If Hane Genma's current identity were still the clan leader of the Hanemiya, his words would undoubtedly carry less weight, harder to trust.
But with a new identity, the way his words landed, the effect they achieved, was entirely different.
It wasn't that Fuma Goro was particularly gullible. The truth was, the Fuma Clan had nowhere left to turn.
The Fuma Clan now numbered just over thirty, with only half of them shinobi. The other half were civilians.
Civilians without support, shinobi without the will to fight—amid such desolation, what could Fuma Goro, as clan leader, possibly do?
Hearing Goro's doubts, a flicker of surprise crossed Genma's face. He spoke:
"Our organization's purpose is to gather the scattered shinobi, like streams converging into a mighty river, to face the perils of the shinobi world together. If you wish to join us, I'd naturally welcome you.
However… this is a major decision. Are you sure you want to make it so hastily? Without consulting your clan?
Moreover, if you join us, while we won't interfere in your internal affairs, all future actions must align with our collective decisions—meaning you'll follow my orders. Can you accept that?"
Genma was honest. His words weren't a deflection but a clear laying out of terms.
Goro's earlier words had been impulsive, but the Fuma Clan was at the end of its rope. To survive in the shinobi world, aligning with another force was practically their only option.
This "Ashes" organization seemed like an ideal partner.
Its small scale and noble ideals meant a true alliance, not a takeover. Goro believed he could rely on Genma's group to weather this crisis while preserving his clan's relative independence. That was already more than he could hope for.
The more Goro thought about it, the more convinced he became that his decision was right.
"Genma-san, I believe I can convince my clan. As long as you're willing to accept us, we're ready to become part of Ashes," he said.
Genma seemed to weigh the matter carefully before responding:
"Here's my proposal: you can join us as temporary members. We'll spend some time together, helping you through this crisis while giving you a chance to understand us.
Once you've recovered your strength, if you agree with our ideals, you can choose to stay. If not, you're free to leave…"
His words left Goro feeling a pang of shame. Genma's sincerity was palpable, making Goro's own ulterior motive—using Ashes as a crutch—seem sordid by comparison.
In truth, the Fuma Clan's desire to join Ashes was a surrender to reality, not a pursuit of lofty ideals. Ideals? They just wanted to survive.
"Genma-san, your approach may be more reasonable. But since we're accepting your selfless help and choosing to join you, we'll never betray you. Please trust us on that… I'll go convince my clan now."
Goro's words sounded resolute as he headed toward the Fuma Clan's camp to rally his people.
But words were just words. Could Genma naively trust promises from shinobi he'd known for mere hours?
One thing was certain: while the Fuma Clan's decision to join Ashes might seem rash, if they ever tried to leave, it wouldn't be simple.
At the Fuma camp, Goro discussed the matter with his clan. It took little effort to persuade them.
In a sense, finding someone willing to help at their lowest point was a stroke of immense fortune. They had no reason to refuse.
Goro's swift success in convincing his clan wasn't just about bowing to reality. Genma's offer of an "exit clause" played a crucial role.
Goro brought the good news back to Genma.
What happened next made him realize that joining Ashes was anything but a trivial matter.
"Genma-san, we've unanimously decided to join Ashes. We hope you'll accept us and treat us as equals," Goro said.
Genma responded with a smile:
"Welcome to Ashes. Rest assured, sincerity and equality are the foundation of our organization."
"To demonstrate mutual trust and welcome you, I propose we hold an alliance ceremony."
Ceremonies lent weight to actions. Goro saw no issue with it, but…
"That sounds fine, but given our current circumstances, how would we conduct it?"
"Nothing elaborate. We value substance over pomp."
"Very well. We'll follow your lead, Genma-san."
Under Genma's direction, both groups soon gathered.
They formed a circle, one side Genma's people, the other the Fuma Clan.
In the center, a bright bonfire roared. Genma and Goro stood beside it, with Genma explaining the ceremony.
"Today, at the request of Fuma Goro, clan leader, Ashes welcomes the Fuma Clan as members."
"Our rules and treatment of every member will become clear in time, so I won't elaborate now."
"Believe this: though our origins differ, united, we can be as close as blood kin, bound by flesh and bone."
"I know words often lack power or binding force. That's fine. Trust can be built step by step."
"But first, we must erase any hostility between us, or nothing can begin. Thus, I've prepared this ceremony…"
With that, Genma extended his right hand to Goro.
Most onlookers assumed this was mere rhetoric. What could a ceremony like this achieve? A handshake?
Goro smiled, reaching out to clasp Genma's hand firmly.
Then—
Amid the flickering flames, a flash of cold steel.
Genma's left hand gripped a sharp kunai, and without hesitation, he drove it through their clasped hands, pinning them together.
A sharp pain shot through Goro. Stunned, he instinctively tried to pull back, but Genma's grip held his hand like a vice, immovable.
Blood dripped from the seam of their joined palms.
A wave of murmurs rose from the Fuma Clan, some thinking Genma had launched a sudden attack.
Genma's calm voice cut through the chaos with ease:
"We seal our ninjutsu, inscribing a vow never to be enemies."
Their palms, pierced by the blade, were forced together, a physical testament to their commitment to cooperate.
Their blood, indeed, mingled as one.
For shinobi, hands were as precious as a pianist's, their livelihood tied to their fingers. They'd insure them for a fortune if they could.
Genma's act of "crippling" their hands effectively sealed their ninjutsu. With such wounds, neither could form hand signs for a long time.
No words, however grand, carried the weight of spilled blood.
Goro ceased his instinctive struggling. Meeting Genma's unflinching gaze, he suddenly realized that once you joined Ashes, there was no leaving.
--
Support me & read more advance & fast update chapter on my patreon:
pat reon .com/yuuwand