Danzo's sudden departure left Pakura in a foul mood.
Especially since she had to see that woman, Nonō Yakushi, every day—it made her even more irritated.
Tap… tap… tap…
Following Nonō, who was leading the way ahead, Pakura fought the urge to turn her into charcoal.
"You seem to have a strong hostility toward me," Nonō said, stopping in her tracks and turning around with a gentle smile.
"Hmph…" Pakura let out a cold snort, brushing past her and taking the lead.
Nonō chuckled softly and followed, her voice light yet probing.
"Is it because of Danzo-sama?"
Pakura stopped, her gaze sharp and brimming with killing intent as she turned to face Nonō.
"I'm his most trusted subordinate. If you don't back off, I'll kill you."
Nonō, still wearing her ever-pleasant smile, seemed unfazed by the threatening aura.
"I know…"
"What do you mean by that, woman?" Pakura's eyes narrowed at Nonō's ever-so-fake smile.
"I know you're the most important one to Danzo-sama."
Pakura froze for a moment, her expression turning even colder.
"Are you trying to provoke me?"
Nonō didn't seem to care. Instead, she pulled out a scroll from within her robes.
"This is a mission Danzo-sama gave me. He said that before his reincarnation, if the process failed, he wanted me to complete his last task. It was to help you become a hero of Sunagakure. That was the promise he made to you."
She handed the scroll over to Pakura and began walking ahead without another word.
...
The capital of the Land of Wind was built upon an enormous oasis.
The oasis was so vast that it resembled a sprawling plain.
Unlike most of the desert-blanketed regions of the Land of Wind, this was a prime piece of land.
The distinct clothing and architecture displayed the unique culture of the region.
Crowded buildings and the bustling movement of trade caravans spoke of the capital's prosperity.
At the heart of it all stood the Daimyo's palace.
Centuries, if not millennia, of continuous construction had made it a towering, grand structure that defied the barren resources of the region.
However, the current Daimyo's indulgent lifestyle in his youth had left him with little vitality.
With only one son—who had passed away three years ago—the Daimyo had no choice but to bring back his widowed eldest daughter from the Land of Earth to continue the bloodline.
The eldest princess quickly became the most sought-after figure in the Land of Wind.
Countless noble heirs tried to win her favor, hoping to rise to power.
If she bore an heir, that child would become the next Daimyo of the Land of Wind.
In a secluded palace behind the Daimyo's residence, one could look out over the capital from the balcony of a lavishly decorated tower.
The room itself was adorned in luxury—beaded curtains of gemstones, silk drapes forming partitions, and rare incense from the Land of Water.
Even a copper basin in the corner held melting ice cubes.
When the wind blew in, the swaying white silk and shimmering beads gave the space a lively, airy feel.
Behind a veil of white silk lay the silhouette of a woman, her figure graceful as she napped on the bed.
Danzo stepped inside, inhaling the sweet fragrance that filled the room. Despite himself, he felt a rare moment of ease.
"You certainly know how to enjoy yourself."
His voice broke the peaceful stillness, disturbing the woman's nap.
"Who's there?" came the startled voice.
Shing!
A senbon needle flew toward Danzo, who caught it effortlessly.
The eldest princess burst through the silk curtains, wearing only a thin robe. Two more senbon flew from her hands.
Danzo's gaze fell on her barely-concealed form, her curves visible beneath the sheer fabric.
Did I come at a bad time? He raised a brow. And those senbon…?
Catching the incoming needles, Danzo watched her attempt to flee toward the window.
"Tongue Eradication Technique."
"Ah—"
Her body went limp with a soft cry, collapsing to the floor before she could escape.
Danzo glanced at her and took a seat at a nearby table.
"Your strength has weakened. Your perception and reflexes aren't even at the level of a Chūnin anymore."
"D-Danzo-sama…" The princess, now trembling, crawled up from the floor and half-knelt before him.
Realizing it was Danzo, a deep fear filled her. The soul-piercing agony from two years ago was still etched into her memory.
But she hadn't considered how ill-suited her thin robe was for kneeling.
Her name was Ichikawa Naomi. Despite her exotic Land of Wind complexion, her figure remained as full and curvaceous as ever.
Especially now, in her loose robe and kneeling posture—she wasn't treating Danzo as an outsider at all.
"Stand."
Naomi stayed in her half-kneeling position, silently expressing complete submission.
Danzo didn't press the issue, getting straight to the point.
"You've done well with your task. I'm satisfied. I came this time to set up a spatial marker. When the mission is complete, I'll reward you. Though it seems you're not too keen on improving your strength."
"I wouldn't dare." Hearing Danzo's praise, her nerves slowly calmed.
She was curious about his noticeably younger appearance, but fear and the desire to please him outweighed her questions.
No matter how much she craved power, the seal on her tongue and the feeling of falling into a bottomless abyss kept her in line.
A woman's intuition told her that something was off about this version of Danzo.
A cool breeze made her shiver slightly, and she instinctively pressed her legs together.
"As long as you have the capability to serve the Root, even becoming a Daimyo is not beyond reach."
Hearing that…
Naomi's head remained lowered, but her heart raced with excitement.
She slowly raised her gaze, her eyes filled with submission and a hint of flattery.
"Rest assured, Danzo-sama. I will complete my mission."
Danzo watched with mild surprise as Naomi stood.
Her robe slipped off her shoulders, and her bare form pressed against him.
"Let me serve you tonight, my lord…"
...
The next morning, Danzo knew he had been deceived.
Naomi had boldly removed her clothes, yet she didn't even know how to serve properly.
He had to guide her himself.
Now, her Transformation Technique had worn off, and her true face was revealed as she lay unconscious on the bed.
The room was a mess—curtains, fruit platters, and other items scattered everywhere.
The experience had been… exhilarating, though not entirely satisfying.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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