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Early the next morning, Akio followed Tobirama to pay their respects to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Fortunately, this Daimyo was not as effeminate as the one from the original series; that one could only be blamed on his unworthy descendants.
Also present for the audience were Tobirama's old rival, Uchiha Izuna, and Uchiha Sen, who was formerly the third elder of the Uchiha and now held the position of the Grand Elder.
Uchiha Sen glanced at Akio with a sneer. "So, the Uzumaki clan is really tying itself to the Senju? And at a time like this, they even brought along an old man like you?"
"Old man? Let's see who really looks older here." Akio smiled, relying on his eternally youthful appearance of forty-eight to leave Uchiha Sen at a loss for words.
"Grand Elder, don't bother with him. He's already got one foot in the grave," Izuna chimed in, trying to assist his elder.
However, his words only made things worse.
Akio laughed even more heartily, while Uchiha Sen's face turned red with frustration.
"AhemâŠ" The Daimyo on the throne coughed, interrupting their exchange of mockery.
Once the group settled down, the Daimyo spoke. "The reason I have summoned you here is because I was recently targeted by an assassin."
"My chief bodyguard, Eimin Santaro, perished alongside the assassin while protecting me. His loss saddens me greatly."
"Of course, I do not suspect any of you of sending the assassin. However, I now feel that my safety is at risk."
"Since Santaro's death, none of my remaining guards have given me the same sense of security."
"Therefore, I wish for the major ninja clans to each send a few elite shinobi to form a new groupâthe Twelve Guardian Ninjaâto ensure my protection."
"Naturally, I will provide appropriate compensation for their services. What do you all think?"
The gathered shinobi exchanged glances, remaining silent for a moment.
The major clans acknowledged the Daimyo's status for two main reasons. First, a prosperous Land of Fire meant greater wealth for the clans. Second, and more importantly, the Daimyo lacked any real military power of his own.
However, the creation of the Guardian Twelve meant that, for the first time, the Daimyo would have his own ninja force. Though these guards would technically be hired from the various clans, this still amounted to the formation of an independent military unit under his command.
Nonetheless, since the request was framed as a matter of security, outright refusal was not an option.
Uchiha Sen stepped forward. "Lord Daimyo, we of the Uchiha clan must deliberate on this matter. We ask for your patience."
Tobirama shot Akio a glance, signaling him to follow suit. As the representative of the Uzumaki, it would not be wise for Tobirama or Izuna to respond too hastily.
Akio smiled and addressed the Daimyo. "Lord Daimyo, ensuring your safety is, of course, a valid concern. However, an assassin would not necessarily target you aloneâyour wife and children may also be at risk."
"With that in mind, would twelve guardians truly suffice? I propose a more comprehensive solution: forming the One Hundred and Eight Guardian Ninja."
The two Uchiha present stared at Akio as if he had lost his mind. As for TobiramaâAkio didn't dare turn around to check his expressionâŠ
Akio was willing to go all out for his 'witness points.' Changing the storyline by forming an entirely new unit might grant him a significant reward.
On the throne, the Daimyo beamed. "Oh! Thank you for your support, Senju. I will seriously consider forming the One Hundred and Eight Guardian Ninja!"
After taking their leave, everyone returned to their respective quarters.
The entire way back, Akio avoided looking at Tobirama. After all, he had come to assist him but had seemingly only made things worse.
"Tobirama, Iâ"
"Granduncle, your idea was brilliant!" Tobirama interrupted, looking rather excited.
"Huh�" Akio was bewildered.
"If the Daimyo merely wanted the Twelve Guardian Ninja, it would be difficult for us to refuse. The smaller clans, eager for stable income, would readily agree. But by proposing the One Hundred and Eight Guardians, you've ensured that no clan will support the ideaâincluding the twelve-man unit."
"Calling you here was absolutely the right choice!"
Akio felt his world crumbling. He had only meant to joke around, yet Tobirama had taken it as a stroke of genius.
"Ah⊠y-yes, of course⊠That was my plan all alongâŠ" Akio muttered, though inwardly, he lamented that his witness points were slipping away.
Just as Tobirama predicted, after summoning the Senju and Uchiha, the Daimyo began summoning representatives from other clans as well. However, rather than discussing the Twelve Guardian Ninja, he now spoke only of the One Hundred and Eight.
Predictably, even the smaller clans, despite their desire for steady employment, balked at the idea of such a massive force. None of them agreed to the Daimyo's plan.
In another room within the Daimyo's palace, the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans gathered.
The Yamanaka clan head looked troubled. "What exactly is the Daimyo thinking? The One Hundred and Eight Guardian Ninja⊠If such a force were assembled, they could launch an attack on our clans!"
He then turned to the others. "Our Daimyo has always been shrewd. This behavior is unlike him⊠Before us, he met with the Senju and Uchiha. Perhaps the Uchiha are stirring up trouble again?"
The Nara clan head shook his head. "Not necessarily. It could be the SenjuâŠ" He recalled Akio's infuriatingly smug face.
"Choza, what do you think?" the two asked the Akimichi clan head.
"Uh⊠Well⊠I think last night's banquet was delicious. Maybe we should have our clan's chefs learn a few recipes."
The other two exchanged glances before silently turning away, choosing to ignore him as they resumed their discussion.
The general sentiment across the various clans was the sameâthey all opposed the Daimyo's plan. However, they could not outright reject him without finding a proper excuse.
The next day, the Daimyo once again summoned the Senju and Uchiha.
Compared to the previous day, the Daimyo's expression was significantly darkerâespecially when he looked at Akio.
Akio, for his part, felt entirely innocent. He had been completely sincere in his support for the Daimyo.
Before the Daimyo could even speak, Akio quickly interjected. "After further consideration, I realize that the One Hundred and Eight Guardian Ninja might be excessive. The Daimyo's residence likely doesn't require so many. Twelve may be too few, however⊠How about Twenty-Four Guardian Ninja?"
The Daimyo's expression softened slightly. "Perhaps I was hasty as well. The cost of employing one hundred and eight ninja would indeed be too great⊠As for the exact number, we shall discuss further."
"Tonight, I will host a banquet to gather all the clans for further deliberation."
The gathered ninja nodded and took their leave.
On the way back, Tobirama mused, "The Daimyo is indeed shrewd. He's using your own tactic against youâturning the situation to his advantage. Granduncle, your plan has ended up assisting him."
Akio could only respond with a hollow chuckle. "HehâŠ"
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