At the center of the chamber sat the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, positioned behind a slightly larger and more complex table equipped with its own interface panel. Flanking him were aides, scribes, and staff members sorting through both physical documents and operating early-model computers, clunky by modern standards, but precise and reliable. His elite guards were also present, most blending into the background, except for one who stood out, a red-haired ninja whose chakra signature marked him as someone worth noting.
The meeting room itself was shaped like a fan, its design both strategic and efficient. The rows of tables expanded outward and slightly upward from the Daimyo's central position. Some might argue that this allowed others to "look down" on the Daimyo, but the incline was gentle, barely enough to notice. The space had not been designed to reinforce ego or traditional monarchy, but rather to facilitate visibility, communication, and collaborative decision-making. In Ron's eyes, the layout bore a striking resemblance to a United Nations assembly hall.
It hadn't always been this way. The Land of Lightning's political centers once mirrored the traditional aristocratic layouts of other nations, tall thrones, elevated platforms, ceremonial excess. But then, Ron had spoken to his uncle when he was worrying about remodeling it.
"Uncle," he had once said, addressing the Daimyo, "if your seat is at the highest point in the room, then you'd have to keep looking down to talk to people and see their faces, and they'd have to crane their necks to talk to you. You're not appreciating a painting here; you're trying to hold a conversation. Besides, cities in the future will have taller buildings, and this obsession with 'height equals power' will be outdated. Don't worry about that anymore. If anyone ever questions it, just tell them being closer to the ground is safer. The political center doesn't need to be tall, as long as it's wide and vast enough to hold everything that matters, and feels and looks serene and full of atmosphere."
The words stuck. And from that point on, both form and function were considered together in the design of the Daming mansion.
As Tsunade entered the hall, led by one of the senior butlers whose role extended far beyond mere servitude, she took in the scene with a calm, assessing gaze. In the Land of Lightning, no one without skill or discretion was allowed to serve in the political heart of the country. Even the butlers were capable professionals, trained in management, logistics, and sometimes even self-defense. This was not a place for ornamental servants. Only the competent remained.
The Daimyo, noticing Tsunade's arrival, raised his hand slightly. His voice cut through the quiet murmur of the room with composed authority.
"Everyone," he said, "we'll resume this meeting after I return from Kumogakure. Those accompanying me, please remain. All others, you are dismissed."
There was a brief rustle as the majority of the officials and aides began gathering their materials, bowing respectfully before filing out.
Soon, the Daimyo and several senior officials who had been briefed about Princess Tsunade's arrival rose from their seats and walked over to greet her. Their gestures were respectful, acknowledging not only her status as the Princess of the Land of Fire but also her strength and legacy as one of the San-nin.
Tsunade returned the greetings with practiced ease, her eyes calmly scanning the room until they landed on the red-haired ninja standing near the Daimyo, along with 2 others. The young woman's chakra signature was unmistakable, full of vitality, though unfamiliar the other 2 also were strong ninjas. They were clearly no ordinary bodyguards.
Noticing Tsunade's interest, the red-haired ninja stepped forward with a polite smile.
"Hello, Tsunade-sama. I've long admired your reputation," she said. "My name is Kohana, but you may call me Hana. I've been appointed to escort the Daimyo-sama and the senior officials during this trip, along with senior Marui and Razor."
As if on cue, two older shinobi, Marui and Razor, stepped forward and gave Tsunade a brief but respectful nod and greeting. Their presence confirmed the seriousness of the escort, these were seasoned ninja, not mere ceremonial ninja guards.
Sensing the mix of curiosity and caution in Tsunade's demeanor, the Daimyo offered her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Tsunade," he said. "The Land of Lightning and Kumogakure bear no ill will. Regarding the Uzumaki situation and these recent technological advances, everything stems from a strategic shift initiated by the Raikage and me. You should know, the Raikage is also my brother-in-law."
He gestured toward Kohana. "And Hana here is his daughter-in-law. So, I assure you, you're fine. There's no need to be uneasy about the presence of Uzumaki or the changes you're seeing. In fact, I'm grateful you're willing to accompany us to Kumogakure."
He paused for a moment, his tone growing more sincere.
"All of these transformations, the innovations, the direction we're moving in, originated in Kumogakure. More precisely, from my nephew. Both the Raikage and I believe his vision offers a better path forward. We no longer seek to dominate the ninja world through military power. That era is behind us."
He gave a slight nod, as if to emphasize his words.
"The Land of Lightning welcomes you with open arms. Relax, Tsunade. I'm certain the journey ahead will surprise you in a good way."