The Land of Rain is a nation immersed in constant rainfall and perpetual chaos.
Chiyo, accompanied by Sand Ninja, sat in the green-painted train, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as she gazed outside. Having been on the battlefield, she was acutely aware of the grim reality in the Land of Rain – poverty and deprivation.
Particularly during the Second Great Ninja War, the Rain Ninjas practically eradicated the foundations of the Land of Rain, exacerbating the turmoil. Even after the Third Great Ninja War, the nation struggled to recover.
However, the current scene before her made Chiyo question if she had mistakenly arrived in the wrong country. Surprisingly, after doing blockades, the Land of Rain had managed to carve out its own peace amid the complexities of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
At this moment, Hanzo, accompanying Chiyo, seemed to comprehend her awe and proudly addressed her under his mask, "Isn't it beautiful? The Land of Rain has managed to secure a peace even without relying on the Five Great Ninja Villages."
While he spoke, Chiyo, unimpressed, retorted, "Hmph! It's merely exploiting the fact that the Five Great Ninja Villages are stretched thin, achieving a momentary respite." Coldly snorting, she added, "This kind of peace is fleeting. I never expected someone of your age to cling to a false sense of tranquility."
"I'm willing. What say do you have in the matter?" Hanzo snorted disdainfully. "And don't speak of not relying on the Grass Village. Do you not seek their aid for the Sand Village? These times must be challenging for your village as well."
"You...!" Chiyo, rendered speechless, shot Hanzo an angry glance.
"Foolish woman!" Hanzo retorted.
"I can assure you, life in the Sand Village is quite decent. Your assumptions are quite off!" Chiyo took a deep breath, attempting to regain composure, yet a bitter sigh echoed within her as she observed the landscape outside the window.
Certainly, as Hanzo indicated, following the Third Great Ninja War, the Sand Village experienced extensive devastation. After suffering another defeat, the Wind Daimyo not only neglected them, refusing to allocate funds but also shifted nearly all responsibilities that were once Sand Village's to Konoha.
Simultaneously, the Land of Rain implemented a comprehensive blockade, sealing off its entire territory. Rain Ninjas, in cooperation with Grass Ninjas, made it increasingly challenging for outsiders to enter the Land of Rain. Discovery meant expulsion or, in more severe cases, immediate elimination. This assertive approach turned the Land of Rain into a forbidden zone, preventing ninjas from other villages from easily infiltrating the country. The Land of Rain became inaccessible.
Furthermore, the Land of Rain, situated between the Land of Wind and various other nations, served as a crucial transportation hub. Previously, Sand Ninjas frequently traversed this region while undertaking missions.
However, with the Land of Rain closing off its entire territory, it severed the vital passage for Sand Ninjas traveling to the countries above. This not only caused complications for other nations who wanted to issue tasks but also significantly hampered the pace of Sand Ninjas in carrying out their missions.
It's accurate to say that the Sand Village faced considerable challenges during this period. Besides Konoha and the Wind Daimyo, the Rain Village and the Grass Village played pivotal roles.
Moreover, on this occasion, their visit was not geared towards conducting business, unlike the previous encounter. The village currently faces economic hardship, relying heavily on the efforts of the Fourth Kazekage to sustain it. Even the number of ninjas had to be downsized due to financial constraints.
Speaking of which, Despite being the instigators of the war, which they had no choice but to initiate the conflict to prevent the chaos that would have ensued from the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. The aftermath of the war left the village in shambles.
The Third Great Ninja War inflicted severe damage on the economy, strength, and overall livelihood of the community. Nearly a year after its conclusion, there has been no significant recovery. Presently, the Fourth Kazekage is grappling with the challenge of bolstering the village's combat capabilities, leaving little time or energy for business considerations.
Their visit primarily serves the purpose of assessing the dynamic between the Land of Grass and Rain, as well as the relationships between Konoha and the Grass Village. Simultaneously, they aim to explore ways to reopen the passage to the Land of Rain.
As for any aspirations of the Grass Village to extract money from the Sand Village… it's a mere fantasy. After all, the Sand Village currently lacks substantial financial resources, and even if they did, Advisor Chiyo's personal involvement would make any attempt to solicit funds a challenging endeavor.
Ignoring, Chiyo calmly observed the serene, tranquil landscape outside in the Land of Rain, sighing softly within.
The transformation of the chaotic Land of Rain into a place of gradual recovery surprised her. Having been a longtime adversary, she was well aware that Hanzo, the leader of the Rain Village, didn't hold the capabilities for such a transformation.
This turn of events was undoubtedly a move orchestrated by the leader of the Grass Village. Perhaps, he indeed lived up to the title bestowed upon him by Konoha ninjas, secretly known as the 'Wiseman of Grass.'
As time flowed steadily, the persistent rain in the forefront gradually receded, making way for clear skies and flourishing green landscapes.
After some time, a broadcast announcement broke the quiet atmosphere, proclaiming, "The train's final stop, Grass Village Station, is approaching. Before the train reaches the final stop, please be prepared, passengers..."
Chiyo and the Sand Ninjas were momentarily taken aback, then quickly grasped the situation. Frowning, Chiyo questioned, "Are we... already here?"
"Hahaha, indeed!" Observing the Sand Ninjas' surprise, Hanzo chuckled triumphantly. "This train is called the Harmony Express, symbolizing the harmonious and rapid development of the Land of Grass and Rain. Does your Sand Village, one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, boast something similar?"
Hanzo enjoyed the subtle changes in the expressions of the Sand Ninjas, feeling a sense of satisfaction. The Land of Rain had endured the domination of the Five Great Ninja Villages for too long. After the Second Great Ninja War, he had carefully cultivated relationships with them, enduring numerous hardships and humiliations. Now, he could openly taunt them.
Despite this satisfaction, he refrained from pushing further. If he continued, what if the guests decided to flee? Hanzo didn't want to face the prospect of having Grass Village turn their stinginess against him, possibly even holding a knife against his throat urging him to bring them back.
"Let's go, we should disembark now. I estimate that news of our arrival has already reached the Grass Village," Hanzo abruptly changed the subject.
As his words hung in the air, Chiyo halted the Sand Ninjas, signaling for calm. With an emotionless expression, she took a deep breath and walked towards the exit. There were more crucial matters to attend to now, and it wasn't about causing trouble.
However, they couldn't underestimate the capabilities of this train. Its stability and speed were impressive. In just a few hours, it had traversed from the Land of Rain to the Rain Village. This speed indicated that if the Sand Village declared war on the Land of Rain, the Grass Village could swiftly provide support—not only with ninjas but also with essential resources.
Chiyo sighed internally, acknowledging, "The leader of the Grass Village... it seems he is indeed as formidable as the Konoha ninjas claim. Quite a formidable individual!"
What was the Land of Grass? Initially, it was a country devoid of its own unique ninjutsu or any jutsu; its only prowess lay in appropriating the ninjutsu of other villages. However, it has now evolved to this extent.
Observing the bustling crowd in front of the station, she could discern the close ties between the Land of Grass and Rain and the evident prosperity of the Grass Village.
Muttering to herself, she couldn't help but think, "It appears... this plan won't be so simple."
After all, at the conclusion of the Third Great Ninja War, the relationship between the Sand Village and the Grass Village was strained.
Yet, as soon as she finished speaking and they walked out of the station...
"Play music!" someone suddenly shouted, and a pleasant piece of music began playing. The suddenness of this scene heightened the alertness of all the Sand Ninjas. They swiftly raised their heads, peering ahead.
Suddenly, they beheld a red banner before them, bearing large, bold letters that read, "Welcome Sand Village friends!"
This sight left everyone momentarily speechless, uncertain about how to respond.
…
Simultaneously, on the side of the Rock Ninjas, they too received news of the Sand Village's arrival.
At this moment, they observed the unfolding situation with a grave expression. The unexpected arrival of the Sand Village for cooperation with the Grass Village caught the Rock Ninjas off guard. Moreover, it was the leader of the Grass Village who personally extended a welcome.
The Rock Ninjas, with a touch of nervousness in their eyes, closely observed the figure with black hair before them.
They had assumed that, aside from their alliance with Konoha, only they, the Rock Village, had made an appearance. However, the arrival of the Sand Village was unforeseen. It appeared that they needed to swiftly inform the Tsuchikage to make a decision for the village.