Uchiha: Strongest Shura

Though the Land of Fields boasted fertile lands and rich resources, its military strength was weak. To ensure their safety, the people paid a hefty tribute to the Land of Fire in exchange for protection. As a result, the citizens lived under constant financial strain, a stark contrast to the wealth and prosperity of the Fire Nation. The streets were filled with hurried figures, their anxious expressions betraying their struggles.

While the team of four had arrived in the Land of Fields as envoys, only Uchiha Kagami was granted an audience. This exclusion left Naoki Inuzuka fuming. He had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Daimyo's grandeur. Instead, he found himself pacing outside the Daimyo's opulent mansion, his irritation growing with each glance at the elaborate architecture.

"Snobbish jerks," he muttered under his breath. "Just wait until I become famous. Then they'll line up to grovel at my feet."

Beside him, Marina admired the bustling streets, a stark contrast to the quieter roads of Konoha. "I'd love to explore these shops," she mused, her eyes darting to the rows of stores lining the streets.

Renji, however, had no interest in sightseeing. His sharp gaze analyzed the security around the Daimyo's estate. The Wangtian Tower was heavily fortified, with hundreds of guards patrolling the premises. Renji knew that even with his ninja skills, infiltrating unnoticed would be nearly impossible. Factoring in the presence of hidden shinobi, it was clear that a direct approach to gather information was out of the question.

Instead, Renji's thoughts turned to an alternative strategy. If they couldn't reach the Daimyo directly, they could start with his inner circle. Loyal retainers would likely hold the key to understanding the situation. However, he knew this wouldn't be easy. If someone had orchestrated a rebellion, the Daimyo's allies would undoubtedly be under close scrutiny—or worse, already eliminated.

---

Renji's musings were interrupted as Kagami returned and led the team to the embassy quarters. Once they were safely inside, Kagami lowered his voice. "The situation is worse than I anticipated. I wasn't even granted an audience with the Daimyo. Hojo Yuji, the retainer suspected of betrayal, is controlling everything. We'll need another way to gather information."

Renji frowned, considering the implications. "As we walked through the town, I noticed the civilians seem heavily burdened. Most of the shops catering to travelers were thriving, but the local residents' homes were modest and poorly maintained. This suggests the Daimyo's influence may not be as strong as it seems. If Hojo hasn't made a direct move to usurp the throne, it could mean the Daimyo still commands loyalty among key figures. The Amamiya clan might be our best lead."

Kagami nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "That's my thinking as well. If the Amamiya clan remains loyal, they may hold the leverage we need to secure the Daimyo's safety. We'll visit them next to test their allegiances."

Naoki tilted his head, confused. "How will we know if they're loyal to the Daimyo?"

Renji stepped in to answer. "It's simple. If the Amamiya clan had any interest in overthrowing the Daimyo, they wouldn't act directly. They'd likely hire rogue ninjas to eliminate the Daimyo and then position themselves as saviors to stabilize the country. If that's their plan, they'll keep their forces consolidated, ensuring their position remains secure. On the other hand, if they're loyal, their elites will be stationed near the Daimyo to protect him at all costs."

Naoki and Marina stared at Renji, their expressions a mix of surprise and admiration. Kagami smiled. "Well said, Renji. That's precisely the approach we'll take. Prepare yourselves—we leave for the Amamiya estate tomorrow."

---

The next morning, Renji awoke to find the town blanketed in snow. He opened the window, shivering as a cold breeze swept through the room. The Wangtian Pavilion, visible in the distance, stood in stark contrast to the silver-white landscape, lending the city an air of majestic tranquility.

After washing up, Renji headed to the courtyard, where Naoki was already playing in the snow with Kanemaru. Despite the freezing air turning his face red, Naoki showed no signs of discomfort. Kanemaru, now a massive dog, bounded joyfully through the snow, his breath forming long white puffs in the air.

"Renji, do you like snow?"

The familiar sweet voice made Renji pause. Without turning, he replied, "Yeah. Snow always has a way of calming the mind." Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Marina dressed lightly despite the cold. "If you're planning to play outside, you should bundle up. Frostbite isn't easy to deal with."

Before Marina could respond, Kagami appeared, dressed impeccably despite the weather. "Enjoy the snow while you can," he said with a smile. "We're visiting the Amamiya clan this afternoon. Until then, feel free to relax."

Renji, however, remained seated, sipping tea as he watched the others enjoy the snow. Kagami raised an eyebrow. "Not a fan of snow, Renji?"

Renji took another sip and replied evenly, "Some things are more beautiful when admired from a distance."

Kagami chuckled, ruffling Renji's hair. "You're too serious for your age, you know that? Lighten up a little—snow like this is rare in the Land of Fire."

Renji didn't respond, his mind wandering to memories of his past life. For him, snow brought no joy—only cold, empty memories.

---

That afternoon, the team arrived at the Amamiya estate, their boots crunching softly on the snow-covered ground. The cold seemed to have gotten to Naoki, whose nose was running, and Renji couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation. How can someone so resilient in training be such a weakling in the cold?

An elderly servant greeted them at the door, bowing respectfully as he ushered them into the living room. The interior of the estate was meticulously designed, exuding a sense of traditional elegance. From the intricately patterned shoji paper to the carefully arranged tatami mats, every detail spoke of the Amamiya clan's refined taste.

However, Renji's keen eyes noticed subtle inconsistencies. Some furnishings were outdated and worn, clashing with the otherwise polished aesthetic. It was a small detail, but one that hinted at deeper struggles within the once-prominent clan.

End of the Chapter.