When shit stinks, you don't need a keen nose to smell it.

That's how Stas would describe the whole situation that had developed around him.

Of course, Ordyntsev knew that his prolonged absence from Jishin's side would have a significant impact, but he didn't think it would be this harsh.

Kensei's brazen behavior clearly showed that Uramasa had finally decided on a new master and was fervently advancing his interests.

And no, Stas didn't blame him for it. After all, Kensei had faithfully followed Jishin through two wars, one finished and the other ongoing. Over such a long time, one could figure out where their loyalties lay.

His behavior was also understandable. In his eyes, Ordyntsev was one of the competitors for the position of the prince's closest friend.

And among those competing for power, little regard is given to civility. And this power, it seemed, was already within Kensei's arm's reach. He needed only to reach out.

Nevertheless, what was more interesting for Stas was Jishin's attitude.

Ordyntsev generally understood the situation on the front and realized that Izuna's younger brother had so many concerns that he might simply forget about Stas or not have the opportunity to extricate him from Izuna's command.

The conflict between the countries had taken such a sharp turn that strong and influential warmasters were even being appointed to command positions over the samurai.

For example, Jishin himself led not only warmasters but also samurai squads after a certain loud incident involving a battle with a supreme.

All these years, Jishin stubbornly pursued his goal of becoming a supreme. And, apparently, he was not far from success.

Changes also occurred with the ashigaru.

At some point, the troops of ordinary people started trying to clash separately from the prana wielders. Too high and senseless losses brought no advantage for either side.

Constant movements, bloody confrontations, retreats, and new battles. Ordyntsev even feared to imagine what kind of control was needed to operate such masses of unruly people without proper communication.

In this context, the cooling of relations between Jishin and Stas became logical. The question was, how far had it gone?

Was Kensei's behavior his own initiative, or was it a continuation of Jishin's will?

Depending on the answer, Stas would have to take very different steps.

There was a critical lack of information. While he was on his way to immortality and power, problems emerged from unexpected places.

And Uramasa's mention that Izuna's people had already arrived didn't improve his mood. Should Stas fear an attack?

Though it was a foolish question. Of course, yes.

In such troubled times, the physical elimination of a competitor was one of the most common practices.

That's why when Leviathan sensed an incredibly strong prana signature, Ordyntsev felt his heart drop to his heels.

'Damn, jinxed it! That's a freaking supreme!'

Stas didn't even try to hide his prana muscle boost and preparation for battle. Firstly, it was pointless, and secondly, these actions could save his life.

The worst part was that judging by the prana flowing in the supreme's body, he, too, was ready for battle.

Finally, a man of above-average height by local standards came out leisurely from around the corner, armed with a naginata that looked heavy even at a glance. It obviously required more iron than an ordinary person could handle. But should a supreme worry about that? A red cloth fluttered on the weapon.

The supreme's face wasn't hidden, and Stas could appreciate the tired expression of a man who was utterly fed up. A thin, protruding chin, a high forehead with receding hairline. If it weren't for the muscle-wrapped body, this person could have passed for a regular clerk after a hard day's work.

Straining his memory, the earthling even managed to recall the name of the person he saw. Arata Sumada. A forty-five-year-old supreme. A man from a vassal family, transferred to the main one after achieving the supreme rank. Neutral, and not supporting any political forces.

'At least he used to be.'

Stas quickly surveyed the surroundings, assessing the location of his people. Over the past two months, he had made significant progress in treating Kenta. The disease had almost receded, if not for the nearly complete destruction of his external prana channels.

The same technology used for tissue rejuvenation was applied. Ordyntsev programmed a mixture of natural energy and ether to destroy disease foci while ignoring healthy tissues.

As a result, the internal channels were corroded but regenerating, but the external ones had almost ceased to exist.

And although Mari's father could still create the simplest techniques, he would soon lose even this ability.

Nevertheless, all their skills would be helpful in this battle.

Arata stopped before reaching Stas, who stood in the center of the road.

The two warmasters began to carefully examine each other, assessing equipment and weapons. Stas had long thought about discarding his almost useless spear, freeing his second hand. Anyway, in his hands, that sharp stick posed a questionable threat at best.

"Shiro the Serpent, am I right?" finally asked the supreme, without changing his indifferent facial expression.

"You're right. Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" Stas asked politely.

"Arata the Trap." The man introduced himself, thoughtfully examining Ordyntsev.

"What brings you here, Arata-sama?" What Stas had learned over the past years was the importance of politeness. As long as you're polite, your opponents are forced to play by the same rules.

"As if you don't know, Shiro-san," Arata sighed, taking the bait. "Izuna-san wants you dead. You must not arrive at the Citadel and interfere with the actions of the elder prince's supporters."

A single drop rolled down Stas's suddenly sweaty back. It's not every day that a supreme warmaster casually informs you that he's about to end you right now.

How many people consider that, say, professional boxers, in fact, are deadly individuals? They can easily deliver a punch with enough force to kill an ordinary person on the spot.

The neck simply wouldn't withstand it, and the result would be instant death.

How would an untrained person feel if such a boxer said he was about to kill them?

Now Stas had the opportunity to answer such a question, should anyone ever ask him.

"Arata-sama," Stas said with a slight smile. A broad smile might not be well received by someone as emotionally restrained as the Trap. "As far as I know, you used to maintain neutrality? So, let's not get heated and rush into action. After all, even if you just stand aside, Jishin-sama will not forget your contribution…"

Right now, Stas was ready to promise a lot, even on behalf of Jishin himself.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"There's no point," Arata's facial expression twitched slightly, revealing his true emotions. "I've already made up my mind," he paused. "I did it when the elder prince's emissaries dared to blackmail me with the lives and status of my family."

Stas was about to utter the most natural "What?!" but he managed to restrain himself. So, after a couple of seconds of expressive silence, he asked the same thing but more politely.

"Arata-san, could you explain your thoughts? I don't understand anything."

"A day ago, I was told that I had to kill you, Shiro-san," the supreme obediently began. "I refused, indicating my neutrality. Then they told me that if I didn't do it, my family's life could be in danger. They thought that since I came from a vassal family, I would tolerate such a spit in the face. I secretly infiltrated my home and buried those freaks in stone. My family, however, I moved to my closest friends on the advice of other supremes."

'What kind of mess is going on here? Taking the families of supremes hostage? Who the hell is Izuna recruiting? Or is this the famous warmaster-style diplomacy?'

"Arata-san, may I ask?" Stas decided to ask the question that was bothering him directly. "Why didn't the elder prince's people send someone from among their own supremes? Why send you on such an important mission?"

"You haven't been to the Citadel for a long time, Shiro-san," the supreme nodded to himself. "Right now, everyone is watching each other like hunters stalking their prey. After the news of Goro Sumada's injury, there were riots, but the head of the Shadow Stone was able to restore order."

Leviathan discreetly changed her location, gliding underground. Arata did not show that he saw it, but he shifted his torso slightly.

"One can't walk a couple of meters without attracting someone's attention. And the forces supporting Izuna and Jishin are roughly equal. They control each other, not allowing a step to be made. That's why they decided to employ someone from the outside."

"And what do you want now?"

"I want to join the younger prince. And as I've heard, you're close friends with him." Arata shrugged. "And where you're headed, my skills will be handy to you."

Stas seriously considered the offer that had been made. Of course, supreme warmasters weren't lying around on the road, but there was one "but."

"I see. I apologize for the doubt, but how can I be sure that I can trust you?"

"The younger prince's people told me to pass you a code phrase: 'The glutton needs to slim down.'"

An explosion of pure rage erupted from beneath the earth, causing Arata to instantly assume a combat stance.

"Don't mind it," Stas hurried to reassure him. "It's just an internal joke."

"Well, if so," the supreme warily lowered his naginata, glancing at the unremarkable hillock emitting dark emotions.

"Then welcome under my command," Stas looked seriously at the supreme, who became indifferent again. "I won't lie and say that we have easy work ahead. We may have to get our hands dirty. In such a situation, I will require unconditional obedience to orders. Do you agree with this?"

"It's too late to back out now," Arata replied indifferently. "The Sumada clan doesn't have a third prince. I'm with you."

"Good," Stas signaled his subordinates to come out. "And while we walk, you can tell me what I should expect?"

"I'm a poor helper in this matter," Stas and Arata leisurely moved ahead while the rest followed behind, not to interrupt their conversation. "I don't like politics. And I believed that as long as I didn't meddle in it, it wouldn't concern me. It's a pity that I was wrong."

"Don't blame yourself," Stas comforted the frowning warmaster. "Many people make that mistake. Politics, by its nature, is such that it affects everyone."

"Only they're not supreme warmasters," Arata snorted. "Anyway, what can I tell you? Right now, there aren't many people in the Citadel, mostly young or too old. Those who haven't been mobilized yet are divided into three factions – neutral, and the camps of Izuna and Jishin."

Arata paused to better formulate his thought.

"The last two have roughly equal levels of power. Nevertheless, they are actively trying to influence everyone else, thus tipping the scales."

"Wait," Stas looked doubtfully at the supreme. A thought suddenly came to his mind, which at first seemed insane, but the more he thought about it, the more realistic it appeared. "Are you suggesting that Jishin's supporters practice... The same method of persuasion that was applied to you?"

"Exactly," Arata muttered gloomily. "Right now, everyone who is not with someone is officially considered against. Dark times have come for our clan if the Sumada themselves are ready to kill each other over such foolish things. There are rumors that the younger prince's people are no better and also provoked several strong warmasters. And that's just what I've heard."

Ordyntsev just shook his head.

The situation was even worse than he could have thought. It was surprising that the Citadel was still standing and hadn't collapsed due to the frequent skirmishes between opposing sides.

And warmasters' persuasion politics showed its true colors.

Now, it was becoming a bit clearer why Jishin had hurried to turn to Stas. As practice showed, the intrigues of warmasters resembled their own character – direct and destructive to everything around, including themselves.

And it's not surprising. To experience real, complex, multi-layered intrigues, one should visit the court of a daimyo, but certainly not warmasters who solve any problems with force.

*****

The Citadel greeted Stas with a suspicious silence. It was akin to when the ocean water recedes far back, exposing the shore for many meters inwards.

But wise people know that such a natural phenomenon should make one run for their lives because following the retreating water comes a multi-meter tsunami, aiming to wipe out all the petty houses impudently constructed by humanity.

The first thing Stas planned to do was to visit Io, but he was found earlier.

"Master Shiro?" about twenty people blocked their way. Thankfully, there were no supremes among them. Judging by the identical dark masks covering their faces, all of them belonged to the Shadow Stone.

'Are these Io's people? What's he planning?'

"Yes. Who's asking?"

"We were sent to you by Jishin-sama," the speaker bowed, quietly uttering the code phrase. "We come under your full command. Your orders, until Jishin-sama's return, are considered his orders. And the master asked me to convey..."

"Yes?" Stas watched the shadow closely as he approached.

"Jishin-sama gives you permission to make any promises that can help the situation. After he takes over as head, he will confirm them."

"That's good to hear." Stas nodded, inwardly cursing to high heaven.

'He will confirm everything, surely,' Ordyntsev mimicked in his mind. 'And if he doesn't, then, "All the promises were made by my crazed subordinate. You should ask him - he's the one who deceived you."'

Once again, the annoying unanswered questions about Jishin's loyalty resurfaced.

However, as much as his head hurt from all these reflections, there was no one else to do the job but him.

Of course, Stas wanted to just step aside and let the situation unfold on its own. But with the same success, he could become a renegade right now. Maybe Izuna wouldn't immediately send a hit squad after him.

"Do I understand correctly that Jishin has handed over control of all his supporters in the Citadel to me?"

"I think so," the shadow hesitated.

"First of all, how should I address you?" Stas grabbed the bull by the horns.

"My call sign is Raven."

"So, Raven. Are you sure, or do you think that Jishin has handed over control to me?"

"I'm sure," Raven replied sharply. "But there are some warmasters who may disagree with this."

"Just as I thought," Stas remarked sharply. "So, is Io-san still working in the same place? Yes? Then let's go straight there."

Ordyntsev urgently needed to talk to at least one sane person in this theater of the absurd.

The number of incompetent idiots around was growing too large.

*****

"Shiro-kun, I'm glad to see you; take a seat. I was just about to have some tea."

"Thank you. I've just arrived, so I'll gladly have some."

"I understand, I understand," Io personally brought a teapot with a red dragon painted on it and placed it on the table. He had been using this teapot for all six years that Stas had been in this world. Sometimes, Ordyntsev even thought that this teapot had been with Io since his birth and would be until his death.

Steam started to rise. Jun's brother took a couple of pinches of tea leaves and threw them into the boiling water.

Io took pleasure in inhaling the spreading aroma. In a normal situation, Stas would do the same. Mimicking the actions of your interlocutor is one of the foundations of psychology.

But not with the head of the Sumada clan's secret service.

To act this way would mean demonstratively insulting Io's intelligence. And a person of his level took such insults very poorly.

"How time flies," one of the most influential people of the clan began pouring tea into cups. "I remember as if it were yesterday when I gave you your first assignment to eliminate some aristocrat..."

"Renko Sakuro, Io-sama," Stas helped, not believing for a second that Io could forget.

"Exactly, you young ones have a much better memory than us old folks," Io smirked at the corner of his mouth, and Stas dutifully played along.

"Now, Io-sama, you still have much left in you. How can you call yourself old?"

"I'm an old man, indeed, don't defend me. At times like these, you realize that fate should be decided by the young, and old men like us should retire. But as if a mockery, it's the decisions of such old men as us that will determine the fate of these very youths. Don't you find that funny?"

"Not really," Stas shrugged.

"Rightly noted," Io nodded. "Such things are only noticed by old men. The young ones who claim to understand are merely lying shamelessly."

Stas wisely remained silent. As the well-known saying goes: 'If you don't know what to say, it's better to keep silent and perhaps be perceived as wise.'

"That's why I like you, Shiro-kun. You have a certain deep understanding even at such a young age. At the same time, while you're ambitious, you still have humility. That's why, out of my respect for you, I won't waste your time and energy as I did with those fools who came to me before you. I'll be straightforward: I plan to maintain neutrality."

Ordyntsev bowed gratefully. He understood what Io wanted to say. Right now, every minute counted, and if Jun's brother had wasted time, it could have cost Stas and, consequently, Jishin dearly.

And apparently, he wasn't so kind to the other people of Jishin and Izuna.

"However," Io suddenly raised a finger. "I can still have a chat with my good friend Shiro-kun, not as the head of the Shadow Stone but as a regular warmaster. For example, share some of my observations. In our times, just honest words can be worth a lot. What do you think, Shiro-kun? Would you like to listen to the ramblings of an old man?"

"Insanely," Stas admitted honestly. "I mean, very much so." A fleeting smirk on Io's face could be considered a major victory.

"But why am I the only one talking?" Io corrected himself. "Perhaps there's something you're curious about, Shiro-kun? But remember, I am just a regular warmaster right now. And I can only know what a regular warmaster knows."