Chapter 48: The So-Called Powerholder
After returning home, Ryosuke finally let his guard down.
The first thing he did was visit Hanabi, who was now babbling and learning to walk. After spending some time with her, he made his way to the study, where Hyuga Hiashi was waiting.
"Let Souji and Hoshicai come in too," Ryosuke said with a smile when he noticed them hesitating at the door.
Though a bit confused, Hiashi didn't object. He simply gestured for the two to enter. He trusted Ryosuke enough to know he had a reason for including them—and suspected that perhaps Souji and Hoshicai had figured out some things on their own.
"Tell me what you saw on your journey," Hiashi began casually, not diving directly into their mission details. He wanted to ease into the conversation.
"I saw a lot," Ryosuke replied, settling into a seat. "But what surprised me most was the role the daimyo and nobles play in this country—or rather, in this entire ninja world."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"I used to think that, as ordinary people, they were just political puppets—props pushed forward by us ninjas to handle the paperwork and governance. But I was wrong. They actually wield real power."
Hiashi chuckled, clearly enjoying the opportunity to lecture his son-in-law a bit. "That kind of thinking is too simplistic. Since ancient times, the one with the strongest individual power hasn't always become the ruler."
He leaned in slightly. "You've seen it, haven't you? The kind of 'power' required to become a true leader?"
Ryosuke nodded without hesitation. "The hearts of the people."
"Exactly. The will of the people," Hiashi agreed, smiling. "The nobles are masters at understanding that. It's something that often gives us ninjas quite the headache."
"They may be ordinary in terms of strength," he continued, "but their influence—their ability to shape public sentiment—is powerful enough to sway even the strongest ninja."
Hiashi leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled something. "A few years ago, the Guardian Ninjas of the Daimyo's mansion even attempted to assassinate the Third Hokage in secret. They went against the Daimyo's wishes, hoping to install him as the sole monarch of the Land of Fire."
"But they failed," he added flatly.
"We Hyuga never received any confirmed intel on the incident," Hiashi said, "but I suspect the truth behind it is far more complicated than it appears on the surface."
Ryosuke leaned back in his chair as well, a grin tugging at his lips. "An ordinary man commanding ninjas with extraordinary powers... Sounds crazy—but damn impressive."
In his previous life, he'd read plenty about similar scenarios in history. Countless brilliant generals and scholars had willingly served emperors with no combat power of their own. It wasn't blind loyalty—it was belief in something bigger.
Great emperors weren't necessarily the strongest in martial arts. They led by thought, strategy, and ideals—by making decisions that reflected the collective will of their people.
A nation, at its core, was like a company. The emperor was the CEO—he could make decisions, approve or reject plans, but had to consider everyone's opinions. A leader who ignored consensus and did whatever they wanted? Eventually, they'd be ousted by their own board.
Ryosuke hadn't thought about it before because this world was so different. Here, power wasn't just about politics or charisma—it was about chakra and illusions.
Take Uchiha Obito, for example. He controlled an entire village by manipulating the Mizukage with genjutsu. Ryosuke had assumed the same applied to the daimyo—that they were just puppets under ninja control.
But this trip proved him wrong.
"They control public opinion," Hiashi said bluntly. "Ninjas don't attack nobles unless it's absolutely necessary."
He gave Ryosuke a stern look. "Illusions might manipulate one person, but they can't control an entire group's decisions. Nobles know that. If even one of them makes a questionable choice under an illusion, the others will notice—and they'll rise up in resistance."
He paused, voice growing serious. "We may have power, but we can't fight against millions of ordinary people. Not because we can't win—but because we can't kill them all."
Ryosuke understood instantly.
"In that case," he said, fingers tapping against the armrest, "it's better if we make allies out of those nobles. Maintain strong relationships—support each other."
He chuckled lightly. "Besides, the mission turned out better than expected. The daimyo not only gave us a generous amount of resources—he also offered the Hyuga clan a spot among the Guardian Ninjas."
"With that position, we'll have more chances to mingle with the noble class. Build relationships. Secure funding. And more."
Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "Guardian Ninja, huh?" He stared at Ryosuke for a moment before asking with a half-smile, "You didn't... scare him, did you?"
Ryosuke shook his head. "I just shared some recent events from the village with him. I told the truth. Nothing that would damage future diplomacy."
"A fox borrowing the tiger's might, huh?" Hiashi smirked, understanding exactly what Ryosuke had done. "So—what's your plan for this Guardian Ninja spot?"
There was no need for excessive detail. If Ryosuke was handling it, Hiashi trusted that it'd be done right.
Behind him, Souji and Hoshicai listened in silence, watching the father-in-law and son-in-law speak with such ease and authority. It was strange, considering how young Ryosuke still was.
But after a month of traveling with him, witnessing what he could do firsthand, it didn't seem so surprising anymore.
"In Fire Nation, Souji got along well with the nobles," Ryosuke said. "I want to give him the position."
"But he'll need to be at least jonin-level. We'll need to arrange an official jonin assessment with the village."
After a brief pause, he added, "If possible, I'd like to make arrangements for Hoshicai too."
Hiashi nodded thoughtfully. "Arranging it is no issue. But passing the jonin exam isn't easy."
He turned to face the two standing behind Ryosuke. "I'll guide you personally for the time being. But understand—whether or not you pass depends entirely on you."
His expression darkened slightly. "The jonin assessment is no joke. The missions involved are dangerous. Seventy percent of chunin never even apply. The mortality rate is that high."
"Don't worry, Clan Leader," Souji said firmly. "We won't let Master Ryosuke down."
"We're ready," Hoshicai added with determination.
Hiashi gave a slow, approving nod.
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