~/ Extra Chapter if we Reach 200 Power Stones!!
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On the outskirts of Kumogakure stood a weathered building.
It was a large ninja tool shop, a rare sight these days.
Decades ago, during Kumogakure's peak, there was at least one such shop in every corner of the village.
They sold ninja tools, along with basic intel and restorative medicine.
The muscle-bound ninjas of Kumogakure, after completing their missions and rigorous training, would often gather here to rest their weary legs, replenish their strength with muscle-boosting tonics, and browse for new tools of the trade.
Those seeking to discuss matters or trade information would also frequent this establishment.
In those years, small-scale brawls within the village were not uncommon, but there were always friends who would step in to mediate between the opposing sides. With a few words from the mediator, thirty to fifty Genin would often settle their differences over a bowl of muscle-boosting tonic, turning hostility into camaraderie.
In short, it was a vital hub in its heyday, a place where people could gather, regardless of whether they had business to attend to or not.
Here, one could hear the most absurd news, such as tales of audacious villagers donning masks to participate in robberies alongside the perpetrators. When reported to the Kumogakure Security Force, these incidents would often be dismissed due to the insignificant losses and the sheer number of individuals involved.
Strange intel could also be gleaned here, like the story of a Konoha shop being attacked, where customers, instead of taking advantage of the chaos for some free shopping, actually paid for their goods…
And now, we find ourselves at one such ninja tool shop.
Upon entering, one was greeted by a counter and a dazzling array of ninja tools. Signs reading "No Robbing" were plastered everywhere.
Two merchants, whose names remained unknown, sat at a table, sipping their restorative medicine. They exchanged words in hushed tones, their eyes narrowed in a conspiratorial manner.
"This tonic is truly authentic."
A moment of silence followed.
"You've heard about the recent events in Konoha, right?"
"Of course. Honestly, if it weren't for my family being in the Land of Lightning, I'd be quite inclined to move to the Land of Fire."
"Oh? Why is that? Your business in Kumogakure seems to be doing quite well."
"It is, but when a business reaches my scale, it's not just about making money anymore. What's more important is…"
The merchant dipped his finger in the tonic and wrote two large characters on the wooden table-Environment!
"Although I was born and raised in the Land of Lightning, I have to admit that the atmosphere here is terrible, especially in Kumogakure."
"It's already the 51st year of Kumogakure, and those muscle-brained ninjas, whose heads are filled with who-knows-what, still believe they can achieve everything through brute force."
"Every month, I have to pay a hefty sum to security ninjas."
As he touched upon this sensitive topic, the merchant's voice involuntarily rose, his tone laced with resentment.
Merchants had long suffered under this oppressive environment!
The other merchant nodded in agreement. "I survey the heroes of the world, and the Raikage is tyrannical, the Mizukage bloodthirsty, the Kazekage ruthless, the Tsuchikage antiquated. Only Minato Namikaze can be considered a true hero…"
He hesitated for a moment. "And with the news about the Konoha shop… although its authenticity is uncertain, it's certainly appealing. Not only can one make money there, but interacting with the ninjas and villagers of Konoha would also be more pleasant."
"It's likely true. I have a friend who…"
"Indeed. I heard from my relatives in the Land of Fire that the commission prices in Konoha are lower than in the other four Great Shinobi Villages. And the newly appointed Hokage, Minato Namikaze, has implemented many policies that benefit us merchants…"
After the two merchants departed, the shop owner emerged from behind the counter.
As he cleaned the table, his eyes grew brighter.
The recent rumors circulating among the common folk in Konoha concerned a ninja tool shop being attacked. This information originated from a magazine called "Iki."
While others might not have understood the significance, he, as a victim of Kumogakure's oppressive atmosphere, felt his heart stir with excitement, yearning, and a sense of hope…
There were three key takeaways-
No need to worry about customers not paying, no need to worry about customers turning into masked bandits, and no need to worry about the village's Security Force being unresponsive.
It was a win-win situation.
*Thump-thump…*
The shop owner, Kobori Taiten's heart beat faster.
After wiping the table, he involuntarily walked towards the entrance, gazing at the shop sign that had been passed down through generations since his grandfather…
Kobori Taiten made a decision that went against his ancestors-he would relocate his entire shop!
"Konoha, here I come!"
Kobori Taiten was a traditional Kumogakure villager with exceptional drive. Having made his decision, he swiftly lowered the shop's shutters and returned inside to gather his belongings.
Within a short time, everything inside the shop was packed and ready to go.
He also had an ancestral shop in Konoha. As for this one in Kumogakure… he would entrust someone to find a suitable buyer.
He would become a Konoha defector!
On a quiet afternoon, a group of burly ninjas and villagers, their eyes gleaming with mischief, gathered near the ninja tool shop.
They were here to restock their supplies.
Their roles were clearly defined. Some posed as ordinary customers, creating a lively atmosphere and encouraging genuine customers to join in the free-for-all. Others played the role of bandits, applying external pressure.
This tactic had never failed them. Each time, they would successfully acquire free restorative medicine and useful ninja tools.
Kumogakure was a village that revered strength and upheld the principle of might makes right. Even if the matter escalated to the Security Force… those muscle-bound officers would likely only reprimand the shop owner for lacking the strength to protect his own property.
Of course, if the amount involved was significant, the Security Force wouldn't stand idly by.
Therefore, each time they raided the shop, these professional ninjas made sure to keep their loot within a reasonable limit.
However, today, their plan backfired…
"Huh? Why isn't it open? It's usually open at this time."
"Leader, look at the door. There's something posted there."
The ninjas gathered around and squinted at the sign-
[Shop Relocation]
[We have relocated to Land of Fire, Konohagakure, New Commercial Street, No. 666 (Diagonally opposite the Land of Fire's official publishing house in Konoha)]
[A brand new environment for a better experience!]
[Upgraded Tonics, New Ninja Tools, Comfortable Environment]
[Welcome new and returning customers!]
The ninjas: "?"
The most muscular of the dark-skinned ninjas scratched his head. "Leader, what does it say? Read it to us."
Literacy rates among ninjas were generally low, especially in the less developed Kumogakure.
Even those who could read were considered highly educated.
"Relocation…"
"Moved to Konoha."
"What? Moved to Konoha?!"
The dark-skinned ninja exclaimed in surprise, then his face lit up with excitement. "If we go to Konoha and rob him now, not only will we avoid being caught and detained by the Security Force, but we'll also be completing an official mission for the village!"
"Theoretically, yes."
The leader, a slightly less muscular ninja addressed as "Leader," responded with a serious expression:
"But how do you expect a group of Genin and a single Chunin to breach Konoha's defenses and rob a shop there?!"
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To Be Continued...
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