Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Princess Rinko
Early Morning, the Next Day.
The nobles and samurai of the capital had gathered at the ruins of the Daimyō's palace, trembling as they prostrated themselves before Uchiha Mirai.
Their once-proud arrogance had been utterly shattered by the sight of the fully realized Susanoo the day prior.
The warriors who had once swaggered with confidence were now silent, the ministers and nobles too terrified to speak.
These were people who had once dismissed shinobi as tools beneath their notice. Now, they stood cowed, fully aware of the consequences of challenging such power.
After all, if the Daimyō himself had been so easily dispatched, what chance did they stand?
For the first time, they understood the truth: when a shinobi wielding absolute strength bared their fangs, the so-called "nobles" became nothing more than sheep awaiting slaughter.
Mirai's cold voice broke the silence:
"From now on, there will be no Daimyō in the Land of Fire. Shinobi will be the highest authority in this country."
"You will serve the Hidden Village. Everything you do must contribute to its prosperity."
"I will send people to oversee everything here. Your only task is to cooperate."
"Understood?"
The gathered elites immediately nodded in agreement, too terrified to protest.
Mirai smiled faintly, satisfied.
He had no intention of slaughtering them all, such chaos would only destabilize the country.
The first and most critical step had been completed. From here on, it was simply a matter of careful planning and gradual implementation.
Once everything was arranged, Uchiha Mirai left them and headed for the Daimyō's harem quarters.
This was where the Daimyō's family resided.
Activating his sensory abilities, Mirai moved through the chambers, leaving nothing but desolation in his wake.
Near the center of the compound, close to the Daimyō's personal chambers, a woman dressed in opulent finery knelt in front of a doorway.
Her hair ornaments, studded with jade and pearls, swayed gently in the breeze.
Her demeanor was serene, exuding an unapproachable nobility.
Based on the intelligence he had gathered, Mirai knew this was the most prestigious woman in the Land of Fire: the Daimyō's eldest daughter and the country's true princess.
Upon seeing Mirai approach, her face turned pale.
Though she tried her best to conceal her fear, the trembling of her hair ornaments betrayed her.
"What is your name?" Mirai asked.
"Rinko," she replied, her voice refined and elegant, carrying an unmistakable air of grace.
Her features were exquisite—delicate yet dignified, with pale, flawless skin and a regal bearing.
Mirai studied her intently.
Beautiful, noble, poised, and gentle…
It was almost unbelievable that the portly, unattractive Daimyō could have such a stunning daughter.
"Please, my lord," Rinko said, bowing deeply. "Kill me."
"I will die with gratitude and sing of your mercy in the Pure Land."
Her forehead touched the ground as she pleaded.
Mirai shook his head slightly. "You still have some value to me. I won't kill you."
Hearing this, Rinko flinched, despair washing over her features.
So, this was it… She wouldn't escape the humiliation that awaited.
History was filled with tales of women suffering tragic fates during times of power shifts. To die quickly was often considered the best outcome.
She had contemplated taking her own life but couldn't bring herself to follow through.
Now, what awaited her?
Mirai knelt in front of her, lifting her chin with his hand.
"Three days from now, you will return to Konoha with me."
"W-What?"
The cruelty she had braced herself for didn't come, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"I want you, as the Princess of the Land of Fire, to publicly declare your allegiance at my inauguration as Hokage."
Generations of propaganda had ingrained the belief that the Daimyō was supreme and shinobi were subservient. While Mirai's display of force had overturned this hierarchy, he needed time to solidify this new order in the minds of the people.
Having the most revered figure in the Land of Fire—Princess Rinko—openly submit to him would significantly accelerate the process.
Rinko stared at him in disbelief. "A-And after that?"
Mirai stood, turning to leave. "After that, whether you choose to live or die is up to you."
As his figure disappeared, Rinko collapsed onto the floor, her strength utterly spent.
So… that was it?
...
Three Days Later.
The news spread quickly throughout the capital.
"The era of the Daimyō is over. Shinobi are the new nobility."
To Mirai's surprise, the populace accepted this shift far more readily than anticipated. Most people seemed to view it as a natural progression.
Even those who found it absurd kept their dissent to themselves.
After all…
The massive, towering figure of Susanoo that had obliterated the Daimyō and his samurai was still fresh in their memories.
With the nobles submitting, who would dare resist?
...
Outside an Inn.
A coachman bowed deeply as he welcomed Mirai, Mikoto, and Konan into the carriage.
He still couldn't believe that the shinobi he had ferried not long ago had turned the entire country on its head.
Thank goodness he hadn't acted like the late innkeeper who had shown disdain toward them. Otherwise, he'd be a rotting corpse by now.
Inside the carriage, Mikoto and Konan exchanged glances before looking at Mirai.
"Mirai," Konan asked softly, "are you sure the princess won't cause trouble?"
Mirai smirked. "Don't worry. I won't let that happen."
Though Rinko was a princess, she was just an ordinary person with a fragile spirit.
With his abilities, it would take only a few days of carefully applied genjutsu to break her will entirely. Soon enough, she would be utterly devoted to him.
Seeing Mirai's confident expression, neither woman pressed further.
Having experienced so much together, their trust in Mirai was absolute.
Even if he claimed he could punch the moon out of orbit, they wouldn't doubt him.
Konan peeled a grape and brought it to Mirai's lips.
He narrowed his eyes in satisfaction. "I want imported ones next time."
Blushing slightly, Konan nodded and obeyed.
As Mirai savored the sweet fruit, he turned his gaze to Mikoto.
"Mikoto, don't just sit there. Come kneel up front."
Mikoto hesitated, flustered. "But we're still traveling…"
"It's a small thing. Just do it."
Faced with Mirai's commanding tone, Mikoto tucked her hair behind her ear and obediently moved forward, kneeling as instructed.
Mirai's lips curled into a smirk.
Now this… this was the life a man ought to live.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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