The group arrived at the Fire Capital earlier than expected, and the t grandeur of the Daimyo's paed over them. The golden ats and finely crafted architecture were a stark trast to the simple lives of the vilgers they had passed along the way. Jiraiya led the group into the pace, where they were greeted by a host of servants and guards, each bowing deeply as they passed by.
Ihe main hall, the Fire Daimyo sat on a raised ptform. Despite being old, his presence exuded an aura of authority aat. Beside him stood a few of his advisors, all fine robes, their expressions serious and focused on the uping discussion.
Jiraiya stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Lord Daimyo, we have arrived as ordered." Jiraiya could single-handedly ftten the Daimyo’s pace if he wao, but he was still very respectful in front of him because the person before him was the real king of the Fire try. Though not physically powerful, his real power came from es—with ninja vilges, other Daimyo, and businessmen all over the world.
If someoually did something like killing a Daimyo, they would effectively bee the enemy of the whole world—a fate worse than being a rogue ninja.
The Daimyo gave a slow nod, aowledging Jiraiya's words, but his eyes gnced briefly over the young shinobi standing behind the Sannin. Kaida, Itachi, and Kabuto remained silent, following Jiraiya’s earlier instrus not to speak unless addressed directly.
Jiraiya began expining the security measures, the presence of the Anbu, and the elite jonin guards. He emphasized the importance of proteg the Daimy the in Exams, while also highlighting the need for Konoha's team to demonstrate their strength. The discussion was brief but prehehe Daimyo listened, barely reag, as if the details were of little sequeo him.
Even though he khere was no need for such a rge security team with Jiraiya present, there was oo much security in the ninja world, so he was internally pleased by Konoha’s efforts to maintain his security.
Ohe versation was over, the Daimyo said, “As expected of Konoha, everything is perfect. We will follow this pn. Please wait in my guest room until the time for the start of the journey.”
He gave respect to Jiraiya as well, because no matter how ected he was, this world still beloo the strong. Even though the ces were low, if he somehow really offended a ninja of Jiraiya’s caliber, he would die without knowing how—or perhaps pletely knowing ating it. Being a wealthy and wise man, there was no way he would take such risks.
Jiraiya bowed again and motioned for the team to leave. The shinobi filed out quietly, leaving the grand pad its luxurious splendor behind. They were guided by servants to a luxurious room filled with elegant sofas and tables, and the tables were covered with a variety of appetizers.
Everyoook a seat and ate something when offered. In the ninja world, it was sidered rude not to eat, as the other party might think you suspected them of poisoning the food. With the strength level of the team, however, poisoning them was almost impossible.
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After two hours, a guard came to the guest room to inform them that the caravan was ready to leave. Nodding his head, Jiraiya asked everyoo follow him.
When they reached the front of the caravan, they were awestruck by its grandeur. Kaida had seen one or two caravans of wealthy merts during esissions, and he had thought they were almost royal. But seeing the royal caravan for the first time, he realized how na?ve he had been.
The sight before him could hardly be called a mere caravan; it was more like a moving fortress. At the ter of it all was an enormous cart, se it could easily aodate forty people, with space left for ten more to move around freely.
This grand vehicle, filled with intricate seals for both prote and fort, was undoubtedly meant for the Daimyo himself. Every detail was desigo provide the utmost luxury during travel.
Surrounding the Daimyo’s cart were several smaller but still impressive carriages—ten of them reserved for the ministers, each a scaled-down version of the main cart. Following those were three simpler carts, designated for the servants responsible for tending to the Daimyo and his ministers.
Additionally, five carts were dedicated to the Daimyo's personal guard—samurai from the Land of Iron, handpicked and trained specifically for the prote of the Daimyo. The services of these guards were not cheap, especially those employed by the Daimyo, who were capable of handling even a in-level ninja. Though they were not ninja themselves, this level of skill was impressive.
At the ewo carts, simir to the ministers’, prepared for the ninjas apanying the voy, them a pce to rest when needed.
The entire procession was a testament to the wealth and power of the Daimyo, moving like a formidable pa wheels.
“This is way too grand,” Kaida said.
“Not really. sidering the Daimyo’s wealth, he could use and discard such a caravan after each use,” Shisui replied, clearly not as surprised as the others.
By now, everyone had recovered from their initial awe and was waiting for the Daimyo to e out.
After ten more mihe Daimyo and his ministers emerged. Nodding toward Jiraiya ohe Daimyo boarded his carriage, followed by tweous female servants.
‘Isn’t he too old for this?’ all three genin thought, but they kept their mouths shut.
After the Daimyo, the ministers also boarded the caravan one by one, followed by the servants. The guards either mouheir horses or boarded the caravan acc to the schedule.
Lastly, as decided, eight jonin dispersed, taking up eight different positions around the caravan.
“I and Shisui will be at the front of the caravan, and you guys will be responsible for the safety of the rear. Always remain vigint,” Jiraiya said.
“Okay, Sensei,” the three genin replied as they moved toward the st cart, mounting the top of it. There were two carts for ninjas—o the front and o the babsp;
After everyone had taken their positions, Shisui and Jiraiya also went toward the cart at the front of the caravan. Jiraiya went inside while Shisui sat on top of the cart. Even though it was not necessary to maintain such strict watch for now, sihere was no way someone would attack the Daimyo’s caravan within the radius of 20 kilometers of the Fire Capital, it was still their job, so everyone maintained viginbsp;
On the road to Kumogakure, the jourook a slower pace. Uhe swift, ninja-style travel they were aced to, they now moved at a speed suited for their non-shinobi panions. The Fire Daimyo and his ente traveled in ornate carriages, pulled by horses.
Even though these horses were of superior quality, and the caravan’s speed was around 10-20 km/h, the jouro Kumogakure was going to be a long one. With a distance of over 3,000 kilometers, even if they traveled day and night, it would still take 6-7 days. However, with the Daimyo taking ample rest between stretches of the jourhe time increased to over 10 days.
