the contrary, but if we manage to achieve what Sakura-san and I desire, a new, more sophisticated system of governance will need to be established. Because unfortunately, corruption and power leave scars on the mind, and it is out of the question for all these efforts to be annihilated for trivialities."
"Will this put our positions in danger?" Riku asked, reluctant to relinquish his place to just anyone as a noble.
"No."
"Could you give me an example of the type of hierarchy you would establish, Uchiha-dono?" Hashuba asked, very curious.
"Power divided in two. A Daimyo for everything related to administration, nobility, and country management. A Kage, to oversee everything related to the military aspect, Shinobi, and their respective clans. These two individuals would hold power over the country and would themselves be advised by a triumvirate bringing together both sides," revealed Madara, manipulating figurines arranged on the council table. "Two or even five people cannot effectively rule an empire. Thus, this same triumvirate would in turn be advised by an expanded council. This would ensure a more stable balance of power and more effective control. But this proposal is not only aimed at managing this empire; above all, it prepares us for the possibility that we are not eternal, Daimyo-dono, and that the next generation may be influenced by less noble ambitions. This system would allow us to internally elect future leaders, those who share our vision of peace!"
Sakura could no longer be mistaken when observing Madara speak with such passion. The Rikudô Sennin had been right about him; this man ardently desired peace in the world. If she were not in such a formal setting, she would have shed a tear for the man Madara had become. Unless he had always been this way, but no one had taken the time to truly know him.
"You have thought deeply about this, Uchiha-dono," observed Rômaji with intense concentration.
"Let's just say I learn from my mistakes, Rômaji-sama," Madara replied, slightly lowering his gaze as he recalled his past errors.
"Mistakes?" questioned Rômaji.
"Konoha is a mistake on my part, which cost me my entire clan and almost cost me my life." A heavy silence fell in the council chamber, as Madara rarely admitted his mistakes. "Do you have any demands of me, Daimyo-dono?"
"You have already fulfilled that demand by making a blood signature," Hashuba replied immediately, knowing since that moment that Madara was serious in his ambitions.
"I have one final demand, or rather my friend here has one," Madara added.
"We are listening," declared Hashuba, looking at the young woman before him. If she had made a request for herself, it would probably have been ignored, but this request also came from Madara.
"I would like you to establish an institution dedicated to medicine and care. Unfortunately, many lives are lost because this path is not sufficiently developed. I would like such a place to be created and for training to be provided," Sakura said before conjuring a small pile of books in a puff of smoke, which she placed on the table. "These books are unique in the world and will change the way lives are saved in your country."
Tanaka stood up once again to collect the four stacked books before presenting them to his Daimyo, who examined each of the covers.
"If I had not seen the proof before my eyes of what you have done for Uchiha-dono, I would have refused," declared Hashuba after a moment. "But I am willing to be generous."
"Arigato, Daimyo-dono. Could you also allow women to access this training?" Sakura asked, bowing her head.
"Why?" demanded the Daimyo, not understanding why he should include women in such a program.
"Every living being is made up of chakra, and women, by their nature, possess less chakra than men. A lesser amount of chakra translates into greater precision in its use," explained Sakura before conjuring a kunai in a puff of smoke. The four guards and Suzuki immediately reached for their swords at such a gesture. However, Sakura paid them no mind and raised her other arm before making a large gash. She then placed the bloodied weapon on the table before activating her Iryô Ninjutsu.
In a soft green glow, the large gash slowly closed before the awestruck eyes of the audience. Then, after a moment, the wound had disappeared, the skin was perfectly smooth, as if it had never been injured.
"A properly trained person can accomplish what I did... but women, due to their lesser amount of chakra, will always be more proficient in such a precise field," Sakura concluded, wiping the blood from her arm.
Madara finally had the answer to one of his questions: she did not have a Kekkei Genkai; it was simply a different manipulation of chakra.
"I suppose you have no intention of parting with such a rare gem, Uchiha-dono?" Hashuba asked after witnessing such talent.
Having a physician with such power for survival was very enticing.
"If you're talking about marrying her, I completely oppose it," Madara stated bluntly, greatly disappointing Daiki, who was increasingly fascinated by this woman.
"Very well, I believe this meeting is over," Hashuba finally concluded. "Will you stay for dinner with us tonight?"
It was an invitation that would have been impolite to refuse, unless one wanted to offend their host.
"With pleasure."