Chapter 36 – This Is My Kingdom
The grand and expansive Daimyo Prefecture resembled the majestic palaces of ancient China that Ryosuke had seen during his past life's travels.
Unlike the common low-rise buildings seen throughout the ninja world, this architectural style stood out with its towering elegance—surpassing even the Hokage's office in Konoha Village in both height and grandeur.
Following Nagahirano lead, Ryosuke and the others stepped into the massive structure.
The entire mansion radiated a solemn atmosphere. Servants moved in near silence, cautious not to make a sound that might disturb the Daimyo or the nobles conducting official matters within.
Under the respectful greetings of attendants and guards alike, Ryosuke and his companions climbed the stairs, heading for the top floor.
Noticing the curious glances of the three ninjas, Nagahirano came to a stop and turned around with a chuckle.
"Tell me, shinobi—what do you think? Which building is more impressive: this Daimyo's Mansion or the Hokage Tower in Konoha?"
Caught slightly off guard by the question, Ryosuke shot him a casual glance.
"This place is obviously more majestic," he said coolly. "Compared to this, the Hokage Tower looks like a thatched hut. It doesn't hold a candle to your Daimyo's Mansion."
"Hah! That's wonderful to hear." Nagahirano nodded with satisfaction, trying—unsuccessfully—to look humble.
Unfortunately for him, his smugness was far too obvious, especially to someone like Ryosuke.
"You're too modest, Mr. Nagahirano," Ryosuke added with a thin smile. "After all, we shinobi live by the blade—risking our lives to defend the Land of Fire. We don't have the time or luxury to concern ourselves with aesthetics."
"We're rough folk, really. Not refined enough to appreciate such elegance."
"Surely not," Nagahirano replied quickly, still trying to downplay it. But as he reflected on Ryosuke's words, he realized something was off.
That smile... the tone... Was he mocking him?
Ryosuke turned to admire the luxurious chandeliers and lanterns hanging from the ceilings.
"The life of a daimyo is truly extravagant," he mused. "Gourmet meals, beautiful women, dazzling lights at every corner. Dozens of cooks and servants on standby... I wonder how the daily upkeep of this mansion compares to the monthly expenses of the entire Hyuga clan."
"W-Well..." Nagahirano coughed awkwardly. "The Daimyo normally lives a very modest life. Today's extravagance is only to honor the three of you."
Not wanting to give Ryosuke more room to speak, he quickly bowed and said, "Please wait here. I'll go inform the Daimyo of your arrival."
He led them to a lavishly decorated sitting room and left in haste—clearly hoping to avoid more verbal traps.
Once he was gone, the room grew quiet.
"This Daimyo sure knows how to live," Souji muttered, then quickly covered his mouth. The silence of the mansion amplified every sound, making even whispers feel loud.
"The scent in the air," Hoshicai added, sniffing gently, "That's Concentrating Incense. It's made from rare and precious herbs and is known to calm the mind and sharpen focus."
"I noticed it on the way in. Almost every room burns it. Just the incense used in a day here probably costs as much as the Hyuga clan spends in a day."
Ryosuke chuckled but said nothing.
No matter how luxurious it all was, it failed to stir his heart.
He had enjoyed wealth and luxury in his past life. But compared to cultivation, compared to the pursuit of strength and meaning, what did any of this matter?
All of it was just decoration for the powerless—a consolation for mediocrity.
Well... perhaps there was one thing here that moved him.
He walked over to a nearby window and opened it, letting the breeze roll in.
The wind carried a gentle chill, brushing past his face. But what truly stirred something in him was the view beyond.
Most buildings in the ninja world were bungalows. Very few reached the height of the Daimyo's Mansion.
That height granted a rare vantage point. From here, you could see the entire city—clear, unobstructed.
And with the enhanced vision granted by the Byakugan, Ryosuke could see farther and with more detail than any ordinary person.
From this perch, it truly felt like he was looking down on the world.
The smile on his face slowly faded, replaced by calm serenity.
He saw everything—the crowds in the streets, the shouting of vendors, the rumble of carriages, the clatter of wheels. Even if he couldn't hear it all from this distance, his memory filled in the details from when they entered the city earlier.
It was a familiar feeling... like returning to a moment in the past.
"You three from the Hyuga clan, thank you for waiting."
A deep voice echoed from the doorway.
Ryosuke closed the window and turned around.
Before them stood a tall, broad-shouldered man, flanked by Nagahirano. The man nodded warmly, his attention focused on Ryosuke.
"You must be Hyuga Neji, the new head of the Hyuga branch family. Welcome."
His tone was polite—gentle, even—but Ryosuke picked up the subtle arrogance buried within it.
Naturally, a daimyo would see himself as superior to a mere shinobi. Their statuses were worlds apart.
Ryosuke smiled and stepped forward. "Apologies, Lord Tokugawa, but I'm not Hyuga Neji. I am Hyuga Ryosuke—from the Hyuga main family."
The Daimyo's polite expression froze for a second.
"The... main family?" he echoed, visibly surprised.
In previous years, it had always been branch family representatives who met with him for clan matters.
Tokugawa's expression shifted subtly as he asked, "I see. Then... is there something about our agreement with the Hyuga that needs to be renegotiated?"
Now that he realized he was speaking to a main house member, his tone had changed.
The balance of power in this world wasn't defined by titles. Even though the Daimyo held technical authority—on paper equal to that of the Hokage—the truth was far more complex.
The Hokage wielded real power.
Even for clans like the Hyuga or Uchiha, their strength often put them on par with high-ranking officials.
Force, not formality, ruled this world.
No matter how noble or proud someone might act, everyone knew the truth:
Only when the weak gathered under the protection of the strong could peace and stability exist.
And to cross a powerful ninja clan without cause...
That would be dangerous.
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