That evening, the Daimyo's residence hosted a grand banquet.
In attendance were the Daimyo, his wife, and his three children. As for the various shinobi clans, Akio glanced around and quickly spotted many familiar faces.
The Senju, Uchiha, and Uzumaki clans were naturally present, but beyond them, five of the six clan heads he had fought against three years ago were also there—the only one missing was the Hatake clan leader, whom Akio had personally clashed with. Additionally, several members of the smaller clan alliances had shown up. Among them, Akio recognized Sarutobi's clan head, and the man beside him, who bore a resemblance to Shimura Ken, was likely the leader of the Shimura clan. A few others appeared to be from the Fuma, Yamanaka, and other clan.
However, what truly caught Akio's attention was a particular set of clan attire that seemed strangely familiar.
"Wait… Could that be the Kurama clan? Wasn't that part of an anime-only arc? So, does this mean I've been transported into the Naruto anime rather than the manga?"
There were certain differences between the two versions of the story.
"At this point in history, the Kurama clan shouldn't have any awakened members... That could be troublesome. A power similar to Aizen's illusion-based abilities, huh?"
While lost in thought, Akio barely noticed that the Daimyo had already instructed the attendants to serve the food.
As one dish after another was brought to the table, Akio found himself entirely focused on the feast.
"As expected of the Daimyo's residence—this food is on another level. If not for the responsibility of protecting the Daimyo being such a hassle, he would have considered staying here longer.
Without sparing a glance at Tobirama, who was seated beside him, Akio immediately began eating, prioritizing filling his stomach over everything else.
On stage, the Daimyo appeared to be giving a speech, but Akio paid no attention. It was only after he was full that he finally looked up, just in time to hear the Daimyo say:
"I won't go on at length. We can discuss the details after the meal…"
Akio let out a small burp. He had been eating for twenty minutes, and yet the Daimyo was only now concluding his speech? So much for keeping it brief.
As the attendees began their meal, a now-content Akio idly sipped his tea, observing how others ate.
There was the mysterious type, like the Aburame clan leader; the hearty, uninhibited type, like the Akimichi clan leader; the composed type, like Tobirama; and… the refined, elegant type? Like Uchiha Izuna.
"Pfft—"
Akio nearly choked on his tea, spraying it out in surprise.
The various clan heads all turned to glare at him in unison. Being stared at while eating had already annoyed them, but now he was outright laughing?
"Nothing, nothing, carry on with your meals—I just choked a little."
Half an hour later, everyone except the Akimichi clan leader had finished eating.
The Nara clan leader stood up and addressed the Daimyo. "Your Excellency, we appreciate your hospitality. May we ask what task you have for us?"
"No rush," the Daimyo replied, gesturing toward the Akimichi clan leader. "Let's wait for him to finish."
A hush fell over the hall again, the only sound being the continued chewing of the Akimichi clan leader.
Another thirty minutes passed before the Daimyo's expression darkened slightly. "It's getting late, so I'll proceed with my announcement. The Akimichi clan leader may continue at his own pace."
"I'm sure most of you have already guessed the reason I've gathered you here."
"That's right—it's about the Guardian Ninja. Previously, I had proposed forming the '108 Guardian Shinobi,' which in hindsight was rather ambitious. My original intent was to establish the 'Twelve Guardian Ninja,' but as you all can see, my residence includes not only myself but also my wife and three young children."
"Twelve guardians would be sufficient to protect me alone, but when you consider my entire family, their defensive capabilities become inadequate."
"Therefore, I now wish to expand the Guardian Ninja force to thirty-six members to ensure the security of the Daimyo's residence."
Listening to the Daimyo's words, Akio couldn't help but smirk. It seemed that his previous suggestion of the '108 Guardian Shinobi' had planted a seed of ambition in the Daimyo's mind. Now, the Daimyo was no longer content with just twelve; he was aiming for thirty-six.
The gathered clan representatives exchanged glances. Tobirama was the first to step forward. "Your Excellency, ensuring your safety is our duty."
Uchiha Izuna, for once, didn't oppose Tobirama. Instead, he stepped forward as well and added, "There are fifteen major and minor shinobi clans here today. Each clan can provide one member. The Uchiha will contribute two, bringing the total to sixteen, which should be sufficient."
"The Senju will also provide two," Tobirama added.
The Daimyo looked expectantly at the other clans, hoping someone else would volunteer. However, in the Warring States Era, when both the Senju and Uchiha agreed on something, few dared to oppose them.
The Daimyo sighed. Compared to just twelve guardians, having seventeen was still an improvement. Besides…
"Hyuga clan leader, please step forward."
Tobirama's pupils contracted slightly. From a side chamber, Hyuga Tennin entered the hall. Tobirama had found it odd that the Hyuga had remained uninvolved in this matter—now, it was clear they had already been swayed by the Daimyo.
"Hmph!" Izuna scoffed coldly upon seeing Tennin. The Uchiha and Hyuga held deep-seated animosity toward each other.
Ignoring the provocation, Hyuga Tennin respectfully bowed to the Daimyo. "Your Excellency, in response to your request, the Hyuga will provide three members to ensure your safety."
Three?
Tobirama's expression darkened slightly. As allies, the Hyuga's actions should have been coordinated with the Senju, but he had not been consulted.
In truth, Tennin had little choice. Years ago, the Uchiha had nearly driven the Hyuga to the brink of losing their status as a major clan. Now, aside from an aging elder in semi-retirement, he was the only Hyuga of clan leader caliber.
Relying on the Daimyo was a reluctant but necessary decision—without such backing, they might not even be able to retain their clan lands in the coming years.
With this, the number of Guardian Ninja had grown to twenty, which made both the Senju and Uchiha slightly uneasy.
Fortunately, the Uzumaki clan leader stepped forward. "The Uzumaki suffered great losses in the battle against the Kaguya years ago. We have been in seclusion to recover and will not participate in this matter."
Similarly, the Kurama clan leader also declined to contribute members.
The Daimyo, recognizing the reluctance in their responses, did not press further. "Thank you all for your support. With this, the 'Eighteen Guardian Ninja' are officially established. Please return to your clans and select your representatives swiftly. Until then, I will continue to entrust my safety to the Hyuga clan leader."
Akio was quite satisfied with the outcome. Though they hadn't reached 108 members, increasing the number from twelve to eighteen was still a profitable move.
When the dust settled, people from all the clans returned to their homes to rest, preparing to set off for their lands early the next morning.
Akio bid a brief farewell to Kajima, who looked confused.
"Second Grandpa, aren't you going to continue studying the Sealing Scroll?"
Akio appeared even more puzzled. "I already mastered it. Didn't I tell you?"
Kajima's expression darkened. "When exactly did you tell me...?"
"Ah, well... that's that. Anyway, I'll be returning to the clan tomorrow with my eldest nephew. We probably won't see each other again for a few years. Also, if you come across any new ninjutsu, make sure to inform me. Your Second Grandpa will help you research it… Remember, your Second Grandpa can do anything!"
Kajima: "..."
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