Uzumaki Chito watched as Tsunade clung to his arm, her playful, coquettish demeanor leaving him feeling helpless. Despite her teasing, Tsunade knew she couldn't afford to stay idle for long. The establishment of a new Konoha required tremendous effort—recruiting villagers, training new ninjas, and building infrastructure.
"We lack everything," Tsunade admitted, her tone serious. "We need people, ninjas, a complete teaching system, and ninjutsu knowledge. Right now, if you include me, we only have two people with medical expertise."
Uzumaki Chito nodded. "Indeed. When we first built Konoha, there were already many clans eager to join. Population wasn't an issue then, but now we're starting from scratch."
Tsunade's expression brightened slightly. "Population might not be as big of a problem as you think. There are displaced people everywhere because of the constant fighting between ninja villages. Many smaller villages have been destroyed, leaving their inhabitants homeless."
She explained further. "All we need to do is bring those people back to the new Konoha. They'll be grateful for a chance to rebuild their lives."
Uzumaki Chito smiled at her solution. "Naruto can handle this. He has the enthusiasm for it," he said before calling Naruto and the others over.
When Uzumaki Chito addressed the group, he started simply. "What are we missing right now?"
Naruto immediately raised his hand, his excitement bubbling over. "I know! I know! We're missing Ichiraku ramen!" His mouth watered at the thought, nearly drooling.
Uzumaki Chito's expression darkened slightly. "..."
Guy chuckled, patting Naruto's head. "We're missing people, Naruto. To build a new Konoha, we need a population, right?"
"Exactly," Uzumaki Chito said, nodding. "To counter this, Shin-Konoha will welcome anyone who's lost their home. Ninjas from smaller villages, civilians—anyone who wants a fresh start."
Turning to Naruto and Guy, Uzumaki Chito outlined their tasks. "Naruto, you'll lead this recruitment effort. Guy, you and Lee will take another area and do the same. Bring back as many people as you can."
Naruto's face lit up at the responsibility. "I won't let you down, Grandpa!"
Tsunade smirked. "What about me? You're not giving me a mission?"
"You'll have a role, too," Uzumaki Chito assured her. "But you don't need to haggle for it."
Tsunade's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Fine, but I want five seal papers."
"Five? Why do you need so many?" Uzumaki Chito raised an eyebrow. "This mission isn't dangerous. Two at most."
Tsunade pouted. "To call you when I'm bored! Three, and I won't argue."
Uzumaki Chito sighed, relenting. "Fine. Three. But that's the limit." He handed her the papers, shaking his head at her antics.
He then turned to Naruto and Guy, giving each a seal paper of their own. "Use these only in emergencies. The goal isn't just to succeed but to grow stronger."
Tsunade mentioned the Land of Rain as the region with the highest number of displaced people. "That country has been at war for years. Refugees flood in from every direction. It's the perfect place to recruit."
Uzumaki Chito's eyes gleamed slightly. "The Land of Rain, huh? Interesting. The Akatsuki operates from there. It's a good opportunity to see them."
The Land of Rain lived up to its name. The constant downpour painted the entire landscape in shades of gray. Rivers of water streamed through the muddy streets, and the town seemed shrouded in mist.
Naruto grumbled, his hood dripping with rain. "How does anyone live in a place like this?"
Beside him, Uzumaki Chito walked unfazed. The rain evaporated before it could touch him, surrounding him with a light mist. To Naruto, it looked as though his grandfather had stepped out of a myth.
As they walked, Naruto suddenly stopped, his senses alert. "There's someone ahead," he whispered, forming a Rasengan in his hand. With precision, he hurled it into a puddle on the road.
A Hidden Rain ninja in a breathing mask yelped as he was launched into the air before crashing to the ground. He quickly recovered, using water jutsu to flee. Naruto moved to pursue, but Uzumaki Chito stopped him with a wave of his hand.
"Let him go," Uzumaki Chito said lightly. "He'll report back to his leaders. That saves us the trouble of announcing ourselves."
Naruto frowned but relented. "Fine, but this weather is the worst."
Uzumaki Chito looked around and sighed. "You're right. This gloomy atmosphere isn't very welcoming." With a casual flick of his sleeve, he swiped the sky as though erasing a smudge. The dark clouds parted instantly, and sunlight streamed down, illuminating the land.
Naruto's jaw dropped. "That's... incredible. It's like magic."
"Not magic," Uzumaki Chito corrected. "Just an application of power."
In the distance, atop the tallest building in Amegakure, Nagato and Konan stared at the sudden sunlight breaking through the perpetual rain.
"This isn't natural," Konan murmured, her paper wings twitching with unease. "It feels... divine."
Nagato's Rinnegan narrowed as a sense of foreboding settled over him. "Whoever it is, they're not ordinary. We need to be prepared."
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