CH - 139 Thunder Train

"This symbolizes the culmination of years of dedication by our Grass Village," responded Yoshinori, who had overheard Akihiko's question.

Uzumaki Yoshinori, as the principal researcher and head of the Thunder Train project, was well aware of the reasons behind choosing the green color. In response to Akihiko's inquiry, Yoshinori elaborated earnestly, "The word 'Grass' carries the essence of green, which symbolizes the resilience of life. Just like vibrant green grass that can withstand various conditions and steadfastly grow, the color green signifies youth, vitality, and life. Under Leader Akihiko's guidance, our Grass Village is akin to newly sprouted grass, bringing hope, energy, and an infinite future."

As the green vehicle came to a stop, Yoshinori, the principal researcher and head of the Thunder Train project, was well aware of the reasons behind choosing the green color. He added, "Green is also emblematic of harmony. This is why I opted for the green color."

Turning his gaze fondly toward the first Thunder Train of the Grass Village, he continued, "Moreover, this green embodies harmony, signifying the partnership between our Grass and Rain Villages. Together, we will progress in unity and craft a radiant future. Hence, I've named it 'Harmony.'"

"Absolutely!" Hanzo chimed in enthusiastically upon hearing Yoshinori's explanation. "That's a splendid name. It represents vitality, harmony, and the future. It truly stands as a symbol of today's collaboration between the Grass and Rain countries."

Akihiko, still somewhat taken aback by the profound explanation, looked at the green train and muttered, "Well... that actually makes sense!"

…

Following Yoshinori's lead, Akihiko and Hanzo conducted a joint inspection of the Harmony, which symbolized vitality and harmony.

During the ride, the leaders of both nations engaged in discussions about the future development of their countries and shared their perspectives on the evolving trends in the ninja world, thus further strengthening the friendly cooperation between their nations.

Meanwhile, the Harmony embarked on its journey from the Rain Village to the Grass Village, and as it sped along, it symbolized the rapid and harmonious phase of development that Grass and Rain were entering. Of course, these were the thoughts shared by many others.

Guided by Yoshinori, Akihiko, and Hanzo gazed out the window at the swiftly passing scenery and couldn't help but exclaim, "It's incredibly fast!"

Moreover, the ride was remarkably stable and comfortable. However, they had heard that it consumes a significant amount of chakra.

The introduction of this green vehicle undoubtedly promised significantly enhanced convenience for travel between Grass and Rain. However, it was apparent that station planning was still in progress. Properly organizing the stations to be as close to residential areas as possible without becoming overly proximate would necessitate further considerations. Hence, it would take some time for the system to be fully operational.

Despite this, both nations recognized that the arrival of the train represented a substantial advancement in terms of travel between Grass and Rain. Its swiftness was particularly remarkable.

As they stopped at the station, Grass Village came into view not too far away. The station was situated just outside the village, making it quite accessible. Their journey, which commenced around noon, had taken merely about four hours, markedly reducing travel time between the two nations.

As they disembarked from the train, dozens of people gathered around, their faces beaming with excitement, eagerly inquiring about Yoshinori and the accompanying ninjas' wellbeing.

In response, Yoshinori cheerfully waved his hand and announced, "With unanimous approval, including Leader Akihiko's, we've declared the test a resounding success!"

His words were met with immediate cheers from the crowd. Despite any skepticism regarding the words of other officials, they held unwavering trust in Akihiko's statements. To them, if their leader had given his approval, it meant success.

Akihiko, standing on the sidelines, chose not to interrupt the researchers' jubilation and took a moment to scan his surroundings, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the crowd. However, he couldn't help but ponder, "Where's Hanzo? Wasn't he supposed to be with us? Did he jump off from the train somewhere along the way?"

As Akihiko voiced his question, a Grass Village ninja hesitated before responding, "Uh, regarding Lord Hanzo... When we were approaching the station, Kakuzu-sama arrived, and then... Lord Hanzo was taken away by Kakuzu-sama!"

Akihiko's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Kakuzu's been here? Wait a moment," he thought, reflecting on the fact that he hadn't seen Hanzo exit the vehicle with them. "Did the train made an unscheduled stop during the journey?" He tried to recall, but he couldn't remember such an occurrence.

"No, it didn't make any stops midway," the ninja clarified.

Baffled by the information, Akihiko was about to pursue further clarification when Elder Yoshinori, encircled by the research specialists, raised a serious concern. His expression grew grave as he addressed the gathering, "The safety of the vehicle requires further enhancement. The recent incident of unauthorized disembarkation experiment demonstrates that for certain ninjas, boarding the moving vehicle is still remarkably straightforward, posing a considerable safety risk."

"Wait a minute, Elder Yoshinori, there was no unauthorized disembarkation experiment!" Akihiko interjected hastily.

"The specifics don't matter. What's crucial is that we must acknowledge this issue and commit to resolving it. We need to continue improving our experiments," Yoshinori stated firmly while gesturing.

Upon hearing this, Akihiko raised an eyebrow as if he had guessed something. He turned to the Grass ninja nearby.

The Grass ninja nodded with composure and spoke softly, "It occurred when Leader Akihiko was taking a rest in the sleeping compartment. Kakuzu-sama boarded the train mid-journey, and then jumped off with Lord Hanzo. This happened when we were nearing this station."

Akihiko was left momentarily speechless. Kakuzu was certainly living up to his reputation, he didn't hesitate to board the train mid-journey for debt collection. Speaking of Which, Would Hanzo's name will be added to the list of untrustworthy individuals, barred from riding the train until his debts were repaid? Akihiko pursed his lips, hoping that Hanzo had already prepared to pay the interest.

As he pondered these financial matters, he couldn't help but wonder about Mubuki. Had he paid his debt from the last time? Or was he still contemplating fleeing despite owing the debt?

"Oh well, forget about them. You head on down to your own work. There's no need to accompany me. I should get some rest," Akihiko said to the Grass ninja.

However, just as he finished speaking, another Grass ninja came rushing up, bearing a piece of paper with him. He respectfully handed it over and hurriedly said, "We've received crucial intelligence!"

Akihiko couldn't fathom what important information could have surfaced at this particular moment. He glanced at the paper and was left utterly flabbergasted. He mumbled in disbelief, "The Sand Village and Mist Village... declaring a ceasefire?!"

…

The Sand Village and Mist Village had jointly declared a ceasefire, marking the end of their prolonged conflict. This unexpected turn of events brought an end to a war where neither side had emerged victorious or defeated, it was probably a mutual agreement between them to put a halt to hostilities.

The outcome had taken everyone by surprise. Over the past years, the battle between them had claimed the lives of numerous ninjas from both sides, leaving them both burdened with the loss of countless comrades. It seemed that the toll of the war had grown too great for either village to bear, leading to the decision to bring the fighting to a close.

Shortly after the ceasefire announcement, Rasa, the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage of the Sand Village, had dispatched their Sand Village hero to negotiate the terms of the ceasefire with the Mist Village.

As the news spread, it became clear that the war between the Mist and Sand Villages had truly concluded. The only large-scale conflict remaining was the battle at Kikyo Pass. There was a sense that this war might be nearing its final chapter.

However, In the Mist Village, unknown to everyone, Pakura struggled to open her eyes as she lay in the midst of bodies. Her efforts were in vain, as her eyelids refused to budge, no matter how hard she tried.

Questions loomed in her mind. Had she been betrayed? Abandoned by her own village? A growing sense of understanding filled her, mixed with anger, as she began to comprehend that there might be no salvation for her. She was left with a haunting realization that no one would come to her rescue.

As she grappled with anger and despair, her vision fading, a voice reached her from nearby. Urgent words filled the air. "Quickly! She's not cold yet. We need to act fast, stop the bleeding, and then get her back!"

Someone was making an effort to save her. Had she not been abandoned, as she initially feared? Before she could fully process this, another voice chimed in from beside her, laced with irritation. "Seriously? You pulled me out in such a rush and forced me to use Kamui to save a Sand ninja? You even frightened me by claiming it was at Madara-sensei's request. Don't you know I'm trying to make a living here?"

"Kid, making a living, you say? I just saw you squatting by the street. Is that how you make a living? If you want to earn money, head to the factory and tighten some screws!" another voice replied in a mocking tone.

"Even though she's still breathing, her vital signs are weakening. We're running out of time. It might be too late. We might have to give up on her," the ninja checking her injuries declared with a tone of urgency.

Akihiko, upon hearing this proposal, took a moment to consider the situation. He glanced back at Obito, who appeared to be muttering about needing to repay something. Akihiko then made an offer, saying, "Hey, how about this... she lives, and I'll pay more?"

Obito turned to face Akihiko and responded with sincerity, "I believe she can still be saved. We shouldn't give up on a life so easily. Even if she's a ninja from another village, she's still a life."

While he spoke, the spatial distortion around them began to warp and twist, and Obito urged them, "What are you waiting for? What are you standing there for? Don't you want to save a life right in front of you? By the way, this extra money... how much extra are you talking about?"

Akihiko couldn't help but twitch his mouth. Why had Obito suddenly become so money-conscious, just like Kakuzu? He used to enjoy helping people without thinking about rewards. Now he was raising financial concerns over a life hanging in the balance.

Akihiko's mouth twitched. He couldn't help but wonder why Obito had suddenly become so money-conscious, similar to Kakuzu. He used to enjoy helping people without thinking about rewards. Now he was discussing money even when it comes to saving a life? This was a matter of life and death, they are talking about.

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