A training center without an oath of allegiance hid the right to withdraw on the last page
The recruiter from the White Cedar Training Center did not ask the children to swear allegiance to any country.
He even took the initiative to place a sample forehead protector on the table.
A white fir tree marked its front.
Its back bore no identifying number from Konoha, the Land of Fire, or any other shinobi village.
"Wearing it only means you passed the training."
The recruiter spoke.
"You can carry out missions for anyone willing to pay, or form your own teams."
Several children immediately gathered around.
Konoha kept course certificates separate from forehead protectors and required a safety assessment before admission to combat classes.
The White Cedar Training Center promised a direct assessment after ninety days.
Free room and board.
Free ninja tools.
Free treatment for injuries.
No nationality checks, and no requirement to settle there.
It offered precisely the fast track that students without village affiliation needed most.
The school could not withhold the envelopes simply because the other option was more attractive.
Nor could caregivers destroy the invitations on the children's behalf, then claim that Konoha was the only choice in the world.
The contract was brought into the public verification room.
The first six pages were so clear that they bordered on generous.
Three meals a day, basic ninja tools issued every ten days, and admission to the Training Facility's infirmary in the event of injury.
Completing the ninety-day course qualified students to take the forehead protector assessment.
Outstanding students could even gain early access to paid missions.
The real problem lay on the last page.
Anyone who left early, refused an assignment, or failed the assessment had to repay the costs of room and board, teaching materials, ninja tools, medical care, and "lost returns on training."
The first four items had no price list.