The Ceremony Begins

Moreover, in the aquaculture industry of the Rain Country, the three nations gave a portion of their annual profits to the Land of Iron in gratitude for their help in dealing with the war back then.

Though it was only a small share, the combined profits of the three nations still amounted to a huge sum.

It was enough to support the development of the sparsely populated Land of Iron.

The Land of Iron had now become the fifth great nation of the Shinobi World, a country founded by samurai.

However, Mifune knew that the Land of Iron owed everything it had today to Torikaze. Without Torikaze, let alone becoming the fifth great nation, they might have long since been destroyed by war.

Thus, Mifune had never dared to forget this favor, and he had taught his disciples the same.

Samurai valued loyalty and righteousness, and Torikaze trusted their character.

Mifune had brought his disciple Kaien with him. After several years, Kaien had become an outstanding samurai as well.

He was still using the sword Torikaze had given him back then.

Mifune had not visited Konoha in many years. The development of his country had always kept him too busy to get away.

This time, he had turned down everything else and come here specifically.

Seeing his old friend again, Torikaze was filled with emotion. Mifune was only a few years older than him, yet his face was now covered in wrinkles.

He recalled how he and Mifune had met in their youth. Several decades had passed since then.

"Come on, let's head inside. The ceremony will begin in two hours. We can catch up after it's over."

After all the important guests had entered the village, Torikaze and Chisato turned and headed for the Hokage Office.

Following the mark