At this point in the conversation, Nawaki suddenly sensed something was wrong. He immediately said, "Grand-Grandaunt, I'm only going there to maintain public order. Do I need those certificates?"
"Of course you do," Yanbai said expressionlessly. "The Border Garrison is staffed with ordinary people assigned by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. Every one of them studies new material each week and takes an assessment every year. Those who fail are dismissed."
"They shoulder enormous responsibilities. Without any professional knowledge, they would soon be deceived by spies from other villages and countries."
"I'm not saying this just to scare you. You can easily look up the evidence. Personnel stationed along the Land of Fire's borders all strive to become as well-rounded as possible. Compared with shinobi, they have many shortcomings in strength, so they have to compensate in other ways."
"Go ask the Konoha Ninja currently qualified to guard the borders. How many of them have just graduated from the Ninja Academy and have no professional certificates?"
Senju Nawaki's expression grew grave. He had never imagined that a simple graduation application could bring up so many issues.
Yanbai gave Nawaki no time to think and continued, "Why did I suggest you serve at another border rather than Hanamaki City? Because Hanamaki City is undergoing construction, and almost all the basic building work is being carried out by prisoners of war from the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning. You aren't qualified yet. Do you understand now?"
Senju Nawaki fell silent for a moment, then looked at Yanbai. "Are you trying to say I still need more training?"
In fact, by the time he said those words, Senju Nawaki was already gritting his teeth despite himself.
Yet, contrary to Senju Nawaki's expectations, Yanbai's response was this.
"No. Whether