After Kinkaku and Ginkaku's rebellion, the Second Raikage established a policy of peace in line with that of Konoha Ninja Village. After years of recuperation, Kumogakure Ninja Village had returned to its former state. Though it lacked the fertile lands of the Land of Fire, its mountains had a beauty all their own.
Sora stepped out of her house and immediately looked toward the distant peaks wreathed in mist. Whenever she saw that sight, she felt as though she were in a celestial paradise. Though she had never seen a real paradise, her love for her village convinced her that this was the finest scenery anywhere—not even the Land of Fire could surpass it.
She silently gazed at the distant scenery for a while before returning inside. She changed out of her casual clothes and into her Kumogakure Ninja uniform, gathered her ninja tools, then stepped outside and headed toward the building where the Raikage worked.
Kumogakure Ninja Village was built around towering peaks. This had once been where the Yotsuki clan practiced their ninja arts. Toward the end of the Warring States period, the clan had been won over by the First Raikage's ideals and donated the land passed down through their generations as the foundation for Kumogakure Ninja Village. As the population grew, the Raikage built numerous bridges to make travel between the peaks easier.
Upon reaching the main peak where the Raikage worked, Sora walked slowly along the street. The Kumogakure Ninja who passed her greeted her respectfully as "Lady Sora." As the Second Raikage's student, Sora possessed exceptional talent and had become a Jonin at a young age. In Kumogakure Ninja Village, where strength was revered, even a woman commanded respect.
Sora gave a slight nod to the Kumogakure Ninja who greeted her. Cold by nature,