Chapter 50: Conniving Officials, Master Chigo
Notes:
The Land of Wind (Kaze no Kuni) is one of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, located southwest of the Land of Fire. Its Hidden Village is Sunagakure (Suna).
The Daimyō is the political ruler of each country, holding sway over policies and privileges granted to the Hidden Villages.
Heika is an honorific akin to "Your Majesty."
The Land of Hot Water borders the Lands of Frost, Sound, and Fire.
The Land of Lightning (Kaminari no Kuni), home to Kumogakure, lies to the northeast of the Land of Fire.
As Team Nine departed Konoha on their first B-rank mission, far to the west, at the grand Daimyō Residence of the Land of Wind, a high-level political council was in session.
The Wind Daimyō sat behind a thick ceremonial curtain, his presence shielded from direct view, while ministers, advisors, and senior officials were seated on both flanks in austere silence.
"Master Chigo of the Fire Temple is heading to the Hot Water Temple for a doctrinal discourse," the Daimyō's calm yet imposing voice echoed from behind the veil. "What are your thoughts on this development?"
An elderly official seated closest to the dais, known as Miyaji, rubbed his beard thoughtfully before responding. "This may appear to be a mere religious exchange, but it's actually a diplomatic move by the Land of Fire. A symbolic gesture, perhaps, but one with strategic implications."
The Daimyō's tone turned curious. "Miyaji-dono, how do you come to such a conclusion?"
With a quiet smile, Miyaji narrowed his eyes, his voice steady. "To the untrained eye, it's just monks chanting sutras. But to devout followers and nations with political foresight, this is a rare congregation—an unprecedented convergence of spiritual and political influence. Think about it: wherever believers gather, commerce follows. Donations, tourism, hosting dignitaries… such a debate could elevate the Hot Water Temple into a sacred site recognized across the shinobi world. With Fire Temple's prestige backing it, the Land of Fire may very well draw the Land of Hot Water into its orbit."
The chamber fell into a contemplative hush as the Daimyō processed the implications. "I hadn't considered the depth of it… I thought it was merely a ceremonial trip. But you're saying this could strengthen their alliance?"
"Indeed," Miyaji replied calmly. "This is a diplomatic overture cloaked in incense smoke and sacred texts. If we allow it, the Land of Fire may anchor yet another ally."
The Daimyō sighed heavily. "What a miserable start to the morning… Miyaji-dono, do you have a countermeasure?"
Miyaji coughed lightly and stood, placing his hands behind his back in classic courtly posture. "Heika, may I ask: between Master Chigo and the monks of the Hot Water Temple, who holds greater renown in matters of Buddhist philosophy?"
"Master Chigo, without question," the Daimyō responded.
"Then I humbly propose a plan, albeit an inelegant one. Suppose the Hot Water Temple loses the debate—humiliated before an international audience. In a fit of rage and jealousy, they contract an assassin to eliminate Master Chigo. Does this premise not seem plausible?"
There was an awkward silence as younger officials exchanged skeptical glances.
Seeing their hesitation, Miyaji grinned. "It doesn't matter if it's far-fetched. The truth is irrelevant when lies are flavored properly. There will always be fools who believe them—especially among the overly zealous."
The Daimyō's voice sharpened. "You're suggesting we… assassinate Master Chigo?"
Miyaji bowed low toward the curtain. "Have the venerable master of the Fire Temple meet his end… quietly, in the Land of Hot Water."
Gasps rang out. A junior official stood immediately. "Miyaji-sama, that proposal is too flawed. Any halfway competent shinobi or diplomat will see through it."
More objections followed. Yet Miyaji remained unfazed, his expression untouched by dissent.
"I anticipated such concerns," he said with a casual air. "But listen—once Chigo is dead, all we need are two rumors. First: the Hot Water Temple grew jealous of his superior teachings and sought vengeance. Second: the Land of Lightning, fearing a growing alliance between Fire and Hot Water, orchestrated the hit to destabilize their relations. Let the public choose which they believe. When offered multiple lies, the human mind instinctively chooses the more reasonable one."
A moment of tense silence followed, then the Daimyō chuckled darkly behind the curtain. "Heh… a clever trick. Let them tear each other apart."
Turning to his attendant, he ordered, "Kōfu, send a classified mission request to Suna. An S-rank target."
"Hold," Miyaji interjected smoothly. "We mustn't involve Sunagakure directly. Instead, submit the bounty anonymously through the Underground Bounty Exchange. Let the wandering blades and missing-nin do our dirty work. That way, if anyone traces it, the scent won't lead back to the Land of Wind."
The meeting adjourned, and as the officials exited, a seasoned elder quietly approached Miyaji.
"Miyaji-sama… forgive my bluntness, but was all that truly about geopolitics?"
Miyaji halted, gazing at the stone pathway ahead as if reflecting. Then, in a hushed voice, he replied, "You already know the truth. That entire scheme was just a stage performance."
The elder nodded grimly. "Heika's been bringing in new blood. Soon, none of us old guard will have a say."
Miyaji's voice turned colder. "Exactly. If we don't shake the throne a bit—remind him of who held this nation together all these years—he'll cast us aside like dried ink scrolls. Look at today. Before I even finished speaking, that greenhorn dared to raise objections."
Another official joined them, nodding. "The new generation doesn't understand the real game. They dream of a cleaner world, while our nation teeters on the edge. Just two days ago, Suna submitted a request to raise this year's military funding."
"Did Heika approve it?"
"No. Flat refusal."
Miyaji smirked. "Good. Then help me remove that brat from today's meeting. Contact Suna anonymously. Accuse him of embezzlement and bribery. Request an internal probe. If you need a 'proof,' I'll donate five hundred million ryō from my own estate to fabricate it."
The elder paled slightly. "Isn't that too much?"
Miyaji clapped a hand on his shoulder and added darkly, "It doesn't have to be true. It just has to look real."
Two Days Later – Fire Temple Grounds
Team Nine—Minato, Kakashi, and Tonan—finally arrived at the Fire Temple nestled in the verdant hills of the Land of Fire.
At the front gates, a temple monk sweeping the stone pathway paused, placing his palms together in greeting. "Welcome, shinobi of Konoha."
Minato stepped forward and produced the official scroll. "We've come to escort Master Chigo. This is the mission authorization."
The monk glanced over the scroll, nodded respectfully, and gestured. "Master Chigo is in meditation. Please follow me."
They were led through winding halls to the secluded rear courtyard, where the air was thick with the scent of incense and tranquility. There, seated on a mat with eyes closed and lips moving faintly in chant, was Master Chigo.
Suddenly, the monk's serene chanting faltered. His brow furrowed as if sensing something. Then, softly, he murmured, "Such untainted… and yet vile intent."
A gentle knock interrupted his meditation.
"Master Chigo, the Konoha shinobi have arrived."
"Send them in," he said calmly.
The group entered and bowed with deep respect. "We greet you, Master Chigo."
The elderly monk opened his eyes, smiled, and returned the gesture with folded palms. "No need for such formality. I am in your care during this journey."
"This is our assigned mission, Master," Minato replied.
"You should rest here for tonight. We depart at first light."
"Understood."
Just then, Chigo's gaze landed on Uchiha Tonan, who was standing quietly, adjusting his glasses.
"Ah… young one with the spectacles," he said warmly. "I have something for you."
Reaching into his robes, he pulled out a small, weathered scripture bound in crimson cloth and handed it over.
"This text carries centuries of teachings. Read it, if your heart seeks clarity. It may help cleanse the shadows within."
Tonan quickly folded his hands and bowed. "Thank you very much, Master Chigo. I'll study it carefully."
As he accepted the scripture, a flicker of suspicion crossed Tonan's mind.
Why is this old man handing me a Buddhist scripture out of nowhere? Does he sense something? Could he be another Kushina…?