"Hoshigaki Fuguki, where have you been again?" Pakkun Jūzō frowned as he watched Hoshigaki Fuguki walk in, deep in thought. "What do you think of this plan?"
"At that time, we'll have some people lure the labor camp commander into a room, then we'll make our move."
"After capturing Yōya, we just need to wait until noon that day when his wife and daughter come to deliver food, then we'll take them down too."
As he said this, Pakkun Jūzō felt a surge of jealousy. Why?!
They were all prisoners of war, so why was Yōya able to marry a beautiful wife, have a cute child, and become a high-ranking official?
This was practically the pinnacle—no, the disgrace—of a shinobi's life!
Pakkun Jūzō was definitely a principled shinobi who would never betray his village so easily.
"We can't afford even the slightest mistake this time," Pakkun Jūzō said seriously, staring at Hoshigaki Fuguki. "Otherwise, we're all dead."
So…
Why the hell are you spacing out?!
"Oh, right." Hoshigaki Fuguki snapped out of his thoughts, furrowed his brows, and said with a contemplative expression, "I think your plan is perfect."
Except…
The Uzu-nin already know about it.
Hoshigaki Fuguki felt a little regretful. It seemed he wouldn't be seeing his comrades much longer. The only question was…
Could he also get married, have kids, and become a high-ranking official in Uzushiogakure?
"I do have one suggestion," Hoshigaki Fuguki said, narrowing his eyes and smiling at Pakkun Jūzō and the others. "We might want to change the timing."
"Just now, I overheard the Uzu-nin talking outside…"
"In a few days, there's an important event in Uzushiogakure."
Hoshigaki Fuguki frowned slightly, as if thinking, then said, "On that day, Uzushiogakure's security will be slightly relaxed."
"So that will be our best opportunity!"
"Oh?" The Kiri-nin were instantly delighted. "When?"
"The festival in five days!" Hoshigaki Fuguki smiled at them. "Uzushiogakure's Shinigami Festival!"
"At that time…"
"It'll be our chance to escape."
"Hello." A waiter looked respectfully at the masked man in front of him, dressed in a cloak that covered his entire body. "How may I assist you, sir?"
They were already familiar with this kind of attire. Since this was the black market, most visitors would disguise themselves to avoid being recognized by enemies.
"I'm here to sell weapons," the mysterious man said in a low voice. "Take me to a private room."
"Of course, sir." The waiter's expression turned serious as he nodded. "This way, please."
This person was likely a shinobi, and the weapons he was selling…
Judging by his demeanor, they must be something special.
The mysterious man seemed very familiar with the place, calmly following the waiter into a private room where a middle-aged man was already waiting.
A black market appraiser.
They were here to verify valuable items and prevent fraud.
After all, the black market was a chaotic place where anything could happen.
"Sir…" The middle-aged man smiled at the mysterious figure. "Please show me what you wish to sell."
"National treasure of the Land of Water." The mysterious man pulled out an ancient sword hilt radiating a chilling aura and said flatly, "Frostmourne."
Uzushiogakure.
Textile Factory.
"Konan's mom." Fusō walked up to the young blue-haired woman and smiled. "Are you settling in well here?"
"Fusō-nee." Konan's mother was startled when she saw Fusō approaching but quickly smiled. "Yes, this kind of life was something we never even dared to dream of before."
It had been half a year since they arrived in Uzushiogakure. Now, she had become a team leader in the textile factory, her salary had increased, and their lives were gradually improving.
She and Konan no longer had to worry about being bullied. In Uzushiogakure, even the police and shinobi were friendly—they wouldn't casually kill people.
Just as Lord Jun had said back then…
No matter who you were, as long as you didn't break Uzushiogakure's laws, you would be protected by them.
Uzushiogakure was a nation ruled by law.
Now, she and Konan could eat meat at every meal. They were even saving up to buy a house in Uzushiogakure. The only regret was that they still hadn't obtained Uzushiogakure citizenship…
That was her biggest worry. When the war ended, would Uzushiogakure still accept refugees like them from the Land of Rain?
"Mhm." Fusō nodded with a smile. "I have some good news for you."
"??" Konan's mother looked at Fusō in confusion. "Is there something you need me to do?"
Since Uzushiogakure citizenship was hard to obtain, all the refugees who came here worked diligently, hoping to earn enough points to become citizens. But even after half a year, only a handful had succeeded.
"It's… ahem." Fusō suddenly put on a serious expression. "In recognition of Ritsu's positive attitude, excellent cooperation, and diligent work performance, as well as her consistent dedication to her duties without the slightest negligence during her long tenure at the textile factory, she has made outstanding contributions to the factory."
"Ritsu is hereby appointed as the manager of the new textile factory and awarded 80 Uzushiogakure citizenship points."
"Th-this…" Konan's mother's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Fusō. "Is… is this real?"
She knew about the construction of the new factory but never imagined…
That she would be the manager!
"Of course it's real. Congratulations." Fusō smiled. "Now you should have enough points to apply for Uzushiogakure citizenship."
"Y-yes." Konan's mother snapped out of her daze, tears welling up in her eyes as she laughed joyfully. "I… I can finally get Uzushiogakure citizenship."
"Don't cry. This is a happy occasion." Fusō shook her head helplessly and handed her a handkerchief. "Here, wipe your face. I'm giving you the day off so you can go apply for citizenship."
"In a few days, Uzushiogakure's affiliated academy will start enrolling again."
"Konan and my little troublemaker should start school soon. They can go together."
"Th-thank you, Fusō-nee." Konan's mother nodded, hugging Fusō tightly. "If it weren't for you…"
"Alright, go ahead." Fusō patted her back gently. "The citizenship process takes a while, so don't be late."
"Mhm!" Konan's mother nodded, let go, and hurriedly ran toward the factory gate.
"Heh." Fusō watched her flustered figure with amusement, then turned to the other workers who were looking at her with envy. "You see? As long as you work hard, everyone will have a chance."
"So…" Fusō raised her voice. "What are you all still staring for? Get back to work!"