Chapter 260 : Kakuzu's Findings!

Kakuzu had been silently observing everything about the Land of Red.

Though he uttered no words, he absorbed the surroundings keenly, scrutinizing every inhabitant of the Land of Red.

As Sato gradually introduced them to their surroundings, Kakuzu wordlessly trailed along to Thousand Leaf Residence.

The disparity in the Land of Red struck him deeply. Everyone toiled diligently, yet there was a palpable contentment amidst the labor.

Observing the warm greetings and absence of disdain, Kakuzu murmured to himself, "Such an unusual nation." 

He watched the scene unfold with rapt attention, musing inwardly, "Could this be Land of Red's method to outmaneuver Kirigakure?"

Kakuzu furrowed his brow at the tranquil tableau. "Can ninja truly collaborate with common folk?"

"This Land of Red's ninjas employs Wind Style to cut trees and Earth Style to erect structures? And this Great Fireball Technique, repurposed for boiling water!"

The sights and sounds along the Road challenged Kakuzu's preconceptions. Ninjutsu, originally devised for combat, was now seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

And remarkably, it proved highly efficient.

Kakuzu found himself at a loss for words. He witnessed firsthand an individual who was evidently a ninja, proficient in Earth Style at least Chunin-level, being chastised by a middle-aged man nearby. Kakuzu's acute hearing caught snippets of the reprimand.

"Itadori, what's the matter? Why is the Earth Style different this time? It should be three meters deep, but now it's barely two. Are you slacking off..."

"Captain, I apologize. My chakra control is not as precise as Master's..."

A ninja being scolded by a commoner elicited no sense of impropriety from either party; instead, the ninja sheepishly scratched his head and offered his apologies.

The bystanders showed no disapproval, as if such exchanges were the norm.

Yet Kakuzu couldn't shake the incredulity. In the outside world, commoners dared not utter a word of reproach to a Ninja, let alone issue commands. Even in the great ninja villages, ninjas held sway over others and there was no precedent for ordinary folk to dictate terms to them.

Ninjas using their jutsu to aid in manual labor, such as road construction and lumbering, was unheard of; such tasks, though easily accomplished by ninjutsu, typically required the labor of dozens of men over the span of days.

However, even if a ninja lounges at home doing nothing, it's impossible to let them off work.

Now, in the Land of Red, everything seemed to flow naturally...

For a brief moment, Kakuzu found himself questioning his long-held worldview...

After the arrangements were made, Kakuzu made his way to a dormitory. Due to his unique status, Sato was aware, so he promptly arranged a single room for him.

The single room, spanning more than ten square meters, boasted a window basking in sunlight, lending the room a bright ambiance.

Within, there lay a bed, a wooden cabinet, a table, and a stool. The bed was already made with simple blue and white sheets.

After obtaining the key, Kakuzu exited the single room and decided to take a stroll.

Thanks to prior notice, no one impeded his path. As long as he refrained from interfering with others, he was free to wander the Land of Red.

Kakuzu could sense the efficiency of this place as he walked directly out of Thousand Leaf Residence's gates. He anticipated some delay, but the gate attendant merely glanced at him and allowed him passage.

Before he left, she reminded him, "The gates close at nine in the evening. If you return, make sure it's early."

Kakuzu understood that this seemingly lax release didn't signify loose management in the Land of Red.

On the contrary, as he traversed, he noticed a facade of looseness outside and stringent control within. Although it appeared casual, several groups of sensory ninjas patrolled the Land of Red.

Furthermore, regular residents were required to greet and register upon entering or exiting Thousand Leaf Residence.

Yet, given his circumstances, everyone understood and allowed him to pass unhindered, without contention or interference.

And many of those who carry out these tasks are ordinary individuals, yet remarkably efficient.

This realization struck Kakuzu instantly as he observed the effectiveness of this particular set of procedures.

Walking along, Kakuzu observed the citizens of the Land of Red passing by him.

Among them were members of the red-haired Uzumaki clan, ordinary civilians, even ninjas who posed a threat to him, and elderly individuals struggling with mobility.

As he observed everyone along the way, each person wore a smile and carried out their tasks with purpose.

Even when an elderly man called out for help and bystanders refused assistance, they still kept a watchful eye.

This insight led Kakuzu to acknowledge the unique vitality.

Arriving at an orphanage, Kakuzu surveyed the bright blue and white exterior compound.

The pristine white pillars stood tall, adorned with flowers and plants, in stark contrast to the dreary facades of other major nations.

At first glance, one might mistake it for the residence of a prominent family, with its name, "House of Light," further enhancing the illusion.

Observing the children within, Kakuzu silently watched.

With Kakuzu's stealth, none of the orphanage's occupants detected his presence.

He witnessed the orphans seated orderly in the classroom, where a kind woman taught them to read.

Occasionally, mischievous behavior arose, prompting the gentle woman to swiftly adopt a stern demeanor.

Yet, even in those moments, the children displayed affection for her.

Even the mischievous ones sought her approval.

Observing this, Kakuzu couldn't help but admit to himself, "It seems I haven't been deceived by Kazuhiko's claims..."

"Then I shall remain here, scrutinizing this place to ascertain whether it truly aligns with Kazuhiko's claims!"

*****

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