บท 110: CH - 107 Credibility

The passage of time was marked by the arrival and departure of the New Year. Winter's icy grip gradually loosened, making way for milder weather. However, the respite from the war was short-lived. After a relatively quiet winter, the five major ninja villages were once again embroiled in intense conflict.

The war had been brewing since the start of the year, and it seemed that, during the quiet winter months, the major villages had been plotting and gathering their strength. As winter waned, they wasted no time in launching their offensives.

The Cloud Village, despite the loss of their Third Raikage, did not falter. The new Fourth Raikage, A, and his brother Killer Bee, who possessed the Eight-Tails, emerged as formidable leaders. They achieved victories against numerous Sand and Stone Village ninjas, firmly establishing the Cloud Village's dominance. Strangely, the war with the Leaf Village appeared to have somewhat subsided.

On the other hand, the Mist Village, possibly in an attempt to compensate for their earlier losses, redirected their aggression towards the Sand Village. The tides of war were in constant flux, and no one could predict its next turn.

As Hanzo received news of the shifting dynamics in the ongoing war, secluded within the confines of the Grass Village, he couldn't help but release a weary sigh, his head shaking with a touch of resignation. He gently set aside the intelligence report that had reached his desk.

His stay in the Grass Village had extended over a considerable period. Throughout this time, he had borne witness to a multitude of transformations within the village: shifts in the workforce, progress in construction, and even the evolution of the village's younger generation.

Hanzo had engaged in conversations with the three children he had encountered earlier, observed the ordinary individuals who had relocated from the Rain Village to work in the Grass Village, and learned about the night classes organized by the Grass Village. These experiences had etched a profound impression upon him.

Reluctantly, he had to acknowledge once more the remarkable vision of the Grass Village's leader. A person of great scope and magnanimity.

As Hanzo's thoughts continued to linger, he let out a protracted sigh before reaching out for a letter that had been conspicuously placed on his desk. This letter had been dispatched to him from the Rain Village via the intermediary of the Grass Village.

In this period, both the Grass Village and the Rain Village established a practice of exchanging letters through various means. These communications often took the form of ninjas passing between the two villages or individuals traveling back and forth. An intriguing aspect of this arrangement was that even common villagers could correspond with their relatives or friends in the opposing village, all without incurring any fees for their messages.

The atmosphere during these occasions was undeniably vibrant. Notably, both factories and the academy granted their workers and students a day off, allowing them the precious time to compose letters to their cherished ones. Just a few days prior, Aso, from the Rain Village, had employed this very method to send a letter.

During this bustling time, Hanzo had also witnessed the Manager of the Rain Village's factory, accompanied by his wife and daughter, partaking in this communal exchange. The young girl was remarkably well-mannered and endearing, and he had heard reports of her exceptional academic performance. Yet, Hanzo can't forget they were originally from the Rain Village.

Although these thoughts stirred within him, Hanzo's outward demeanor remained inscrutable. He directed his composed gaze towards the letter that now rested in his grasp and proceeded to unfold it, bending over slightly to peruse its contents with meticulous attention.

{ Hanzo-sama, it has been some time since your departure. We in the village find ourselves missing your presence greatly. }

Reading these words, a slight, almost imperceptible smile graced Hanzo's lips. He continued to scan the letter, eyes fixed upon its contents.

{ Some months ago, Leader Akihiko, under the alias of Hanzo-sama, composed a letter directed to Konoha. It was a remarkable piece of correspondence, one that left a lasting impression upon me. However, despite the passage of several months, we have yet to receive any response from Konoha. At that juncture, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of regret and relief. After all, it was a substantial offer, and perhaps it is for the best. The true nature of the Five Great Ninja Villages has been revealed to us. If they are unwilling to place this degree of trust in us, how can we hope for the Rain Village to achieve peace? }

Hanzo continued to read the letter in silence, contemplating the Grass Village leader's diplomatic maneuverings. They had certainly demonstrated an impressive level of finesse in their dealings. However, a sense of complexity filled his mind. It was clear that despite their diplomatic efforts, Konoha had not extended their trust to the Rain Village. This realization left Hanzo with a heavy sigh.

{ However, a few days ago, a member of Konoha's Root organization suddenly delivered a substantial sum of money. They conveyed that Konoha was unable to spare additional manpower and requested that the Rain Village take the lead in launching an aggressive assault on the Grass Village. Regardless of the losses incurred, they pledged to honor their agreement with the Rain Village after the conflict. }

Hanzo's gaze remained steady as he processed this information.

{ Yet, I recall Leader Akihiko's contemptuous words in response to this proposition. He remarked, 'If Konoha were capable of negotiating with the Five Great Ninja Villages, they would not have allowed the Four Great Ninja Villages to corner them in this manner' }

Hanzo mused on the Grass Village leader's perspective, appreciating the complexity of the situation.

{To be honest, this unforeseen turn of events left me both surprised and disheartened. It appears that Konoha does not hold our Rain Village in high regard. Why else would they opt for secret means, utilizing Root ninjas rather than their official shinobi, to deliver the monetary assistance? Nonetheless, upon receiving this substantial sum of ten million, everyone here rejoiced.

Furthermore, I have heard that Konoha is currently struggling with a severe shortage of manpower. They have even deployed the Uchiha clan, who have long remained inactive. It appears that this war is proving to be exceptionally brutal for them.}

As Hanzo read further into the letter, his emotions continued to fluctuate beneath his mask.

{ Enough of this, How is the Leader doing in the Grass Village? The last letter didn't explain clearly. Everyone is worried about the Leader } the letter inquired, expressing the villagers' concerns.

Hanzo couldn't help but be touched by the genuine care and concern of his people. He remained silent for a moment before resuming his reading.

{ Please remember, Hanzo-sama, no matter what, you are our Leader }

A warm smile touched Hanzo's lips, hidden behind his mask. It was a reassurance he needed, a reminder of his duty and his role in the Hidden Rain Village. The letter went on to provide updates on the village and its transformation under Leader Akihiko's guidance.

{ As for the village, Leader, don't worry. Everyone is doing well. I have to say, that Leader Akihiko has a vision far beyond ordinary people. He can always see things from different angles. }

The Grass Village leader's vision and approach seemed to have left a deep impression on Aso. Hanzo also couldn't help but admire the leader of the Grass Village, Akihiko, for his foresight.

{ During this time, Leader Akihiko has made some changes to the Rain Village and used part of that ten million to greatly improve the village's environment.

Furthermore, the situation in the Rain Village is getting better. Leader Akihiko has opened a new industrial base. While it can't cover the entire Rain Village, for now, most of the civilians nearby can be assured of employment. At least, they won't have to continue suffering from hunger and cold. }

Hanzo nodded in understanding as he read this part of the letter. Akihiko's dedication to improving not just his own village but also making positive changes in the Rain Village was indeed commendable.

{ Secretly, Leader, I feel like I've seen the future of a peaceful Rain Village looking at the smiles on everyone's faces during this time. Of course... perhaps I'm just daydreaming. Leader, please take it as a joke. }

Hanzo couldn't help but appreciate the optimism in these words. It was a testament to the resilience and hope of his people. The vision of a prosperous and peaceful Rain Village was something he had strived for throughout his leadership.

{ Finally, everyone sends their regards to the Leader. We are all waiting for the Hanzo-sama's return. }

These words warmed Hanzo's heart. The longing of his people was a powerful reminder of his duty as their leader.

{ Oh, by the way, Leader Akihiko is very dissatisfied and asked when you are coming back. The snow has melted, and the fake fight is about to begin. If you don't come back, how can he continue the performance? Let me remind you to come back soon. }

"Haha," Hanzo's laughter rang through the room, With a final sigh and a glance at the wall clock, Hanzo knew he couldn't linger, so he carefully placed the letter in his drawer. He murmured while smiling, "In a while, I plan to observe the spring planting in the Grass Village. But for now, Sorry I can't leave. Haha..."

…

Meanwhile, Grass Village's Akihiko regarded Hanzo's assistant, Aso, with a perplexed expression and inquired, "Is your Leader returning or not? It's been quite a while now. Are we proceeding with the plan or not?"

"I've already dispatched a letter to our Leader," Aso responded apologetically. "Our Leader assured me it would be soon, very soon. Furthermore, Hanzo-sama has entrusted the matter to you, Leader Akihiko, with the assurance of full cooperation from the Rain Village."

Akihiko wore a wry smile as he retorted, "Is this really a matter of cooperation? We've already received their funds and utilized them all. In a matter of days, Konoha's representatives will be here. If your Leader doesn't return in time, how do we proceed with the act? You see, we've already accepted their financial support. Failing to follow through would be a blow to our credibility."

Aso observed Akihiko's somewhat agitated demeanor with a quizzical expression, his inner thoughts reflecting his bewilderment. Credibility? Leader Akihiko, do you genuinely believe anyone places faith in that concept anymore?