Chapter 61

As I was flashing through the lands, I began to think about my life so far in the Narutoverse. I had to admit, it would be a lie if I said I had not enjoyed myself so far. Getting strong was painful and dreadful, I had to be honest, I was even thinking of quitting more than a few times. The look and ridicule on her face, surprisingly served as motivation for me; I did not want to give her that satisfaction after I talked big. So, after more than a few crying nights and truthfully, days as well, here I was with strength enough to decapitate forty men without them even realizing.

What, you think I did not cry? I happily cried painfully. There are two things a man can do to alleviate pain; complain and cry. So, I wholeheartedly cried. What bullshit I came from another world so I suddenly and miraculously have some bullshit miraculous iron will? I was a thirty-year-old salesman; Where would that indomitable iron will suddenly sprout from? Whoever tossed me here did not even bother to give me the usual golden finger, not even the most basic of basics of information rush from the original owner. Well, not that the information would have helped much, but still, would have been nice to be appreciated.

To tell the truth, what I was most afraid of, what truly drove me to get stronger was the idea of actually settling into become the original Sakura Haruno. Geez, even thinking about it now sends shivers down my spine. Not stalking hopelessly and continuously after Sasuke, no, but being a complete average person in a very not average world, especially in a person considered extremely 'useless' by all. Which, I was beginning to doubt, considering all the perks that came with the body.

It was justifiable. The rage of the people. It was not that there were no non ninja people. There were. And after traveling and going out for missions throughout the year, I had realized the actual ninja populace was only a smaller number, compared to the non-ninja populace; I use 'actual', only considering those that are affiliated to villages. They all hire and depend on ninjas to make their lives easier. As always, since the old times, ninjas were and always will be mercenaries; nothing more, nothing less. They could create their 'Royal Families' as much as they wanted, but the majority of the funds received were from missions the village received. From the lowest trash picking missions, to escort missions, to long term bodyguard missions, to assassination missions.

As much as they hated to admit it, that was the truth. What then would they do with all their skills if no one came to put forth missions? Farm? Take the Hidden Sand Village as a prime example. Their economic constraints were so bad the previous Kazekage had to stoop to selling his gold dust; and even that was barely enough. Why? Because they barely received missions. Konoha, on the other hand, considered the strongest village constantly received more missions, they had fertile lands to develop, making it one of the most prosperous villages among the five great nations.

After considering all this, it was no surprise that a faction such as Liberation would pop up. Why would the civilians not feel they should rather own the place? What would the ninja do with their skills then? Hide in caves and loot villages like bandits? With great power, comes I can definitely kill you and get away with it. Screw all that sanctimonious bull. You think if someone like the Kazekage had the strength and power of Hashirama Senju, without the world peace mentality, he would stand by and allow his village to suffer in a land that could barely grow anything to eat? What would happen after? He would probably have marched to unite the entire ninja; I know would have. Anyone not naïve with a family would, to allow them live like kings and queens. With great power comes the desire for more power.

Fortunately, none such had appeared and Liberation seem to want to capitalize on that. They seem to have vast wealth as well. With the number of missing nin that were guarding the manor of the clan I wiped out in my first mission, I was truly shocked to see how they could gather so many. Non-affiliated ninjas, free ninjas, missing nins. As along as one had money, one could hire as many as they wanted; Especially so, when I think about what happened during my last three-month-mission from Mebuki. That was a true eye opener. Who knew there was so much going on in the Narutoverse?

I had to believe though, that this Liberation group was definitely not working alone. How they could thoroughly hide so well after so long is amazing. Anytime you thought you found a major hideout; the place was properly cleared out before you got there. A mole? Definitely in the higher ranks of the civilians. A spy in the higher rank of the shinobis? Possible. If so, then why?

I was hoping to get my hands on an official member. Just one. If I did, then I would be able to easily infiltrate the ranks. If only things easily went my way. Just reading a simple forbidden scroll and I was suddenly blocked by forty ninjas. FORTY! What would have happened if I had not been that fast? Wasted the opportunity, taking care of forty ninjas, one by one. *Sigh*. Why did it feel like I used up most of my luck getting this strong this quickly?

'I just want something to go simply and smoothly for me just once; is that too much to ask?'

When in pain, complain. Complaining makes everything feel all better.

During my thoughts and complaints, I had finally arrived in the land of tea. The whole place had a simply look, yet, it had a relaxing feel to it. I had arrived earlier than the designated time. Four days to be exact. First, I needed to case out the place I was going to meet my target.

I was supposed to meet them at a local temple smack in the middle of the town. I transformed into a different person and began to check out the whole place; The country was quite small after all. The place really deserved its name. A lot of tea houses and a fertile land that allowed them to export teas and spices. The place was surrounded by forests and I moved through them, occasionally setting up explosive tags between here and there; If I were to treat the package like I would treat the Daimyo, then I needed to make preparations.

I came upon a few temples but they were scattered all across the forests. It seemed odd to me; There were quite a few temples in the town. Seeing these temples in the forests made me curious. I decided to get a closer look. The closer I got to the temple, the more eyes I felt on me. My transformation was of a middle aged drunk. I continued to stumble toward the temple until I begun to feel killing intent.

I leaned on a tree and threw up; Which I had to admit, was awesome that I could do on command. Praise me! That was when I felt the killing intent recede slightly. That was my cue; mumbling and hiccupping, I stumbled away from the temple. With my chakra carpet, I confirmed no one was following me. The place was definitely shady but I should not care about it as long as they did not get in the way of my mission.

'*Sigh*. Why do I feel like I just jinxed myself? Oh please, let me just have a normal no trouble mission for once.' I prayed to whoever was listening. I finally came out of the forests and walked behind a teahouse and changed my transformation into a simple middle-aged man after confirming no one was around.