104 CH - 101 Visit Grass Village?
I am grateful to hisham Alsulami for becoming a patron on my Patreon. Thank you for your support as they enable me to continue creating and providing valuable content
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Koujou, a civilian hailing from the Land of Rain, now married and a father to a young daughter," Aso began recounting the information he had gathered at the behest of Hanzo. "Presently, his wife and daughter are residing within the confines of the Grass Village, with his wife also engaged in employment for the village. In Grass Village terms, this arrangement falls under the category of a dual-income household."
With the data files in hand, Aso delved into the family's circumstances and history. "Originally residing close to the battlegrounds in the Land of Rain, their location had to be abandoned due to the conflict. It appears they were relocated to Grass Village by Leader Akihiko during that time. It's likely that Koujou commenced his employment within the Grass Ninja Village around the same time."
Taking a pause, Aso raised an inquisitive eyebrow before resuming, "His dedication and conscientious work ethic earned him the position of Deputy Factory Manager recently."
"Clearly, he's a remarkably capable individual," Aso remarked with a serious tone, reflecting on the information at hand. "I've also come to learn that his daughter is attending the academy within the Grass Village."
An undertone of envy was unmistakable in his words. The fact that even the Grass Village boasted an academy was impressive, especially when considering that their Rain Village lacked such a facility. Moreover, The notion that an ordinary civilian from the Land of Rain could enjoy such privileges in the Grass Village was both unexpected and intriguing.
As Aso finished presenting the information, Hanzo's demeanor remained relatively indifferent. He gave a curt nod, seemingly acknowledging the details. However, once he turned away from Aso and the information, a deep sigh escaped his lips. The fact that numerous individuals from the Land of Rain had integrated into the Land of Grass wasn't surprising anymore. Over time, he had become accustomed to this reality.
He never thought that even ordinary people were held in high regard within the Grass Village. The Grass Village Leader's ambitions and far-sightedness were impressive, and it wasn't hard to understand why the Grass Village possessed such formidable strength.
Although he had initially come to this area out of mere curiosity about their day off, the scene he had witnessed earlier had left an impression. 'Happiness, excitement, joy'- it was an image that evoked a sense of both calmness and envy.
In this contemplative moment, Hanzo's mind wandered to a letter received from Konoha a few days prior. His eyes narrowed, but he promptly dismissed the thought, shaking his head, and resuming his stride forward.
The presence of Rain Ninjas at the gathering today was notably sparse. This was primarily because Rain Ninjas were typically hired by the Grass Ninja Village, and their compensation was commonly distributed upon completing missions or on a daily basis. Consequently, the festive atmosphere of a payday event wasn't as pronounced among them on this day.
Contemplating this, Hanzo looked towards Aso who was beside him, his expression composed, and inquired, "How are the Rain Ninjas faring?"
"Rain Ninjas?" Aso's eyes blinked momentarily before a smile crossed his face, and he responded, "I believe things are going well for them. This year, we've seen an increased number of assignments from the Grass Ninja Village, and with the resources that Kakuzu-san has arranged within the Grass Village Base, many have used their earnings to buy food here. With the wages they've received this year, I expect they'll have a decent time for the year-end festivities."
Adding with a wry chuckle, he continued, "Interestingly, even those Rain Ninjas who are usually known for their gloomy demeanor are out there earning their keep. Even Shinda, Leader-sama's trusted aide, is among them."
"Seems like I'm the only one who's been working tirelessly to keep things running in the Rain Village. When New Year arrived, everyone else seemed to be enjoying fatter wallets, but here I am, still as poor as ever," Aso sighed with a touch of regret. Just a few days ago, when he spotted the 'Kusa-brand' heater being sold, he had to clench his teeth and dig into his wallet to make the purchase.
It was a necessity, really. The cold was intense. While burning charcoal was an option for warmth, the humid conditions of the Land of Rain made charcoal preparation both costly and troublesome. In his mind, the expenditure of using his own chakra seemed to make more sense.
Unlike Hanzo-sama, he wasn't able to receive gifts from the Grass Ninja Village. He also didn't have the luxury of being like the group of Rain Ninjas who come to work in exchange for year-end gifts on behalf of the Grass Ninjas.
He had initially heard that the 'Kusa-brand' products wouldn't be available here yet. Thus, he was planning to discreetly acquire one through the Grass Ninja Village's connections. However, he noticed these items were being sold at the Grass Village Base recently.
Consequently, he had to buy one using his own funds. Ignoring how comfortable it was during this cold season, the heater required just a single infusion of chakra to operate for a full day.
Aso let out a sigh, his tone tinged with a mixture of frustration and responsibility. "There are even people inquiring about when tasks from the Grass Village will be available. They're growing a bit impatient."
Listening to his right-hand man's concerns, Hanzo fell silent once more, his face devoid of emotion. Eventually, he nodded in agreement, his response concise. "Very well, if that's the case."
With those words, he resumed his stride, hands clasped behind his back. Beside him, Aso seemed to be contemplating saying more but opted to sigh lightly instead. He chose silence, walking alongside Hanzo, his gaze fixed on the Grass Village Base.
As the salaries were distributed and everyone departed, carefully stowing away their earnings and departing with genuine smiles of happiness, Aso's own expression softened into a smile. He observed those earnest and joyful faces, then shifted his gaze back to the leader who continued to move forward with a steady resolve.
He recalled Hanzo's words from a few days prior, and a renewed sense of admiration surged within him. Hanzo-sama truly deserved the title of Demi-god. The one who dared to wage war against the Five Great Ninja Villages in this expansive ninja realm.
However, his thoughts were tinged with a hint of melancholy as he remembered the confidential letter received from Konoha shortly thereafter. The contents of the letter stated that if they united their forces to assault the Grass Village, then Leaf Village Aka Konoha also known as the Strongest Village would facilitate negotiations between the Land of Rain and the Fire, Wind, and Earth nations.
This had been Hanzo-sama's long-awaited opportunity. For years, it had remained an elusive goal. But now, at this juncture, a glimmer of hope had unexpectedly emerged once more.
Yet, a significant disparity exists between their willingness to accept then and now. Why the sudden agreement at this particular moment? What is Konoha's underlying motive?
What could be the reason for Konoha's intent to move against the Grass Village now and classify it as a covert military operation, advising non-disclosure even to the Leaf Ninja currently engaged in combat nearby? Had they uncovered the secret alliance between the Grass and Rain Villages? Or was it due to the Grass Village's recent accumulation of substantial resources, prompting them to seek restitution?
Considering the Five Great Ninja Villages, truth be told, had this news arrived half a year ago, he would have been overjoyed. He would have spared no effort in fostering cooperation between their leader and the Five Great Ninja Villages.
However, having spent time within the Grass Village Base and witnessing their autonomous growth, he had come to realize that the Five Great Ninja Villages could not be counted on entirely either.
Even if they formed an alliance with Konoha, it might not necessarily secure lasting peace for the Rain Village. After all, Konoha itself was entrenched in a fierce struggle against the Four Great Ninja Villages. How could they feasibly arrange negotiations for the Rain Village with the three major nations?
Observing the composed figure leading the way, Aso couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Ever since that particular day, their leader had maintained a silence, avoiding any further mention of the matter. He pondered over what might be occupying the leader's thoughts now.
At this juncture, just as Aso was experiencing a moment of introspective sighing, the leader suddenly initiated a conversation. With his countenance unaltered, he inquired, "What have those three youngsters been engaged in recently?"
Taken aback by the sudden query, Aso swiftly responded, "Konan has been accompanying Kakuzu-san lately. As for Yahiko, he's been addressing the lingering issue from before."
A peculiar expression played across his face as he continued to elaborate, "The matter that was left unresolved from those times. It seems that due to the necessity of resuming their studies at that time, Yahiko and the others were brought directly back to the Grass Village. Consequently, the rest of their group was left like aimless wanderers, unsure of their next steps, leading to quite a bit of chaos."
"Despite the chaos, they still hold steadfast faith in their leader, believing he will bring them the peace they yearn for. That's why Yahiko took Hato and Daisuke to them recently. It appears they are also considering integrating them into the factory for employment," Aso elucidated.
The situation was somewhat amusing in retrospect. Those yongsters who had caused quite a commotion in the Land of Rain were still students back then. Yet, considering the circumstances, there was an underlying touch of both sorrow and admiration.
"As for Nagato," Aso continued, recollecting, "after performing the ritual for his father not long ago, he's been lost in his thoughts. Likely, he's engrossed in contemplating ninjutsu." He added as an afterthought, "By the way, I heard they'll be returning to the Grass Ninja Village after a while."
"They're heading back?" Aso's words elicited a nod from Hanzo, who remained lost in his thoughts. Once again, he lapsed into silence, his steps unwavering as he advanced.
Observing the leader's reticent demeanor, Aso scratched his head in bewilderment. In recent times, Hanzo had intermittently inquired about the trio. However, even now, he posed no questions, maintaining his quiet stride beside the leader.
The rain persisted, carrying with it the chill of the season, yet both Aso and Hanzo disregarded its presence. As Rain Ninja, they had become acclimated to enduring such conditions.
In this manner, they departed from the Grass Village Base, embarking on their journey towards the Rain Village. They maintained a leisurely pace, their strides deliberate and unhurried, the passage of time uncertain. Eventually, they arrived at the entrance of the Rain Ninja Village.
At this juncture, an intuition seemed to stir within Aso, prompting him to cease his steps. He looked up in astonishment at Hanzo, who had also halted beside him.
Before Aso could inquire about the reason for this pause, Hanzo's voice cut through the air with a composed demeanor. His gaze was fixed ahead as he spoke without a hint of expression, "What do you think? If I make a request to visit the Grass Ninja Village? Do you think that guy would grant permission?"
Caught off guard by Hanzo's unexpected line of questioning, Aso found himself utterly puzzled and bewildered.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
.
.
You can read +5 chapters ahead of everyone on my Patreon
p@treon.com/Kaiszer
(replace ' @ ' with ' a ' for the link
