Day 110
When Hashuba issued the order to send caravans traversing distant lands, Suzuki remained momentarily with Rômaji and the Daimyô's son to coordinate these expeditions. A consensus quickly emerged among them: the task at hand promised to be intricate.
The Daimyô's son had extensively deliberated on their nation's economy, rooted, like that of all countries, in the intricacies of trade, exchange, and barter. He emphasized that without a flourishing economy, any prospect of financial prosperity was doomed to failure.
However, the true expansion of commerce was in its infancy. Provincial conflicts persisted in the minds, obstructing the possibility of a genuine opening of trade routes and even areas dedicated to these activities. Transactions often occurred among well-known individuals, hindered by a mistrust that significantly slowed exchanges.
This dilemma was raised during the meeting: how to carry out such a massive operation without drawing attention to Ta No Kuni? They needed to be clever in justifying these requests in the eyes of the countries and villages they planned to visit to acquire resources. It was not just about avoiding suspicions of the anticipated knowledge of an imminent war but also ensuring that attention would not turn to them due to the sums spent on their acquisitions.
Nothing spoke louder than a country investing heavily, a double-edged weapon capable of serving or hindering its long-term goals. Currently, Ta No Kuni did not wish to be perceived as a land of wealth and well-being.
The Daimyô's advisers fully grasped the gravity of their lord's request and the enigmatic benefactor funding the enterprise. They had to prepare to become, sooner or later, the inevitable focal point of the world. If their ambition was to become the most powerful nation in the near future, they had to dominate trade, for by controlling it, they would shape the destiny of the world. Thus, they had to accumulate as much essential wealth and resources as possible while cunningly undermining their potential adversaries without their knowledge.
And so, dozens of caravans were promptly dispatched to the ends of the world, some taking several months before returning to the lands of Ta No Kuni.
Suzuki, enlightened with cunning sagacity, proposed a multitude of clever excuses to mask their true intention: bleeding the neighboring countries. Whether through the lavish organization of a marriage involving an influential noble or the simulation of urgent needs from a wealthy merchant anticipating the harshness of the upcoming winter, everything became a pretext to escape prying eyes and sow confusion.
The delicate question then arose of concealing the imposing volume of their new acquisitions. Fortunately, thanks to Rômaji's in-depth knowledge, they identified a sealing jutsu expert capable of crafting sealing scrolls. Once an agreement was reached, the precious resources were carefully loaded into the carts before an authorized person sealed all the goods away from curious eyes.
However, Suzuki anticipated the inherent risk, aware that despite all their precautions, the discovery of their stratagem remained plausible, especially during caravan checks where no merchandise would be apparent. Thus, a clever way had to be devised to conceal the true purpose of these convoys and their origin.
Each escort, therefore, carried secondary items such as clothing, trinkets, tapestries, suitable for nobles in appearance. However, cleverly hidden at the bottom of each cart were the precious sealing scrolls.
By adjusting these subtleties meticulously, the plan could be set in motion, two months having already passed since the departure of the first caravans. Among them, three convoys stood out particularly: the most imposing, destined for risky areas. Suzuki, the right-hand man of the Daimyô, commanded one of them towards Konoha No Sato. Despite vehement warnings from the council, deeming this venture imprudent, he chose to defy the danger.
Indeed, Suzuki was aware that the precursors of war were looming at their doorstep. It was evident that borders would close rapidly, sealing the fate of exchanges. Swiftly weakening Konoha became imperative. He took the initiative to lead a caravan consisting of thirty carts, accompanied by his fifty soldiers. Suzuki was no stranger to the borders, able to boast of privileged relations with the authorities of the neighboring country.
Using his notoriety, he implemented this bold plan by transporting only a tiny amount of rice, well below the quota defined by the neutrality agreement between Ta No Kuni and Hi No Kuni. However, through skillful eloquence and convincing explanations, Konoha accepted this modest contribution without the slightest objection.
Konoha's unconditional approval of Suzuki's request was equivalent to a tacit endorsement of the Daimyô's aspirations for Ta No Kuni. A masterstroke that allowed them to acquire various resources for several days in the heart of the Fire Country's capital without arousing any suspicion.
Once this phase was complete, it was time for Suzuki and his men to return to the Rice Fields Country. Lingering in the Fire Country was out of the question. As long as they had not reached their lands, the risk of exposure remained constant.
Over two weeks had passed since Suzuki's caravan had begun its journey towards the capital of the Rice Fields Country. Reaching the borders was a relief for the soldiers who finally returned to the lands of their homeland. The tension weighing on their hearts gradually diminished, giving way to the satisfaction of having successfully completed their mission.
Suzuki could not ignore the persistent feeling of being observed since their departure from Konoha No Sato.
Fortunately, his suspicion was justified when, after three days of traveling through the Rice Fields Country, a singular event shook the tranquility of the caravan.
In the midst of the road, two figures stood motionless.
"Halt!" commanded Suzuki, forcing all the leaders to stop their mounts.
"Everything alright, my lord?" inquired a soldier responsible for the surveillance and protection of the convoy.
"Stay alert, everyone," ordered Suzuki before advancing with his black steed towards the two impassive figures. One was draped in a kimono with dark and light brown hues, two blades hanging from the belt, their face partially concealed by a straw hat. However, it couldn't hide their long black hair flowing behind them. Through their posture, Suzuki instantly understood that he was facing a seasoned warrior. Yet, what intrigued the veteran soldier even more was the woman accompanying the swordsman.
But she was no ordinary woman. Dressed in a boyish manner, her clothes favored freedom of movement, although she carried only a single blade. Her confidence revealed undeniable mastery in the art of combat. It was a rarity, and Suzuki wondered about the relationship between them, pondering if it was a master and his apprentice.
Suzuki halted his mount a few meters from the two fighters before dismounting. He took the final steps on foot, hand resting on the hilt of his weapon, ready to fight if necessary. He adjusted his position slightly to have a clear view of the two individuals in front of his only valid eye. At first glance, the two strangers did not seem threatening, but experience had taught Suzuki always to remain vigilant.
"What do you want, strangers!?" thundered Suzuki with an authoritative voice.
Over time and experiences, he had understood the necessity of revealing his rank through his presence and stature. Most would bow or simply step aside at the sight of his imposing armor. However, when facing other fighters, the rank and aura one emitted could prove beneficial.
"My apprentice and I would like to join your caravan," declared the brunet, tilting his head very slightly.
"Why is that?" Suzuki questioned, still on guard.
"We are heading to the capital of Ta No Kuni, and the road is not the safest," replied the fighter without lifting his head.
Suzuki carefully observed the man who spoke while remaining vigilant towards the young woman who remained still. He found it disconcerting that a woman could stare at him with such intensity.
"What brings you to these lands?" Suzuki persisted, discerning in the distance the movement of his men preparing for any eventuality. The setup of a man at the front of the road to serve as bait, while the rest of the brigands attacked from the rear, was a well-known tactic.
"Business," replied the man calmly.
"Elaborate," demanded Suzuki.
"We have business to conduct with the Daimyô," explained the dark-haired brunet, lifting his head slightly to reveal his face. "Act as if you haven't recognized me."
At the sight of this face, Suzuki couldn't help widening his eyes, instantly understanding the identity of the individual in front of him. No ambiguity was tolerated; it was an order he had just received. The stranger had abandoned all neutrality or politeness, and a severe voice replaced any courtesy when he gave this injunction. No doubt about it, the renowned Uchiha Madara presumed dead for three months was standing before him.
"Understood, Suzuki responded automatically before turning to the caravan, "resume your positions! We're moving!"
After shouting his orders, the Daimyô's right-hand man turned again towards the two protagonists. He awaited any instructions the brunet surely had to give.
"Do you have a cart available for my apprentice and me?" asked Madara, lowering his head, thus hiding his face. Few people could put a name to his face, but anyone educated enough would have recognized him.
"Yes, come with me," Suzuki replied before mounting his horse. He nonchalantly headed towards the approaching caravan. All eyes were fixed on the newcomers; after all, it wasn't common to encounter people on the road in the middle of nowhere. Workers pointed fingers at the young woman, recognizing a warrior in her.
"These two travelers will travel by your side," Suzuki ordered an older man holding the reins of a cart.
"At your command, my lord," immediately responded the old man, shifting to make room for the two newcomers. Madara climbed up first, leaning on the back while placing his straw hat over his face, giving the impression of taking a nap for the rest of the journey. Sakura, on the other hand, settled beside the old man with a smile.
Once the two new travelers were settled, Suzuki took the lead of the now precious convoy.
"Prepare me a pigeon," ordered Suzuki to one of his soldiers, who promptly took out a piece of parchment and a quill. The lord seized it and wrote hastily.
Daimyô
Five days : Peace remains with me.
Suzuki.
After composing this brief message, Suzuki wrapped the parchment around the pigeon's leg before releasing it into the air. The message was concise, but all essential information was present: the sender, the date, and especially the mention of the additional package. If this message were intercepted, it would appear as a coded communication.
"You!" Suzuki said, pointing to one of the soldiers who immediately stood at attention. "Spread the word: no one disturbs the newcomers."
The soldier complied as Suzuki resumed the lead of this now valuable convoy, transporting a package of immeasurable value.
The hours passed quietly for Madara and Sakura. The cart driver had the decency not to ask any questions, and it was in a soothing silence that the road continued. A few stops occurred here and there, due to a damaged wheel needing replacement or a hole in the road that needed sealing to allow the convoy to move forward.
In the heart of the Rice Fields Country, the path revealed itself as a demanding course. The winding paths of the hills proved to be treacherous. Due to an unforeseen incident, the caravan was forced to halt once again.
"Halt!" roared Suzuki.
The main road leading to the capital was blocked by enormous rocks. Looking up, a missing section of the hill could be discerned.
"Probably a landslide, my lord," analyzed one of the men at his side. "Should we turn back and take the Eastern route?"
"No, we don't have that option. We will clear the road," Suzuki replied to his subordinate.
"Everyone, to your tools!" the soldier shouted to the entire convoy.
At this signal, blocks were slid under the wheels of the carts to immobilize them. People grabbed tools and headed towards the landslide.
"Should we intervene?" Sakura asked Madara gently, after the old man by their side had also headed towards the front.
"I think you should go help them," Madara suggested without removing his hat from his face.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, the people of Ta No Kuni must begin to know us," Madara replied without moving. "However, it is not yet ready to welcome my return... I will wait for you here."
With these words, Sakura jumped off the cart to head towards the front of the caravan. She went straight to Suzuki, who was already discussing with several men to determine which rock to remove first, to avoid worsening the landslide. Some men had detached horses and seemed to be harnessing massive ropes.
"Suzuki-sama?" announced Sakura once at his level.
"Yes? I haven't heard your name, young lady," responded Suzuki, addressing her like any other woman.
"My name is Sakura, and I've come to help," she replied, tilting her head slightly. Two of Suzuki's men started laughing at such absurdity. As if a woman could be useful in such a situation.
Nevertheless, they stopped laughing upon seeing Suzuki's stern look.
"How could you be of help?" the Daimyô's right-hand man still asked, as if this woman, being with Madara Uchiha, likely possessed certain abilities.
"Remove all your men from the construction site and tell me which rock to remove first," Sakura replied immediately with seriousness. Suzuki frowned, anger showing on his face.
"If this is a joke, it's in very poor taste, young lady," the man who didn't like to waste his time grumbled.
"Either you provide me with this information, or I'll manage without your assistance," Sakura retorted determinedly, bypassing Suzuki to head towards the landslide. She took black gloves out of her pockets and carefully put them on. Despite her status as a Shinobi, she had to protect her hands because of her role as a medic.
Before anyone could make a move towards the rocks, Sakura placed her hands on the first boulder. However, this one measured nearly four meters high and weighed several tons, a monolith that would have been difficult to move even with horses and a log system.
At that moment, a general perplexity settled among the assembly. Sakura was accomplishing the unthinkable. Thanks to her enhanced chakra and teachings, she lifted the massive rock and threw it downhill. It wasn't just a simple movement; she literally launched it, and the rock crashed below with a resounding crash that echoed through the entire valley for a few seconds.
Sakura wasted no time and faced the second obstacle blocking the path. A landslide had brought another massive rock onto the road, but this one remained embedded in the hillside. Without hesitation, Sakura focused chakra at the base of her wrist, then in her hand, before concentrating it at her phalanges, striking the rock with determination. A sound of rocky cracking resonated. Barely a second passed, and the enormous rock exploded into a myriad of smaller fragments, thereby freeing three-quarters of the main path.
A general astonishment froze the assembly in the face of this incredible spectacle. A woman... simply a woman, had just pulverized a piece of the mountain with her bare hands and raised another as if it were a mere twig. Now, she was busy gathering smaller rocks, throwing them into the void with total indifference to the captivated onlookers.
"What are you waiting for!? Go help her!" Suzuki ordered after regaining his composure. Suddenly, he realized he might have made a judgment error treating her like this. If this person could perform such feats, what would her power be on a battlefield? Nevertheless, she had just saved them at least a day of work.
Among the workers, opinions diverged. Some felt intense fear towards this woman, attributing her exploits to witchcraft. Others, on the contrary, were totally admiring of her prowess. Whatever the opinions of those present, Sakura left no one indifferent, and her name was on everyone's lips for the rest of the day. Nevertheless, she was left alone due to the order given by Suzuki earlier in the day.
The rest of the journey proceeded without incident, and by nightfall, the caravan had reached the bottom of the valley.
"We set up camp here!" Suzuki shouted, dismounting from his horse.
From that moment, an unusual spectacle began. The carts were arranged in a large circle, the mounts detached and led near the river a few meters away.
Expandable compartments, integrated into each cart, were deployed, thus filling the spaces originally intended for horses. Gradually, an improvised fortress emerged for the night. It might have been deemed an excess of precautions, but the valley housed wild animals and bandits, not to mention the possibility that a Nukenin was wandering nearby.
Once the carts and their extensions were in place, the caravan occupants engaged in various tasks to prepare for the night. A group went to cut wood to feed a few fires in the center of the setup. Others were responsible for fetching water and preparing the evening meal to feed everyone. Some were engaged in the detachment and maintenance of the horses after this long day.
"Walk a hundred meters and come back," Suzuki ordered two soldiers. Then, turning to other members of his team, he added: "You, go up the river for three hundred meters and make sure no one is following us."
Suzuki mastered his domain, and his men had absolute confidence in his skills. After all, how many caravans deployed such a nocturnal setup to ensure their protection?
Finally, after an hour, everything was in order. Soldiers were stationed on top of the carts, patrolling while others were happily having their meal.
As for Madara, he sat cross-legged near a small fire, head bowed. Sakura was beside him, crouched in front of the flames, holding a bowl in one hand and a ladle in the other. A small stew of vegetables and meat simmered in a cauldron prepared by Sakura.
"Why do we have to travel like this?" Sakura asked softly as she filled a bowl with food.
"By doing so, we allowed that man to alert his Daimyô," Madara replied, seizing the bowl Sakura offered him. The enticing smell of food was particularly welcome, especially after months of mainly eating fish.
"Wouldn't a simple parchment have sufficed?" Sakura inquired while serving herself.
"Perhaps, but it would have deprived my exit of its interest," explained Madara, using his left arm as a support for his bowl while eating with his right hand. He categorically refused to be fed in front of other people.
"However, without this strategy, we wouldn't have crossed paths with Suzuki, the Daimyô's right-hand man," he added after a bite.
"Is he important?" Sakura questioned, savoring a piece of meat. Although she had researched the Sengoku era, military nuances still escaped her understanding.
"He may not be a shinobi, Sakura-san, but as you've seen, he is a valuable strategist," replied the brunet, observing Suzuki in the distance, making his way around the camp during his meal. He was checking on everyone, making sure everything was going smoothly, demonstrating his closeness to the members of his team. Sakura couldn't help but recognize the impressive organization in place for the night.
"Besides, showing your skills today proved that I was not making empty promises about the services we offer to Ta No Kuni."
"To hear you, shinobi arts are not widespread," Sakura remarked more to herself than to Madara.
"Let's say that those who could testify to them are no longer among us," explained Madara, sipping his broth. After a few sips, he let out a sigh of satisfaction. "Shinobi are often discreet and live among themselves."
"Hence the birth of these tales and legends about magical powers," added the young woman.
"Exactly," confirmed Madara, reaching his arm towards Sakura. "May I have a second portion, please?"
Sakura took the offered bowl and slipped away to fill it again. At that moment, Suzuki finished his patrol and finally found himself in front of them.
"Is everything going well for you?" Suzuki asked.
"Yes, thank you," Madara replied, seizing his second bowl.
"Sakura-san, I want to express my personal thanks on behalf of the entire convoy for what you accomplished today," Suzuki declared, nodding very slightly. He hadn't apologized for his earlier attitude, but he came to thank her, and a certain level of respect was now noticeable.
"You're welcome, Suzuki-sama," she replied, remaining seated next to Madara.
"You seem preoccupied," Madara remarked after observing the man for the last few minutes. Suzuki raised his head, scanning the surroundings slightly, as if looking for someone.
"Let's say I'll feel better once we reach the capital," Suzuki finally admitted.
"They're not following you anymore..."
"What do you mean?" the armored man asked.
"The Leaf shinobi," repeated Madara while continuing to eat. "They stopped following you last night."
The caravan leader couldn't hold back a sigh of relief at this news. The pressure seemed to leave his shoulders, giving way to a growing sense of security.
"That's excellent news."
"Where have you been to attract Leaf's attention?" Madara asked, still having a small idea of the answer the man would give him.
"Konoha..."
"A bold choice," Madara replied, placing his empty bowl on the ground.
"I agree, I'll explain all the intricacies of that destination in a more appropriate place," Suzuki added before turning back, his heart a little more at ease. "A pleasant night to both of you."
"Likewise."
Day 113
Under the radiant sky of the capital of Ta No Kuni, Suzuki commanded with an assured voice for his men to unload the precious cargoes into the warehouse. Despite his personal inclinations, his mind remained anchored in the duty that transcended everything. Even after supervising the unloading, the unwavering convoy leader escorted the last package with unwavering determination towards the Daimyô.
The afternoon unfolded its splendor under a sky dotted with clouds, the sunlight caressing the earth, painting the tree leaves in autumn hues. A tableau both beautiful and ominous, heralding the upcoming winter challenges.
"Follow in my steps," Suzuki indicated to Madara and Sakura, walking side by side. Madara, head lowered to avoid prying eyes, and Sakura, a singularity in herself, both in the color of her hair and the weapon adorning her belt.
It wasn't so much being observed that tormented Sakura, but rather the nature of the gazes weighing on her, especially those of the women. Gazes oscillating between curiosity, suspicion, admiration, interwoven with outraged expressions. Since their tender childhood, they had been taught that women should not wield weapons but instead find a respectful husband and engage in household management. Any defiance against a man was synonymous with dishonor, an affront often followed by tragic consequences.
For many women, seeing Sakura in this posture was an affront and an attack on her feminine status.
The disapproving whispers around her were more expressive than words, a heavy burden that the young woman felt intensely. A slight sigh escaped her lips, aware that the task ahead of her to redefine the place of women and transform mentalities would be challenging. While walking, Sakura remembered a recent conversation with Madara, an exchange that resonated within her: "Let Madara speak first." Although the brunet appreciated Sakura standing her ground, he was aware that in the context of negotiations, this dynamic might not be favorable.
After a twenty-minute walk through the city, they finally stood in front of an imposing, richly decorated building, marking its presence in the landscape. Guards stood on duty, but none of them seemed to be a Shinobi.
"Your weapons," Suzuki ordered once facing a double door of solid wood. Madara complied immediately, entrusting his two swords to a guard posted at the entrance. Sakura did the same, without apparent concern. After all, a Shinobi was a weapon in itself.
The massive doors opened under Suzuki's push, revealing a moderately sized room. The three fearless individuals entered, the doors closed behind them, and six individuals stood at a distance, all standing. Four guards, posted at the corners of the room, observed attentively.
"Daimyô-sama," Suzuki bowed, respectfully joining the lord's right side.
"Dear guest, it's a real pleasure to welcome you to my Uchiha-dono residence," Hashuba expressed to Madara.
"Daimyô-dono," Madara replied in return with a very slight nod.
"May I know why you bring this... woman to a war council?" Hashuba inquired, scrutinizing Sakura with a hint of disdain.
"Daimyô-dono, out of the respect I have for you, I would choose to ignore this remark. Moreover, considering our common plans for the future, I ask you never to disrespect this woman again. You will hold her in the same esteem as myself," Madara warned with undeniable firmness.
Hashuba could be a Daimyô, but faced with the demands of a man like Madara Uchiha, it was difficult to contest. As the leader of one of the most powerful clans in the world, considered a Shinobi God by history, Hashuba was surprised, even frightened by the thinly veiled threat that his host was issuing towards the woman by his side.
Sakura felt her heart beating in her chest hearing Madara defend her. She never would have imagined seeing the patriarch of the Uchiha clan vouch for a woman and demand the same respect as for a clan leader. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to dwell on it, but Sakura felt moved seeing Madara act so... protectively.
Hashuba and the council turned their gaze towards the young woman again. This time, she adopted a more noble, more commanding posture, her gaze revealing only power, showing that she was a dangerous woman.
"I take note of it, Uchiha-dono," Hashuba replied without apologizing.
"Before we continue, Daimyô-dono, do you have blind trust in everyone present in this room?" Madara inquired without lifting his head.
"Of course, they have all been carefully selected for my protection and the loyalty of Ta No Kuni," Hashuba confirmed.
Pride was written on the faces present. It was a great honor to hear their Daimyô utter such words because at that time, nothing was more precious than honor.
"Sakura-san," Madara called, turning his head slightly towards the young woman.
"Understood," she replied, understanding what she had to do.
"I ask you not to panic; it is for our own safety that we do this," Madara announced before Sakura performed a quick series of hand seals, finally pressing them to the ground.
"Fûinjutsu: Shuhi gimu!" the young woman uttered as a long series of writing lines spread throughout the room, isolating it from the outside.
"Is it okay, Sakura-san?" Madara asked after a moment.
"Yes," she confirmed, moving back to his side.
"What have you just done?" Suzuki inquired, hand on his weapon, not very reassured by what he had just witnessed.
"A confidentiality seal; no one outside of those present in this room will be able to hear what will be said from now on," Madara informed before removing his straw hat, revealing his identity.
Some, like Daiki, the Daimyô's son, and Tanaka, the secretary, let out a small gasp upon seeing Uchiha Madara alive.
"So it's true," whispered Rômaji, who had always had a slight doubt about his survival.