The bartender...

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[The void.]

It stretched endlessly around them, a boundless blackness that swallowed everything in sight. Jiraiya's voice echoed out, a slight tinge of uncertainty underlying his usual tone. "Is anyone here with me?" he called out, trying to pierce through the overwhelming darkness.

"Here."

"Present."

"Still here."

"Here."

Jiraiya nodded to himself, taking stock of the situation. "So it's true, I can't use my chakra," he muttered, trying to use his energy but his efforts were futile. Exhaling, he chose to leave it as is. "But since I got four responses, that means the shadow clone made it through as well."

Hiruzen's clone hummed thoughtfully. "Indeed, though I'm just a clone, I can confirm that performing any form of jutsu is impossible here. It's like the very essence of chakra is nullified in this space." His voice carried an analytical tone, as if he were mentally cataloging every detail of their situation.

"How long until we reach it, Minato?" Jiraiya asked, shifting his stance slightly, his instincts on high alert.

Minato glanced around, though there was nothing to see in the void. "It should appear any moment now. Last time, it took about a minute for another gate to come into view."

"Then we wait," Hiruzen said with a calm finality, as if used to the strange twists life could throw at him. "Miyako, you mentioned you wanted to meet someone here?"

"Yes," Miyako replied softly, her voice almost introspective. "The person responsible for trapping me there in the first place."

Minato's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but ask, "From what I understand, you needed permission to visit our world? Who granted you that permission?"

The question hung in the air, the void amplifying the silence that followed. Miyako hesitated, clearly reluctant to reveal this part of her past, but she knew she owed them the truth. "In order to traverse such, you need to gain permission from one of the bartenders and a native from the world you wish to visit. I was brought here by none other than Mito Uzumaki, the previous bearer of the Nine-Tails."

The revelation hit them like a shockwave, and though they couldn't see each other's faces in the dark, the surprise was palpable in the air. Even Hiruzen, was caught off guard. "Explain," he commanded, his tone sharper than before, demanding the details.

Miyako sighed, resigned to sharing her story. "Lady Mito along with a few others, had encountered the door. They entered and met with figures from other worlds, sharing stories and knowledge. I was drawn to the tales of your world, and I asked Lady Mito for permission to explore it. She agreed after I complied with the rules of the store."

As her voice trailed off, a dim light began to appear in the distance, cutting through the suffocating darkness. It grew brighter and brighter, gradually illuminating their forms and surroundings. The color returned to their vision, giving them back the ability to see each other clearly.

Minato recognized the approaching light and nodded, signaling to the others that this was the entrance. They all exchanged glances, each of them acknowledging the significance of this moment. Without a word, they stepped forward, ready to enter the market and face whatever awaited them inside.

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[The market]

"Welcome back, Minato. Have you finally made the decision to join as one of the adventurers?" Kazuhiro greeted the visitors. He scanned the newcomers.

"I still haven't made the decision yet, Mr.Fujii" Minato being in the front stepped aside for the hokage. "Lord Hokage." He bowed briefly.

Hiruzen, appearing as composed as ever in his clone form, stepped forward. His eyes, sharp and observant, took in the market's vastness before settling on the towering, blank-faced figure of Kazuhiro. "I've heard much about you and this place from Minato's reports," he began. "Is it true that you sell everything?"

Kazuhiro's expression unreadable, replied with a nod. "Yes, everything your mind can conceive of is available here. However, I must inform you that the value of each item is determined by its demand across the realms. The more sought after it is, the higher the price."

Hiruzen digested this information without a hint of surprise. His face remained impassive, though his mind was already calculating the implications. "Then, as I understand it, to travel between worlds, permission is required," he said, his tone probing but non-confrontational. His eyes narrowed slightly. "However, that does not seem to apply to adventurers."

He gestured subtly, and Mouse, the Anbu agent, stepped forward, retrieving the contract from the scroll. With a respectful bow, she handed it to Hiruzen.

"Yes, that is correct," Kazuhiro responded, his voice steady. "The need for permission is unnecessary as they are already bound by the contract, their signatures agreeing to the terms set forth by the market. Once signed, they are committed until they choose to quit."

Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully, having already read through the contract given by Minato, he didn't find any issues that would lead to harm to his home world. Despite that, his mind is already working through the potential security risks done by adventurer system. "As I anticipated," he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. He paused, his gaze shifting to Minato briefly before returning to Kazuhiro. "This mission board you have, it may contain missions from our world as well, correct? To ensure the safety of our realm, I will need to station an Anbu agent here to assess the missions and on those that wish to partake in it. This is to prevent any potential threats from slipping through unnoticed. Do you have any objections to this arrangement?"

Kazuhiro shook his head slowly, understanding the Hokage's concerns. "There will be no issues with that, as long as your agent adheres to the market's rules," he replied calmly, his tone unwavering.

Jiraiya, still absorbing the surreal atmosphere of the market, let his gaze drift to the groups of people scattered around. Families huddled together, children playing quietly, elderly individuals chatting softly. "Who are these people?" he asked, curiosity piqued as he assessed the gathering.

"They are refugees," Kazuhiro explained, "They've come here seeking shelter from the turmoil of their own worlds."

"Excuse me!" Miyako's voice cut through the conversation, drawing Kazuhiro's attention. Her tone carried an urgency that caused everyone to pause. "Where is he? I want to have a word with Emilian."

Kazuhiro tilted his head slightly. "Emilian?." After a brief pause of rummaging through his memories, he shook his head. "I'm unfamiliar with the name."

Miyako frowned, a mix of frustration and surprise crossing her face. "Emilian… come to think of it, what happened to the bar? This place, it doesn't resemble the bar I've seen or remember. Just what happened here?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself, but I've heard about it. My best guess is that the bar you remember was replaced by this market."

Miyako's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing to process the revelation. "Th—then, are you the owner of this place?"

Kazuhiro shook his head, "I only assist and watch over the workers. As for who's responsible, I haven't met them myself,"

Miyako stood silent, her thoughts swirling as she tried to digest the information. But before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, the market doors swung open, and another figure entered, drawing the attention of the refugees.

"Ah rubeus-san!"

"Rubeus!"

the small crowd exclaimed, their voices filled with joy as the familiar giant made his way inside.

Hagrid, towering and gentle, carried a large bag over his shoulder, setting it down with a thud that echoed through the market. "Alright, alright, I've got enough soup for everyone," he announced with a broad smile, his warm presence bringing comfort to those around him.

A small child eagerly approached, peering into the bag with wide eyes. "Hey, hey, what do we have for today?" the child asked, excitement bubbling in his voice.

Hagrid chuckled, reaching into the bag. "Pumpkin soup," he replied, pulling out a plastic container and a wooden spoon, handing them to the eager child. "Freshly plucked from my garden."

The child grinned, clutching his meal as he hurried back to his spot. Hagrid continued distributing the food, his kind eyes scanning the room until they landed on Minato. "Oh, Minato! It's been some time! How have you been lad?" he asked warmly, rummaging in the bag once more before offering a container. "Want some?"

Minato remembered who he was, smiled politely, shaking his head. "Ah, no, I'm not hungry. Though, I'm doing well. Thank you.."

Hagrid's smile widened, pleased to hear the news. "Good to hear, lad, good to hear," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth as he continued to serve the gathered refugees.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the large man before him. "Rubeus," he murmured thoughtfully, then asked more directly, "Which world do you belong to, Rubeus?"

Hagrid, noticing the older man's serious demeanor, gave a friendly nod. "Aye, the world of magic," he said as he handed out another container of soup to a waiting refugee.

"Magic?" Hiruzen repeated, a hint of curiosity creeping into his voice.

"Yes," Hagrid continued, "from what I've gathered about your world through Minato, it's similar to ours in many ways, just… well, maybe a bit more." He chuckled, though the warmth in his laughter didn't quite reach Hiruzen, who remained contemplative.

As Hagrid surveyed the room, his eyes scanned the gathered refugees, his expression softening as he noticed something amiss. "There seem to be fewer of ya today," he remarked with a tinge of concern.

"Oh, some chose to travel to different worlds." Answered a refugee.

Hagrid sighed with a mixture of relief and regret. "Good to know some have found a place to belong. I wish I could take more with me, but the professor doesn't want the Ministry on his back."

"Professor?" Hiruzen echoed, the title sparking his interest.

"Aye, that's right. Professor Dumbledore," Hagrid confirmed. "He should be here at any moment—" he turned as soon as he heard a beep. Another one entering through. "No, it's not him." He shook his head.

However, instead of the professor, another figure entered. Toru, his expression as stoic as ever. He paused briefly at the threshold, taking in the new faces with a calculating eye.

"Welcome back, Toru," Kazuhiro greeted him. "Have you completed your task?"

"It's done," Toru responded succinctly, "Are you going to assign a new one?"

Kazuhiro nodded approvingly. "I will, but before that, I need you to stay here and assist those around you. There are new additions to the market, and some may have questions. The refugees have been briefed on the facilities and services available, so you can ask them if you need help."

Kazuhiro introduced Toru to the gathered crowd, explaining his role before making his way toward his office.

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As Kazuhiro made his way to the office, his thoughts swirled with the events of the day. The name "Emilian" lingered in his mind. 'Is that the name of the bar owner?' he wondered, his steps slowing as he pieced together the information. 'That woman... she must have been a regular visitor to that bar. Should I ask her more about it?'

He considered the idea for a moment before shaking his head slightly. 'Now may not be the time. I have to take this opportunity to treat my arm first. The world the twins visited was home to that old lady, and since she didn't react negatively to my appearance, it might be safe to go there.'

Standing in front of his office door, he entered and settled behind his desk. The computer whirred to life as he then navigated the interface and assigned a quick task to his worker.

'Reading through the list, I chose another simple chore for him to complete. Coming from the eighth world I believe it's one with the sentient cars habiting the place.'

With the task set and a notification sent to the assigned worker, Kazuhiro stood and left his office, making his way back to the counters. As he approached, he noticed Toru and a group of refugees engaged in conversation. They seemed at ease discussing something. Not wanting to interrupt, he waited until there was a natural pause before stepping forward.

"Toru," Kazuhiro began, catching the young worker's attention. "I'll be leaving for a while. You're in charge during my absence."

Toru, glanced at Kazuhiro's injured arm received from the fight with the convicts. Raising an eyebrow. "You're going to get that treated, aren't you?"

Kazuhiro nodded. "Yes. It's less efficient to work with only one arm. Keep things in order while I'm gone."

Toru gave a curt nod. With that, Kazuhiro left the market for the second time, heading to a new world.

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(AN: This was supposed to be merged with the previous chapter, but that would hecking long. you kidding?! 6000 words,

Anyways, were nearing the end of the month, allowing kazuhiro to receive world mission tasks, maybe by the time of chapter 50 or a bit more. I need to introduce, one game, one anime and a show before it ends, take your guesses)

Also the document and the world chapter have been updated.)