Chapter 89: Six Hundred Million, Drawing the Last Straw
That night, Uchiha Tonan led the North City Guard in a sweeping purge, eradicating all the major and minor underground organizations across the entire North City district. To secure a large sum of money in the shortest time possible, such ruthless measures were his only option.
By his rough estimate, Tonan had confiscated assets worth nearly 300 million ryo in this operation alone.
The following morning, the street outside the North City Guard headquarters was crowded with captured members of various underground factions. Tonan's shadow clone once again delivered a fiery speech about the duties of the North City Guard—emphasizing the necessity to eliminate the filth undermining society for the people's sake.
He mercilessly condemned the prisoners' crimes, amplifying even minor offenses with dramatic detail. The small infractions were painted as if they were grave betrayals of the peace. This incited outrage in the gathered crowd, their collective sense of justice flaring high.
Whether or not these criminals would have faced execution under the Land of Fire's laws was irrelevant—Tonan's forces executed every last one of them. He had no other choice. Having already seized their illicit wealth, if the prisoners had been tried legally, their stolen assets would have been confiscated by the government, not him. The only way to keep the spoils was to eliminate the owners.
Many civilians witnessed this ruthless but righteous act. For years, these gangs had oppressed and tormented the common folk. Now, justice was finally served, and the masses cheered with fervor. Tonan's reputation soared across the Fire Capital—no one had failed to hear of his bold exploits. He gained widespread recognition and grudging respect.
With this final haul, Tonan's total amassed fortune reached roughly 600 million ryo. His short-term goal for coming to the Fire Capital was fully accomplished.
Time passed. Every morning, Abe Seimei—Tonan's formal name—arrived punctually at the study hall to tutor the two young heirs. He found countless reasons to be tough on Naraku under the guise of "teacherly discipline," ensuring he remained under pressure.
The Daimyo himself followed Tonan's counsel closely. He kept Nahara, the Second Heir, close by, treating him with warmth and granting him freedom to play and explore.
Over time, this blatant favoritism did not go unnoticed by those with vested interests. Rumors and concerns spread quickly through the Daimyo's residence and influential officials.
"His Majesty has been exceptionally kind to the Second Heir lately… is he planning to pass the throne to Nahara instead?"
"No, don't talk about the tradition of primogeniture. Even judging by temperament alone, the First Heir is superior."
"But have you noticed something? The First Heir may be steady, but he seems dull. The Second Heir's personality is different—more assertive. He's unafraid to defy convention, and in some ways, far more cunning."
"Also, we haven't seen the First Heir much recently."
"Rumors say he's struggling with his studies."
"How can you be sure?"
Naraku was always diligent—a prodigy in everyone's eyes. It was unthinkable that he could falter academically.
"I heard from attendants at the Daimyo Residence that Seimei-dono frequently disciplines the First Heir, almost daily, because of his poor academic performance."
"How could Seimei-dono treat the First Heir that way? And why is the Second Heir spared?"
"Maybe the Second Heir is actually more capable than the First. Have you noticed his temper? It's been much more controlled recently."
"People grow. Otherwise, why would Seimei-dono single out the First Heir for such treatment?"
"I think the Second Heir is hiding his true nature."
"Really? Such restraint is remarkable…"
Everyone had witnessed Naraku's hard work over the years and expected him to inherit the Daimyo's title unquestionably. Many powerful families aligned with him, hoping to secure future positions under his rule. But with Nahara's sudden rise, allegiances began shifting.
That evening, after tending to his wounds, Naraku met with his trusted confidant. With no time to rest or leave the residence, Naraku relied on this aide for updates on political currents outside.
The confidant relayed the recent shifts in alliances and the growing doubts about Naraku's future. Naraku's face remained blank as he absorbed the news.
"I see," he said quietly. "You may leave now."
"Your Highness, I'll take my leave."
Once alone, Naraku sat in the empty hall, the silence pressing down on him. Suddenly, his face twisted with fury. He kicked the table to the floor, gasping heavily, eyes wild with madness.
"So, what Seimei-sensei said was true after all…"
He had been reluctant to believe Tonan's words—that his own father, who had once cherished him, could so quickly turn his back.
"I did nothing wrong… so why, Father?"
Naraku remained there until the deep hours. At three in the morning, he rose and went to the study hall alone, waiting for Tonan.
Fifty minutes later, Tonan entered. Naraku's pale lips parted as he looked up, dazed.
"Seimei-sensei… am I too late to realize the truth?"
Tonan narrowed his eyes, solemnly asking, "Why say that?"
A flicker of madness crossed Naraku's eyes, but he answered calmly.
"My father's change was too swift. I always believed I was superior to Nahara. But even so, he chose Nahara. No matter what I do now, I doubt I can change his mind."
Tonan nodded. "You finally see."
A manic smile cracked Naraku's face.
"My status is special. I need my father's permission just to leave the residence. Winning hearts is nearly impossible."
"That's true," Tonan agreed.
Naraku pressed on.
"The ministers seem loyal but are actually all opportunists. Except for a few direct descendants still by my side, most have already switched to Nahara's faction. If only I'd known sooner, I would have taken steps to control them completely. But the chance slipped away."
His face contorted with bitterness as he recalled their flattery.
"I never understood how important the Daimyo's position was. I thought it was mine by birthright. Everyone told me I would be the next Daimyo, that as long as I studied hard, my father would favor me. But now, with everything slipping away, I realize just how vital this position is."
Suddenly, he knelt before Tonan, clutching his leg.
"Sensei, please teach me. If you can restore my position, I will give you anything—power, wealth, women, even an independent domain."
Tonan's face remained calm, but inside he chuckled. He had everything under control.
Looking down at Naraku, he said in a cryptic tone, "I have no solution for you now. Every silver lining demands a price. The question is—can you pay it?"
Hope flickered in Naraku's eyes. He nodded eagerly.
"Whatever it costs, I can pay it if I regain my position."
Tonan feigned contemplation, then lightly patted Naraku's shoulder.
"When the slumbering dragon awakens, it dares to challenge the sun and the moon."
He pulled his leg free, produced a sealed scroll from his pocket, and placed several chakra papers before Naraku.
"I have taught you all I can for now. Consider this a respite—a gift to aid your next steps. Use it wisely."
Without another word, Tonan turned and left, leaving Naraku muttering alone in the study hall.
"Dares to… challenge… the sun and the moon…"