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Chapter 123: The Uchiha Reserve Nation II
🕑 Added 2024-06-24 18:40:06 +0000 UTCAfter the great battle, under Natsuhane's orders, all the captured pirates were imprisoned for future judgment. They had no ability to resist, as their injuries were still causing them immense pain, and simply surviving was already fortunate enough for them.
The villagers returned to their homes, resuming their normal lives. Haisei and Haisan, meanwhile, escorted Natsuhane and Honoka to the Daimyo's residence.
"Lord Daimyo, from now on, you can stay here. If this place is not to your liking, I'll promptly have a new Daimyo's residence built for you, ensuring plenty of bedrooms," Haisei said with a knowing smile.
"Oh?" Natsuhane's interest was piqued, and he smiled slyly. "It seems you understand the deeper meaning of 'expanding the nation through offspring.' Not bad, you are quite capable..."
Haisei quickly bowed and replied, "It's all thanks to your insightful guidance, Lord Daimyo. Doing this is truly for the future of the Sea Country. I will fully support this endeavor."
"Good..." Natsuhane nodded in approval.
"Lord Daimyo, you just went through a great battle. Please rest now. Leave the remaining tasks to me. I'll ensure that we prioritize young, beautiful, and fertile women to preserve the Uchiha's excellent bloodline for the country's future," Haisei said earnestly.
"Very well, I'll leave it to you then~" Natsuhane replied with satisfaction.
The next day, near the southern border of the Water Country, at Potou Island.
This place was the main base of the Johuto clan. Since they broke away from the Water Country over a decade ago, they had been hiding here and secretly developing their forces.
"Damn it! Why is there still no news from Arakai and Kuroi?" In the dimly lit hall, a middle-aged man with yellow hair and a bare chest paced back and forth, his expression revealing his agitation and frustration. This man was the head of the Johuto clan, Johuto Daikai, and the father of Arakai and Kuroi.
The subordinates around him stood silently, sensing the unease in the air. They knew that something might have gone wrong with the mission in the Sea Country.
"This is unacceptable! Prepare the ships immediately. Bring all our forces. I'm going to the Sea Country to find out what's going on!" Johuto Daikai shouted, making a swift decision.
A brown-skinned young girl standing beside him quickly tried to calm him down. "Father, please be patient. Last night, I already sent five scout ships to the Sea Country. Based on the time, we should have news soon..."
"You are the clan leader. You can't leave this place. If the Mist Village's ninjas attack while you're away, all our hard work will be for nothing," she added, trying to reason with him.
After a moment of consideration, Johuto Daikai sighed and said, "You’re right, daughter. It's good that you are here to keep me grounded. Without you, who knows what rash decisions I might have made."
This young girl was Johuto Daikai’s daughter, Johuto Aotori.
Ever since their separation from the Water Country, the Johuto clan had thrived outside, largely due to the Mist Village's isolationist policies. Their pirate activities had flourished, leading to considerable accumulation of wealth and power. However, with the recent revival and openness of the Mist Village, their pirate ventures had faced increasing resistance from the reinvigorated Mist ninjas.
Fortunately, Johuto Daikai’s eldest son, Johuto Arakai, had recently awakened the Sea Dragon power, significantly boosting the clan's strength. However, their plans for expansion had faced unexpected setbacks in the Sea Country, leaving Johuto Daikai anxious.
Before Johuto Daikai could ponder further, a scout burst in, out of breath and clearly distressed. "Leader! Bad news! While returning from the Sea Country, we spotted a large fleet from the Mist Village heading towards us. They mean to attack!"
"What? How did they find our base so quickly?" Johuto Daikai exclaimed.
An elder in the room spoke up, "Leader, with our increased clashes with the Mist ninjas at sea, it's likely someone leaked our location to save their skin. I feared this would happen but didn’t expect it so soon..."
"Damn it!" Johuto Daikai slammed his fist on the ground in frustration. "Ready our defenses! We will not let them take our home!"
"Yes, Leader!"
On the southern coast of the Water Country, the Mist Village fleet advanced steadily towards Potou Island. Mei Terumi, leading the operation, discussed strategies with her trusted aides, Chojuro and Ao. Also present were the Sea Country’s fleeing Daimyo and his retainer, one of the country's three pillars, Hailan.
"Daimyo, are you certain the Johuto clan is attacking the Sea Country?" Ao asked pointedly.
"Absolutely! Why else would I seek refuge here with the Mist ninjas' protection? You must help me reclaim my land. I promise to triple, no, quintuple the tribute to the Mist Village!" the Daimyo pleaded.
Ao, skeptical and somewhat disdainful, retorted, "Oh, I believe you. But I wonder, with all the Mist ninjas you took to protect yourself, what happens to the villagers left behind? The Johuto clan is notorious for leaving no survivors."
Before the Daimyo could respond, Hailan interjected, "The Daimyo's safety is paramount. With him alive, the country can be restored."
"Hmph..." Ao shook his head, but before he could continue, Mei Terumi shot him a deadly glare. Leaning close, she whispered threateningly, "Ao, focus on the mission. One more unnecessary comment, and I'll make you regret it."
"Understood..." Ao muttered, silenced by Mei's intimidating presence.
