As the Thunder Car rolled over the inland road, Xiao Tao's Genin slammed against the car window for the third time.
This train can reach the speed of sound, and the hills outside the windows are stretched into flowing dark green ribbons.
The occasional cable car passing by, adorned with a scarlet banner that reads " Land of Fire Logistics Line," traces a straight line across the sky, cleaving through the clouds.
It is said that the Thunder Chariot first appeared in the Land of Snow.
It was later acquired by the Sunagakure's new power Reform Society, through a technology transaction.
Ultimately, the Shinobi Alliance integrated the technology and energy standards of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, achieving high-speed cross-continental network coverage.
However, due to time constraints, railways like this have not yet fully covered the entire Shinobi World, and in the Land of Fire, there are only a few dedicated lines connecting various central points.
The team Jonin down on her shoulder, his touch on her bony shoulder blades beneath her coarse cloth clothing causing a bitter taste to rise in his throat.
This child probably never had a proper meal in Kirigakure!
"Next stop: Konoha Station. Passengers, please disembark in an orderly manner and do not linger."
The car's holographic screen suddenly lit up, and a mechanical female voice with electronic reverb filled the air.
After the train came to a complete stop at the platform.
"Hello, are you guests from Kirigakure?"
A sweet voice came from the platform entrance.
The team Jonin Wuyue, looked in the direction of the sound.
A receptionist in a sky-blue uniform stood beside the tracks, smiling and waving at the four of them.
At the same time, the holographic sign behind him lit up with arrows, pointing to the transparent security checkpoint.
The team Jonin Wuyue, took a deep breath and nodded, saying, "Yes! I had already notified your... Commerce Department in advance!"
As he spoke, he took out the file signed by Mei Terumi from his pocket.
As the paper was handed over, he saw the receptionist's smart bracelet flash twice, absorbing the file and recording it.
Wuyue recognize this thing.
This latest communication device is primarily used for connecting to the Shinobi Alliance Network, facilitating daily work.
Many people have it, and it's not very expensive. It's one of the beneficial technological achievements that the Renlian ( Shinobi Alliance ) is vigorously promoting.
In the current Shinobi World, not everyone is willing to undergo modification, nor does everyone like to have internet connectivity directly integrated into their prosthetic eyes.
"The trade mission to Kirigakure has been registered."
The receptionist's fingertips swiped across the virtual screen, her smile professionally sweet.
"I'm Xiao Kui, the receptionist at the Shinobi Alliance Central Station. I'm here to guide you through the immigration process. Please follow me to the security checkpoint."
After all, they were meeting a high-ranking official from the Commerce Department, so they couldn't be too casual and simply let the other party bring in weapons, even if that important official wasn't afraid of that.
Please show me your personal ninja tools.
The suspended metal spheres in the security checkpoint area emit a soft red light.
Xiao Kui said with a gentle smile, "According to the Shinobi Alliance regulations, Jonin must be registered, Explosive Tag must be stored separately. But don't worry, ordinary Shuriken and other non-dangerous items can be carried as usual."
Wuyue took the lead in unpacking the ninja tool bag, revealing three Kunai, two sealing scrolls, and five Explosive Tag.
Xiao Tao and the other two Genin were a little nervous, but they still tremblingly imitated the Jonin's actions, taking out the items from their ninja tool pouches one by one.
Xiao Kui activated the bracelet, and the metal ball immediately emitted a "beep" confirmation sound: 'Test complete. Ninja tool registered. Explosive Tag will be temporarily stored for three days. Please keep your temporary pass safe.'
As she walked through the transparent passageway, Xiao Tao stared blankly at the platform outside the window.
A train of silver-gray Thunder vehicles is being refueled. Workers skillfully embed crystals that emit a gray glow into the ports, and then use smart bracelets to upload work logs and apply for permission.
"That's Cross-Energy Compatibility System," Xiao Kui explained, "It combines the energy storage of Sunagakure, the Kumogakure, and the stabilization of Konoha, integrating the technological strengths of the three villages."
Wuyue nodded silently and continued walking forward with Xiao Kui.
A holographic screen in the center of the hall is playing a promotional video for the Shinobi Alliance...
The leaders of the Five Great Shinobi Villages shook hands, automated farmland was put into operation, the basic academy was completed, and new medical facilities were built...
They constantly inform everyone about the Shinobi Alliance's current actions and future plans.
Xiao Kui led everyone into a small Thunder Vehicle. The holographic screen on the interior wall of the vehicle lit up automatically, displaying a 3D map of Konoha.
The Thunder Car started with almost no vibration; the buildings outside the window rushed past, finally stopping in front of the Hokage Building.
Unlike the open style of the central station, the decor here is more solemn.
The portraits of the Hokage from previous generations almost cover the entire wall, with the last one being Sannin, one of the former Legendary Sannin and now the Fifth Hokage Tsunade.
In the Ministry of the Commerce Department office, Mitokado Homura and Hiruzen Sarutobi sat on a soft sofa.
Since Tsunade power and the Shinobi Alliance was established, the power of these assistants and elders has been greatly diminished.
Therefore, after executing Shimura Danzō, Tsunade gave these elders, who had some mental issues, something to do.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was appointed as the Vice Minister of the Education Department, Utatane Koharu was transferred from the Administration Department to the Medical Department, and Mitokado Homura was transferred from the Foreign Affairs Department to the Commerce Department.
At the same time, following the policy of the Reform Society, all department heads were appointed by Hokage Tsunade to prevent these elderly people who still wanted to contribute their remaining energy from becoming too powerful.
"I heard that the Land of Water has opened its borders?" Hiruzen Sarutobi said, smoking a pipe.
"It seems the Bloody Mist Village is over. I wonder what Kirigakure will do after they learn the truth."
"What else can we do!" Mitokado Homura laughed. "We can't exactly start a war with the Shinobi Alliance, can we?"
"Although Obito Uchiha made many mistakes, his strength was undeniable. A backward Kirigakure... tsk tsk tsk!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep drag on his pipe, wisps of smoke swirling in the office.
He squinted, his gaze passing through the window to the distant Hokage Rock, where Tsunade's portrait had been newly carved, alongside those of the previous Hokage.
Indeed, the landscape of the Shinobi World has undergone a complete transformation.
Kirigakure? That village, ravaged by the Blood Mist Policy, is probably struggling to even maintain basic operations now.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist of the Mist, their unparalleled Water Release Ninjutsu —all that's bullshit nowadays.
Let alone the Shinobi Alliance, Konoha alone could easily wipe out a severely weakened Kirigakure without suffering many casualties.
Times have changed!
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze unconsciously swept over the Shinobi World map on the wall.
The green area representing the Shinobi Alliance stretched across the entire continent like vines, while the isolated island of the Land of Water looked as pale as a corner forgotten by time.
Most of the seven legendary Ninja Blade were lost, the Kekkei clan was nearly wiped out, and even the most basic food had to be imported.
What right does Kirigakure, with its current state, have to be considered Five Great Shinobi Villages alongside Konoha?
Outside the window, a patrol of ninjas swept across the sky corridor, their Chakra Armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight.
This is the latest model jointly developed by Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Konoha, while the Kirigakure ninjas are probably still wearing old-fashioned vests made of coarse cloth.
A barely perceptible smile appeared at the corner of Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouth.
Since its founding, the Shinobi Alliance has provided automated farmland to feed millions of people, its healthcare system covers every corner, and its educational network weaves new hope.
As for Kirigakure, it's unlikely they can even build a decent Raid Station.
The ashes from the pipe fell in a soft rustling sound, like his last pity for Kirigakure.
The tide of time rolls ever forward; to stand still is to fall behind.
That once feared Bloody Mist Village is now nothing more than a toddler taking its first steps in the face of such an overwhelming disparity in strength.
The Mei Terumi sent an envoy was simply a desperate attempt to grasp at the last straw.
But the Shinobi Alliance's aid was never free.
They either accept the new order and become special members of the Shinobi Alliance system, or they continue to decay in isolation and be completely buried by the dust of history.
Hiruzen Sarutobi the tiny cracks on his pipe.
The equal negotiations and wartime exchanges of those days seem like a distant memory now.
When the gap in strength reaches this extent, so-called dignity is nothing more than a fig leaf for the weak.
A moment of silence fell over the office.
Both of them understood that, to some extent, Kirigakure's predicament was also Konoha's opportunity.
I may look down on you, but that's all I do.
However, even after the establishment of the Shinobi Alliance, the Five Great Shinobi Villages were nominally equal, but their actual influence still differed.
If we were to rank them, the Shinobi Alliance would definitely be led by the Reform Society and the Kumogakure Village, with the other Three Great Shinobi Villages only able to occupy second place.
As for the Land of Rain, which was once able to rival the great ninja villages and was recognized as a permanently neutral country, its status quickly declined after losing the Rinnegan, and the Akatsuki disintegrated.
But then, the Land of Demons caught up, and even Madara Uchiha couldn't say he was guaranteed to win because of the strength of its leader, the priestess.
Most importantly, the Land of Demons leans towards the Reform Society and has very little interaction with Konoha.
Therefore, if Kirigakure could be brought into the economic sphere dominated by Konoha...
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept over his old friend, discerning the same thoughts from the subtle changes in the other's expression.
He tapped his pipe lightly, ash falling in a soft rustling sound, and said meaningfully.
"Yan, you need to strike the right balance in this meeting. You need to show Konoha's sincerity, but also make them understand the benefits of joining the mainstream Shinobi Alliance League system."
Mitokado Homura nodded knowingly.
As Commerce Department, he knew all too well how to exert influence through economic means.
Food aid is negotiable, but it must be in exchange for technology or something else. Infrastructure support is also possible, but it must be under the guise of joint development.
thump thump thump--
The knocking interrupted their thoughts.
"Come in." Mitokado Homura's expression returned to its amiable state.
The office door opened, and the receptionist Xiao Kui, bowed respectfully. "My lords, the representatives from Kirigakure have arrived."
Behind her, Wuyue stood in the corridor with three Genin.
Mitokado Homura immediately stood up, a professional smile plastered on his face.
"Welcome, welcome! You must have had a long journey."
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stood up, sizing up the envoys from Kirigakure, gleaning a wealth of information from their reserved demeanor.
The Bloody Mist Village has ended, but the wounds it left behind are far from healed.
"Please have a seat," he said gently, while winking at Xiao Kui. "Go and prepare some tea and snacks; our guest must be hungry."
When Xiao Tao heard the words "tea and snacks," her stomach growled involuntarily, and she lowered her head in shame, only to hear Hiruzen Sarutobi's gentle voice.
"It's normal to be hungry after a long journey; Konoha's cafeteria is always ready to serve hot meals to guests."
These words were like a key, suddenly unlocking a tightly locked door in Xiao Tao's heart.
She looked up and met Hiruzen Sarutobi Sarutobi's kind gaze.
At that moment, she vaguely felt that this unfamiliar village seemed warmer than her hometown.
Wuyue keenly sensed the change in her subordinate's emotions, alarm bells rang in her mind, and she solemnly handed over Mei Terumi's handwritten letter.
"This is our Mizukage's official document."
Mitokado Homura took the letter and noticed the fresh marks on the edge of the seal, indicating that the letter had clearly been written in haste.
The situation in Kirigakure may be worse than they imagined.
Then their chances will be much greater!
Outside the window, a gust of wind blew by, rustling the leaves on the Hokage Rock.
The talks lasted for a full three hours.
As the last rays of the setting sun streamed into the office through the window, Mitokado Homura finally closed the file in his hands.
"Then let's proceed as we've agreed."
Mitokado Homura stood up, a formulaic smile on his face.
" Konoha will prioritize providing food aid and basic medical equipment. As for technical exchanges... we'll discuss that in detail after the first batch of supplies arrives."
Wuyue's tense shoulders finally relaxed a little.
Although the negotiations were more difficult than he had anticipated, he at least achieved his basic objectives.
He secretly glanced at Xiao Tao beside him and found that the Genin, who had been trembling with fear the whole way, was now staring blankly at the bustling street scene of Konoha outside the window.
"It's getting late, let's arrange for everyone to rest first." Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe. "Tomorrow I'll take you all to visit Konoha's medical center and school."
The corridor lights were already on when everyone left the office.
Xiao Tao walked at the back and couldn't help but look back one last time.
Through the half-open door, she saw Mitokado Homura whispering something to the smart bracelet.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, the smoke rising from his pipe outlining a blurry silhouette in the setting sun.
Outside the Hokage Building.
Xiao Kui led the Kirigakure delegation through Konoha's bustling commercial streets.
The holographic billboards on both sides of the street have lit up, projecting the Shinobi Alliance's latest ninja tools and Ninjutsu courses.
"This way, please. The hotel is just a short distance ahead."
Xiao Kui smiled and pointed to a building that blended modern and traditional styles.
Just then, a commotion arose ahead.
"Are you kidding me?! I've already prepared for my graduation exams! And now they're suddenly saying they're extending the school year?! What kind of nonsense is this?!"
The blond boy scratched his head frantically, his Forehead Protector hanging askew around his neck.
The black-haired boy Earth Flow beside him with his hands in his pockets and an indifferent expression.
"Shut up, you loser. You think I'm not annoying?!"
They said that ninjas under the age of 18 must return to school to complete their basic education.
He only studied at the Ninja Academy for less than two years, so he had to make up for the remaining years.
If you calculate it that way, he actually studied for several more years than Naruto.
Sasuke's brows furrowed, and his Sharingan involuntarily surfaced, only to be forcibly suppressed.
This is utterly absurd!
He had already proven his strength in actual combat and was a former core member of the Akatsuki. Now, he's supposed to be sitting in a classroom with a bunch of kids reciting Shinobi World history?
"Hey, Sasuke, are you alright? At least we can still attend classes together!"
Naruto leaned closer and, seeing his best friend's gloomy face, suddenly realized that his own situation wasn't so bad after all.
"Shut up!" Sasuke spat out the words through gritted teeth, "Or I'll make sure you never graduate."