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A solitary black figure moved slowly through the forest, sunlight filtering through the dense canopy to create dappled patches of light on the ground. This was none other than Wu—formerly known as Miao—who had just departed from the Land of Cherry Blossoms.
By now, Wu had removed the shattered remnants of his mask, revealing a handsome face. His long black hair partially obscured his right eye, while the rest was tied back with a thin cord at the nape of his neck.
This was Miao, who had undergone tremendous changes over the past five years. The once-childish face had matured into that of a striking young man, marked by an air of quiet wisdom and weathered experience. Standing at approximately 170 centimeters tall, he was nearing adult height. More importantly, his strength had grown exponentially compared to his younger self.
As he recalled the events in the lord's mansion of the Land of Cherry Blossoms, a wry smile crossed his lips. It wasn't about money—the lord had been exceedingly generous, handing over a substantial reward without hesitation. After all, the Land of Cherry Blossoms was one of the wealthiest nations, and such sums were mere pocket change for its ruler.
However, after delivering the payment, the lord made another request: he hoped Wu would join their ranks as a protector for Princess Goto Yurika and contribute his talents to bolstering the nation's shinobi forces. Naturally, the compensation offered for this role was astronomical.
The reason behind the urgency stemmed from the stark imbalance between the country's wealth and military power. The recent kidnapping incident had forced the lord to confront reality—they needed to rapidly develop their shinobi capabilities. But starting late meant they lagged far behind neighboring nations, many of whom kept a close watch on the Land of Cherry Blossoms, leaving no room for gradual growth.
To safeguard their interests and avoid war, increasing national deterrence was the only viable path forward. With time being a luxury they didn't possess, there was but one solution: *recruit mercenaries*. By attracting rogue ninjas scattered across the shinobi world, they could swiftly enhance their military might. Though these wandering shinobi weren't as formidable as those from major villages, their combativeness often surpassed that of smaller villages' shinobi. Living life on the edge forged them into ruthless fighters.
For the mercenaries themselves, this arrangement held undeniable appeal. What drove most rogue ninjas? Money and survival. Here was an opportunity not only to earn substantial rewards but also secure a place to call home—a win-win scenario.
As for offending larger shinobi villages? To men accustomed to living dangerously, fear held little sway. Survival and profit took precedence. In the past, rogue ninjas avoided conflict with established villages due to their isolation and vulnerability. However, under the banner of the Land of Cherry Blossoms, they'd gain legitimacy and unite with other recruited rogues, forming a collective force capable of standing against smaller villages. Compared to the overwhelming might of the Five Great Nations, smaller villages posed minimal threat.
This strategy promised rapid results, bridging the gap in military strength within the shortest possible timeframe. Of course, the cost would be staggering—but money was something the Land of Cherry Blossoms had in abundance. What they lacked was protective power and time.
Loyalty, though risky, could be cultivated over time. While recruiting mercenaries carried inherent dangers, it paled in comparison to the devastation of invasion by foreign powers.
Seeking aid from the Five Great Nations was never considered. Trust was scarce; if smaller nations were likened to biting dogs, then the Five Great Nations were ravenous wolves. Soliciting help from them risked inviting disaster—an outcome the lord categorically refused to accept. None among the Five Great Nations were known for mercy or restraint.
Reflecting on this, Miao allowed himself a faint smile. Money truly made the world go round—even when lives were at stake. Through the lord's explanation, he understood that the Land of Cherry Blossoms had already begun covertly recruiting rogue ninjas. Though he declined the offer, the lord clearly valued him immensely, stating earnestly, "The gates of the Land of Cherry Blossoms will always remain open to you."
Miao knew the lord appreciated not just his current prowess but his potential as well. At such a young age, his abilities far exceeded those of ordinary rogue ninjas. According to Goto Yurika, he had effortlessly defeated three jonin-level opponents—a feat placing him among the elite prodigies of the shinobi world. Even someone unfamiliar with shinobi rankings understood the significance of defeating jonin-class warriors. Thus, the lord regarded him with particular favor.
As he left, the lingering blush on Goto Yurika's cheeks and her reluctant gaze left Miao feeling somewhat bemused yet indifferent.
Still, Miao hadn't entirely ruled out joining the Land of Cherry Blossoms in the future. He might eventually need a sanctuary, given that his ultimate adversary was Konoha—a behemoth too vast for any single person to dismantle alone. Allied strength would undoubtedly prove crucial.
Lost in thought, Miao continued walking, contemplating his plans for the future. One matter loomed large in his mind: returning to the Land of Water to exact vengeance upon the Fourth Mizukage. Though his father's death resulted from overexertion using the Mangekyō Sharingan, the root cause traced back to the Fourth Mizukage. Given the likelihood of external manipulation, Miao harbored no ill will toward Kirigakure itself—but the Fourth Mizukage, the direct perpetrator, had to die.
Just then, Miao's steps came to an abrupt halt. His expression turned icy as he muttered coldly, "Someone dares to target me? They truly don't know the meaning of death."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than sharp whistling sounds pierced the air. Dozens of black-clad figures darted through the trees, surrounding him in moments.
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