As the music began, signaling the start of the evening gala, the atmosphere came alive with countless lights and strategically positioned cameras. Across various locations in the Land of Rain, screens flickered to life, mirroring the lively celebration.
On this chilly night, the air buzzed with cheers and shouts as people eagerly watched. This joint event, a historic collaboration between the Grass and Rain nations, marked not only the first celebration of peace in the Rain Country but also a moment of profound significance.
In the venue, beneath the sparkling lights, the Uzumaki, Chinoike, and Yuki clans, along with other ninjas from the Rain Country who had joined the Grass Country, felt a surge of emotions.
For the Uzumaki clan, the journey had been arduous. Before the Second Great Ninja War, they led a nomadic life, concealing their identities, grappling with hardships, and facing the harsh realities of hunger and cold. Initially, they believed their clan would fade into obscurity like other extinct ninja clans. However, against all odds, they found a new home in this remote small country.
Uzumaki Yoshinori's eyes welled with tears as he observed the vibrant scene. When he first arrived in the Grass Country, it was in ruins, lacking major roads and sturdy structures. The leader had faced the challenge of scraping together funds, and making ends meet with resilience. At that time, any powerful clan from Konoha could have easily dismantled the Land of Grass.
Yet, the transformation was evident. The once desolate landscape now boasted spacious roads, beautiful houses, and widespread electricity. The Grass Village had its own ninja academy, flourishing crops, and confidence in the form of scientific ninja tools. They had triumphed over the encirclement of the four major ninja villages and forged an alliance with the neighboring Rain Village. This newfound strength allowed them to face the five major ninja villages with unwavering confidence.
Uzumaki Yoshinori, his face no longer marked by deep wrinkles, couldn't help but smile at the remarkable progress. "It's truly wonderful!"
As he spoke, the elderly Takumi, though showing signs of age, retained the handsomeness of his youth. He nodded in agreement, sighing, "Indeed, it's amazing!"
In contrast to the Uzumaki clan's past struggles, the Yuki clan had faced challenges as well. Yet, the present revealed a stark contrast. No longer constrained by secrecy, they no longer lived in fear of being targeted by ninjas or ordinary citizens. Takumi's daughter, Shiori, now had the freedom to live peacefully and make her own choices, even if she opted not to become a ninja.
Recalling their initial struggles when they first arrived, facing poverty and the need to regroup, the Grass Village's leader had generously supported the Yuki clan. They were encouraged to start their businesses, transforming them from a once-poor ninja clan into a thriving community.
However, amidst the shared sense of accomplishment and gratitude, Takumi couldn't help expressing his frustration. "But I still don't understand why you didn't just tell me what a good place it was. Why did you have to knock me out and take me back then?"
Yoshinori couldn't contain his laughter at the memory. "Hahaha~" He recalled the direct action he had taken back then, finding it amusing. "Even if I had told you, you wouldn't have believed me at that time."
"Well, you are right," This exchange prompted Takumi to join in the laughter. Once the mirth subsided, he turned to Yoshinori with heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you."
Then, The two old men then shifted their focus to the performances, which included Shiori's display of her ice-sculpting abilities. Using her chakra control, she crafted intricate ice sculptures on the spot, which would also be preserved and showcased after the event ended.
Amidst the vibrant performances and lively atmosphere, the two elderly men wore gentle smiles. They whispered to themselves, "Truly remarkable!"
…
The festivities continued relentlessly, captivating the audience with one program after another. It was a grand spectacle that many deemed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The performances weren't limited to ninja clans and individual ninjas; various factories and ordinary citizens also showcased their talents. Even participants from the Great Villages, like Pakura and Nono, found themselves engrossed, offering their commendations.
Little did the audience know, that Akihiko had initially planned for Nagato and his two companions to don specially crafted frog costumes and deliver an animated dance performance. Regrettably, out of concern that it might devolve into an unexpected calamity, he reluctantly abandoned the idea.
As Akihiko observed the exuberant crowd, a hint of nostalgia played on his features. Turning to Hanzo, who donned a mask and reveled in the festivities, he inquired, "By the way, when is that puppet show you mentioned starting?"
In response, Hanzo exclaimed with delight, "Oh, Sasori's puppet show?" He enthusiastically continued, "Let me think, it should be just about now."
The Excitement built as the ongoing program drew to a close, and the host's voice resonated, announcing, "Next up, we have a performance by Sasori, an employee from the Third Factory of the Rain Village. He'll present the Hundred-Puppet Maneuver."
Akihiko found himself momentarily taken aback. The name of this performance seemed oddly familiar. Before he could piece it together, Hanzo, seated beside him, erupted into laughter, signaling the imminent arrival of the performer.
A disheveled red-haired teenager stepped onto the stage, clad in a green Grass Village labor uniform, his worn appearance catching Akihiko's attention.
"Wait a minute. He looks familiar," remarked Pakura, standing nearby, a hint of confusion creasing her brow. "Ah, never mind. Let's just enjoy the show."
Seriously? Akihiko was left speechless. After hearing the performer's name and knowing his prowess with puppets, seeing Sasori in person only confirmed his suspicions. This was none other than the renowned puppeteer from the Sand Village—Sasori of the Red Sand. As a former hero of the Sand Village, shouldn't you recognize his identity, Pakura?
However, a genius puppeteer like Sasori now laboring in a factory, handling screws, and performing on stage right now, why? what had brought him to this point?
"How about that? A fine young man, isn't he?" Hanzo proudly proclaimed, "There are still many outstanding kids in the Rain Village."
Hold on, this guy is from the Sand Village, Akihiko thought inwardly. However, before Akihiko could voice his correction,
"To be honest, I hold young men like him in high regard. I've heard he's a war orphan with a composed personality," Hanzo continued, "In light of that, I've decided to follow Mubuki's example and adopt a child."
Expressing his sentiments, Hanzo sighed, "Despite being hailed as the Demi-God of the Ninja World, I am getting old, after all."
Turning his gaze toward Akihiko, he inquired, "What do you think, Leader Akihiko?"
Akihiko's mouth twitched, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say. He really wanted to offer a mocking remark. However, looking at the expectant eyes beneath Hanzo's mask, he hesitated.
True, the Demi-God of the Ninja World had led a solitary life for so long. Now, with peace in the Rain Village, he might feel a bit lonely inside. However, due to his physical condition, he hadn't married or had children.
After a brief hesitation, Akihiko suggested, "Well... how about you inquire with Kakuzu later if there are any accidental life insurance policies available?" A wry smile played on Akihiko's face.
"Hmm?" Hanzo's expression shifted to one of confusion as he tried to grasp the meaning behind Akihiko's words.