Chapter 97 The Clear Spring Sword

A few seagulls flew across the sky as the coastal city was caressed by the salty breeze, and the sun shone warmly. Several arms around each other's shoulders walked by. Logan turned sideways and looked at them with a smile as they entered a nearby tavern.

The buildings, characteristic of a seaside town, lined the streets. Logan, dressed in a tank top and shorts, strolled along the streets. From time to time, open-minded local women cast their eyes on him.

After finishing his job a few days ago, Logan decided to stay in the area to enjoy the fjord scenery of the Land of the Moon. The Samurai Clan, which had become devastated by his overnight intrusion, had quietly retracted their influence, showing no signs of retaliation.

After observing the bustling docks and the myriad of ships for a few days, Logan received confirmation from his employer that the main family would no longer trouble the branch family, and the two families would sever all ties from then on.

Logan was not interested in what would happen to them next. After receiving the commission, he made his way to the ubiquitous black market and handed over the bulk of his earnings to Akatsuki as usual.

"There are no further tasks." The contact person whispered to him.

Hearing this, Logan's eyes flashed with surprise. He had almost grown accustomed to taking on one job after another. Although he took his time, he still completed them in the end. After nodding calmly he returned to his lodging and attempted to contact Pain using the Magic Lantern Body Technique.

The gray Chakra fluctuations on the 'Void' ring stopped, and Logan opened his eyes, looking thoughtful.

"So there really are no more tasks to take on. They said the organization's fundraising phase is over, and everyone did a great job accumulating funds... Hmph, they could at least have an appreciation meeting to show sincerity."

Logan complained before falling silent, gazing out the window at the sea and sky.

The years of continuous missions had came to an end, and he also got a vacation of unknown duration.

The main point is, in the midst of his training, Akatsuki had transitioned from its preparation phase unknowingly, and what is about to begin is the capture of the Tailed Beast.

'Time flies so fast.' Logan mused as he stood by the window, the wind ruffling his hair. Below, the dirty, abandoned beach reflected the low economic standards that failed to develop thriving tourist spots.

"So it's about to begin?" Logan leaned on the windowsill. He took out the short sword and stroked it for a while. The clear, cold blade was as serene as a spring, but when imbued with killing intent, the flowing and flickering white light was too much for anyone to bear.

"How about calling it 'Clear Spring'?" Logan played with the sword for a while. He felt it sounded elegant, and the flowing light on the blade shimmering like water. Satisfied, he decided on the name.

He still had some time left, just like the final sprint before a crucial exam, so he decided to make the most of it.

Except for the Flying Thunder God Technique, which involved Space-Time manipulation and was too complex to grasp fully, Logan had mastered nearly everything else. His physical fitness and Chakra capacity have also improved to a higher level through his arduous journey.

His left palm held a kunai, while his right wielded the short sword. One is an electromagnetic kunai that goes deeper and changes more deeply, and the other was the resilient and superior quality sword, capable of a one-hit kill, named 'Clear Spring'.

"What year is it now in Konoha?"

…

Konoha's Year 59, Konoha Village.

Three more years had passed. The vast village of Konoha still stood on its original land, with its people living in peace and the bustling streets thriving more than ever.

Three years cannot alter the towering walls, but for many people, they can be profoundly transformative.

Three years can make the elderly even more frail, the fallen further descend, the regretful mend their ways, and the diligent reap their rewards. Three years can transform a young boy into a resolute man and change a once cold and taciturn individual into someone lazy and lifeless, engrossed in adult novels.

Oh, everyone should know who that last description refers to.

"Yes, the Daimyo reported their quarterly financial results last month. The financial support for the Ninja Village may be reduced next year... This is the best result we could negotiate."

In the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, enjoying the sunlight as he listened to the ANBU beside him slowly describing things.

"Well, there's nothing we can do. It's been peaceful for a long time, and it's normal for the Daimyo not to want to spend money to maintain unnecessary military force." Hiruzen said with a smile, puffing on his pipe, showing no concern for the potential financial difficulties, and instead comforting the reporting ANBU.

"Uh, yes, Hokage-sama. The following is... Sunagakure's proposal to jointly organize the Chunin Exam has been brought up again. Our representatives have followed your and the other council members' instructions..."

The words were unhurriedly describing the significant events happening in Konoha on this warm, pleasant day. It can be said to be a routine occurrence.

As the report concluded, the reporting ANBU turned to the last page, paused, and then said: " Lastly, it's about Raiden Hattori..."

Hiruzen's expression grew slightly more relaxed at the mention of the elite Konoha's Ninja who had left the village three years ago to travel. At the beginning, he never expected that Logan would be traveling for more than three years.

Though Logan's periodic letters, which he had sent without fail, contained not only reassuring updates, but also valuable intelligence, such as details about wars between small nations and internal conflicts within traditional Samurai Clans...

Hiruzen felt that although Logan appeared to be enjoying a leisurely, artistic journey across the continent, his unwavering dedication to Konoha, even while being away, was commendable.

However, in several meetings where Logan was mentioned, Danzo's attitude remained ambiguous, and Koharu and Homura were not particularly supportive of it. After all, Logan is not on par with Jiraiya.

"... No suspicious behavior reported. He is currently residing in the Land of the Moon, and just recently, he had a friendly exchange with our ANBU there..."

Hiruzen shook his head and said, "Send him another message to return to the village. It's time for him to come back after relaxing for so long."

After hearing this, the reporting ANBU hesitated, as he had known Logan's reputation, and said, "But we've already sent similar messages over a dozen times..."

"Then send it again!" Hiruzen replied, slightly exasperated. After a moment's thought, he added, "This time, just add the condition that 'I won't give him heavy missions so that he can come back without worry'!"

"Understood." The ANBU noted this down, silently wiping his sweat.

Knock, knock.

Just as the two of them were talking, there was a knock on the office door, then the door was opened with a bang, and a person walked in lazily.

"Hokage-sama, I'm here to submit my mission report." Kakashi's demeanor had significantly changed since his time in the ANBU, and his exposed left eye looked drowsy as he spoke casually.

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