"Name?" A Grass Ninja in charge of the registration process asked Nono.
"Nonō Yakushi," she replied without much hesitation.
"Where are you from?" The Grass Ninja nodded and continued to inquire.
"...Konoha." She paused briefly before responding honestly.
"A rogue ninja?" The Grass Ninja raised an eyebrow and asked in return.
"Yes, that's correct," she hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Don't be nervous, we're just checking for any criminal activities. The Land of Grass doesn't refuse renegade ninjas, as long as they aren't extremely violent. It's not an easy path for anyone. Alright, your information is registered, and this is your registration certificate. Keep it safe; with this, you can ride the 'Harmony Express.' " The Grass Ninja's expression remained mostly unchanged even upon hearing that she was a rogue ninja, and he reassured her.
He handed her a piece of paper with a serious expression and added, "Please also ensure you follow the laws of the Land of Grass. Do not misuse your ninja techniques. You may have good intentions, but they can inadvertently lead to harm and unintended consequences. We've had cases where ninjas from other villages, with good intentions, unintentionally caused harm here."
Nono listened attentively to this advice and nodded in understanding, her thoughts drifting to the old man she had spoken to earlier. Could he be referring to …Jiraiya-sama?
The Grass ninja then continued, "Oh, by the way, you seem to have experience in management and medical ninja skills. The Land of Grass is currently in need of individuals with your skills. Our leader is looking to hire assistants, and the medical department also offers generous compensation. Would you like to take an application form?"
"Alright," Nono replied, her mind still racing. She looked at the registration certificate handed to her, her thoughts a jumble. In the end, she put on a typical spy's smile and said gently, "Thank you."
"Have a safe journey!" The Grass Ninja responded with a smile before turning his attention to the next person.
Nono was still taken aback by how easily she had been treated. It seemed that her arrival as a rogue ninja had not raised any alarms. When she was escorted into a room, she didn't even need to present the 'Talent Recruitment Proposal' document as she had expected. It seemed that Danzo-sama's plan was indeed effective.
Nono couldn't help but note the differences between Grass Village's patrol ninjas and those of Konoha. Speaking of which, the opportunity to become an assistant to the leader seemed almost too coincidental.
As Nono left the Grass Village patrol office, she still felt a sense of bewilderment. She glanced at the registration certificate in her hand and then at the recruitment flyer for Grass Village.
The flyer started with a simple yet intriguing question: "Do you have a dream?" Nono was taken aback by this unexpected question. She muttered to herself, "With this registration certificate, I should be able to ride something called the 'Harmony Express,' right?"
Her curiosity about the high-speed vehicle grew, so she brushed away a strand of hair from her eyes, gathered her belongings, and decided to follow the directions provided to her.
In no time, she arrived at the 'Harmony Express' station as per the instructions. The train was entirely green, which was quite unique. Nono purchased a ticket, found her designated seat, and wondered why the train hadn't started moving yet.
After a brief wait, a gentle voice came over the intercom, announcing, "Hello, dear passengers. Please prepare for departure. The train is now leaving..."
The train began to move, gradually picking up speed. Nono observed the passing scenery through the window, her eyes widening in amazement. The 'Harmony Express' proved to be a remarkable invention, and she found herself marveling at this advanced technology.
As the train journey continued, her initial surprise transformed into a sense of calm. The landscape outside was nothing short of beautiful, featuring trees, lush fields, and picturesque views of the Land of Grass. It was evident that this country was far from the chaotic image she had initially imagined. The clean and well-maintained roads, along with the pristine houses, even surpassed the standards of her own village, Konoha.
Comparing her own village's situation to the newfound prosperity she was witnessing in the Land of Grass, Nono couldn't help but be impressed by the remarkable transformation this nation had undergone after the war.
"Land of Grass Leader... The Wiseman," Nono murmured softly, her gaze still fixed outside the window. "No wonder Danzo-sama holds him in such high regard. What an incredible individual!"
But soon, a determined expression crossed her face. She clenched her fist and muttered to herself, "Stay strong. The kids are waiting for me to return."
A gentle and reassuring smile graced her face as she continued to observe the passing landscape.
…
The peaceful train journey eventually reached its destination, the final stop, the Grass Village. As she followed the instructions, Nono disembarked from the train station and joined the line, feeling a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
She was fully aware that her mission was about to begin. Nono needed to find an opportunity to get close to the Grass Village leader and gather the information she was tasked with.
In a short amount of time, it was her turn to be inspected. The Grass Village guard in charge of checking asked, "Do you have your registration certificate?"
"Yes," Nono replied as she retrieved her registration certificate from her pocket.
The Grass ninja scrutinized the certificate and then gave it back to her. He spoke with a serious tone, "You're a renegade ninja from Konoha, and I've processed your registration. Please ensure that you follow the rules and regulations of the Grass Village. Failure to do so could result in your arrest. You may now enter."
With the confirmation given, Nono passed through the gate and entered the Land of Grass, her espionage mission officially underway.
"Thank you," Nono replied, accepting her registration certificate. She then recalled the 'Grass Village Talent Recruitment Plan,' retrieved it from her pocket, and extended it toward the Grass ninja. "This..."
However, before she could complete her sentence, the Grass ninja's expression froze. His eyes fixed intently on Nono, and he asked in astonishment, "Talent?!"
Nono was taken aback by the ninja's reaction. Had she inadvertently exposed herself? Her senses sharpened as she prepared for any outcome. But before she could say anything more, the ninja continued, "I apologize, I didn't anticipate that you would be a special talent selected for the 'Talent Plan' by the Grass Village. These are only given to individuals who have earned unique recognition. Each 'Talent Recruitment' Document carries significant value and features a distinct identification number."
Nono was struck by the realization that the document she carried was intended for highly specific individuals and had a unique identification number. This new information left her feeling uneasy, as she pondered the implications of her potential exposure. Did Danzo-sama know about this document, or had he intended to send her on a perilous mission?
To her surprise, the Grass ninja's enthusiasm suddenly surged, and he exclaimed, "Ah, dear ninja, you are indeed a rare talent of the Grass Village. I must inform our leader immediately that a talent has arrived."
Nono's expression remained tense, uncertain of her situation. Before she could react, the ninja called out loudly, "Someone, notify the leader that a talent has arrived!"
Numerous other ninjas quickly gathered around, their enthusiasm palpable. "This way, please. Use the exclusive path designated for talents!" they urged, guiding her.
Nono felt cornered, realizing that escaping from this situation wouldn't be easy with so many Grass ninjas around her. Internally, she sighed, forcing a bitter smile, and reluctantly followed the enthusiastic Grass ninja.
'Very well, I shall have a look at this leader of the Grass Village who dared to play tricks on the Five Great Shinobi Villages,' she mused. But even if her cover had been blown, she held onto the hope that Danzo-sama would honor his promise.
…
In a matter of moments, Nono was ushered into a meeting room, where she found herself face to face with a dark-haired young man, the leader of the Grass Village, Akihiko Kusano. He sat with a furrowed brow, intently studying the 'Talent Recruitment Plan,' occasionally glancing up at her with a rather peculiar expression.
Nono couldn't help but think, 'I've been discovered, haven't I?' With a wry smile and a resigned sigh, she began to speak, "Leader Akihiko, it seems I've been—"
But before she could complete her sentence, Akihiko abruptly slapped the 'Talent Plan' document onto the table.
Nono was taken aback, thinking he was about to apprehend her, and she was about to respond when Akihiko, brimming with enthusiasm, exclaimed, "Congratulations, you've been accepted!"
"What?" Nono's expression froze for a moment, unable to believe her ears.
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