The Land of Valleys (Nagi/Nan) is a small island nation nestled in the southern seas. Boasting a pleasant climate and abundant crops, it was largely spared from the flames of the Great Shinobi World Wars.
Now under the administrative wing of the Land of Wind, the island thrives with a newfound prosperity.
The core of the nation's governance is the Daoshou (Sword-Hunter) Estate at the island's center. Established by the Daoshou clan—the only bloodline clan on the island—it holds a firm grip on the nation's economic lifeblood.
Since the Sand took control, the Daoshou clan has remained the most powerful local entity, existing in a state of delicate cooperation with the Hidden Sand Village.
Lush hot spring resorts and bustling casinos have sprung up around the estate, creating a vibrant island scene.
During Shiraishi's inauguration as Kazekage, the Daoshou clan even sent envoys to observe, maintaining the facade of harmony between local forces and the foreign Sand occupation.
However, this peace was shattered by the opening of Shiraishi's Ninja School branch.
In the Land of Wind, there are now three ninja schools. The first, where Shiraishi personally served as principal in the Old Sand Village, has migrated to the Oasis Ring and merged with the second "Elite" academy. The third is this branch school in the Land of Valleys.
Ryoji Morimoto, Shiraishi's student, personally traveled to the island to serve as principal. By recruiting talented local children and offering free tuition, he attracted a flood of applicants. In this era, becoming a ninja is the only way for a commoner family to change its destiny.
This school stands in direct opposition to the Daoshou clan's monopoly on power. Though the clan showed restraint due to the Sand's military might, their shadowy interference never ceased.
The Silent Principal
"One-third of the students have withdrawn?"
Ryoji Morimoto frowned as he looked over the list of dropouts. Unlike the generous Nagase or the lively Hoshino, Ryoji was a man of few words and a cold demeanor—a byproduct of the trauma his family suffered during the Yamaji clan's past upheaval.
The staff nearby broke into a cold sweat under his icy gaze. The reason for the withdrawals was clear: families were being intimidated by "unknown forces" or seeing their businesses sabotaged.
To survive on the island, they had to abandon their children's dreams of becoming shinobi.
"Is it the Daoshou clan?"
Ryoji's expression chilled. The Land of Valleys' economy was stable; if a conflict over the school became too violent, it would disrupt Shiraishi's long-term maritime strategy. Yet, the school issue had to be resolved.
"Perhaps we can find a breakthrough with Soji."
Sojiwas the clan's child prodigy. At only fourteen, his strength had already reached a staggering level. Recently, he had been living a monk-like existence in a remote area of the island, dedicated solely to his training.
Three years ago, when the island was still under Mist rule, Mist rogue ninjas turned pirates and attacked.
When the local clan could no longer hold the line, Soji drew his blade. He single-handedly decimated the Mist elite pirates, becoming the island's guardian and symbol.
Ryoji's plan was simple: invite Soji to become a teacher at the school.
Ryoji eventually found Soji's training ground: a clearing by a crystal-clear lake. The boy sat cross-legged on the water's surface, undisturbed by the arrival of outsiders.
As Ryoji approached, the boy slowly opened his eyes, and a strange sensation caused Ryoji to halt.
"Mr. Morimoto," Soji spoke softly, "do you know the meaning of happiness?"
"Happiness? Pursuing such a thing is meaningless," Ryoji replied. To him, happiness was just a mutation of pain—like a drop of water in the desert that vanishes the moment it hits the tongue, only making the subsequent thirst more agonizing.
"If you think that way, aren't you just running in circles?" Soji asked.
Ryoji was stirred, but he didn't stop. He couldn't fail Shiraishi's expectations. He gripped his black sword tightly.
"One duel. If I win, you join the Ninja School as an instructor. If I lose, the Sand will never bother you again."
Soji shook his head. Another poor soul brainwashed by the Sand, he thought. He slowly raised his own blade.
The Red Grade Card
Meanwhile, back in the Hidden Sand Village, Shiraishi was in his private training grounds.
Violent Natural Energy pulsed under his feet, manifesting as a field of purple flames. Clad in cyan robes, Shiraishi felt the energy go berserk.
Within the range of this "Nature's Wrath," any ordinary chakra became highly unstable. It was similar to Orochimaru's Cursed Seal, but far more volatile; if this energy were forced into a normal human, they would likely mutate and die instantly.
As Shiraishi's proficiency with the purple flames increased, a new interface suddenly flickered on his system screen.
The system was frantically absorbing the berserk natural energy from the surroundings, fueling a synthesis progress bar.
A card template slowly materialized. Its borders and overall style were unlike anything Shiraishi had ever seen—it wasn't gold, but a deep, dark red.
System Notification: Supreme-Tier Card Unlocked.
Shiraishi had always known the hierarchy: White, Green, Blue, Purple, Gold, and Red. He had never encountered a Red card before.
It appeared they weren't scattered in the world but had to be "forged" through specific conditions.
As the card unlocked, the purple flames around Shiraishi converged. They solidified behind him, forming the towering silhouette of a Giant of Light.
As the giant extended its fists, it felt as though it could shatter mountains and rend the very earth.
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