Though it was his first meeting with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Shigeo Aburame had already concluded one thing: the Daimyo was a straightforward individual.
Or rather, someone who unconditionally trusted those he considered "his people."
Such a person was easy to persuade, requiring little effort or strategy.
However, as the saying goes, *"Deep feelings alone don't win hearts, but clever schemes often do."*
So, a little finesse was still necessary.
Facing the expectant and eager Daimyo, Shigeo Aburame put on a surprised expression.
"Daimyo-sama, what are you talking about? Longevity? Did I say anything like that just now?"
"You did!" the Daimyo said with conviction, nodding firmly. "I definitely heard you mention it!"
"Uh… well, uh…"
Shigeo Aburame appeared embarrassed, stammering for a while before slapping his forehead.
"A slip of the tongue! That must be it. I must have misspoken because I was in such a hurry to get here. Please forgive me, Daimyo-sama!"
"…"
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was simple, but not foolish.
Seeing Shigeo's reaction, he immediately realized the latter was unwilling to elaborate.
A sly glint flashed in his eyes, and he covered his mouth with his folding fan, chuckling.
"Oh-ho-ho… so the esteemed Aburame consultant was simply too tired. How could I blame you for that?"
He snapped the fan shut and clapped his hands softly.
**Clap, clap!**
At the sound, two attendants in white entered the room and knelt respectfully before the Daimyo.
Smiling, he instructed them, "The courtyard to the left is vacant. Escort the Aburame consultant there to rest. Make sure he is well taken care of!"
Hearing this, the two attendants looked momentarily surprised.
However, their astonishment quickly vanished. They bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, Daimyo-sama." Then they led Shigeo Aburame and Sasuke out of the reception hall.
The Daimyo watched them leave, maintaining his smile. When they were out of sight, he reopened his fan and partially concealed his face.
Only his narrowed eyes remained visible, gleaming with cunning.
"If you won't share willingly, then I'll have to resort to a few tricks!"
He chuckled, his voice ringing with amusement.
"Oh-ho-ho… someone, prepare the grandest banquet. Tonight, I shall host the esteemed Aburame consultant of Konoha!"
"Yes, Daimyo-sama!"
---
Shigeo Aburame, unaware of the Daimyo's banquet plans, turned to the two attendants as they walked away from the hall.
"Excuse me, is there something special about the courtyard to the left? You seemed surprised earlier. Could you tell me why?"
"Oh, you're too polite, Consultant-sama!"
The attendants bowed deeply before answering.
"That courtyard has only hosted two guests before you: the Daimyo of the Land of Wind and the Third Hokage. You are the third, so we were startled. Please forgive our rudeness!"
"I see!"
Shigeo Aburame nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
"It seems the Daimyo holds me in high regard. In that case, I can't disappoint him—I must stay for a few days longer. Don't you agree, Sasuke?"
"Hmph!" Sasuke snorted and turned away. "I don't care, as long as I get my mission credits when we return!"
Despite his words, Sasuke's gaze wandered curiously around, a hint of excitement flickering in his eyes.
He had overheard the attendants' explanation, and learning that he was about to stay in a place where both the Land of Wind's Daimyo and the Third Hokage had resided stirred his interest.
He even began planning to share the news with Naruto upon their return, just to see Naruto's envious expression.
The thought made the corners of his mouth curl upward ever so slightly.
Shigeo Aburame noticed Sasuke's small grin but chose not to comment, simply smiling and continuing to follow the attendants.
Soon, they arrived at their destination.
The first thing they saw upon entering the courtyard was a wooden bridge.
Below the bridge flowed a small, steaming river, its banks adorned with vibrant flowers.
The misty surroundings resembled a celestial paradise.
Seeing this, Sasuke's eyes widened, and the three tomoe in his Sharingan spun slowly.
"This… isn't an illusion?"
His voice betrayed his astonishment.
"But it's already winter—how can flowers bloom like this? Could it be an illusion even my eyes can't see through?"
Shigeo Aburame looked equally surprised.
"Hmm? Sasuke, your eyes already have three tomoe? When did that happen?"
"When I joined the Special Police Force!"
Sasuke smirked proudly before pointing to the courtyard ahead.
"This place is suspicious. My Sharingan can't see through it. We should proceed with caution!"
"Hahaha!"
Shigeo Aburame burst out laughing, waving his hand dismissively.
"No need to worry. This isn't some illusion—it's just the use of hot springs to maintain the flowers' blooming period. Basic biological knowledge, nothing extraordinary!"
He patted Sasuke's shoulder reassuringly.
"Alright, put away your Sharingan. We've got hot springs to enjoy soon! Cheer up. Let's go!"
"Uh…"
Sasuke hadn't expected such a mundane explanation.
Slightly stunned, he quickly deactivated his Sharingan and followed Shigeo's lead.
Crossing the wooden bridge, they walked along a cobblestone path until they reached a finely crafted wooden pavilion.
A dozen attendants stood in front of the pavilion, bowing in unison as they greeted them.
"Welcome, esteemed Aburame consultant! Welcome, Lord Sasuke!"
Sasuke was taken aback by the grand reception, instinctively stepping back.
Even as the son of the Uchiha clan head, he had never experienced such treatment and found himself at a loss.
In contrast, Shigeo Aburame, accustomed to such displays in the Land of Rain, remained composed.
Smiling at the kneeling attendants, he nodded.
"Thank you for your hospitality. Please rise and prepare some tea and snacks for us, along with two bathrobes. We plan to enjoy the hot springs shortly!"
"Yes, sir!"
The attendants dispersed swiftly to carry out his instructions.
Moments later, they returned with two cups of jade-green tea and a selection of exquisite snacks.
After enjoying the refreshments, Shigeo Aburame and Sasuke were led to an outdoor hot spring behind the pavilion, where they relaxed in the soothing waters.
Surrounded by steam, the exhaustion from their travels seemed to melt away.
Letting out a contented sigh, Shigeo remarked,
"Ahh… this is heaven. Don't you think so, Sasuke?"
But as he turned, he found Sasuke slumped against the edge of the spring, his face purple and frothing at the mouth.
Clearly, he had been poisoned.
Shigeo bolted upright, water splashing around him.
"Someone dared to poison us in the Daimyo's estate?! Such audacity… wait, why is the water turning purple too?"
*(To be continued...)*