Chapter 35

"Hey, who are those red-haired people? Why are there so many Suna Shinōbi accompanying them?"

"I'm not sure, but they seem to be from a prominent clan."

"That's the Uzumaki Clan from Uzu no Kuni. I once visited Uzu no Kuni and saw them there."

As the businessmen in Sunagakure Valley observed the scene, they couldn't help but be amazed.

Meanwhile, Ebizo, suppressing his own doubts, greeted the elder sister who had come to welcome him: "It's been a while, elder sister. It seems that Sunagakure has undergone a lot of changes."

Chiyo nodded, giving him a glance to convey the message. She turned around and looked towards Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura.

"Two friends from the Uzumaki Clan, I'm Chiyo, an elder from Sunagakure. I'm here to welcome Kazekage-sama. Please come with me. Your fellow clansmen will be led by other Suna Shinōbi to their resting place."

"Greetings, Elder Chiyo. We will follow your arrangements," replied Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura, glancing at each other and sharing a sense of helplessness in their eyes.

The two Uzumaki Clan members then asked a fellow clansman to lead the rest of their group to follow the arrangements made by the Suna Shinōbi. They joined Chiyo, Ebizo, Yasuke, and Bunpuku as they made their way towards the Kazekage building.

During the journey, Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura couldn't help but gape in astonishment. The bustling streets were a far cry from the image of the poorest Ninja Village.

"It appears that the recent changes in Sunagakure are quite significant."

After the initial shock, Uzumaki Akisawa began to observe the expressions of Ebizo, Yasuke, and Bunpuku. Ebizo remained inscrutable, but Yasuke and Bunpuku clearly displayed surprise. It was evident that Sunagakure had not undergone such changes before they had left. At least, not to this level of prosperity.

"In general, the Third Kazekage is quite capable. His leadership skills in governing a Ninja Village should not be underestimated. If we follow him, our path to advancement will not be too difficult," Uzumaki Akisawa thought quickly, with various thoughts flashing through his mind in a short span of time.

"My friend Uzumaki, I heard that you are interested in studying Medical Ninjutsu?" Chiyo's voice interrupted Uzumaki Akisawa's contemplation. Her tone was cool and devoid of discernible emotions.

"Yes, Elder Chiyo. Our Uzumaki Clan may have a hot-blooded nature, but we do not seek war. Therefore, we have chosen a more cautious approach," Uzumaki Akisawa humbly responded, adopting a submissive attitude, considering it safer to downplay their intentions.

"No need for such humility. I simply wanted to inform you that Sunagakure has a medical system in place, and I hope you can integrate yourselves into it as soon as possible. It would be beneficial for you," Chiyo replied, shaking her head and chuckling lightly with a hint of disdain.

Chiyo, as an elder of Sunagakure, held herself above the infirm and the weak. She had no interest in wasting her time on them.

"Thank you, Elder Chiyo," Uzumaki Akisawa expressed his gratitude, his joy evident. Chiyo's disdainful attitude either went unnoticed by him subconsciously, or he simply chose to ignore it.

People like Chiyo have a reputation for single-handedly destroying cities. They are formidable fighters. The Shinōbi from the Uzumaki Clan are no match for them. Moreover, they have been granted permission to be integrated into Sunagakure's medical system. This means that they will have the opportunity to learn Sunagakure's Medical Ninjutsu and cannot hide their skills privately. But does the Uzumaki Clan have anything to hide? No, there is nothing to hide. Sunagakure is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, with a much stronger background than theirs.

In Kazekage's Office, Hitoshi and Shamon received Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura.

"Welcome to Sunagakure, friends from Uzu no Kuni," Hitoshi greeted them with a smile, standing up.

"We have come to see His Royal Highness Kazekage and Shamon-sama," Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura replied respectfully.

"I am aware of the Uzumaki Clan's decision. Regarding the research and system of Medical Ninjutsu, you can consult Elder Chiyo. I have already arranged a place for the Uzumaki Clan, and Uzu no Kuni Daimyo has already granted you a place to stay, so there is no need to worry. If you have any questions, feel free to ask," Hitoshi displayed his hospitality.

Rather than prioritizing his own direct descendants, he showed concern for the newcomers.

"Kazekage-sama, we would like to know where our clansmen will be working. We may not be able to provide much support in the initial stages. I hope you can accommodate us," Uzumaki Akisawa pleaded in a sincere tone.

The exhaustion in Hitoshi's eyes was evident, as he seemed barely able to maintain his composure.

Seeing the pleading look in Uzumaki Akisawa's eyes, Hitoshi's expression filled with approval.

"Don't worry, it's not a problem. If you don't have enough money, Sunagakure can provide you with a loan to settle down.

As for work, Sunagakure currently has numerous opportunities. The factories are hiring and operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, with accommodation and meals provided. You don't need to worry about these things. Sunagakure has made all the necessary arrangements for you."

Under the watchful and suspicious eyes of Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura, Hitoshi gestured to Pakura.

Understanding his intent, Pakura spent two hours explaining the loan and employment options in Sunagakure to the two of them.

In addition to small street shops and various scattered job opportunities, Sunagakure has newly established mines and manufacturing plants under its own name, which are also hiring a significant number of people.

There are also promising positions available in the hospital, where they can serve the majority of Sunagakure residents as nurses and doctors.

For those who specialize in combat and wish to contribute to the defense of Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni, there are openings in the military.

To maintain law and order, the police force is in need of recruits.

Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura felt their spirits lift as their heads were slightly lowered.

They realized that Sunagakure presented excellent opportunities and there were numerous positions awaiting them.

Whether they wanted to study Medical-Ninjutsu in the hospital, engage in combat as part of the military, or fulfill their personal value by becoming police officers, the options were abundant.

There are also commoners who can work independently without relying on the clan's support. They can earn money for themselves and spend it as they wish.

Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura left Kazekage's Office in a dazed state. They had just experienced a revelation from the advanced society.

"Hey, I think we should change the way our clan survives," Uzumaki Akisawa's eyes lit up as he excitedly spoke to Uzumaki Homura.

"Tell me, I have some ideas too," Uzumaki Homura replied with equal excitement.

"We should transform our Shinōbi Clan into a family structure, which would reduce stress and allow everyone to choose their own path," Uzumaki Akisawa suggested.

"Exactly, we only need to provide general guidance, and let each clansman make their own choices," Uzumaki Homura agreed.

"Indeed, by doing so, we can increase our ability to withstand risks. Everyone can support and help one another, minimizing interference," Uzumaki Akisawa elaborated.

Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter. They were young and no longer favored the communal approach of the past; they preferred individual freedom.

Being able to eat their own food and live their own lives sounded wonderful. They could enjoy the good times independently, and in times of hardship, they could rely on their relatives for support.

As Clan Leaders, their role would be to take care of their own families and guide the overall direction of the clan. Each family would receive basic provisions every month, while the rest would be earned and allocated based on each family's contributions to the clan.

This simplified approach would create a more harmonious and self-reliant clan structure.