CH - 100.5 Payday

As the weather turned colder, even amidst the ongoing war, there seemed to be a tacit understanding among the five major ninja villages to temporarily ease off the intense large-scale battles during the winter months. The pace of the war appeared to slow down, almost as if a temporary truce had been reached, creating a quiet atmosphere across the ninja world.

Yet, this tranquility might have been deceiving, perhaps the calm before an impending storm. It's possible that behind the scenes, the five major ninja villages were preparing for something significant. Consequently, the ninja world found itself in an unusual state of quietness during this winter period.

Meanwhile, the Grass Ninja Base buzzed with activity on this particular day. Payday had arrived, and unlike customary year-end bonuses, the grass village base's arrangement was unique due to its location in the Land of Rain. Wages were disbursed only at the end of the year along with the bonuses.

Bright and early in the morning, individuals arrived with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, forming a neat line as instructed. Though most of them had been somewhat forcefully brought here, like being rendered unconscious and transported, the promise of stable employment with lodging and meals was already a significant improvement in their circumstances.

Little did they anticipate that the words of the Grass Ninjas were not mere empty promises. As the morning sun cast its rays, the crowd stood in line, their emotions a mixture of hope and unease.

In the midst of this scene, Koujou, the one in charge, couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. Reflecting on his own past, he saw the familiar expressions of anticipation and apprehension mirrored in the faces before him.

Once upon a time, he was in their shoes. In the midst of a desperate hunger, he and his family had journeyed to the Land of Grass under the guidance of their leader, an uncertain future lying ahead. When that first paycheck was on the horizon, he had felt the same blend of hope and anxiety.

Today, he was back in his homeland, serving as the Deputy Factory Manager sent by the Grass Ninja Village. No longer did he need to fret about hunger or cold.

A smile played at the corners of Koujou's lips, and his eyes seemed to glimmer with emotion. Adjusting the raincoat and overcoat provided to him by the village, he took a moment to reminisce.

The winter in the Land of Rain was harsh and cold, made even more challenging by the persistent rain. The combination of cold and dampness necessitated careful protection against both elements.

Recalling the past, he could picture himself huddled with his wife, Shuko, and their daughter, Ruko, struggling together through the biting cold and empty stomachs. As rain pelted the windows, the family would cling to each other, hoping to endure the harsh winter.

His thoughts shifted to his family, and he turned his head to look behind him. A soft, tender smile touched his features as he murmured, "Shuko must be on vacation now. They'll likely have an extended holiday. I wonder how Ruko's studies are progressing? The exams should be around this time."

Although the village leader had granted him leave to reunite with his family during the holiday period, as one of the heads of the factory, Koujou understood that he couldn't simply abandon his responsibilities. Consequently, he had opted to stay behind, prioritizing his work over his own reunion.

He had penned a letter to Shuko and Ruko, entrusting it to the Grass Ninjas for delivery. He wondered whether his family had received his message.

Amidst his thoughts about his loved ones, his assistant by his side interrupted, "Deputy Factory Manager Koujou, it's time. We should begin distributing the pay now."

Due to the unique dynamics of the Grass Ninja Base, the end-of-year bonus payday distribution lacked the festive air that typically accompanied such events in the Grass Ninja Village.

The recipients lined up in silence, receiving their pay according to their names. The person in charge explained the upcoming plans, keeping the atmosphere subdued yet orderly.

Given the ongoing war, leaving the base was simply out of the question. Yet, few had even entertained the thought. With turmoil prevailing beyond these confines, wars raged on, and even Rain Ninja had sought refuge here. Why would anyone willingly abandon this sanctuary?

Only a fool would consider departing. As they looked at the substantial pay in their hands, emotions ran high, and eyes glistened with unshed tears. The money was carefully secured, and held close to their chests, a treasure symbolizing the first substantial income they had received in years. Reflecting on their journey, they considered the improvements they'd witnessed this year, adequate sustenance, new clothing, safety from enemy ninjas, and now a paycheck.

This year marked the first time in so long that they didn't have to bear hunger, didn't shiver from the cold, and were presented with a paycheck. Gratitude overflowed in their hearts as they exclaimed with sincerity, "Thank you, Koujou-sama!"

Koujou, witnessing their appreciation, couldn't help but smile softly, a hint of nostalgia touching his gaze. He had once stood where they now stood, hopeful for a better life.

"Thank Leader Akihiko for this, not me," he gently replied, his lips curving with a mixture of sentiment and realization. He understood these sentiments, after all, he had experienced them himself.

"Furthermore," he continued, his voice projecting respect, "during the next two days of your vacation, meals will be provided by the factory. If you wish to make purchases, there's a designated room next door. It's organized by Kakuzu-sama, offering an array of products at reasonable prices. Additionally, I encourage everyone to work diligently in the coming year, aiming for the 'Outstanding Employee Award.'"

With these announcements and expectations shared, Koujou sensed that the individuals before him were likely eager to retreat to their quarters, where they could privately relish their earnings. He remembered his family, himself, Shuko, and Ruko, eagerly counting their pay in their modest room, and he understood the importance of such moments.

Aware of the collective anticipation, Koujou decided it was best not to prolong the event. He turned, hands folded behind his back, and made his way towards the factory, a serene smile adorning his features.

When he first arrived at the Grass Ninja Base, he had been apprehensive about his new responsibilities, worried about disappointing those who had entrusted him. Yet, as time passed, he recognized that as long as he dedicated himself to his role, higher authorities would ensure that everything fell into place. Gradually, his fear was replaced by a sense of security.

Just as Koujou was about to enter the factory, a voice calling his name caught his attention. He halted, mild surprise evident on his face, and turned to the Grass Ninja approaching him.

A Grass Ninja? What could they want from him? Could it be a new mission assigned from above? Curiosity piqued, he moved to engage with the individual.

In contrast to his initial encounters with the Grass Ninja, Koujou no longer felt fear or dread in their presence. Instead, he met them with a respectful smile, ready to address their request. "How can I assist you, Ninja-Sama?"

"Are you Mr. Koujou?" the Grass Ninja inquired, confirming Koujou's identity.

"Yes," Koujou affirmed with a nod.

"Are you acquainted with Ms. Shuko?" the Grass Ninja further inquired, referencing the name on the letter.

"She's my wife. Is something wrong?" Koujou's brows furrowed, concern flickering in his eyes. "Has something happened?"

"Don't worry, I have a letter for you." The Grass Ninja assured him, detecting Koujou's worry. He began searching among the envelopes, his hands sorting through the letters. Koujou realized that the Grass Ninja must be delivering letters from loved ones back home, an effort that required dedication and care.

Koujou offered his signature as the recipient, and the Grass Ninja handed over the letter. "This is your letter. Please sign for it. I need to deliver the next one to someone else."

Koujou's gratitude was evident in his smile as he thanked the Grass Ninja. "Your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you for your hard work."

The Grass Ninja chuckled. "For us ninjas, it's nothing much. Not much different from regular duties." With that, he departed, moving on to fulfill his mission.

As the Grass Ninja's figure faded into the distance, Koujou stood still, observing until he was out of sight. Lowering his gaze, he examined the envelope bearing Shuko and Ruko's familiar handwriting.

A genuine smile couldn't help but grace his lips as he eagerly anticipated the contents of the letter from Shuko and Ruko. Overwhelmed by curiosity, he tore open the envelope with a sense of excitement.

Yet, as his eyes scanned the first sentence of the letter, a wave of emotions struck him, leaving him momentarily immobilized. At the letter's outset, he found the words...

"Daddy, I miss you!"

His eyes brimmed with tears, and he quickly rubbed them away, his heart full. He didn't proceed further, instead carefully refolding the letter. Feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation, he decided to retreat to his room, a quiet place where he could fully absorb their words.

Unbeknownst to him, a figure in a gas mask had been observing from a distance. This individual had been silently watching the distribution of the factory pay from the very beginning.