CH - 92 Hanzo’s reaction

{Grass Ninja Village and Rain Ninja Village Engage in Intense Battle}

Hiruzen Sarutobi carefully read the intelligence report before him, exhaling a contemplative sigh as he drew a contemplative puff from his pipe.

In recent times, since the initial conflict flared up between Grass Village and Rain Village, a certain degree of calm seems to have settled over the situation. While their economic activities persist, prices have surged, and Grass Ninja Village appears to have curbed any further disruptive actions.

Reports suggest that a significant portion of their ninja forces are currently engaged on the frontlines in the Land of Rain's ongoing conflict. Consequently, their capacity for other undertakings has been notably limited.

This relative tranquility has, in a sense, brought about a momentary respite from the previous turbulence. The absence of commotion has certainly contributed to a sense of relief within Konoha.

Regarding the Grass Village's new leader, according to gathered intelligence, this individual boasts remarkable strength. Their leadership has enabled Grass ninjas to engage Rain ninjas on relatively equal footing, an accomplishment of no small significance. Furthermore, astonishingly, this leader has demonstrated the ability to contend with the Demigod of the Ninja World.

Possibly, a combination of past events and the natural course of aging may have played a role in significantly diminishing Hanzo's power. Yet, one cannot dismiss the fact that an individual who carries the moniker "Demi-God of the Ninja World" is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. It's truly intriguing that the leader of Grass Ninja Village can hold his own against such a figure.

This achievement arguably surpasses even the accomplishments of Jiraiya and his peers from the past. However, Konoha has chosen to allocate only minimal attention to this unfolding situation. After all, their historical success against Rain Ninja Village, not to mention a mere faction of Grass ninjas, remains a point of confidence.

Presently, the primary concern lies in the ongoing conflict with Iwagakure. The protracted duration of this war threatens to drain Konoha's vitality considerably if left unchecked. Hence, Konoha's focus must be directed toward the engagements with other major ninja villages. As for the affairs of those two specific ninja villages, they shall manage their own battles.

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued reading through the remaining intelligence reports, his expression growing graver.

{Visible Decline in Rain Ninja Numbers! Dire State of Battle Situation.}

While the outcome may not directly impact him, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but shake his head in a mix of concern and disappointment. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he contemplated the situation before him. "Should this pattern persist, these two ninja villages will likely meet an unfortunate end."

…

"Hanzo-Sama, the opposing side is urging us to accelerate the battle," Aso's words carried a tinge of trepidation. As the right-hand man to the Demi-God of the ninja world, Aso could sense his leader's potential displeasure, even though Hanzo's face was obscured by a mask.

With an attempt at a conciliatory smile, Aso continued cautiously, "They're suggesting that if we conclude the battle swiftly, they can quickly receive their pay and return to Rain Village." A brief pause followed before he added, "Despite the situation, the loyalty towards Rain Village and our leader remains intact among the ranks."

Behind his own inscrutable mask, Hanzo's expression remained stoic. Despite his concealed eyes, he focused on Aso beside him, wordlessly processing the information. A hushed quiet hung in the air, the absence of words enhancing the gravity of the moment.

The situation unfolding before him was nothing short of bewildering, defying explanation or categorization. What had commenced as a fake battle on the battlefield had now evolved into a surreal scenario where their own ninjas were battling amongst themselves, a perplexing turn of events that Hanzo could hardly fathom.

"Heh heh~" Aso's laughter came out nervously as he noticed the leader's gaze directed at him. "Maybe we could suggest a brief break before continuing the fight?"

However, it appeared that Hanzo was lost in his own thoughts, seemingly oblivious to Aso's words. He inquired in a composed tone, "And where is the leader of Grass Village?"

"Ah, you mean Lord Kusano?" Aso paused, considering the question for a moment. "According to their message, it seems that their factory is commencing operations today. He's occupied with that and hasn't arrived. Hanzo-sama, are you contemplating a confrontation with him? Shall I go and inquire?"

"Fight? What is the purpose of our current battle?" Hanzo's hand waved dismissively, a slight snort escaping his lips. His expression turned stern as he firmly declared, "There will be no more fighting today!"

As his command reverberated, a sudden call pierced the air, "Retreat! Retreat!" The source of the voice remained unknown, but its effect was immediate. Both sides promptly began to withdraw in an orderly manner.

{Today, Rain Ninja Village has sustained significant losses and has opted for a temporary truce}

…

"The time has come, the time has come! It's time to leave and collect your wages!" The resonant clang of a gong reverberated, accompanied by a hearty shout.

"For the night shift, we will proceed with cave excavation and mining! We require ninja power! Many ninja hands are needed! If you're interested, make your registration right over there!" Holding a specially crafted scientific ninja tool from Grass Village – a chakra-enhanced megaphone, with the specialty of 'loud shouting anywhere, anytime'.

A Grass Ninja, equipped with the megaphone, continued to announce, "In two weeks' time, we will require the assistance of three hundred Rain ninjas to take on the roles of Grass ninjas. The tasks are straightforward and manageable. Enlistments are open now!"

Meanwhile, rather than returning to the ninja village, Hanzo had arrived at the encampment of Grass Ninja Village under a simple disguise.

However, at this very moment, he fixed his gaze on an individual not far away. This person was stationed at a table, utilizing an unusual device to shout. A sense of frustration and fury welled up within Hanzo. These audacious people were shamelessly recruiting personnel, having Rain ninjas pose as Grass ninjas. Did these fools forget that he, Hanzo, the Demi-God, still walked the earth? Were they no longer taking him seriously?

"Grass Village requires a significant number of ninjas, and the workload is quite substantial. Therefore, when everyone finishes their tasks in the village, if they have any spare time, they come here to take on additional work," Aso hastily clarified, sensing the leader's displeasure. "Their intention is simply to earn some extra income."

If the village's tasks weren't keeping him occupied, Aso admitted to himself, he would have contemplated coming here for missions as well, purely for the financial gain.

"As you're aware, Hanzo-Sama, the Land of Rain has endured years of war. Despite Rain Village's protection and the fact that our ninjas aren't going hungry, many of them have families back home. Their motivation for working so diligently is rooted in concerns for their loved ones well-being," Aso gestured toward a scarred man nearby. "Even Shinda-san is over there."

Aso strategically shifted the leader's focus to an important figure. As Hanzo's gaze followed Aso's indication, a momentary bewilderment crossed his face. He indeed spotted a tall, lean man, Shinda of Rain Village, his right-hand man and trusted ally. The surprising sight of Shinda participating in side jobs while donning the unmistakable green protective attire of Grass Village caught Hanzo off guard.

Hanzo's expression initially darkened, but with time, it transformed into a more complex one. His gaze remained fixed on the vibrant scene before him, a scene that would rarely be witnessed in the Land of Rain. Amidst the cheer, smiles, and a sense of anticipation, the atmosphere felt remarkably different.

"That man..." Hanzo's brow creased slightly. He directed his gaze towards the man who was energetically shouting from the nearby table and remarked, "Why does he strike me as somewhat familiar?"

Aso, in response to the leader's inquiry, raised an inquisitive eyebrow and had to suppress a twitch of his lips. After a moment of consideration, he replied, "That man was originally from Rain Village."

Hanzo's expression turned even more puzzled, as the man before him seemed to be more aligned with the appearance of a Grass ninja.

"Daisuke, a few years ago, was a famous young genius among the new generation in our village. Unfortunately, he later betrayed the village," Aso explained with a wry smile.

"Betrayed?" Hanzo inquired skeptically, unable to recall any significant details about this particular person and wondering what had led to his betrayal.

"Indeed, Hanzo-Sama is also familiar with the matter. It's the incident where Grass Village kids fooled ninjas from the Rain Village," Aso clarified, his smile carrying a tinge of bitterness.

"That trio of kids?!" Hanzo's memory seemed to click, bringing forth a recollection. Those three youngsters had been remarkably skilled, managing to slip from his grasp. It was a fact that he couldn't easily dismiss.

His face darkened once more, and his tone grew somber, "Those brats were students of that Grass Village leader, if I recall correctly. I still haven't settled that score with him," He sighed once more, a mixture of emotions welling up, "Grass Village seems to have produced yet another set of geniuses."

Aso, observing the leader's changing demeanor, paused momentarily before continuing, "Indeed, but... upon further investigation, it turns out those three children were originally orphans from the Land of Rain. They were adopted by the Grass Village leader towards the end of the Second Great Ninja War. Over time, they've grown into exceptional ninjas."

A wave of mixed emotions washed over Hanzo's features as he absorbed this information. His expression shifted once more as he observed the scene unfolding before him.

The intel he had gathered about Grass Ninja Village during this period resurfaced in his mind, the establishment of a ninja academy, the creation of new income sources, the redirection of Iwa ninjas to the Land of Fire, the safeguarding of Grass Village's own ninjas, and the efforts to shield the village's children from the battlefield. The Grass Village leader, it seemed, had undertaken a series of strategic maneuvers.

Ultimately, Hanzo released a protracted sigh, his once-proud stance seeming to droop, and his voice carrying a faint quiver, "Are leaders of small villages like me truly so far behind him?"

Aso remained silent, his gaze fixed on the leader who appeared to have aged considerably. He watched with a mixture of respect and concern, before earnestly responding, "In my view, Hanzo-Sama, you are an extraordinary ninja yourself. You guided Rain Village to bring an end to war and dared to stand up against the might of the Five Great Ninja Villages."

"Stood against the Five Great Ninja Villages?" A flicker of emotion stirred within Hanzo's heart. Then, offering a self-mocking shake of his head, he lifted his gaze to survey the bustling encampment of Grass Village. Speaking softly to himself, he murmured, "Yet, I've come to regret challenging them, and the war still hasn't come to an end."

With that, he shifted his stance and began making his way toward the exit. "Let's depart. It's time we make our way back to Rain Ninja Village."

With his statement lingering in the air, it was as though his presence went unnoticed amidst the bustling activity, and he proceeded alone toward Rain Ninja Village. Aso, his gaze fixed on the retreating figure, released a deep sigh, hastening to catch up. While others might have forgotten, Aso still held on to the memory of the Hanzo's past as a hero who once aspired to bring an end to the war that had plagued the Land of Rain.

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