Hidden Crafts Village

Rumble—

Lightning split apart the sea of clouds overhead, countless writhing serpents of electricity stretching toward the horizon. Raindrops the size of beans fell from the sky, striking the ground with sharp crackles.

Inside a certain cave, lively flames danced over the firewood, casting an orange glow and waves of warmth.

"Boss, it's already been three days. When can we finally find someone to fight?"

Chikuma absentmindedly roasted a wild rabbit he had caught outside over the fire. Behind him lay more than a dozen elite members of the Taketori Clan, sprawled about in every direction, each of them looking equally listless.

Perhaps it was because of their bloodline, but the Taketori Clan felt restless if they went a day without fighting. If they went too long without a battle, their pent-up negative emotions would erupt all at once, turning them bloodthirsty, violent, and devoid of reason.

Enkō put down the map in his hand and looked up at the weather outside. As if speaking to himself, he said, "Soon, I suppose. The situation in the Shinobi World has only just stabilized, and there won't be any major upheavals for a while. Every village is busy digesting the fruits of its victory after the war, so this is a good opportunity for us to grow."

After saying all that, Chikuma had not absorbed a word. He scratched his head and continued roasting the meat in his hands.

Enkō knew talking to him about such things was like playing music to a cow, so he simply returned to studying the map.

This time, his recruitment targets consisted of three clans. One of them was the Uzuki Clan that Sarutobi Sasuke had mentioned before his death, a ninja clan highly skilled in swordsmanship.

To be honest, though, as a second-rate clan, their combat strength was not particularly impressive. Enkō was only going because even a mosquito was still meat. Besides, with the token Sarutobi Sasuke had given him, the chances of success would not be low.

The Uzuki Clan's stronghold lay in the north of the Land of Fire, separated from the Land of Flame by more than half of the Land of Fire. Enkō planned to travel along the border of the Land of Fire, visiting the other two clans along the way.

His first destination was a small country called the Land of Crafts. No clan occupied this country. Instead, a group of like-minded ninja had gathered there and established an organization. The ninja of that organization were all highly skilled at crafting ninja tools. During the Warring States period, nearly every clan had ordered ninja tools from them, including the Uchiha Clan.

Drip, drip—

No one knew how much time had passed before the wind and rain outside finally died down. Enkō stood up, brushed the dust from his clothes, and said, "Let's go. If nothing unexpected happens, we'll arrive tomorrow. If a conflict breaks out then, I'll leave it to you."

"Hm?" The moment he heard there might be a fight, Chikuma wolfed down the roasted rabbit in two bites. The other Taketori Clan members also scrambled to their feet, eagerly following Enkō's steps, wishing they could reach the Land of Crafts immediately and fight someone.

The group departed from the cave in grand fashion, leaving behind a pile of extinguished firewood.

About five minutes later, a figure entirely shrouded in a black robe slowly arrived before the cave. The figure wore a hood, making his expression impossible to see. He merely swept a faint glance over the scene inside the cave, then slightly raised his head. His dark green eyes stared eerily in the direction Enkō had left before he vanished from the spot.

Tap, tap, tap...

Under the fine rain, a group of long-weary travelers stepped onto the territory of Hidden Crafts Village.

Enkō wore a straw raincoat, his gaze beneath the bamboo hat sweeping across the misty village. After several days of travel, a trace of exhaustion showed in his eyes.

The Taketori Clan members, on the other hand, carelessly allowed the rain to fall over them. The moment they saw a village with people in it at last, they perked up and volunteered from behind Enkō. "Boss, is this the place? Should we just go in?"

"Don't rush. Wait for my signal." Enkō hurriedly stopped the group of brutes. "Let's talk first. A forcibly picked melon may quench your thirst, but it won't be sweet."

Thus, the group headed toward the village. While they were still more than ten meters from the entrance, they were noticed by two gatekeeping ninja.

"Hey! You there! Who are you?"

Enkō glanced once more at the plaque above the village entrance and said, "Ninja from Flame Hidden Village. I wish to meet your leader, or rather, your village chief."

The two guards exchanged glances, each seeing the surprise in the other's eyes.

Flame Hidden Village, the Uchiha Clan? Why had they come here?

"May I ask what business you have with our leader? If you are here to commission ninja tools, then I'm sorry. Something has happened in the village recently, and we may be unable to forge ninja tools for you."

Something had happened? Enkō's brows furrowed slightly, but he still insisted, "It isn't solely for the purpose of forging ninja tools. There is indeed an important matter that needs to be discussed with your leader."

They could not casually turn away members of a great clan like the Uchiha Clan, so the two could only smile apologetically. "Very well, then please wait a moment. I'll report this to Lord Qingming."

One guard remained to accompany them while the other quickly jogged into the village. Enkō held back the increasingly restless Chikuma as he considered the situation of Hidden Crafts Village.

There were not many descriptions of Hidden Crafts Village in later generations. Enkō only knew that this ninja village had gradually declined by then, but he had no way of knowing what historical changes it had gone through.

Before long, a refined young man in a white robe hurried over, surrounded by several others. Upon seeing Enkō and his group, he revealed an enthusiastic smile. "Honored guests of the Uchiha Clan have come from afar. Please forgive me for failing to welcome you sooner. Please, come in!"

Enkō gave a slight nod in response, while the Taketori Clan members behind him clearly showed a flicker of disappointment on their faces.

Hidden Crafts Village was not very large. Along the way, they could see many blacksmiths swinging hammers in their shops. Even on a rainy day, the air carried a faint heat.

Following Qingming to a reception hall, Enkō had someone lead the Taketori Clan members away to rest. Only Enkō and Qingming remained in the hall. After a cup of fine tea was served, they took their respective seats as host and guest.

Qingming was the first to ask, "May I ask which outstanding member of the Uchiha Clan you are?"

"Uchiha Enkō."

A trace of barely perceptible astonishment flashed through Qingming's eyes. In an even tone, he said, "I never expected the Uchiha Clan's Third Leader to come in person. May I ask what brings Lord Enkō here this time?"

Enkō took a light sip of tea and slowly said, "May I ask what plans Village Chief Qingming has for Hidden Crafts Village's future development?"

The moment those words left his mouth, Qingming's eyelids twitched sharply. With a strange expression, he said, "Could it be that you wish for Hidden Crafts Village to join Flame Hidden Village?"

"Hm?" This time, Enkō was taken aback. "Why would you say that?"

Seeing that it was indeed so, Qingming revealed a helpless, bitter smile. "Because you are the second person to say this to me."

Enkō's expression showed some surprise. "Then who was the first?"

Qingming said quietly, "Water Country, Kirigakure."