Following the graduation ceremony, the Grass Ninja Village settled back into its customary serenity.
Several days later, the Rain Ninja Village hosted its own graduation ceremony, albeit slightly delayed compared to its Grass counterpart. Upon receiving an invitation from Hanzō, Akihiko decided to take Karin, Naruto, and Sasuke on a journey to the Rain Ninja Village.
With the new school term looming, Akihiko believed it crucial for the children to relish and savor their fleeting childhood experiences. After all, their time for such joys was limited.
While the academy in the Rain Village had been established later than its Grass counterpart, it had flourished remarkably, boasting a scale similar to that of its Grass counterpart.
Although the curriculum was supplied by the Grass Village, the Rain Village retained certain unique elements in its educational approach.
A vibrant exchange of knowledge frequently occurred between ninjas from both villages, with members from the Grass Village occasionally assuming teaching roles in the Rain Village, and vice versa.
This cross-pollination of expertise capitalized on the distinct strengths of each village's ninjas. Emphasizing holistic development, this educational philosophy underscored the ethos of the Grass Ninja Village.
This cross-pollination of expertise capitalized on the distinct strengths of each village's ninjas. Thus, the Grass Village embraced a holistic approach to education, fostering well-rounded development among its students.
The Rain Village had undergone remarkable transformations, boasting less muddy terrain and well-constructed sewers that effectively mitigated the risk of flooding during frequent downpours.
This visit to the Rain Ninja Village also served as an opportunity to check on Danzo's status. According to intelligence reports, Konoha's ninjas were scheduled to arrive in a matter of days. Though parting ways was difficult, it was imperative to prepare Danzo for his return home.
Following the conclusion of the Rain Ninja Village's graduation ceremony, Hanzō graciously took Akihiko and the three children on a comprehensive tour.
It was evident that Hanzō took immense pride in the advancements witnessed in the Land of Rain. With his distinguished gray hair, Hanzō carried Karin and traversed the Rain Village amidst the light rain, his eyes occasionally betraying hints of nostalgia and reflection.
He would occasionally gesture ahead and regale the children with tales of the village's past, proudly recounting his contributions and achievements. In his narratives, the Five Great Ninja Villages appeared as insignificant adversaries, easily vanquished by his prowess, thus paving the way for the Land of Rain's current prosperity.
This audacious display of arrogance left Akihiko dumbfounded. Did Hanzō truly believe that the people of the Grass Village were ignorant of history? It seemed that Hanzō's shamelessness had only grown with time.
Yet, it must be acknowledged... the rapid and profound transformations witnessed in the Land of Rain owe much to Hanzō's years of relentless dedication.
For the advancement of the Land of Rain, Hanzō made significant sacrifices, sometimes even compromising his own dignity. Whenever the subject of past debts arose, he would defiantly lift his head high and declare, "Haven't I earned all of this through my own efforts? Or would you prefer me to simply lie down again?"
His rhetoric was beginning to resemble that of an aged Grass Ninja. How had the once-legendary figure in the ninja world descended to this state?
Returning to the tour, he gradually became engrossed in the adoration of the children's chanting "Grandpa Hanzō!"
As always, in contrast to the children he had brought along, Hanzō still held a preference for those born within the Grass and Rain Ninja Villages. He remained steadfast in his adherence to old ninja traditions, in stark contrast to those who shamelessly acted like a father to everyone.
During their conversation, the topic of the Sand Ninja Village arose. Hanzō, with a smug expression, incessantly mocked the Sand Ninja Village's advisor, Chiyo, and heavily hinted, "Should we make a move against the Sand Ninja Village?"
Akihiko firmly rebuffed the notion, emphasizing that the Sand Village had become an ally of the Grass Ninja Village, and they would never consider attacking an ally lightly.
Hanzō nodded knowingly, tacitly acknowledging his understanding. After all, he reasoned, one need only look at their ally, Konoha, to grasp the essence of alliance.
Even a figure of Hanzō's stature in the ninja world couldn't help but lament, "What a travesty."
However, when it came to allies other than Konoha, Hanzō's interest seemed to gravitate towards the Sand Village.
Perhaps it stemmed from his rivalry with Chiyo. Hanzō harbored lingering resentment towards her, particularly for her role in neutralizing his poison in the past.
Whenever the Sand Ninja Village was mentioned, he would disdainfully curse, "That old hag."
Internally, Akihiko couldn't help but chuckle. It would be quite the spectacle when Hanzō eventually discovered that the grandson he had taken in was none other than Chiyo's own grandson. The ensuing chaos would surely be a spectacle to behold.
Under Hanzō's guidance, Akihiko proceeded to Factory No. 3 to check on Hanzō's grandson, the chief worker—Sasori.
With genuine concern, Akihiko inquired about Sasori's well-being and commended his unwavering work ethic. Although Sasori's tasks may have seemed mundane, tightening screws in the factory, he had quietly played a significant role in advancing the development of scientific ninja tools over the years.
Recognizing Sasori's value, Akihiko assigned professional bodyguard ninjas to safeguard this invaluable technical talent.
However, Akihiko couldn't help but notice a certain emptiness in Sasori's eyes, as if he had lost sight of his aspirations. Could the demanding nature of his work be taking its toll?
Consequently, Akihiko sternly reprimanded the factory manager, insisting on prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of the workers.
Meanwhile, the three kids—Karin, Naruto, and Sasuke—were having a great time exploring the Rain Village, enjoying the differences from their home in the Grass Village. Even Sasuke, who had been reluctant to come along, was enjoying himself thanks to Naruto's infectious enthusiasm.
Initially hesitant, Sasuke was persuaded by Akihiko's words: "Meeting different strong individuals can broaden your horizons and will even help you in improving your strength."
"By the way, where's Danzō?" Akihiko inquired, casting a glance at the jovial Hanzō by his side. "Konoha is set to dispatch their representatives soon, so we should arrange for his return. Let's ensure everything is in order."
"Don't fret, he's in good hands. After all, he's an old acquaintance of mine," Hanzō reassured him with a smile.
Akihiko couldn't help but roll his eyes at Hanzō's shameless boast.
"And rest assured, our establishment prides itself on offering top-notch tourist services; we've taken excellent care of him. He opted for the Supreme Deluxe Solo Tour. I assure you, he's been treated like royalty. Just see for yourself. Here he comes now," Hanzō added with a serious tone.
As soon as he finished speaking, Akihiko glanced up and spotted Danzō approaching. Trailing behind him were a dozen Rain Ninjas, brandishing imposing chakra swords crafted by the Grass Ninjas, their expressions fierce and determined.
There was no denying it—this was indeed the epitome of a Supreme Deluxe Solo Tour, complete with a formidable entourage of bodyguard ninjas. Danzō also appeared noticeably rejuvenated and more robust, a testament to the nourishing effects of the delicacies he had been indulging in.
However, As Danzō drew closer, Akihiko couldn't help but notice the hint of displeasure etched across his face as if he had encountered some form of adversity. With a complex expression, Danzō approached, his demeanor betraying a mixture of wariness and resolve.
Danzō was acutely aware of Akihiko's underlying motives. He understood their desire to recruit him. Otherwise, Why else would they have spared his life after three successive captures?
What? Fearful of Konoha? That notion was laughable. Considering Akihiko's actions thus far, it was evident that he harbored no trepidation towards Konoha.
However, Danzō embodied the very essence of Konoha's darkness. The village still relied on his expertise, and he remained steadfast in his loyalty to it.
"Grass Leader, it has indeed been a while," Danzō acknowledged, his tone laced with a chilly edge. "But rest assured, I will never betray Konoha. Even if it costs me my life, my allegiance remains unwavering."
Akihiko embodied the essence of benevolence, akin to the revered god of the ninja world, Hashirama Senju. It was this benevolence that garnered him a legion of followers, even during the tumultuous periods of war in the Land of Grass.
However, even Akihiko found himself at a loss for words at times when faced with Danzō's rhetoric. Internally, he couldn't help but curse, "Who needs a ticking time bomb like you? Just stay put in Konoha." After all, he had no intention of harboring such volatile elements within his own domain.
Nevertheless, Akihiko conceded that Danzō had indeed been a boon to both the Grass and Rain countries, significantly contributing to their development.
With a resigned sigh, Akihiko turned his gaze towards Danzō and greeted him cheerfully, "My dear friend Danzō, it seems you've gained some weight. It appears you've been enjoying yourself these past three months."
Enjoying himself? Ridiculous. Three months of what? Did Akihiko even comprehend the ordeal he had endured during that time? The Grass Tourist service was nothing short of extortionate, compelling even a figure like him, the darkness of Konoha, to curse their exploitative practices.
Danzō's eyelid twitched, and he was about to retort when suddenly, a Grass Ninja rushed over, breathless with urgency. "Leader Akihiko, Lord Hanzō! Konoha Ninjas have arrived at the Grass Village!"
…
Meanwhile, in the Grass Ninja Village, Nara Shikaku found himself once more reluctantly dispatched, his expression troubled as he glanced at the Konoha ninja accompanying him. "Have we managed to make contact with Jiraiya-sama yet?"
"Not yet," one of the Konoha ninjas responded, shaking his head. "Jiraiya-sama hasn't returned to the hotel, but..."
Before Shikaku could inquire further about the "but," the ninja produced a piece of paper and handed it over. "The front desk sent this bill for Jiraiya-sama. They're urging us to settle it promptly."
Shikaku's expression shifted into one of bewilderment. 'What the...?'