IX

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Arc IX Chapter 15

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“Ah, Lord Masanari, glad to finally meet a friendly face among all the strangers. We haven't seen each other for a while, possibly for years. What fortunate events make you join our illustrious circle?“

“Long time no see, Makato. I see you are still as healthy as ever. Managing the remnants of Amegakure's forces seems to become you well. I hope your duties ... don't impose on you too much.“

Masanari wasn't surprised to meet a former colleague. His daughter accompanied her father as did his son him. Masashige stood at his side, listening.

Makato might hail from a minor clan, but he held various position back then under the Hanzo administration, and now he was leading what remained of Hanzo's once proud ninja force. Trying to recruit him was only logical.

His voice carried weight among Hanzo's former followers. Deprived of official support and funding, they were reduced to a group of ragtag ninja, a mere shadow of better days, but they haven't lost their pride yet.

Makato countered with a smile. “I do my best, Lord Masanari, but you know, age is a treacherous enemy, always approaching. You didn't answer my question, though, what brings Your Lordship here?“

“I can ask you very much the same.“

“That's not fair. That's not how the game is played, Your Lordship. I asked first.“

Masanari grinned. Just like in old times. “Fair enough, a certain girl convinced us with her extraordinary offer, but I guess we are not only ones. The girl attracted broad interest, from what I gather.“

A significant number of people were assembled in the room, only waiting for their host to finally grace them with her presence.

Masanari recognised various faces. Some were vaguely familiar. Others eluded his lackluster memory. What was certain, though, was that they were all important people.

“Who are they?“ His gaze lingered on the sizable retinues.

“Them? They are mainly industrialists, entrepreneurs. The girl saw fit to invite the monetary and financial elite of the village. A wise move if I am allowed to comment.“ Makato motioned towards the group to the furthest left. They kept to themselves.

“Asano Kichirou, revered patriarch of the Asano family. Heavily involved in the mining and construction sector. Steel and concrete are his lifeblood. He made a fortune during the 1st?and 2nd?war with the production of military goods and equipment. He armed Hanzo, old friend and foe alike. It paid off.“

In the middle.

“The Furukawa?clan in all its glory. Furukawa Ichibei.?Alloys and specialised metallurgical products. They are also operating in electronics market. Conductors, circuits, generators.

To the right.

“The Sumitomo led by Masatomo. They are primarily engaged in the chemical industry. Synthesis, fertilises, pesticides, explosives.“

“You are well informed, Makato. Old habits die hard, don't they?“

Makato offered a smile. “We from the intelligence community have our ways. Politics are a fickle matter. Always be up to date in this line of business.“

Masanari studied all the people. “Amegakure's elite all coming together at a single place.“

The little princess summoned Amegakure's most influential figures, including their guards and retinue. Whatever her mistress was plotting once again, it was promising to be huge.

Makato agreed.“I wonder what the girl is planning with so much power and influence under her command.“

“Nothing good from what I can tell.“

Makato reacted surprised. “How do you know?“

“Personal experience. I met her in person the other say. The little princess left quite an ... impression. The girl loves the dramatic entry.“

“Good to know ...“

“What a surprise, whom do we have here? The Hattori clan. Didn't know you still have the guts to show your face in public, considering the spineless cowards you are. Has the decade of humiliation and public shame finally ended?“

Masanari bit his lips. It was her. Her voice ... evoked bad memories. “Fuma Kaoru ...“ Her mere appearance ruined his mood. The Fuma clan, their old rivals and eternal archenemies for generations. Of course, they were also present.

Kaoru grinned. “The one and only.“

“What is the Fuma clan doing here?“

Kaoru Such a stupid question. Of course, we were invited. Nobody inside Amegakure gets past our clan.“

Masanari grudgingly agreed. “Unfortunately, I must confer. Your tongue is as sharp as I remember, Lady Kaoru.“

Grinned. “I take that as a compliment. You haven't changed either, despite all the years.

“...“ Masanari bit his lips. What an annoying woman. “Your manners are impeccable as always.“

The doors opened and a girl in a hurry stormed through the room. Her exquisite kimono proved her allegiance beyond any doubt. An orange masked man followed her, desperately trying to keep up with her.

“Please, Asami-senpaiii~, slow down ...“

“Shut up, Tobi. Stop pestering me, I have no time for you“.

Asami greeted them all with a polite bow. “My apologies for the delay, urgent matters required my attention.“

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“Senpai, can I leave my corner?“

“No, Tobi, stay in your lovely corner, and keep staring at your wall.“

“But ...“

“No buts, only adults are allowed to sit at the table.“

“But I am an adult too“, Tobi mumbled. Not that he was heard.

With Tobi standing in the corner, Asami returned her attention to her visitors. Her guests were sitting around a single table. The military clans were positioned to the right side, the rich and wealthy to the left.

Asami folded her hands. “Greetings. I doubt any introductions are in order. We all know each other, more or less, don't we?“

Slight mumbling erupted from both sides.

“...“ Asami sighed.

“Masanari, Makato. Makato, Kaoru. Kaoru, Kichirou. Kichirou, Ichibei. Ichibei, Masatomo. Masatomo, Kichirou. Kichirou, Makato. Makato, Ichibei. Ichibei, Masanari. Masanari, Kaoru. Kaoru, Masatomo. Masatomo, Masanari. Masanari, Kichirou. Masatomo, Makato.?And Kaoru, Ichibei.

Now everyone knows everyone.?To a sufficient degree, at least.“

“...“ No protest followed.

Masanari stole a incredulous glance at her, as did others participants. His furrowed eyebrow betrayed his bewilderment.

Asami proceeded. “I assume you all know why we are attending this meeting. I think I made my purpose abundantly either in person, or in my missive.

Amegakure is a broken village in its current condition, a broken nation on the precipice of collapse. I think we all agree things can't go on like this. Everyone in this room has an interest in a stable Amegakure, or at least in a not completely dysfunctional Amegakure for various reasons. Might it be for persona, for monetary , or even simply for humanitarian reasons.

I won't pry, and to be honest, I don't care. I only hope you care a modicum for the fate of your fellow countrymen and their well-being.“

Asami's eyes swept through the rank. She had their attention. Her friends were listening, and already calculating their options. They were waiting for to make the first step.

“My intention is thus to restore peace and order to Amegakure. The village shall rise anew from the ashes of chaos. Together, we shall build a strong Amegakure worthy of her name, a state filled with purpose.

In order to do so, I summoned you to call on your cooperation.

My undertaking will require manpower, and substantial financial resources. I have neither. You have both. The ninja clans possess the personnel. The industrialists possess the wealth necessary.

I call on your wisdom. I am still young, inexperienced in many matters of life. As such, your advice would be invaluable.“

Her guests exchanged knowing looks, gauging each other. So far, her visitors eyed her with suspicion. Rightly so. The magnates remained cautious, yet they didn't dismiss her outright. They were listening with a glimmer of interest.

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