[Emotional energy detected: Faith +5000 points]
[Insufficient threshold for cursed spirit activation]
[Energy stored for future use]
Faith energy?
Shiratori thought of the little girl from just now. That old woman seemed to call the girl "Yuki," didn't she?
An unexpected windfall.
He soon spotted Hanzō and his men.
Instead of returning directly to the office, Hanzō went to the wide plaza in front of the iron tower. He stood on a high platform at the center, his eyes sweeping across the many ninjas gathered there.
Shiratori walked over to him. Coming to Hanzō's side, he received a nod from him.
Looking at the ninjas, Hanzō said, "Now that the war has ended, it is time to rebuild Ame."
"Yes!"
The ninjas answered in unison. They looked at him with shining eyes, full of anticipation.
To finally rebuild their homeland, how could they not be moved?
They had shed so much blood, fought so many battles, just to see this day. Along the way, countless comrades had been lost. Fortunately, the final outcome had not disappointed them.
Hanzō slightly raised his gaze, looking toward the tall buildings at the center of the village that had not been destroyed.
No matter how many trials and pains befell this village, this country, its iron frame had never been broken.
Now, they would restore its flesh and blood. They would breathe new life into it. A surge of pride and ambition filled Hanzō's chest.
"To make the rebuilding more efficient, we must do three things at once."
Standing at his side, Shiratori listened. The more he heard, the more it sounded familiar, almost like a mayor giving a speech.
But Hanzō wasn't a mayor; he was the village leader.
"First, we must quickly drive out any ninjas from other villages within our borders, and create an atmosphere of peace and stability in the Land of Rain."
Shiratori nodded in agreement.
"Second, we must immediately train the next generation of ninjas!"
Hanzō's voice grew heavy.
"We've lost too many comrades on the battlefield. The number of ninjas we have left is far from enough. We must quickly train a new generation of excellent ninjas!"
His eyes grew solemn, sweeping across the crowd before settling on Shiratori.
If only the village had more ninjas with talent like him... But Hanzō knew well: with Shiratori's level of gift, there might not be a second such person in the entire shinobi world.
That he had become a ninja of Ame was already heaven's blessing.
"Therefore, we must first establish a Ninja Academy!"
Shiratori nodded again.
"As long as we provide safe lodging and free food, I believe many children across the Land of Rain will come to receive ninja training!"
He looked at Hanzō, at this moment, the fearsome Salamander truly seemed like a qualified leader.
Just as he said: in these times, countless people in the Land of Rain couldn't even eat their fill or stay warm. Given this opportunity, most would not refuse.
Risking it was better than starving.
The Land of Rain was small, but surely there were still children with ninja talent to be found.
Seeing the ninjas fall into thought, Hanzō continued, "Third, while rebuilding, we must also strengthen patrols throughout the Land of Rain and the village. We must prevent malicious incidents, and at the same time extend aid to the people, changing their attitude."
In the end, ninjas were supported by the people.
If the citizens of a nation were homeless and destitute, its ninja village could not possibly be strong.
Only when the people lived in peace and security could they provide resources for the village's development.
Only when the village was strong could it, in turn, provide peace and security for the people.
The two were interdependent. he had to stabilize the people quickly and restore order to the chaotic Land of Rain.
When he finished, he felt a burning gaze at his side.
Looking over, he saw Shiratori staring at him with eyes full of admiration.
A faint smile flickered across Hanzō's eyes.
"Sensei, you're amazing!" Shiratori said it from the bottom of his heart.
If only Hanzō had always been this amazing... unfortunately, later in life he became cautious and suspicious, and made many mistakes.
[Reminiscence detected: Hanzō +5000 points]
[Energy transferred to Choso]
[Development progress: 56.7%]
Hanzō looked at him, unable to stop his sigh.
Wonderful.
Even after so many cruel wars, his heart had not changed. He was still as kind and gentle as ever, bringing warmth to others.
"I'm willing to go and drive out the ninjas from other villages who are staying in the Land of Rain!"
Shiratori volunteered for the task. That way, he could also continue gathering emotional energy. He might even sneak off to wander around a battlefield.
Hanzō frowned slightly, concern written on his face.
Shiratori's strength was indeed considerable, but as a teacher, he could never let go of his worry for his student.
"Don't worry. If I can't win, I'll come back and ask for your help!" Shiratori winked mischievously at him.
Hanzō couldn't help but let his eyes soften into a smile.
After thinking it over carefully, he realized that aside from himself, there probably wasn't anyone in Ame who could truly match Shiratori.
Though his raw strength wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, his cursed spirits were not to be underestimated. With those curses protecting him, he might not necessarily be in danger.
And Hanzō himself needed to stay and guard Ame, he couldn't leave.
Given the circumstances, Shiratori was indeed the best candidate for this first mission.
"Sensei... Do you still remember my dream?"
Lost in thought, Hanzō was momentarily stunned by the sudden question.
Before he could answer, Shiratori continued, "I said I wanted to become a ninja as strong as you. You led the Land of Rain to drive out the enemy and welcome peace. As your student, I too will drive away all threats to the Land of Rain, and complete what you could not finish."
[Reminiscence detected: Hanzō +5000 points]
[Energy transferred to Choso]
[Development progress: 57.2%]
How could Hanzō ever forget his dream?
Back in the office, when he had first spoken of it, his eyes had been so bright.
He let out a long breath.
He should believe in him.
Shiratori had already created so many miracles. This mission, he could accomplish it too. Though still young, he was mature and determined.
"Good."
Hanzō's voice was firm and strong. He looked at Shiratori, who had already grown taller, his pupils glowing with light as he fixed him with a firm gaze:
"You will always be my proudest student."
Shiratori froze for a moment.
What's going on?
Usually he was the one farming Hanzō's emotional energy, why was Hanzō farming his this time?
He bit his lip, tears of emotion welling up in his eyes.
"Sensei! I will do even better! Please believe in me!"
His voice rang in everyone's ears.
Hanzō looked at him and said firmly, "I believe."
For a moment, Hanzō felt as if he had returned to the day he first met Shiratori.
Time had flown, it had already been over a year.
[Reminiscence detected: Hanzō +5000 points]
[Energy transferred to Choso]
[Development progress: 57.7%]
---
Hanzō's efficiency in handling matters was astonishing. As soon as he finished his speech, the reconstruction work of Ame began.
First came the dismantling of the iron nets in the central district of Ame and the clearing away of the ruins.
For ninjas, these tasks were nothing strenuous.
"To think we left such a dangerous mission to him, while we're here doing work that even ordinary people could do..."
As Ken hoisted a massive boulder, he spoke with a tone of self-mockery.
Walking beside him, Yagumo glanced at him and said, "Ken, believe in him. His strength is more than enough to handle it! Maybe by the time he comes back, he'll have grown into someone so powerful that even we'll be afraid of him!"
A smile unconsciously appeared on Yagumo's face.
Ken gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "Of course I know his strength... it's just... I feel a little guilty."
Those who should be out fighting were supposed to be them. But because of their weakness, a boy had to take their place on such a dangerous mission.
Ken's heart was full of guilt.
"If you feel guilty, then work harder!"
Amanagi placed his hand firmly on Ken's shoulder.
He looked at him seriously: "When he returns, let him see a village already taking shape. That will be the best gift we can give him!"
Ken was startled. Looking at Amanagi, a sudden realization struck him.
Yes!
Shiratori carried such deep feelings for Ame.
Of course, he would wish to see a strong and thriving village.
At that moment, his guilt was instantly replaced by a stronger sense of determination.
His entire body brimmed with strength.
Seeing Ken so motivated, Amanagi smiled.
---
Meanwhile, Shiratori had already set out on his journey. His figure darted swiftly through the forest.
Flying was convenient, but it was also time to train his legs, so they wouldn't weaken.
He landed lightly on the branch of the last great tree at the edge of the forest. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, he stretched out his arms. "So this is the taste of freedom."
Looking straight ahead, he revealed a smile.
His crows had not yet found any other ninjas from hidden villages lurking within the Land of Rain.
But he already knew of one, Jiraiya.
Without hesitation, he sped toward the seaside hut.
---
At that same time, inside the seaside hut, Jiraiya had already thought of the same thing as Shiratori.
His expression was somewhat heavy.
Now that a full ceasefire had been reached within the Land of Rain, and with Hanzō having issued an expulsion order, any ninjas not from Ame were to leave immediately.
As a Konoha ninja, he had no reason to remain.
If he were discovered by Ame, it might even affect the relationship between Ame and Konoha.
The hard-won ceasefire between the two villages, he absolutely did not want to see it ruined because of his presence.
Perhaps... it was time to leave.
He withdrew his gaze and looked toward Yahiko and Konan, who were earnestly training their ninjutsu by the sea. He wondered if, before leaving, he would still have the chance to see Shiratori once more.
A quiet sigh escaped from the depths of his heart.
Just then, Yahiko came running toward Jiraiya in high spirits.
"Jiraiya-sensei!"
"I did it!"
"I've mastered a new jutsu!"
Yahiko's face was full of uncontrollable excitement and joy.
Jiraiya smiled, stood up, and began walking toward Nagato and Konan.
Yahiko stopped in his tracks, then quickly caught up, pestering Jiraiya to teach him another powerful jutsu.
But Jiraiya said nothing. He halted in front of Nagato and Konan.
Yahiko also stopped, his smile faltering slightly. Looking at Jiraiya, his intuition told him something was wrong.
"What's the matter, Jiraiya-sensei? Did something happen?"
Yahiko scratched the back of his head, asking in confusion.
Jiraiya looked at the three children before him.
Their growth was clear for all to see.
Although none of them had the overwhelming talent and innate power of Shiratori, their strength was already enough to protect themselves.
As long as they could survive on their own, he would have nothing to worry about.
It was indeed time for him to leave.
He had hidden in the Land of Rain for too long. Now he had to return and face his own battlefield.
"Yahiko, Nagato, Konan."
He called their names one by one.
Nagato lifted his head slightly, his eyes fixing on his teacher.
"Jiraiya-sensei..."
Konan seemed to sense it already. Her eyes were faintly red.
Jiraiya smiled, not hesitating, speaking directly: "It's time for me to go."
Yahiko froze on the spot.
"Where are you going?"
He stared at Jiraiya, asking.
"I have to leave the Land of Rain and return to Konoha."
Jiraiya told him plainly.
Yahiko's expression went blank. Their time together with Jiraiya had been so joyful that he had almost forgotten...
Forgotten that Jiraiya was a Konoha ninja.
Forgotten that Jiraiya would not always be with them.
"Then... what about us?"
He didn't want Jiraiya to leave.
If he left, where were they supposed to go?
It felt as though Yahiko were shrouded in a thick fog, trapped, lost, with no idea which way to turn.
"Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, I was always going to return to Konoha. I was always going to leave you one day. And you... you should walk your own paths in life."
Jiraiya spoke to them gently.
Konan's quiet sobbing reached his ears, softening his heart. "After a year of training, you now have the strength to protect yourselves..."
He paused, glancing at Yahiko. "If you really don't know which path to take... then go find him."
"I won't go to him!"
Yahiko immediately snapped back.
"He works for Hanzō!"
"I don't want to work for Hanzō!"
Tears welled in Yahiko's eyes as he shouted loudly.
Jiraiya sighed and decided to let the matter drop. "Before I leave, I'll test your strength, and give you my guidance one last time."
"What about him?"
Konan asked through tears, looking at him. "Jiraiya-sensei, won't you say goodbye to him?"
Jiraiya fell silent.
"Jiraiya-sensei!"
A clear, youthful voice rang out from the distance.