This wasn't Satsuki's first time coming to the castle town of Iga—only the first time she had come in person.
The crest of the Ōtsutsuki clan was already familiar to the samurai guards stationed here. After a brief, courteous exchange, they allowed Satsuki's group to pass without incident.
None of the clichéd third-rate novel scenarios of gatekeepers picking fights over status occurred.
In an age where hierarchy mattered more than anything, such cross-class provocation was rare. Of course, exceptions existed—sometimes people looking for trouble did appear, but they were rarely placed in posts like this.
Once inside the town, Satsuki noticed that the people seemed unusually cheerful today.
Not only was the atmosphere festive, but many even wore genuine smiles—a rare luxury in a world consumed by chaos.
As the stronghold of a major ninja faction, Iga Castle was naturally a prime location for intelligence trading.
Satsuki, who positioned herself as a noble with high status, naturally wouldn't lower herself to personally collect information.
Such tasks were delegated to her puppets.
Remotely transmitting chakra through her Byakugan, she dispatched one of her guardian demon-faced samurai puppets to step out of the entourage.
She handed the Ōtsutsuki clan crest to it and sent it toward the Iga Village headquarters to gather intelligence.
Iga Village was located in a remote corner of the castle town, where red flags bearing the crests of the Senju and other clans occasionally fluttered.
Through the puppet's visual apparatus, Puppet Samurai No. 2 approached one of the intelligence-trading ninja outposts.
Standing guard outside were two sentries with cloth bands marked with the Senju clan crest.
Normally, minor tasks like this would be handled by subordinate ninja clans. The fact that Senju personnel were manning even these minor posts suggested something significant was happening—or about to happen.
The Ōtsutsuki crest still held weight in the eyes of a powerhouse clan like the Senju.
While no longer the all-powerful symbol it had been during the time of the Sage of Six Paths, it still served as an effective pass.
Thanks to this, and the method she had developed to conceal her Byakugan, Satsuki had long relied on Senju outposts for information and experimental materials.
"My apologies, warrior-sama. Due to certain circumstances, the Senju clan is currently not accepting any missions."
The one speaking to Satsuki's puppet was a Senju jonin named Gokuma Senju.
Cautious and powerful, Gokuma held considerable influence within the Senju clan.
He wore armor typical of the Warring States period—a tight ninja suit beneath heavy samurai armor, with the Senju crest engraved prominently on the chestplate and shin guards strapped to his legs.
Interestingly, this armor had been purchased from Satsuki herself, after the Senju made contact with her. She had sold it at a steep price and in limited quantities, so only jonin-level or clan leader-tier ninjas were permitted to wear it.
"Oh?" the puppet replied in its usual grating tone. "It must be something quite important. Otherwise, such a rejection might strain our relationship. Wouldn't you agree?"
Gokuma Senju remained composed. In an age when most didn't live past thirty, he was among the rare few who had, and wouldn't be shaken by such minor provocations.
"It's just a minor matter. Warrior-dono has seen the castle town for himself. The joyful mood speaks for itself."
His answer was calm and measured.
Though their social standings differed, as a jonin, Gokuma took pride in his strength and wasn't rattled by the puppet's probing words.
"Is that so?" the samurai puppet replied indifferently, stepping slowly into the ninja intelligence post. "A mere political marriage between two lords is worth such an all-out mobilization by the Iga ninja group? Five jonin stationed in such an insignificant place?"
The moment the words left its mouth, a flicker of tension flashed through Gokuma Senju's eyes. The atmosphere thickened. Instantly, dozens of killing intents, strong and weak alike, locked onto the puppet.
"Warrior-dono, even with our repeated cooperation, I must ask you to choose your words carefully," Gokuma warned, his voice edged with caution.
Was it truly about a marriage alliance? Or was that just a cover? Satsuki's probe yielded a reaction—but also deepened her suspicion.
With a casual remark through the puppet, she defused the tension.
"My master is willing to quintuple the output of your clan's armor, at the same price."
"Double the price!"
A short-haired man with a white cloth band around his forehead stepped out from the inner chamber.
"Our clan has only one request: this armor must be provided exclusively to the Senju."
"Clan Leader!" Gokuma Senju and the surrounding Senju respectfully bowed to the newcomer.
So, this was the current head of the Senju clan—Butsuma Senju?
Then...
Through the puppet's visual feed, Satsuki turned her gaze to the four children following closely behind him.
Using her Byakugan's chakra perception and the unique sensitivity of the Ōtsutsuki bloodline, she identified one boy with a bowl-cut hairstyle, reminiscent of Rock Lee. This, she guessed, must be the future "God of Shinobi" and incurable battle junkie—Hashirama Senju.
At present, however, he was still very young. His brothers, Kawarama and Itama, were also still alive.
"On behalf of my master, I accept those terms."
Seeing an unexpected mainline character improved Satsuki's mood slightly, and she accepted the offer without hesitation.
After all, it was only armor. She could offer far more than that.
...
Meanwhile, Satsuki's palanquin arrived at the most prominent building in Iga Castle.
Two soldiers holding spears stood guard, a white banner behind them indicating their unit designation. This was clearly a regular military force of the era.
Though individually, these soldiers might not even match a typical chunin, they were numerous and far cheaper to train and deploy. In the era's large-scale wars, they were the most efficient "expendables."
Satsuki, through her puppet, presented an official letter requesting an audience with the lord of Iga Castle.
The guards raised no suspicions. After disarming the puppet, they allowed entry.
Inside the curtain-draped palanquin, Satsuki raised a hand.
Through her palm, her vision seemed to pierce through all obstructions, staring straight at the towering grandeur of Iga Castle.
Then her fingers curled into a tight fist, allowing no space to slip through.
Having completed the development of her Infinite Control ability, she was finally ready to make her move in this chaotic world.
Taking control of Iga Castle—this was her first step.