บท 117: Clash of Ninja
One of the things Arthur could have done, but knows it would be an action lacing with consequences, is place everyone in the country under his illusion. However, doing that carries significant dangers, especially for a leader like him.
One of the primary risks is the loss of loyalty. If any of the populace breaks the illusion and discovers that others were also in it, the resulting betrayal could lead to a complete collapse.
Loyalty is foundational in ascendancy; once severed, it is difficult to rebuild. Citizens might revolt against Arthur, perceiving him as a tyrant manipulating them for his own benefit.
Moreover, an illusion would create a society where the citizens no longer make decisions based on what they desire. This can result in a populace that is psychologically dependent on the illusion, becoming unable to cope with things when it re-emerges.
The potential for psychological trauma is immense, as individuals may struggle with their sense of identity and purpose if the illusion doesn't correlate with their original will.
Assuming the citizens come to rely on the illusion for comfort or satisfaction, it can lead to widespread apathy and inertia in addressing real problems.
Instead of engaging with the difficulties in their drudgery and working to better their circumstances, the citizens may withdraw into the illusion and neglect their actual responsibilities and relationships—thus leading to the country's imminent downfall.
Illusions themselves may breed resentment, especially among those who break it and see what is happening.
If certain individuals or groups within society grow aware of the truth and actively oppose the illusion, it can lead to deep societal divisions, creating factions and potentially violent uprisings against Arthur's regime.
An illusion can also mask critical issues within society, making it more difficult for him to understand and address legitimate problems such as resource shortages, criminal activity, or social unrest.
Without clear visibility into these issues, he risks making uninformed decisions that could exacerbate situations rather than resolve them.
From an ethical standpoint, manipulating the very fabric of this world for the populace runs counter to principles of ethical leadership. That was the exact reason Madara Uchiha's grand plan of placing the entire world under an illusion failed.
Citizens deserve the right to experience and navigate their own world, even if it includes hardships. Attempting to shield them from the truth can be seen as an abuse of power.
On top of all this, maintaining a lasting illusion would require continuous effort and control. Arthur could inadvertently place himself in a position where he must constantly manage not just the illusion but also the fear of its collapse.
This creates a precarious situation where any disruption could catalyze chaos.
The implications of such manipulation extend beyond his own governance.
Both allies and adversaries would react strongly against perceived manipulation. Allies may feel compromised, while enemies could gain leverage, rallying the populace under the banner of "truth" and "freedom" against Arthur, leading to potential political isolation.
On a more personal level, the act of placing others in an illusion can warp his understanding of himself and his own motivations. He may begin to believe in the illusion he had created, losing touch with his original ideals and principles and potentially becoming a different person in his efforts to maintain power.
In summary, while using an illusion may seem like an appealing solution to create harmony or reduce conflict, the dangers associated with it can ultimately lead to far more significant issues.
That was also the main reason why the creator of the Evil Illusion: Enhancing Flattery technique, Gengo, fell. The potential outcome could cripple not only Arthur's leadership but the society he seeks to continue governing.
But that's also what made him so special. He would never risk implementing such things that would potentially change his character and beliefs.
In the grand chambers of his palace, Arthur sat at the massive oak table that served as his war room.
He peered out through the large window, where the sprawling fields of his territory continued to prosper. His mind buzzed with thoughts of potential, undertakings, and the currents of power that filled the world beyond his borders.
Now, he believed, was the time to implement an idea he had been saving—an idea so brilliant, so audacious, that he couldn't help but say it out loud.
"It's time to host the tournament…"
His voice echoed through the empty room, a proclamation that was going to happen.
He leaned back, contemplating the implications of such an event. A tournament. Not just any tournament, but an epic showcase of skill, strength, and techniques that each could bring.
It was a genius move—one that could elevate his standing even further and create a spectacle that would expose the villages alike.
'Taijutsu only,' he reminded himself as his fingers tapped on the table. 'Ages twelve and up, all ranked Genin or higher.'
It was essential that the tournament highlight pure physical prowess, stripping away ninjutsu and genjutsu that were more devastating than profitable. The outcome would not only serve as entertainment; it would be a decisive gauge of skill levels across villages, a way to see who reigned supreme.
Yet Arthur was not naïve.
Hosting this tournament in his own territory would invite suspicion, chaos, and more.
He couldn't trust the ninjas from neighbouring lands to respect his authority unfailingly. Instead, he decided that the Land of Waves would serve as the perfect venue—a place where he already had influence.
Arthur recalled how he had entrenched the local feudal lord under an illusion, bending his mind and beliefs without obstructing his will, which made Arthur's choice all the easier.
The Land of Waves had a treaty with his land, albeit one that favored him overwhelmingly.
He summoned his secretary, who entered the room with a graceful bow. Her quick fingers were always armed with a clipboard, ready to document his every thought.
"How may I be of assistance, my lord?"
"We have work to do," he commanded, straightening his posture in a show of authority. "We're hosting a tournament in the Land of Waves."
This particular secretary had served under wealthy businessmen and affluent investors. But she had never heard of a complex idea like this one. Her eyes widened momentarily before her expression shifted to one of professionalism.
"A tournament, my lord? How... how do you wish to proceed?" she asked, trying to regain her composure.
"First, we inform the feudal lord about the event," he announced. "Prepare a letter of invitation, detailing the nature of the tournament and our expectations. We'll need approval and a willingness on their part to host it."
The secretary nodded, her quill scratching across parchment rapidly as she captured every word.
Arthur watched intently, envisioning the spectators filling the stadium, fighters pouring in from different nations, each talented in their own right, vying for glory, and participating in a competition that would rock the very foundations of their world.
After the letter was penned, the secretary sent it off through a swift messenger hawk—her expertise evident in the efficiency she displayed.
Arthur leaned back in his chair, content. But he was not done yet. There was much more to consider.
Within two days, the response arrived. The feudal lord of the Land of Waves, under Arthur's influence, had accepted the proposal without hesitation.
The tournament would take place in their grand stadium, which had hosted matches like this long before. It was a location that was a perfect backdrop for a clash of ninjas that considered themselves titans.
'Now it's time for the real work,' Arthur thought with his hands together. 'I have to spread the word. This tournament needs participants, fighters that are worth my attention."
These last two days weren't spent just waiting around. He summoned his management team and laid out the strategy. Each member listened with keen intent as he outlined the plan: mass production of flyers to distribute across neighbouring countries, even as far as the hidden villages of the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind.
The invitation had to be grand; they needed to draw participants from distant lands.
His secretary coordinated the logistics, while Arthur oversaw the creation of eye-catching designs—bold colours splashed across the flyers, vibrant graphics depicting the purpose of the tournament, enticing phrases like "Join Us in a Clash of Strength!" and "Prove Your Might!"
It was like a siren song to every aspiring ninja regardless of where they were from.
As the day progressed, flyers were printed in bulk, each one designed for the different nations. It would take a few more days to distribute them everywhere, and then longer to receive everyone's response.
Messengers who would travel to various hidden villages, ensuring that the news spread like wildfire.
The cost, Arthur knew, would be staggering; organizing the event, maintaining the stadium, securing accommodations, and ensuring everything ran smoothly was projected to cost around six million ryō.
However, he dismissed the thought; in a world where he wielded so much power, who would dare oppose or contradict the will of a feudal lord?
He was determined to make this tournament a monumental success, one that would allow him to gauge the best of the best, whose skills were either hidden, never expanded on, or created without anyone's knowledge.
And, of course, the players from the Leaf would be allowed entry.
The week slipped by swiftly. As the flyers made their way across the land, Arthur set his sights on the operational aspects of the tournament.
He emphasized security, ensuring that both fighters and spectators would feel safe as they gathered. There would be an array of guards, officials, and referees, all tasked with maintaining fair play and preventing deception.
Reportedly, even some of the Kage were interested in coming to this tournament. So much so, they sent the feudal lord of the Land of Waves a personal letter that would ensure their accommodations.
Out of all the Kage in the world, the five major ones: Tsunade Senju, Gaara of the Sand, A, Mei Terumi, and Ōnoki—three of them requested to spectate. Even Arthur was impressed by those wishing not to participate but to simply watch.
Both fighters and onlookers would begin milling into the Land of Waves. From west corners of the ninja world, they would descend, clad in different colours and bearing the symbols of their respective villages, each seeking something.
Whether it was honour, a challenge, recognition, or perhaps the grand prize for the winner, it was going to be a captivating sight, one that filled Arthur with the power to plan.
This was the main reason he did not want to host the tournament in his country. Hardly any nation held friendly matches to begin with. If others began discovering him by name and started spying on him, it would threaten his shadow government.
But everything had been taken into account. Not only was his name not being used, it was the feudal lords, like Hiromu, who were taking responsibility.
Before things could commence, Arthur had to ensure that the grand stadium was prepared to accommodate the influx of participants and spectators.
Because this was akin to a national event, wanted criminals wouldn't be allowed entry. That included all the members of the Akatsuki, spies, Sound Village ninjas, and anyone who had bounties on their heads—be it from the Water Country or elsewhere.
It was currently nighttime. Arthur stood on the balcony overlooking the stadium in Land of Waves, surveying the scene in front of him.
Fighters were scheduled to check in when the doors opened. There was going to be a crowd in the tens of thousands, for certain. Even if those without bounties couldn't enter, that didn't mean they couldn't watch.
Arthur ensured to keep security at its highest, stationing sensors and all manner of guards in this country's borders. The last thing he wanted was someone invading this land like Orochimaru did in the Leaf Village.
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