The implementation of the closed border policy marked a new era of isolation for the Land of Iron. While trade continued at designated border posts, entry into the nation itself became strictly forbidden. The samurai patrolled the mountainous passes and icy plains with increased vigilance, their white steel blades ever ready to deter any unauthorized incursions. The Land of Iron, shielded by its unforgiving environment and the unwavering resolve of its Shogun, drew its frozen curtain against the outside world.
The immediate effect was a heightened sense of security within Tetsu's domain. The villagers felt safer, knowing that their land was fiercely protected from outsiders whose intentions might be hostile or exploitative. The flow of information from the outside world, however, dwindled. The Land of Iron became a land of whispers and rumors about the events unfolding beyond its snowy peaks, relying on the occasional merchant and the reports of its own scouts for news of the wider Warring States period.
Tetsu, now more than ever, focused on the internal strength of his nation. He intensified the training of his samurai, emphasizing not only combat prowess but also their ability to survive and operate in the Land of Iron's harsh environment. Endurance in the extreme cold became a core part of their training, alongside their mastery of the white steel katana. He reasoned that while the Land of Iron's climate was a formidable defense against outsiders, his own warriors needed to be intimately familiar with its challenges to maintain their advantage.
His thoughts often returned to the concept of Tundra Casting. He spent hours observing the subtle nuances of the Land of Iron's environment – the way the wind howled through the passes, the crystalline structure of the ice, the almost palpable resistance the cold seemed to exert against chakra. While he himself could not cast jutsu, he was determined to understand the principles that might allow others to do so within his territory. He theorized that the key lay in a specific way of channeling chakra that was attuned to the unique frequencies of the Land of Iron's natural energy, a method that bypassed the inhibitory effects of the intense cold. He began to document his observations and theories, hoping that one day he could unlock the secrets of teaching Tundra Casting.
Yuki, ever his most trusted lieutenant, proved instrumental in enforcing the closed border policy. Her scouting parties became more frequent and ventured further out, ensuring that any unauthorized attempts to enter the Land of Iron were swiftly and decisively dealt with. She understood the Shogun's vision of a secure and independent nation and carried out her duties with unwavering loyalty and ruthless efficiency.
Boruto, while fully supportive of the closed border policy for security reasons, occasionally expressed concerns about the potential for isolation. He worried about the Land of Iron becoming too removed from the wider political landscape and losing out on potential alliances or vital information. Tetsu acknowledged his concerns, recognizing the inherent risks of complete isolation, but he remained firm in his decision. For now, the priority was to consolidate their strength and ensure their survival.
As the years passed, the Land of Iron continued to evolve. Hagane no Sato transformed from a fortified settlement into a true mountain city, its stone structures expanding along the valley floor and up the surrounding slopes. The clang of Kazan's forges echoed through the city, the demand for white steel weapons and armor steadily increasing as the Land of Iron's reputation for strength and resilience grew. New generations of samurai were trained, inheriting the legacy of their predecessors and further honing the unique fighting style of the Land of Iron.
Despite the closed borders, occasional encounters with outsiders were inevitable. Desperate travelers caught in the blizzards or small bands of bandits attempting to raid their territory would sometimes stumble upon the Land of Iron. Invariably, they would succumb to the lethal cold if they lacked proper guidance. The samurai, ever vigilant, would often find their frozen remains, a stark reminder of the dangers that guarded their homeland. These encounters further reinforced the Land of Iron's reputation as a desolate and inhospitable land, deterring most from venturing within its borders.
The Senju and Uchiha continued their distant observation, their attempts to infiltrate the Land of Iron met with swift and brutal resistance from Yuki's patrols. They seemed to be biding their time, perhaps searching for a new approach or focusing their attention on the myriad other conflicts that plagued the Warring States period. Tetsu knew, however, that they had not forgotten the Land of Iron and that another confrontation was inevitable in the future.
In the solitude of his keep, overlooking the frozen landscape he now commanded, Tetsu often pondered the future. He had come to this world with no grand ambitions, simply seeking survival. But now, he was the Shogun of a nation, a leader responsible for the lives and well-being of his people. The closed borders were a necessary measure to protect what he had built, to allow the Land of Iron to grow strong in its own way. He knew that eventually, they would have to interact with the wider world, but for now, they would remain a fortress, their strength growing in the silent, unforgiving embrace of the tundra, patiently awaiting whatever challenges the future might hold. The seeds of a new power had been sown in the frozen earth, and they would blossom in their own time, shielded by the frozen curtain of the Land of Iron.