"Don't be nervous."
Seeing Roshi tense up and form hand seals, ready to attack upon hearing his words, the Uzu-nin smiled and said, "We do not discriminate against jinchūriki here."
This needed to be made clear to avoid pushing him to the brink and causing an incident.
After all, tailed beasts and jinchūriki…
Their reputation in the shinobi world was far from good.
Both shinobi and civilians feared them deeply.
But…
Uzushiogakure needed such talents.
Because tailed beasts had massive amounts of chakra.
The Uzu-nin took out a document and handed it over, smiling as he said, "It's just that shinobi with summoning creatures or tailed beasts have a bit more paperwork."
"You'll need to apply for an additional permit. Take a look."
When Roshi heard the Uzu-nin's words, though they showed no signs of attacking, he remained wary. Suspicious, he took the document and examined it carefully…
"Uzushiogakure Pet Ownership Regulations
To beautify and purify the living environment of Uzushiogakure, maintain public order, prevent the spread of disease, and protect the lawful rights of Uzushiogakure citizens, the following regulations are hereby established:
1. Pet ownership must be registered in accordance with regulations…
…
…
"
In summary, it outlined the legal requirements for pet ownership, maintaining cleanliness, responsible care, and a final clause stating that the owner would bear full responsibility if Uzushiogakure's lawful rights were violated.
Roshi's mouth twitched. Keeping summoning creatures or tailed beasts in Uzushiogakure was this troublesome?
As for the Four-Tails…
"This damned country," Son Gokū roared upon seeing the document in Roshi's hands. "Who's a pet?!"
"I am the great Four-Tails…"
Of course…
Roshi ignored him. While the conditions were numerous, if it truly meant…
No discrimination against jinchūriki, then how wonderful that would be.
"Where do I need to go to apply for these permits?" Roshi handed the document back and asked the Uzu-nin. "Is it complicated?"
"Not at all," the Uzu-nin shook his head with a reassuring smile. "For summoning creatures, it might be a bit more troublesome."
"But since tailed beasts are chakra entities, they don't require vaccinations. You just need to complete the registration."
"Once you enter, you can go to the Uzushiogakure Pet Hospital to handle it," the Uzu-nin handed over another document. "These are Uzushiogakure's traffic laws and route maps."
"Before entering, please read them carefully."
"Violating Uzushiogakure's laws will result in penalties."
Roshi frowned as he took it, skimming through it to get a general idea.
Penalties were divided into fines, community service, imprisonment…
Basically just those few.
Roshi nodded and was about to return it when the Uzu-nin shook his head and smiled. "These are for you, to help you familiarize yourself with Uzushiogakure's environment and avoid accidents."
"Alright, the registration is complete."
The Uzu-nin organized Roshi's documents.
"You may enter now."
"Thank you." Hearing the Uzu-nin's words, Roshi paused, then nodded. Holding the entry permit, he walked toward the checkpoint.
For some reason…
He felt something strange inside.
Could it be…
The Uzu-nin really wouldn't capture him?
After all, he had the Four-Tails sealed within him.
"Don't overthink it," Son Gokū spoke up again in Roshi's mind, bored. "Such people don't exist in the shinobi world."
"Uzushiogakure is just lying to trick you."
"Is that so?" Roshi's heart wavered, torn between longing for such a place and disbelief that it could exist. He murmured, "Should jinchūriki really be discriminated against?"
However…
Before Roshi could step inside…
"By the way," the Uzu-nin suddenly turned back and smiled. "You don't need to hide your identity as a jinchūriki."
"As long as you don't break the law, Uzushiogakure does not oppose anyone."
"This includes…"
"Jinchūriki."
With that, he turned back to continue processing the next person.
Pulling in a jinchūriki would surely earn him extra points for his performance review.
And…
This year's bonus was guaranteed. His boss might even give him a raise.
"Next." The Uzu-nin smiled at the person in line. "Hurry up, no dilly-dallying."
"No need?" Roshi lowered his head, a faint smile forming. "Jinchūriki…"
If Uzushiogakure truly was like this…
Roshi felt he needed to take a closer look at this place.
As for Son Gokū…
This time, he didn't argue with Roshi, sighing softly instead.
The Uzu-nin's words reminded him of what the Sage of Six Paths once said…
If everyone could understand and communicate with one another, peace would surely come to the shinobi world.
But…
After all these years, true peace had yet to be achieved.
Humans were selfish, desire-driven creatures. Over the years, the tailed beasts had witnessed countless wars started over trivial matters.
Sometimes, a single absurd reason was enough to spark conflict.
And the tailed beasts…
Had always followed the Sage's teachings, never causing trouble or stirring chaos. Yet humans, driven by power and greed, sought to control them.
At first, things were fine.
Because the tailed beasts were too powerful to be captured.
Until…
Two anomalies appeared in the shinobi world, capturing them as easily as house cats.
In the end, they were all sealed away.
Trapped in these cramped spaces.
"Maybe," Son Gokū murmured before closing his eyes again.
Whether it was true or not…
He…
Didn't know either.
"Don't look so glum." Jiraiya patted Nagato's shoulder with a grin. "It's not that I won't pay you back. It's just that kids shouldn't carry so much money."
"As your teacher, I'll reluctantly hold onto it for you until you grow up."
But…
Nagato's face stiffened as he gave Jiraiya a disdainful look. "Who said I'd become your student?"
Who'd believe that?
His mother used to say the same thing, but…
He never got a single coin back.
"Hahaha." Jiraiya laughed heartily, hands on his hips. "Happy now?"
"Not just anyone can become the Toad Sage's student."
This kid…
Was so excited he froze up.
"I…" Nagato was about to retort when Jiraiya cut him off.
"I know, I know, you're too excited. But…" Jiraiya chuckled, patting Nagato's shoulder with a knowing smile. "As a shinobi, this won't do."
"Though it's indeed unbelievable that the great Toad Sage would take you as a student."
"Still, a shinobi must remain calm in all situations, never losing composure."
"You…"
"Still have a long way to go."
Jiraiya sighed. "But I won't blame you."
"After all…"
"I'm just that outstanding, that amazing, that handsome. Your excitement is understandable."
"..."
Nagato decided to stop talking to Jiraiya.
He could tell…
Someone this narcissistic…
Must be single.
So, Nagato figured it was best not to get too close.
That 5,000 ryō…
He'd let it go.
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