Reborn in a Daimyo's court in Naruto

Part 1

He would do.

He glanced towards the female servant sitting in the corner of the room, and nodded, at which she stood up demurely and began to serve them tea.

"Do you know why I have summoned you today, jito Shirahoshi?" he questioned as the servant poured tea for him.

And the boy shook his head.

"This one...." The boy began, and he cut in.

"Speak normally," he ordered and saw the boy stiffen for a moment. After all, few would ever be granted the honor of addressing a daimyo so casually.

"I am not, my lord," came the answer, and he nodded as he closed his eyes.

"You must be aware of the happenings in the capital of all the plots and designs being hatched for my seat," he questioned and saw the boy gulp.

"I only pray for your health and prosperi...."

"I am dying," he cut in again, not in the mood for any more of those perfunctory prayers.

And the air in the room was heavy.

"I have come to terms with it, and I believe many of my sons would have tried to seek your aid in this endeavor of theirs, offering you unimaginable women, wealth and influence," he ventured. He was aware of those offers, and had the boy taken any of them he would not be sitting here opposite him.

"I have been approached by some agents on behalf of the Princes, yet I have taken no sides. My loyalty lies with you, my lord," the boy at least had the audacity to tell the truth, not that lying would have done him any good.

"And that is why you are here," he said as he picked up his cut and took a sip, motioning for the boy to do the same. His friend's son quickly obliged and took a sip from his own cup.

"Your father was a friend of ours from old days; he helped me win this throne, and for that, I granted him the land that you now rule," he said.

"You are very magnanimous, my lord," the boy added. And he smirked. It seemed, despite his efforts the boy was still nervous, though he could see that mind racing behind those dark irises.

He was being polite, yet even now, the boy was trying to figure out the reason for this social call.

"Indeed, we are. You, much like your father, have served us loyally, and for that, I have decided to grant you another honor," he said as he closed his tessen.

"We have learned that you are yet unmarried," he began growing tired of this and saw the boy's eyes widen as the realization dawned on his as just what was about to happen.

"Yes, my lord, I have yet to take a wife," the boy answered, and he nodded.

"Good, then we have decided," he began as he looked the boy in the eyes.

"You shall marry our daughter, Miyuki," he ordered and saw the boy still as he realized the implication behind those words.

Miyuki was his daughter from his wife, and though a woman's claim was often considered weaker than one of sons, though they might be through a concubine.

Yet if her claim was to be supported by someone of young Shirahoshi's influence, then that would be an entirely different scenario. Through his daughter, he was granting Shirahoshi a claim on his own title, and though it may appear as a blessing at first, it was just as tedious.

While previously the boy may have been able to maintain neutrality in the upcoming conflict, now after this announcement all his sons would be coming for him and would plot to kill him.

"You honor me, my lord," the boy said as he gave him a bow.

"The marriage shall take place in a month's time, and shall take place in the capital," he ordered, and the boy nodded.

"As you wish my lord," said the boy.

After this he beckoned over the servant who helped him stand, as the boy bowed. And just as he reached the door, he stopped and gave the boy a last glance.

"I love my daughter dearly, jito Shirahoshi, and hope you understand the responsibility we burden you with," he said as he glanced towards the boy.

Shirahoshi glanced up, and as he saw the glint in those eyes, he knew that the boy knew of his intentions.

"It shall be done, my lord." Came the answer. And he nodded, as he left the room.

He could never punish his own sons for their sins. He couldn't exact revenge on his own sons, no matter how much he may hate them. Yet he could empower someone else to do it for him. And he had chosen his candidate.

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A jito is a lower noble, to whom a daimyo grants land to govern. They are entitled to 20% of tax, while the rest goes to daimyo.

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(P)(A)(T)(R)(E)(O)(N) / Drkest