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Akihiko demonstrated his mastery of his unique ninjutsu, the Paper Release: Seven Fold Paper Wall Technique. Inspired by the Earth Wall Technique, he incorporated the intricate folding of paper to enhance its durability. However, the folding process was no simple feat. While it appeared straightforward at first, after seven-folds, it became as challenging as creating waterproof paper.
Maintaining the proper flow of chakra on the paper was crucial to prevent it from being ordinary paper. Currently, Akihiko's limit was seven folds, but he speculated that he might be able to push its folding capabilities further in the future.
Throughout the years, Akihiko diligently worked on various [ Tasks ] and acquired a vast array of ninjutsu. He had obtained knowledge of the fundamental five elemental ninjutsu and even mastered sealing techniques after completing an [ Task ] assigned by Kana.
In many ways, he embodied the qualities of a well-rounded ninja. His strength was evident as he successfully revitalized the Land of Grass single-handedly. Notably, he personally authored the textbooks used in the academy.
Intending to provide tailored instruction, Akihiko dedicated significant time to organizing all the elemental ninjutsu he had learned, incorporating them into the textbooks. This allowed the students in the academy to select and specialize in ninjutsu that aligned with their interests, talents, and strengths. Unlike the Five Great Ninja Villages, which primarily focused on teaching the basics, Akihiko's academy offered a broader selection of techniques to cater to individual preferences.
Leaving behind a paper clone as a decoy, Akihiko confidently led the workers, fully aware that even if the six ordinary Jonin from the Village Hidden in the Rain attempted to engage the three children, they would not stand a chance against their superior skills, let alone catch them.
The three children possessed exceptional ninja talent, surpassing the average standards. While Akihiko prioritized instilling ideology and moral principles alongside ninjutsu and physical training, he understood that geniuses couldn't be treated with ordinary standards. Although he had delayed their graduation, exposing them to the strength of Jonin from other villages would undoubtedly contribute to their growth.
Akihiko sighed inwardly, realizing that all his efforts were for the sake of these children. As he observed the labor force before him, he noticed a tinge of fear on the faces of ordinary people, likely due to the sudden ninja attack. However, under his guidance, everyone pressed on without faltering. In fact, their pace seemed to quicken.
It was reasonable to assume that during the Second Great Ninja War, the people of the Land of Rain had experienced multiple infiltrations by the Leaf Village and the Sand Village. They had likely become accustomed to the harsh realities of war, and this small-scale situation only momentarily startled them.
…
As they marched forward under Akihiko's unwavering guidance, the group remained resolute and unfazed by the challenges that lay ahead. Despite the muddy ground, the numerous puddles, and the occasional small hills that dotted their path, Akihiko's reassuring words and support propelled them onward, their determination unshaken.
When they had faced enemies earlier, Akihiko had stood by their side, refusing to abandon them. His unwavering faith in their abilities had instilled a sense of resilience within them. Akihiko himself was astounded by the unexpected success of their rescue mission.
As they continued their journey through the Land of Rain, the familiar rain began to fall. Prepared for such conditions, the group donned umbrellas or feathered cloaks. Sudden rain was a regular occurrence in this land, and they were well acquainted with its unpredictability. Akihiko, ever thoughtful, used his oil paper to shield those without umbrellas from the downpour. Along the way, he called for a brief break, allowing everyone to rest, replenish their energy, and fortify themselves for the rest of the journey.
From day to night, fatigue slowly crept upon them. Many were on the verge of surrendering to exhaustion, their determination tested to the limit. They were ordinary people, burdened by hunger and weariness, and the relentless march had taken its toll. The promise of safety lay beyond the borders of the Land of Rain.
After walking for nearly a day and night, signs of exhaustion started to show among the weary travelers. Some gritted their teeth, seemingly on the brink of giving up. These were ordinary people, fatigued and hungry, their bodies worn out from the arduous journey.
Suddenly, a voice cried out, "It looks like someone is coming!"
Everyone, including Akihiko, lifted their heads to see what was approaching. And when they saw the flickering flames drawing closer, a smile spread across Akihiko's face as he declared, "We've arrived, everyone!"
As his words settled in, the group stared in disbelief at the flames advancing toward them. Had they finally reached their destination? A sense of immense relief washed over them, like a heavy burden being lifted. Some individuals, unable to contain their exhaustion any longer, simply collapsed to the ground upon hearing the news. Covered in a mixture of mud, sweat, and rainwater, they paid no mind to their disheveled appearance. With tired yet gleaming eyes and a faint smile, they gazed at the dim sky above.
The sky here felt different from the Land of Rain, but Akihiko paid it no attention. He proceeded toward the approaching flames, and soon enough, a unit of ninjas materialized before them.
The two groups converged, signifying a moment of great significance and historical importance for the Land of Grass. Stepping forward, the leader of the ninja unit visibly relieved to see Akihiko, addressed him with respect as "Leader." Akihiko acknowledged him with a pat on the shoulder, his nod carrying a sense of emotion. He commended, "Well done!"
With a proud expression on his face, the Grass ninja leader declared, "All of this is for the Land of Grass!"
Recognizing the fatigue of the weary group behind him, Akihiko instructed, "Arrange for everyone to eat and rest. We will return to the village early tomorrow morning." He glanced back at the labor force, briefly pondered, and then turned to the captain of the Grass ninjas, asking, "Do we have any medical ninjas available? If so, have them briefly check on our people. We must continue our journey tomorrow."
The Grass ninja captain nodded affirmatively and, noticing the densely packed crowd behind Akihiko, expressed mild surprise, "Could it be that there are over ten thousand people?"
"Yes, over ten thousand!" Akihiko, who had initially planned to recruit thirty thousand laborers, reconsidered the numbers. The Land of Grass was already overwhelmed with the current population, and it would be wiser to exercise caution and wait. Perhaps it would be better to postpone further recruitment until later, maybe even until the Third Great Ninja War when the Hidden Rain Village would be preoccupied with other matters.
"To cultivate the Land of Rain and fertilize the Land of Grass is our duty, but we must proceed step by step," Akihiko sighed, filled with a sense of purpose.
As thoughts of the Land of Rain crossed his mind, Akihiko suddenly remembered something and turned to the ninja in front of him, saying, "Yahiko and the others are still in the Land of Rain. I wonder how they are doing now..." Pausing briefly, as if sensing something, he continued, "They should be safe by now. They will likely arrive in about a day. Please make sure to welcome them."
He let out a sigh, his voice filled with pride, "They are remarkable young individuals. When they sensed the danger, the three of them volunteered to stay behind and buy us precious time. As their teacher, I am immensely proud of them!"
"I never expected Yahiko-sama and the others to possess such courage at such a young age, even before their graduation. It is truly admirable," the Grass Ninja captain responded earnestly. "Leader, rest assured. I will wait here and receive Yahiko-sama and the others with the utmost respect."
"I am counting on you! And remind them to return to the village promptly and complete their assignments!" Akihiko said to the ninja after a brief moment of contemplation.
"Understood. I will make sure to convey your message," the Grass ninja nodded in acknowledgment.
…
Meanwhile, the three young individuals who had successfully evaded the Rain ninjas sought refuge in a secluded house within the Land of Rain.
After outsmarting three of the six Jonin pursuers, the trio made a strategic decision to divert the enemy's attention rather than engage in direct combat. As they sprinted away, an uncanny phenomenon occurred—they seemed to disappear into thin air.
Nagato, with his heightened sensory abilities, detected something unusual, but he chose to keep it to himself. Taking a momentary rest in the humble dwelling, Nagato glanced at Konan and suggested, "We should leave. Akihiko-sensei must be worried about us."
Despite the challenges of dealing with Akihiko's sometimes difficult demeanor, they still held a deep respect for their teacher. However, before Konan could agree with Nagato's proposal, Yahiko exclaimed, "Wait, are we just going to leave like that?"
Perplexed, both Konan and Nagato turned their attention to Yahiko. Why would they stay and observe the rain? Before they could question him, Yahiko abruptly stood up, walked to the table, and lowered his head, looking at them intently, his eyes shining with determination. In a burst of enthusiasm, he raised his right fist and declared, "Even if we were to die today, our names would be remembered for a while. But if we die after accomplishing something significant, we will be remembered forever. Besides, even if we were to die, it would be for the future of our country."
What was he talking about? Who mentioned anything about dying? Their intention was simply to find the opportune moment to make their escape. There was no way they would meet a tragic end. Yet, witnessing Yahiko's earnest demeanor, both Nagato and Konan blinked in surprise, and Nagato urged, "Please, speak clearly!"
Yahiko fell silent for a brief moment, his expression filled with a sense of righteousness. "The people have endured more than enough under the oppressive rule of Sanshōuo no Hanzō," he proclaimed, his gaze fixed upon the sky as if contemplating the plight of those suffering.
"We've already asked you to be straightforward" they exclaimed in frustration. As they voiced their exasperation, Yahiko paused briefly before making a casual remark, "Well, in the end, we'll need some captivating material for our 6,000-word essay on our experiences once we return!"
Both Nagato and Konan looked at Yahiko, rendered speechless by his words
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