Chapter 333: Rōran’s Secret War
In the heart of the Kingdom of Rōran stood the Central Tower—sixty stories tall and soaring to a height of two hundred meters.
Comparable to the height of modern-day skyscrapers, this structure was a unique marvel in the ninja world. Back when the rogue Suna shinobi, Mukade, assumed the identity of Minister Anrokuzan, he did indeed enslave the people of Rōran to manufacture puppets for him—but credit must also be given where it's due. It was thanks to him that Rōran gained access to many advancements.
Today, the people of Rōran enjoyed central heating in the desert, running water, electric lighting, and even elevators and apartment housing—all built using the Dragon Veins and puppet technology he had harnessed.
Of course—
Anrokuzan's approach had been far from wise. He could have won the people's loyalty and had them willingly work for Rōran—and for him. But instead, he chose the most foolish method of all: brutal slavery.
Such was the limitation of his thinking.
At the very top of the Central Tower lay the royal hall, used by the Queen to receive foreign guests.
There, Queen Sāra sat upright on her throne, watching calmly as four Kumogakure shinobi appeared in the hall like wraiths, one after another.
"Well, I'll be damned... I didn't think the Queen of Rōran would still be here," one of them said with clear surprise. He was a chunin dressed in black with a single white shoulder mantle, clutching a pitch-black kunai in hand as he eyed Sāra.
"As Queen, it is my duty to remain with my people."
Then a cold smile curled on her lips. "Besides, you're shinobi from Kumogakure—one of the Five Great Hidden Villages. Not some savage, lowborn, worthless bandits. So I have nothing to fear... right?"