Before that, we need to first expose some weaknesses in Akakage.

Such as women, or offspring.

Moreover, as a Kekkeigenkai Ninja, how can he not have descendants?

If these bloodline powers could be shared with his clan... the Daimyo of the Land of Bear began to breathe heavily.

A century later, the Land of Bear would no longer be a small country easily bullied by the great nations.

The power of a ninja is extremely crucial in this world.

To achieve such a goal, what's the harm in sacrificing a daughter?

Compared to a daughter, the blood of Akakage is a true treasure, capable of giving rise to a Kekkeigenkai Ninja Clan.

In this way, Akakage would also feel genuine gratitude and would be willing to do anything.

Furthermore, he would not fear Akakage's betrayal.

Having a family would mean having weaknesses.

◎

Chouniu had not left the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Bear.

After all, he didn't know what unexpected events might occur here, Akahoshi being a lesson.

This kind of mistake, neither he nor Akakage could afford to make a second time.

So when Akakage came to find him, Chouniu was somewhat surprised.

Seeing Akakage approaching, his brows seemed to knit together tightly, as if something incredibly troubling had happened.

Never having seen Akakage so distressed, Chouniu immediately asked:

"Has something happened?"

No more accidents could occur with Akakage; if he encountered any difficulties, they had to be resolved swiftly in the next few days.

For this reason, one of the three commanders came in person, so that in the event of sudden changes, they could suppress any discontented voices with absolute force.

For a ninja, this is the most brutal yet effective solution.

Recalling what the Daimyo of the Land of Bear had said to him earlier, Akakage hesitated whether to explain it to Chouniu.

As a spy, getting involved with a woman from a mission was undoubtedly fatal.

Even if he didn't intend to, the higher-ups might replace him for safety's sake.

This would be deadly for Akakage.

He didn't want someone else to reap the fruits of his years of hard work.

But ultimately, reason prevailed.

With only about three days left, if this matter affected the Land of Demons' plans in the Land of Bear and went unreported, it would betray the organization's trust.

Therefore, Akakage told Chouniu about the Daimyo's promise exactly as it was.

Chouniu was the communication officer and also his senior, with ample life experience, and should know how to handle such matters.

After listening, Chouniu's expression became even more peculiar.

Did the Daimyo of the Land of Bear want to betroth Princess Tamahime to Akakage?

This was hardly a laughing matter.

Though he had teased Akakage about seizing the opportunity with a good woman, it was merely a joke.

He didn't expect it to actually happen, especially with the Daimyo of the Land of Bear granting approval personally.

"Did you really not get involved with that princess in Hell Valley?"

Chouniu asked, slightly uncertain.

"No."

Akakage tersely replied.

He could not have made such a foolish mistake.

He would never voluntarily involve himself in these troublesome affairs of men and women.

"So what do you feel about her?"

Chouniu continued to probe.

"I came here to ask what I should do next, not to delve into emotional issues."

Black lines appeared on Akakage's forehead.

"I'm seriously discussing upcoming matters with you, but if you're not interested, let it go. Based on my deduction, the Daimyo of the Land of Bear essentially has two objectives."

"Two objectives?"

"Yes, two objectives. The first is to use Princess Tamahime to further control you."

"And the second?"

Akakage also thought of this but felt weary thinking about the puzzling, problematic princess.

"To produce descendants and pass your Kekkeigenkai into their family bloodline."

"?"

The former seemed somewhat acceptable, but the latter left Akakage feeling there was something indecent about it.

However, Chouniu did not see it that way, instead firmly believing his hypothesis: "Akakage, exceptional descendants are very important to nobles. The Daimyo of the Land of Bear's family is nobility within the ordinary world, while your Kekkeigenkai can be considered the nobility among ninjas. If they could inherit your Kekkeigenkai into the bloodline of the Daimyo's family, even awakening just one would be a gain for the Daimyo, allowing them to endlessly produce tools called Kekkeigenkai Ninja."

This was no joke from Chouniu.

Considering reality, Akakage's and Princess Tamahime's statuses were extremely mismatched.

For such a union, it would have to bring immense, irrefusable benefits to the Daimyo of the Land of Bear.

The Daimyo is not a fool, and if Akakage were not an undercover agent for their side, he likely would have been captured long ago for procreating descendants for their clan.

Kekkeigenkai is an immensely important power within the Ninja Realm.

Just look at the Uchiha and Hyuga Clan ninja within the military — the gap is despairingly wide for ordinary ninja trying to catch up.

The legacy of Kekkeigenkai has never been a matter to be ridiculed.