CH - 89 Am I getting fired?

The "Aid to the Land of Rain Plan," in essence, revolves around a recruitment endeavor. Akihiko's purpose in journeying to the Land of Rain was none other than recruitment itself. His strategic focus lay in establishing factories on Rain's terrain, offering provisions, wages, and educational opportunities.

This approach was a necessity dictated by circumstances. Despite the Land of Rain's incessant rainfall, it boasted an abundance of iron ore. Coupled with the recent acquisition of ninja vests, the logical progression was to introduce ninja mesh armor (chain mail armor) into the market. This armor proved indispensable for mid to high-level shinobi, providing heightened protection against threats such as kunai and shuriken attacks.

In stark contrast, the Land of Grass lacked significant iron resources. However, the Land of Rain boasted a wealth of iron ore, coupled with a sizeable and available workforce. Furthermore, the geographical proximity between the two lands rendered the Land of Rain an optimal location for establishing factories.

As for the financial aspect of aiding the Land of Rain, the responsibility naturally falls upon the Land of Grass itself to manage and allocate the required funds.

…

Today, the weather in the Land of Grass was pleasant, but there was tension in the air due to the sudden outbreak of war. The once peaceful Grass Village now feels uneasy.

There was a significant worry about the workers who came from the Land of Rain. The recent conflict had caused a great deal of anxiety for them. They were afraid that they might be sent back by Grass Village and not allowed to come back.

In recent days, the leader of Grass Village has made a concerted effort to address a pressing issue. To console and reassure the people, skilled Grass Ninjas were dispatched.

The Grass Ninja's comforting presence helped ease the anxiety of the workers. They had been worried about being abandoned due to the chaos of war, but their concerns began to fade away. Instead, they became more committed to their tasks and felt grateful for not being left alone during these difficult times. This inspired a newfound dedication to their work.

Among them is Koujou. A couple of years ago, owing to his diligence and unwavering effort, he earned a promotion to the position of a team leader. He stands as the foremost example among the workers from the Land of Rain who have achieved the rank of team leader. Presently, he holds a more elevated position, enjoys an improved salary, and his wife is also a part of the workforce here.

Two years ago, their daughter embarked on her educational journey, marking her official entry into school. As a family unit of three, they've bid farewell to the days of enduring hunger and cold. They now lead a profoundly contented life within the borders of the Land of Grass. He has reached a state of deep satisfaction with his present circumstances.

Furthermore, he caught wind that following the culmination of the Ninja World War, the factory is slated to introduce a co-ownership housing initiative. In due course, both the factory and themselves will make contributions, enabling them to acquire their own spacious residence of here.

Originally, Koujou and his wife had harbored plans of persevering through hard work, amassing savings, and seizing the moment to purchase their own house. They also had plans to add a new family member into their family once they found a larger place to live. He holds firm in his belief that with their current standard of living, their child will never know the pangs of hunger.

The trajectory of their lives has been consistently upward, casting a hopeful light upon everyone's future. Yet now, in an astonishingly brief span of time, the specter of war has reemerged.

Strolling along the corridor, Koujou pauses and directs his gaze towards the door ahead, emitting a sigh laden with a sense of anticipation. He proceeds to knock softly on the door, the rhythmic sound echoing in the stillness, "Knock, knock, knock~"

"Enter!" Following the voice emanating from within, Koujou experiences a fleeting moment of hesitation. Taking a steadying inhalation, he turns the doorknob and steps inside, a genuine smile gracing his features. "Captain Yamafuji, is there a task you require my assistance with?"

Although this sudden summon has left him curious about the purpose, a faint layer of nervousness clings to Koujou's demeanor. Nonetheless, he earnestly adds, "No matter the nature of the task, I am committed to fulfilling it diligently!"

"Relax, Koujou," Yamafuji regards him kindly, pouring a steaming cup of tea with a smile that conveys reassurance, "Take a moment to enjoy some tea first. Our discussion on the task can follow.

"Captain Yamafuji..." A subtle quiver runs through Koujou's hands. While the prospect of tea doesn't hold much appeal at this juncture, he delicately raises the cup to his lips, taking a measured sip before inquiring, "Is there a a specific assignment at the factory that requires my attention?"

"Well, allow me to explain," Yamafuji's head tilts in a gesture of slight helplessness, though his smile remains intact. "Temporarily suspend your ongoing tasks for the moment. There's an important matter..."

However, before he could conclude his sentence, Koujou's movements came to an abrupt halt. The teacup he had been holding slipped from his grasp, its delicate contents spilling onto the ground below. His eyes widened in astonishment, a sudden rush of blood causing his face to flush crimson. He stared at Yamafuji in a state of shock, his body immobilized by an unforeseen reaction.

The unexpected scene also caught Yamafuji off guard. Reacting swiftly, he reached for a cloth to clean up the spilled tea and inquired, "What's the matter with you?"

"I, I, I..." Koujou stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, his expression a mix of bewilderment and trepidation. He mustered the courage to speak, albeit hesitantly, "Captain Yamafuji, have I done something wrong? Please, tell me! Whatever it is, I'll diligently make amends! I'll put in my utmost effort!"

"You're doing exceptionally well! There's no issue. Calm down and speak slowly," Yamafuji reassures him, perplexed by Koujou's sudden distress.

"Then, then... Is the factory planning to dismiss me?" Koujou's query was tinged with nervous hesitation, his voice quivering.

"Dismiss you? Absolutely not!" Yamafuji blinks, a realization dawning upon him. With a reassuring smile, he retrieves a document from his possession. "The factory has no intention of firing you. It's quite the opposite. The Land of Rain is in need of a factory manager, and given your familiarity with the operations,coupled with your dedication and responsibility, makes you an ideal candidate. That's why I'm putting forth a recommendation for you. If you accept, you'll step into the role of deputy chief directly. Naturally, the choice is yours."

"Deputy chief? The Land of Rain..." Koujou echoed, his initial doubt now replaced by a mixture of surprise and contemplation.

"Indeed, it's within the Land of Rain," Yamafuji confirms with a nod, maintaining his patient demeanor. He observes Koujou's lingering uncertainty and encourages, "Feel free to ask any other questions you might have. Don't hesitate."

"The Land of Rain?" Koujou contemplates for a brief moment before voicing his concern, "But aren't we currently in a state of war with them?"

"War is one matter, and your work is separate. Rest assured, you won't be sent to the battlefield. Your responsibilities there will mirror what you do here. While there may be some risks, Grass Ninja will ensure your safety. You need not fret," Yamafuji explains earnestly. Rising from his seat, he places a reassuring hand on Koujou's shoulder, continuing, "You won't be alone. Many others are also joining this endeavor. If you're still unsure, that's perfectly fine. The decision is ultimately yours."

Then, a pause ensues, and Yamafuji queries, "Do you recall what you said when you first joined the factory?"

Koujou's expression shifts, a spark of recognition lighting up his eyes. Standing up with newfound determination, he declares,"I remember saying that I am like a brick, ready to be placed wherever needed!"

"Exactly," Yamafuji affirms, a hint of pride in his voice. "Now, take some time to think it over. Discuss it with your family. There's no need to fear. Whether you accept or decline, it's your choice." With a final pat on Koujou's shoulder, he adds, "Remember, this is a remarkable opportunity. Don't let it slip away."

…

Meanwhile, the entire workforce within the Land of Grass springs into action, mirroring similar scenes unfolding across various departments. The collective effort breathes a renewed vibrancy into the previously somewhat subdued atmosphere.

While the reasoning behind their sudden mobilization to the Land of Rain remains unclear, the higher-ups orders are unquestioningly adhered to. The workers, though puzzled, readily comply with the directive from above, demonstrating their unswerving dedication.

Meanwhile, at a construction site nestled within the Land of Grass:

Daisuke, sleeves rolled up to counter the sweat-inducing labor, wipes his forehead and indulges in a gulp of water. Exhaling a contented sigh, he lets his gaze wander across the expanse of the Land of Grass spread before him.

Despite the prevailing state of war, the situation within the Land of Grass retains an air of relative calm, allowing its inhabitants to carry on with their daily lives.

In the midst of wiping away his sweat, a voice interrupts Daisuke's actions. "Daisuke, still here, huh? Perfect timing, come join us for a meeting!" A beckoning call interrupted Daisuke's activity. He paused, turned his head, and directed his gaze toward another robust figure, clad with bared arms and head. "Boss!"

This man was the team leader, and his reputation preceded him - a fair and straightforward individual who treated his subordinates with respect. In a village like Grass Village, stringent management was the norm.

There was a recent case where a team leader had abused their authority, resulting in their dismissal and a subsequent requirement to offer compensation and an apology. This incident served as a stark reminder to everyone of the importance of adherence to the village's standards.

"Boss, did we receive some unexpected orders from above? It sounds rather urgent," Daisuke inquired with a tinge of uncertainty.

"Hahaha! Indeed, this project is a massive undertaking. We've been tasked by higher-ups to head to the Land of Rain..." The boss trailed off for a moment, his expression reflecting contemplation, before he scratched his head in recollection. "Daisuke, if I remember correctly, you're originally from the Land of Rain, aren't you?"

"Yes," Daisuke nodded, his surprise evident as he began to grasp the situation, "We're heading to the Land of Rain? But what's our purpose there? Aren't we currently at war with them?"

"Don't fret, Grass Ninja will be accompanying us, and our leader assures us there won't be any issues. Oh, my apologies, I forgot. Given your background, you'll need to seek approval from the higher-ups before joining this mission," the boss explained, offering a regretful smile. "You don't need to attend this meeting. Head back and rest early."

While Daisuke was a diligent and committed worker, rules were rules, and exceptions couldn't be made.

"I'm a bit pressed for time, so I'll go on ahead," the boss announced before Daisuke could respond. Without waiting for further discussion, he strode away, leaving Daisuke momentarily stunned in his place.

It took a moment for Daisuke to snap back to reality. He turned his gaze toward the Land of Rain, the direction his boss had departed in, his eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "The Land of Rain..."

Baffled, he murmured to himself, "Are we going to the Land of Rain... perhaps, for construction?"