Inside Shukaku's Strongest Service Area.
After several years of operation, many things have changed here.
For instance, that once-glamorous psychological counselor has now become the noble matriarch of the Hatake Clan.
And for example, the bunny girl greeter at the gate who once made one of the Sannin suffer a crushing defeat is now a supervisor.
Furthermore, various vendors have opened in the plaza, selling Yakisoba (fried noodles), fried rice noodles, Yakiniku (barbecue), and more, providing tourists with a wider variety of gourmet choices.
Additionally, next to the three main buildings, a new small building has appeared.
On it, it is written:
[Talent Recruitment Entrance!!!]
That's right, it has become this blatant.
Moreover, this isn't the only location; there is also one over in Ame no Kuni (Land of Rain).
After all, the presence of the Chinoike Clan and the Uzumaki Clan in Sunagakure has long ceased to be a secret.
Yet after all these years, who has come to pick a fight with Sunagakure? Who would even dare to pick a fight with Sunagakure!
Originally, the Daimyō of Kaminari no Kuni (Land of Lightning) had mentioned the Chinoike matter to the Sandaime Raikage.
But then what? He didn't consider how the Sandaime Raikage was able to hold a grandson now!
As for the Daimyō's condemnation, it was 'read but not replied to.'
What a joke. They don't even respect the Daimyō of Kaze no Kuni (Land of Wind), so why would they care about you, the Daimyō of Kaminari no Kuni?
However, that letter of condemnation didn't even reach the hands of Kaze no Kuni's Daimyō. Currently, over seventy percent of the officials in Kaze no Kuni are Sunaen's people.
The remaining thirty percent are all relatives of the Daimyō, and they all belong to the group of people without talent.
But the minister in charge of diplomatic affairs happened not to be among those relatives. Thus, that letter of condemnation was sent directly to Sunagakure by that minister.
Therefore, two years ago, Sunaen announced this plan within Sunagakure.
Not a single person opposed it! Even Elder Gen'ichi, who used to be the most opposed, is now a loyal follower of Sunaen.
Furthermore, Sunaen also established dedicated recruitment points at the service area and the Trade City.
He was telling the Shinobi World:
Sunagakure, one of the Gokudai Shinobi Sato (Five Great Ninja Villages), has begun to absorb talent and Shinobi Clans!
If you are still regretting not joining before the Five Great Ninja Villages were established, then the opportunity is before you once again. Do not hesitate!
Limited spots! Join early, enjoy early!
At this moment, outside the recruitment building in the service area.
A woman with golden hair and round-rimmed glasses walked in.
Her face was full of gentleness, but her heart was complicated.
Because before she came, that great figure had told her that as long as she completed this mission, she would be allowed to retire and live a peaceful life!
So she came.
But when she saw the mission contents, she suspected someone was playing her.
After all, who would write a spy mission so ridiculously?
[Mission Content: Take this Gold Card to the recruitment building of Sunagakure to apply. After succeeding, work diligently and find out the details of the Sandaime Kazekage's Kuchiyose (Summon) and the physical condition of the older generation in Sunagakure!]
Look at this, what kind of mission is this!
What do you mean 'just take this card and apply'? Is this what a spy should do!
Who goes undercover like this? Can someone who goes undercover like this even be a serious spy?
Whoever wants this job can have it, anyway she...
"Name?"
"Yakushi Nonō."
"What is your strength level?"
"Chūnin."
"Do you have any specialties?"
"I know basic Iryō Ninjutsu (Medical Ninjutsu)."
"Where are you from?"
"A wandering Shinobi."
"A Nukenin (Rogue Ninja)?"
"Uh... technically... yes."
"Don't be nervous. Sunagakure is a very inclusive Shinobi village. As long as you weren't heinous or committed crimes in the past, and you follow Sunagakure's laws and regulations after joining, no one will target you.
Alright, take your registration form, go next door for an inspection and stamping, and then you can get on the bus to Sunagakure."
The Sunagakure Shinobi sitting at the desk handed the form to Nonō and spoke to her with a smile.
"Eh, is it done just like that?"
"Yes, do you have any other questions?"
"Then... then what is this card for?"
As she spoke, Nonō took out the Gold Card she had been keeping in her pocket.
Printed on the Gold Card were:
[Exclusive Talent]
[Come Quickly]
Eight large characters.
Before Nonō could finish her sentence...
She saw the staff member in front of her already stand up.
"My lady, could you let us verify this card!"
"Oh, oh, alright."
With that, she handed the card to the other party.
"Please wait a moment!"
Soon, that staff member came running back.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! I didn't expect you to actually possess a Gold Card made by the Kazekage-sama! You should know that these can only be manufactured by the Kazekage-sama, and only talents who have caught the Kazekage-sama's eye can own them! Each one is worth a fortune! The back of the card has an anti-counterfeiting mark specially made by the Kazekage-sama!"
"???!!!"
[What are you saying! A card only the Kazekage-sama can make! Does that mean my spy career is about to be exposed! Is it too late for me to run now!
Damn Danzō! Could it be he wants me to just go die!]
Konohagakure.
Inside the Root underground base.
"Achoo!"
"Who is plotting against this old man? That damn Hiruzen, to actually give me so few people! What can I do with so few people!"
"Has the Gold Card from Orochimaru's side been put back?"
"Reporting to Danzō-sama! It has been put back, guaranteed to be identical!"
"Very good!"
"Doesn't the Sandaime Kazekage claim to turn no one away? Doesn't he write that he's willing to accept wandering Shinobi Clans and wandering Shinobi? Very good! Then this old man will grant his wish. I'll send a 'talent' over to him and let him understand what the true malice of the world is!"
"Calling himself a 'Chess Player,' what a joke! It's only because I, the Shinobi no Yami (Darkness of Shinobi), haven't made a move!"
Inside the service station.
By now, Yakushi Nonō was already being 'protected' by two Sunagakure Jōnin as she boarded a bus.
In the name of: Protection!
Setting off along with Nonō was also a small Shinobi clan, about twenty people or so.
Everyone kept to themselves, not interfering with one another.
"Father! Actually, we didn't have to come out at all. I believe that with us and the other families in our alliance, the Sandaime Mizukage wouldn't dare do anything to us!
And what if Sunagakure isn't as the rumors say! If Kirigakure comes hunting us down..."
[Setting for this text: The conflict between civilians and Shinobi Clans in Kirigakure has always existed. The Sandaime Mizukage vigorously developed the village in his prime, training a group of excellent civilian Shinobi and some family Shinobi loyal to him, and then in his later years, he began to suppress the Shinobi Clans.]
"It won't happen! The Chinoike and Uzumaki Clans are the best examples!
As long as we reach Sunagakure, we will be safe!
Dare? I think the Sandaime Kazekage is already impatient!
I can no longer see hope in Kirigakure! I once advised the Clan Head to move and evacuate, but the Clan Head thought I was being alarmist.
So, I brought you all out. How many Shinobi do a few Shinobi Clans even have? How can they compete with this Kirigakure!
Staying in Kirigakure is a dead end!"
"But, Father, we could completely go into hiding..."
"It's useless! As long as the Five Great Ninja Villages want to look, they can always find us.
Child, you must remember!
Only the Five Great Ninja Villages can contend with the Five Great Ninja Villages!"