Using the name of the Fuma Clan carried a certain degree of risk, but Hane Genma believed the risk was entirely manageable.
After forming an alliance, Genma had once asked Fuma Goro about the reasons behind their clan's downfall to such a pitiful state. The response, however, was vague—Goro himself couldn't clearly articulate what had happened.
It was as if a clan had crumbled for no apparent reason.
In short, over the span of a few months, the Fuma Clan clashed with another ninja clan and lost, suffering significant damage. Then, while in a weakened state, they were attacked by a second clan. The cycle repeated, one defeat after another, until the Fuma Clan was on the brink of annihilation.
To be honest, Fuma Goro couldn't even clearly identify who their enemies were. The process of becoming a clan of stray dogs felt so natural, almost inevitable.
Hearing this, Genma couldn't help but think the Fuma Clan was even more unfortunate than his own former Hanemiya Clan. Unlike the obscure Hanemiya, the Fuma Clan had some renown but lacked the strength to back it up. Once they showed weakness, it was as if they were destined to become stepping stones for other ninja clans.
Lifting up the weak and trampling the fallen—such was human nature.
A clan with some fame that revealed its vulnerabilities was bound to invite others to step on it.
In essence, the Fuma Clan hadn't been crushed by some formidable enemy. Rather, they were ground down by the brutal environment of the current ninja world. This realization convinced Genma that using the Fuma Clan's name posed no significant issue, while also sparking a certain inspiration in him.
Moreover, Genma's youth made him prone to being underestimated. In terms of age, Fuma Goro was far better suited to handle negotiations.
All Genma needed to do was play the role of the blade in the shadows.
With the average ninja lifespan barely reaching thirty, Fuma Goro's age practically qualified him as seasoned and steady.
Thus, with Fuma Goro at the forefront, Genma and the others followed closely behind as they swiftly approached the sedan.
"Lord Shidai, I am Fuma Goro, leader of the Fuma Clan. We heard you're recruiting ninja, so we've come to offer our services," Fuma Goro said, his words dry and stiff. He had no prior experience with such "job applications."
In the past, the Fuma Clan had survived by taking on missions, but they often dealt with orders for ninja tools from other ninja rather than tasks from civilians.
The person inside the sedan waved a hand, and a black-robed figure leaned toward the window.
"The Fuma Clan?" the person inside asked quietly.
"They're a recognized ninja clan in the ninja world, known for certain specialties. They're practically renowned in some regards. Word is they were scattered after a conflict with another clan, but it seems they've retained some strength," the black-robed figure dutifully reported what he knew.
His words, however, were vague, lacking specifics.
So, what was the Fuma Clan renowned for? The answer: forging. The Fuma Clan excelled at crafting ninja tools, their products considered a trusted brand in the ninja world, practically exempt from scrutiny by the great clans.
The person in the sedan had little interest in delving into the Fuma Clan's details. Their fame alone was satisfactory enough.
The sedan door finally opened, and a flamboyantly dressed noble from Kikyo Castle stepped out, his delicate wooden clogs sinking into the worthless mud.
Genma got a clear look at the man's face—it was the same person he'd seen while delivering a letter the previous night.
"I've heard of you," said Date Kamaya.
He mentally added that he'd only just heard of them. His gaze swept over the group before he continued, "The daimyo is indeed looking to hire ninja, but… can you prove your strength?"
It was time for a demonstration. Fuma Goro glanced at Genma, who caught the signal and subtly shifted his gaze toward Uchiha Nanami.
If they wanted to make an impression, there was no better choice than an Uchiha ninja.
Not every Uchiha craved the spotlight, but every Uchiha's jutsu was bound to steal it.
Uchiha Nanami sighed inwardly and stepped to the side. Her hands swiftly formed seals.
Fire Release: Majestic Dragon Flame Technique!
A surge of chakra gathered in her chest, and scorching heat erupted from her mouth. Deep orange flames twisted the surrounding air, coalescing into the shape of a massive dragon's head before hurtling toward an abandoned stone building in the distance.
This Fire Release wasn't just immense in scale and range—it boasted a trajectory speed far surpassing typical Fire Release techniques. In an instant, it struck the stone building.
Boom!
A deafening explosion rang out as the orange flames slammed into the stone wall, obliterating the structure in a single blow. The residual flames scattered like an erupting volcano.
The stone building, which had stood firm until moments ago, was reduced to rubble in the blink of an eye.
The impact was so intense it was as if Uchiha Nanami hadn't unleashed mere flames but a meteor wrapped in fire. While the Uchiha Clan wasn't particularly known for chakra reserves, this technique showcased just how densely Nanami could condense her chakra.
Stereotypes could be misleading. The Uchiha's chakra might seem average—when compared to the Senju of the Forest.
Date Kamaya proved an excellent audience. As a noble, he rarely had the chance to witness such powerful jutsu up close. His eyes widened, momentarily stunned.
Genma quietly sidled up to Nanami and whispered in her ear, "Is that Madara's technique?"
Nanami shot him an irritated glance and snapped, "It's my technique."
Huh?
Wait.
What?
Genma's thoughts spiraled for a moment. There seemed to be some deeper meaning in her words, but now wasn't the time to press further.
The black-robed figure coughed lightly, snapping Date Kamaya back to reality. He clapped his hands lightly and said, "Very good, excellent. Your ninja skills are impressive, but… that's not what we value most."
"You're ninja. We care about the overall strength of your group. More precisely, we value the ability to complete difficult missions. Can you prove that?"
"This…" Fuma Goro hesitated, sensing a trap. It sounded like the noble wanted a free mission—one that was likely near impossible.
Recalling the Fuma Clan's string of misfortunes, inspiration struck Genma. He spoke up, his words seemingly out of nowhere to many: "The Fuma Clan is capable of crushing enemies several times our number. We're willing to prove it to you…"
"To the west of the Great Northern Forest lies a mid-sized ninja clan, the Tsugawa Clan. Their ninja number over a hundred, with civilians at least five times that. We're willing to prove our strength by annihilating this clan."
What? Wasn't that a bit extreme? Destroying an unrelated ninja clan just to prove their worth? What was the logic here?
Date Kamaya was baffled, his mind struggling to keep up with Genma's proposal. After a moment, he realized the young ninja was demonstrating a form of sincerity.
Glancing at the "Fuma Clan" members, he noticed that at least half of them had a crazed glint in their eyes upon hearing the proposal. They didn't seem entirely sane—if they weren't lunatics, they were at least battle maniacs.
How could Date Kamaya know that someone was simply recalling a personal vendetta? His gaze shifted to Fuma Goro, whom he assumed was the group's leader.
Genma's words gave Fuma Goro a headache, but he had no choice but to nod along.
"Very good, excellent," Date Kamaya said.
After some thought, he began to appreciate this group of ninja. Ninja should be like rabid dogs, ready to bite—how else could they prove their value to their master?
Though no formal employment had been agreed upon, if the Fuma Clan was willing to take on such a massive task, Kikyo Castle had to show some goodwill.
"If you're willing to prove your capabilities this way, we have no reason not to support you. I'll give you half a month. If you achieve your goal, you'll become our ninja. If you need anything, just ask. I can convince the daimyo to provide temporary support."
A bit of supplies was no big deal—watching a performance required buying a ticket, didn't it?
"We need food, medicine, and winter clothing," Fuma Goro said immediately, afraid the offer might be rescinded.
He also wanted armor, given the high risks of Genma's proposed assault on a ninja village, but asking for too much might anger the noble and cost them everything.
Date Kamaya agreed. These were minor matters. After discussing some details, he prepared to leave.
Before departing, he smiled and said, "I look forward to good news."
"We won't let you down," Genma replied.
As the noble's figure receded, Uchiha Nanami leaned toward Genma and said, "I don't know what grudge you have against this so-called Tsugawa Clan, but I can tell you the daimyo aren't trustworthy. Their support will be limited at best."
Genma understood this perfectly. In his mind, their lack of trustworthiness was ideal—otherwise, his plan to seize control later might seem ungrateful.
Say what you will, he still had some moral qualms.
Kikyo Castle was a fine place, perfectly suited as a base.
"I understand, but for now, we can only take things one step at a time," Genma replied.
Nanami, of course, didn't grasp the concept of turning a job into ownership, so Genma didn't elaborate.
The Date Clan of Kikyo Castle—what a splendid name. It sounded perfectly suited to serve as the legal representative of "Ashes Incorporated."
Date Kamaya didn't deceive them. The requested supplies arrived that evening.
As Genma shed his tattered sackcloth and donned thick winter clothing, he let out a long sigh of relief.
Thank the heavens—he was finally free from the embarrassment of owning only one set of clothes for all seasons.
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