The annual samurai promotion assessment came to an end. Six new samurai were born, including Kaito, Chosuke, and Tetsuren.
They were awarded the samurai robes and standard-issue iron swords that represented their status. From now on, they could leave the Kenpu Dojo and venture out into the wider world.
Chosuke, who had performed the best, received a treasured sword personally bestowed by Goshin. This sword was forged from a special metal that could absorb the wielder's chakra nature, making it easier for a samurai to unleash powerful sword techniques.
However, not everyone could accept this outcome.
"Why? Why did you surrender?" Tetsuren glared at Kaito, her face a mask of dissatisfaction. "Don't tell me you really couldn't handle that whirlwind."
Beside them, Chosuke also stared intently at Kaito. He couldn't accept this result either.
"Well, it wasn't a life-or-death duel. Why get so hung up on winning or losing?" Kaito shook his head, looking completely unconcerned. "Besides, the moment Chosuke used a nature transformation, it was pretty much decided who the real number one of this assessment was."
Unless Kaito also used a nature transformation, but as he said, there was no need.
"If you feel bad about it, Chosuke, how about you give me your treasured sword? My two-sword style is still missing a blade," he said, slinging an arm around Chosuke's neck.
"No!" Chosuke refused flatly.
"Tch. Then what's there to talk about?" Kaito patted the head of the still-pouting Tetsuren and said, "To celebrate the three of us successfully graduating, why don't we go get a good meal?"
"Mm."
"Fine."
To be honest, in the four-plus months he had been in the Land of Iron, Kaito had never properly explored the city. The number of times he had even left the Kenpu Dojo could be counted on one hand.
Led by Chosuke, the young son of a local lord, they arrived at a well-known hot pot restaurant.
The moment he stepped inside and smelled the familiar aroma of meat, Kaito's mouth started to water.
"Chosuke, you came in first, so you're treating today."
"Fine by me. Eat whatever you want," Chosuke said with an air of nonchalance.
Damn rich people!
Struck by this display, the pleasure Kaito felt from taking advantage of him diminished significantly. He could only secretly vow to eat more later.
As a regular at the restaurant, Chosuke gave a grand wave of his hand, and a dedicated server immediately came to attend to them, saving them the trouble. Before long, the large, bubbling pot in front of them was filled with ingredients.
Kaito fished out a thin slice of bear meat, rolled it around in the sweet and spicy dipping sauce a few times, and then stuffed it into his mouth. He chewed a few times and swallowed.
"Mm, it's alright." Kaito said nonchalantly, though the speed at which his chopsticks moved increased considerably.
It lacked a little something compared to the delicacies of his old world, but it was undoubtedly a gourmet meal compared to the other food he'd had.
Tetsuren, a woman of few words and decisive action, was already feasting with gusto, showing no signs of stopping.
Only Chosuke ate at a leisurely pace, remarking lightly, "What's the hurry? We can order more when we're done."
His words, however, had no effect.
After three rounds of meat, the three of them leaned back with full bellies, sipping hot tea.
"After becoming a samurai, where do you usually go? What do you do?"
It was pointless to ask Tetsuren, so Kaito only looked at Chosuke as he spoke.
Chosuke rinsed his mouth with the hot tea and said, "Generally, a samurai can choose to join a family or a dojo and be under their jurisdiction. The second option is to become a freelancer and report directly to the samurai administration office, where they will arrange work for you. Both paths have their pros and cons. It really just depends on whether you want freedom or the protection of a powerful faction."
"First off, I will definitely be returning to my own family. What about you two?"
"I don't care. I can go anywhere. As long as I can keep fighting," Tetsuren said, still as carefree as ever.
"I'm choosing neither. When the sky clears and the snow stops, I'm going home." Kaito smiled brightly, meeting the surprised gazes of his two friends.
At the same time, in the distant Land of Rain, in the Village Hidden by Rain.
The dim sky was covered with dark clouds, not a patch of blue to be seen. Serpentine dragons of lightning rolled through the clouds, letting out continuous, muffled roars.
A long-haired man in a gray cloak and a gas mask stood on a high platform, bathed in the heavy rain. Before him were thousands of elite ninja from the Land of Rain, all wearing straw raincoats.
"Everyone! Our Land of Rain is caught between the three great nations of Fire, Earth, and Sand. We have always been bullied by them. Are you content with that?"
"No!"
"Now, the Land of Rain has me, Hanzo of the Salamander, and all of you powerful ninja. We are no longer the weak country that can be bullied by others at will. We will take back what is rightfully ours. The rise of the Land of Rain begins tonight!"
"Rise! Rise!"
"First platoon, follow me to the Land of Grass immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
This war, initiated by the Land of Rain, instantly became the focus of the entire ninja world.
In the Land of Fire, in the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, now in the prime of his life, looked at the urgent intelligence report in his hands with a worried frown.
"Hiruzen, what happened that you called us here in such a hurry?"
Across from him sat his former teammates, now the Konoha elders, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, as well as the man known as the "Third's right and left arms," Shimura Danzo.
"See for yourselves," Hiruzen said, passing the report over.
"This is... The Land of Rain has launched a surprise attack on the Land of Grass? The elite of the Village Hidden in the Grass are in full retreat?"
"Although the Land of Grass is weak, that's only in comparison to the five great nations. When did the Land of Rain become so powerful?"
Shimura Danzo narrowed his eyes, smelling an opportunity. "Hiruzen, both the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass are adjacent to us. No matter what, this is a provocation against our Land of Fire! Moreover, the Land of Grass has always been on good terms with us. If we do nothing, it will be disheartening for our allies."
"Hah..." Hiruzen took a drag from his pipe and slowly exhaled. "I understand that principle. That's why I've already sent a strong condemnation to the Village Hidden by Rain."
"A condemnation?" Shimura Danzo almost laughed. "They dared to do something like this, and you think they're afraid of a condemnation? Once they swallow and digest the Land of Grass, we will be facing a sixth great nation. You're not so foolish that you don't understand this, are you, Hiruzen?"
"Hiruzen, Danzo is right. We absolutely cannot tolerate the Land of Rain's actions!" the two elders agreed.
"Then what do you think we should do? Should we start a war?" Hiruzen said grimly.
"Hiruzen, the war has already begun! The moment the Land of Rain stepped out of its borders, the war had already started! Even if we don't act, the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind will certainly not stand by. If we are slow, we will lose the initiative!" Danzo slammed his hand on the table, his mouth almost right next to the Third's ear.
"Have you forgotten the pain the last war brought us? How can you ask me not to be cautious?"
"This is misplaced sentimentality!"
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"
"Hiruzen, you will regret this!" Danzo slammed the door and stormed out.
"Well, Hiruzen, Danzo's words were a bit harsh, but he does have a point. If it is for the sake of the Land of Fire, for the sake of Konoha, I believe the ninja of the Leaf would willingly sacrifice their lives," Mitokado Homura said.
"That's right, Hiruzen. Even if you are the Hokage, you cannot act arbitrarily," Utatane Koharu added.
"Where the leaves dance, one shall find flames. I naturally understand this principle. When necessary, I will also personally send the ninja of the Leaf to the battlefield." Hiruzen turned to look out the window at the newly sprouted green leaves and sighed heavily.
"But now is really not a good time. Lady Mito... she doesn't have much time left."
"How can that be?!" Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a look, both seeing the shock in the other's eyes.
"We understand. We will do as you say."