Yukimura had just walked to the main gate and hadn't even asked anyone to open it yet.
But then, the gate was suddenly smashed open. With a scream, someone was directly hurled through the doors and crashed into the Daimyō Residence's grounds.
Good thing Yukimura reacted quickly, or he would have been dragged into it.
As a retainer of the Daimyō Residence, he had always been high above everyone else—nobody dared offend him.
This sudden situation made him furious.
"What on earth happened!"
"Why did this man come flying in!"
"Who—"
"Hmm?"
Mid-rage, Yukimura looked toward the entrance, and Gekko Chizan's pitch-black, pot-bottom face instantly appeared in his sight.
As the Daimyō's right-hand man, Yukimura was naturally clever. Seeing the man's darkened expression and punching stance, then glancing at the man who'd been sent flying—
He understood what happened in an instant.
"Oh my, isn't this Gekko Chizan-kun?"
"Konoha sent word they would dispatch someone, but I didn't expect it to be you."
"I've truly missed you, old as I am."
"Did something unpleasant happen? Don't worry—just tell this old man, and I will absolutely seek justice for you."
Yukimura hurriedly walked outside with a look of deep concern.
He understood the situation very clearly. For Gekko Chizan to be this angry and even attack someone at the Daimyō Residence gate—these guards must have provoked him.
Considering Chizan's recent circumstances, Yukimura wasn't surprised.
Gekko Chizan had already been suppressed by the village; it was normal for him to have a short temper. The guard who angered him simply had no eyes.
He actually failed to recognize one of the Fire Country's most important men.
"Oh? Isn't this Yukimura-san?"
"My apologies—arriving at the Daimyō Residence and immediately getting into a fight… my temper, truly."
"So sorry, so sorry."
The moment Gekko Chizan saw the person in charge arrive, he instantly changed his expression, putting on a smiling face.
He and Yukimura exchanged lines like they were longtime friends.
As for the poor fellow who'd been punched across the gate—they didn't mention him at all, as if he didn't exist.
The surrounding people immediately dispersed. Since Yukimura-san had come out, there was nothing left to watch.
"Come, Chizan-kun. His Excellency the Daimyō has been waiting for you."
"Since you're here, you must stay for several days."
Yukimura personally led Gekko Chizan toward the Daimyō Residence's castle. Obito and Shisui followed behind.
Gekko Chizan's eyes casually swept over the surrounding watchtowers.
"Noticed me, did he?"
"As expected of the Konoha Ghost—he truly has some skill."
Up on a tower, five figures were watching the trio from above.
"Kazuma, what is it?"
"Worried that guy will steal our work?"
"Hehehehe… the Konoha Ghost, huh? I'd love to test his skills."
Kazuma held a metal staff. Hearing his companions, he didn't respond.
He was still observing Gekko Chizan.
"Don't underestimate anyone, Hiyakke."
"How many times have I told you that?"
Another voice spoke, but it didn't change Hiyakke's attitude at all.
Instead, he looked even more dismissive.
"Suzume, stop it already. Just that little brat? You really think he's that strong?"
"I bet he's just overhyped by Konoha."
Hiyakke and Suzume stared each other down, neither yielding.
"Enough, both of you. Kazuma, while Hiyakke's words may be a bit much, I'm also curious about this Gekko Chizan."
"Can the few of us really not handle him?"
Another man chimed in. Kazuma fell silent for a moment, then spoke:
"I know what you're thinking, but now is not the time."
"Suirai, you know what to do."
Kazuma looked at the one man who hadn't spoken. The latter nodded and dissolved into a puddle of liquid, disappearing from the tower.
Obito had been to the Daimyō Residence before, so he wasn't surprised. But Shisui curiously examined the buildings.
"What? Curious?"
"Want me to take you around later?"
"There's plenty of good stuff in the Daimyō Residence."
Obito spoke with the air of someone who had seen the world, boasting to Shisui about his glorious 'achievements.'
But as they walked past a certain street, Obito's eyes instantly locked onto something.
Shisui followed his gaze—hm, a gambling hall.
This didn't strike Shisui as strange. The Uchiha clan had already spread the news far and wide: the clan had birthed a gambler.
Ever since Gekko Chizan brought him to a casino, Uchiha Obito had become a true, die-hard gambler.
Whenever he was free, he used Transformation to sneak into gambling halls—losing far more than he ever won.
Shisui sighed helplessly. He knew he couldn't persuade Obito; their age gap was there, and Obito's personality made him impossible to control.
At that moment, Yukimura glanced back at Uchiha Obito, the corner of his mouth lifting in an almost unnoticeable smile.
In his eyes, people with weaknesses were the most valuable—because weaknesses made them easy to control.
Gekko Chizan also noticed Obito's expression, but he didn't react. Instead, Yukimura spoke:
"Young people having hobbies is normal. The Daimyō Residence's casinos are far more interesting than the ones outside."
"I remember you—you're Chizan-kun's student, yes? If you want to play later, go ahead. Just don't repeat what happened last time."
Obito's eyes lit up even more. He was already calculating how to make money.
But his thoughts were immediately crushed.
Gekko Chizan said, "Obito, you can gamble if you want—just don't come to me for money when you lose."
"You know your teacher—lately I'm tight on money. Your teacher's wife is holding all the funds right now."
Obito instantly looked away, but he didn't give up. Instead, he began counting how much he still had.
Once inside the castle, the Daimyō was already waiting in the main hall.
After everyone paid their respects, the Daimyō smiled and spoke:
"Chizan-kun, long time no see."
"Your performance in this war was outstanding. Even someone like me, who never leaves this residence, has heard the name of the Konoha Ghost."
The Daimyō's friendly attitude made Uchiha Shisui pause internally.
Logically, the Daimyō Residence's relationship with Konoha should currently be strained. He hadn't expected the Daimyō to treat Gekko Chizan so warmly.
"Hahaha, Your Excellency is as elegant as ever. I've truly missed the Daimyō Residence."
"I wonder if the food here has declined. Hahaha."
Acting? Who can't act?
Natural-born actor Gekko Chizan began performing once again.
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