On the other hand, despite feeling disappointed about not even catching a glimpse of his dear friend before rushing back home, Akihiko quickly composed himself. He knew he had serious business to attend to in Sand Village.
As the leader of his village, he couldn't afford to slack off just because his friend had departed. Sand Village was currently embroiled in both internal turmoil and external threats, with no clear leadership in place and the Land of Wind's daimyo ordering its dissolution.
Externally, opportunistic forces were circling, waiting for Sand Village to collapse so they could seize advantage. As an ally, how could he simply stand aside and observe?
Even though the Five Great Shinobi Villages condemn Grass Village for their perceived underhanded tactics, labeling them as thieves and mocking their actions, this was all a misunderstanding. After all… Grass Village's actions were conducted openly; how could they be considered theft?
Thinking along these lines, Akihiko took a deep breath and handed a flyer to a passing Sand ninja. "Hey there, take a look at this. We're hiring right now!"
"We're looking for talented individuals like you. It's a fantastic opportunity, you know? We provide excellent benefits and competitive pay. It's highly regarded by everyone."
"We even collaborate with the Five Great Shinobi Villages, and our business spans the entire ninja world. Grass Village manufactures... for the betterment of the ninja world. We're making a big difference across the ninja world!"
However, the recruitment effort didn't seem to be gaining traction. Beside him, Pakura felt deeply embarrassed, wishing she could disappear into the sand. Recruiting in Sand Village? She should have stayed back, even if it meant exhausting herself at the academy. This was not the right approach.
And couldn't Akihiko see the hostile glares from the Sand ninjas around them, ready to bury them in the sand?
And despite the glares they were receiving, Akihiko's expression remained unchanged as he even turned to the embarrassed Pakura and also chided her, "Pakura, how can you be so lazy? We're in the middle of recruiting! Get to it and hand out those flyers!"
Pakura rolled her eyes in exasperation, then muttered under her breath, "Maybe... I should consider returning as Kazekage. Your last plan wasn't all that bad."
She sighed inwardly, realizing there was no point in expecting Akihiko to feel any shame.
"What do you mean by that?" Akihiko sighed at Pakura's reluctant agreement. "I was just joking last time. You know Grass Village and Sand Village are close allies. How could we take advantage of their misfortune? Moreover, as the academy's head, shouldn't you embody the spirit of Grass Village? If our friends in Sand Village heard this, they'd question our ninja ethics."
As Akihiko's words hung in the air, Pakura fell silent, her frustration evident. She really wanted to curse this shameless bastard who could change his face faster than the weather, but considering they were in the Sand Village, she held back.
Undeterred, Akihiko pressed on earnestly, "Our purpose here is recruitment, nothing else!"
Recruiting in another village? How could this possibly end well? Pakura couldn't help but roll her eyes at Akihiko's persistence. She gestured subtly towards the hostile Sand ninjas glaring at them, silently conveying, "See? They're clearly agitated. Now, deal with it."
However, Akihiko who also glanced at the Sand ninjas before him, thought differently, "Look at everyone's enthusiasm. The ninja world has been challenging lately, with constant conflict. Therefore, employment stability is incredibly valuable."
'You call this enthusiasm?' Pakura's mouth twitched, but before she could respond, Akihiko stepped forward, took a deep breath, and raised his voice, commanding attention. "Everyone, please be quiet and listen to me!"
"There's no need to worry. Grass and Sand Village share a deep bond like family. Some of you may not know, but our villages have been allies since the founding of the ninja villages. We're neighbors with a strong connection."
"Today, we're here solely for recruitment. Trust that Grass Village values unity, mutual support, and friendship. We're always ready to lend a helping hand. These are our principles. We uphold traditional ninja values of respecting elders and nurturing the next generation. "
"Right now, we need determined and ambitious ninjas like you from Sand Village. Join us in shouldering the responsibility of building the... um, the ninja world! Together, let's uphold peace and safeguard our homes."
"Still hesitating? Come with me! I'll provide a platform for you to showcase your skills." Akihiko's words resonated through the megaphone, emphasizing his appeal to the assembled ninjas.
As Akihiko's impassioned words reverberated, the Sand ninjas below were initially bewildered by the Grass Village leader's rhetoric, who was apparently a guest invited by Elder Chiyo. However… Family, allies, dreams of rebuilding the ninja world—what did any of this have to do with Sand Village's current dire situation?
"Look around you! Look at your friends, your teammates, or anyone else!" Akihiko's voice cut through the uncertainty. "What kind of life have you been enduring? With your Kazekage gone, facing disdain from the daimyo, hostility from other villages, dwindling missions, sometimes no rewards, tattered clothing, broken weapons, and meager meals! Is this the future you desire?"
Suddenly, amidst Akihiko's echoing shouts, a resounding "No!" erupted from the younger Sand ninjas. They vividly recalled Sand Village's recent struggles and hardships.
Once a prestigious member of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Sand Village had fallen from grace. The pervasive disappointment within the village was palpable, exacerbated by the harsh realities Akihiko articulated in his motivational plea, resonating deeply with these resilient desert-dwelling ninjas.
As small voices of agreement began to emerge below, Akihiko seized the moment, his voice carrying over the swirling wind and sand. "Do you want to see Sand Village rise again? Do you want your children to grow up in a good and safe environment?"
"Yes!" The response was immediate and fervent, echoing across the gathering of Sand ninjas. They all yearned for Sand Village to regain its former strength and glory. The crowd erupted into a cacophony of voices.
"Then, what are you even waiting for?" Akihiko continued, his words resonating with conviction. "What are you achieving by staying here? Are you well-fed and well-dressed? Has Sand Village regained its strength? Nope. But look at the hero from Sand Village standing beside me, She's thriving in Grass Village. In fact, she's even put on some weight over these past few years!"
A ripple of murmurs and nods spread through the assembled ninjas, acknowledging Pakura's visible well-being as a testament to the opportunities beyond Sand Village's current struggles.
"Who got fat?!" Pakura clenched her fists in frustration. She couldn't believe what Akihiko had just said. She glanced down at herself, trying to discern any noticeable change in her weight. Where did he get the idea that she had gained weight? What was he even talking about?
As she stood there, bewildered by Akihiko's unconventional tactics and the enthusiastic response from the Sand ninjas, Pakura's mouth twitched slightly. She began to understand why Akihiko had been able to unify Grass Village. It wasn't just his strength; it was his ability to captivate and inspire through unconventional means.
But now she couldn't help but wonder about Akihiko's past. Did he always resort to nonsense and bluffing to achieve his goals? Or had he learned this approach from someone else?
Akihiko persisted, undeterred by the initial sparse response. His voice rang out across the Sand Village, determined and persuasive. "If you sign up now, not only will the probation period be halved, but you'll also receive enhanced benefits: food, accommodation, and free pre-employment training. In Grass Village, you can build a secure future for yourselves. Who's ready to join?"
The response was initially hesitant, but Akihiko pressed on, his voice growing louder and more impassioned. "Follow me, and each of you will find a path to success!"
"Guaranteed employment! Guaranteed tasks! No more enduring sandstorms here!" He showcased stacks of employment contracts, emphasizing their transparency. "Look at this! Every detail is clear. As the leader of Grass Village, I swear on the honor of our village advisor, Mubuki, there will be no deception!"
"Join our family! Follow me, and watch your parents regain their vigor, your children rediscover their dreams. Men, stand tall with renewed strength! Women, blossom with grace!"
"Say it with me now! Join us!" He looked at everyone again and shouted.
"Join us!" The chorus grew stronger, echoing like a tidal wave through the village.
Akihiko raised his fist triumphantly. "Louder! Let the world hear you!"
"Join us!" The young Sand ninjas now swept up in the fervor, shouted with renewed excitement and determination.
Seeing the enthusiastic response from the Sand ninjas, Akihiko beamed with satisfaction. "That's it, Sign up quickly. Limited spots available! You're not deserting your village; you're embarking on a new mission."
Cheers erupted, and the crowd began to line up eagerly under Akihiko's guidance.
Meanwhile, Maki and his team, who had been covertly observing the scene, exchanged incredulous looks. Quickly regaining their composure, they sprang into action to disperse the gathering.
"Everyone, disperse! Disperse!" Maki's urgent voice cut through the excitement. "The Grass Village leader is not serious. Go home, now. Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary."
They exchanged a wry smile with each other as they glanced over at Akihiko, who appeared slightly disappointed. This Grass Village leader... Was he a genjutsu master or something?
Before Akihiko could react, they pleaded to him, "Please, Grass Village Leader, spare Sand Village. We cannot endure any more unrest at this moment."
And then, without waiting for Akihiko's response, they motioned for him to follow, "Chiyo-sama is expecting you."
Akihiko could only shrug helplessly in response. He turned to Pakura, who was face-palming beside him, ready to call her along, when he noticed someone hadn't left.
Standing there was a small boy, expressionless, with a large calabash-shaped gourd on his back.
Akihiko's eyes brightened. He approached the boy with kindness in his voice, "Would you like to come to Grass Village, little one?"