Chapter 13: A Possible Path to Becoming a Ninja (Part 2)
Of course, Chiba couldn't be 100% certain that Yahiko and the others lived in this relatively peaceful region.
After all, there were some scattered peaceful areas farther from the battlefront or in remote locations.
However, the likelihood of their presence in this region was significantly higher based on probability.
Even if they were in this region, finding them among such a vast area was no easy task.
Thankfully, Chiba had other clues to narrow his search.
First, if they were indeed in this peaceful region, they would likely be far from any active battlefront.
Why? Because peaceful areas near battle zones would naturally attract large numbers of orphans.
In the current chaos of the Land of Rain, orphans were everywhere.
During their journey, the group had passed through two towns. Despite his own limitations, Natsuki had stubbornly taken in over a dozen orphans—those youngest and most vulnerable.
Even then, hundreds more orphans had been left behind, as Natsuki simply couldn't take in any more. This had visibly weighed on him, dampening his spirits in recent days.
Given Yahiko and the others' kind-hearted nature, Chiba was certain they would have formed a larger group if their town had many orphans.
Since their group consisted of only the three of them, it strongly suggested that their town was far from the battlefront, where most orphans wouldn't have reached.
Secondly, Chiba was fairly certain that the town they lived in was relatively large.
The abundance of goods and merchants in their town suggested a thriving market.
Would a small town with a population of just one or two thousand have that many merchants and stalls?
Not likely.
If Yahiko and his friends relied on stealing to survive, a small town would quickly recognize and ostracize them. In such a case, they wouldn't have had the opportunity to sustain themselves.
Chiba estimated the town needed at least four to five thousand residents—if not more—to provide sufficient resources for their survival.
Though four to five thousand people might not seem like much, in the Land of Rain, towns of that size were relatively rare.
These clues significantly narrowed the potential search area.
For most people, even with such information, finding the town would still be impossible. After all, without a detailed map or knowledge of the Land of Rain's geography, how could they locate the right town?
Fortunately, Chiba had a valuable resource: Natsuki, a man who had traveled extensively throughout the Land of Rain and beyond.
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"Brother Natsuki, I just remembered something," Chiba began, feigning sudden realization. "When I was young, I visited some relatives with my parents. I can't remember exactly where it was, but..."
As Chiba described the town's conditions, Natsuki frowned thoughtfully.
"There are quite a few towns that fit that description in this direction... But are you sure your relatives are still there?"
"No problem! I stayed in that town for a long time. If we go there, I'll definitely recognize it," Chiba replied confidently.
Natsuki nodded, seemingly convinced. "Alright, once we're settled, I'll help you find your relatives."
Chiba pretended to be excited, thanking Natsuki profusely.
However, Natsuki quickly turned hesitant.
"The problem is, based on what you've described, there are over thirty towns that fit. Covering so many places would be quite difficult... Do you have any more specific clues?"
Chiba frowned, pretending to think. Then he remembered a detail: Yahiko and the others had once stolen fish from a stall.
This was a crucial clue!
While riverside towns might be common in other countries, the Land of Rain was different.
With its abundant rainfall, water was plentiful, and most places could rely on wells rather than rivers. Irrigation wasn't necessary, and farmers often worried more about overwatering than droughts.
As a result, towns near rivers or lakes were relatively rare.
"Near a river, you say?" Natsuki pondered for a moment before nodding.
"In that case, the search becomes much easier. There are probably fewer than ten large towns near rivers in this direction."
"Really? Could you tell me more about these towns, Brother Natsuki?"
Moments later, Chiba walked away with a crudely drawn map, brimming with excitement.
Although he couldn't guarantee the towns on the map included the right one—after all, some details were based on speculation—the odds were much better than aimless wandering.
Holding the map tightly, Chiba's eyes burned with determination. If luck was on his side, he would soon begin his journey to learn ninjutsu.
Of course, if this plan failed, Chiba had backup options.
For instance, he could seek out Jiraiya during the later stages of the war. Surely, if Jiraiya accepted Yahiko and the others, he wouldn't refuse Chiba.
However, this would be riskier and far more difficult, especially without someone like Zetsu guiding and protecting him.
Another option was to become a samurai in a smaller country. Chiba knew of a few noble kings with relatively decent reputations. With some effort, he might find an opportunity.
Failing that, he could try becoming a merchant, amassing wealth to hire rogue ninjas as tutors.
Yet, none of these alternatives compared to being taken under Jiraiya's wing.
Looking at the crude map in his hands, Chiba sighed deeply.
"I hope... I can fulfill my dream."
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