Nodding with satisfaction, Kagami pulled little Shisui into his arms, shot a smug glance at Rinjin, and began today's lesson.
"Shisui, do you know why Grandpa brings you to work?"
"I don't know," Shisui replied honestly, shaking his head.
Seeing this, Kagami patiently explained: "Grandpa wants to teach you something important—the great art of being a gatekeeper."
At those words, Shisui's big, dark eyes lit up instantly. He looked at his grandfather with complete seriousness.
Kagami nodded with satisfaction and began speaking slowly.
"A gatekeeper—or doorman—might seem like a simple job, but there's actually profound wisdom in it. First, you need incredibly sharp observation skills. You have to identify what every person coming and going actually does for work! This isn't something you can master through talent alone—it requires years of accumulated experience. Take that guy over there in the straw hat, for example."
As he spoke, Kagami pointed to a man outside the gate dressed as a merchant, chatting with someone else.
"That person—he looks like a typical merchant, but he's definitely not one. See how even though he's talking to someone and his face is hidden under the hat, the hat keeps turning left and right? The movement's subtle, but he's probably scanning his surroundings. And look at his hands—he instinctively keeps them hidden in his sleeves. That's a reflex to conceal himself. ..."
Little Shisui stared wide-eyed, listening intently to his grandfather while carefully observing the supposed merchant in the distance, nodding repeatedly.
Beside them, Rinjin was both speechless and amazed. This guy Kagami was incredible—he'd actually developed a whole philosophy out of being a gatekeeper. What's more, his observations weren't even wrong! That merchant really was a spy.
Wait... Could being a gatekeeper actually be the secret path to becoming strong??? Grandpa Doorman???
Meanwhile, Kagami continued his eloquent lecture.
"That person might be a spy, but that's not what matters. Our village doesn't have any major secrets, so there's no need to guard against spies—we just need to identify who they are. Second, Shisui, remember this well: Sharp observation is mentally exhausting, so the second most important thing for a gatekeeper is properly managing your physical and mental energy. Quickly assess the danger level of each person passing through, respond appropriately, and seize every moment to recover your own condition—that's what makes a competent and enduring gatekeeper. Third, when facing danger, you must act swiftly and decisively. This requires a strong heart and a brave, determined character. Sometimes, it's better to trust your own judgment than to let danger into the village. Treat everyone equally—don't look down on someone just because they're a penniless refugee, and don't elevate someone just because they're powerful and influential. Always remember our identity. Arrogance and conceit only cloud our judgment. Our standard for evaluating everyone is simply whether they pose a threat to the village. Finally, and most importantly— Strength! We are the village's first line of defense. Keeping danger outside is our most crucial mission, so we must become strong. Also remember: no position is more or less important than another. Whatever role you're in, do your job well."
After listening earnestly to his grandfather's teachings, Shisui nodded both obediently and seriously. Grandpa made so much sense!
Seeing Shisui's earnest expression, Kagami felt deeply gratified. He gently patted Shisui's little head and reminded him: "Always remember the Will of Rain. When the dam breaks, not a single raindrop is innocent!"
Hearing this, Shisui clenched his fists excitedly and shouted: "I want to flow into the sea and smash that dam!"
Watching this self-satisfied grandfather and grandson, Rinjin was completely speechless. What the hell kind of theory was this?! The Will of Rain... Damn it, as the Daimyō of the Land of Rain, how come I don't know about this so-called Will of Rain?! And Kagami, did you get my permission before creating this theory? This isn't just corporate-level understanding anymore—this is cosmic-level comprehension!
With this thought, Rinjin could only shake his head with a bitter smile. Amegakure really was a magical place. First there was Mizuguma-sensei's "Unyielding Will," then "All Hokage Are Perverts," and now this damn "Will of Rain" had emerged~ This...
Setting down his teacup and standing up, Rinjin waved goodbye to Kagami and his grandson, then wandered into the village looking dazed and dejected. This place was impossible to stay in—Kagami had made even being a gatekeeper this competitive! He felt like a completely useless maggot~
...
After sending his bored wife back to their home in Amegakure, Rinjin returned alone to Sunagakure. Putting on his disguise, Rinjin headed to the Municipal Ministry. Though he complained about Kagami's intensity, for the sake of children like Shisui who were growing up so well, he threw himself into the grind without hesitation. First Sunagakure, then Konoha— for these adorable and kind children, Rinjin was ready to accelerate his scheming.
Sitting in his spacious office, Rinjin knocked on his desk and called in his assistant Maki. "What's on my schedule today?"
Hearing this, Maki suppressed his inner reluctance and opened his folder. "Lord Kaza, you have the day off—no work today. Oh, and the iron sand transaction with Honma-san is complete. That batch of iron sand has been delivered to the warehouse outside the village."
Hearing this, Rinjin nodded calmly, a flash of shrewdness passing through his eyes as he looked at Maki. "Excellent. But taking a day off seems inappropriate. Here's what we'll do—go notify the Eighteen Seats. Meeting in the conference room at 3 PM!"
Maki froze for a moment, then nodded with a strange expression and left the office. Meetings always meant trouble—he'd better warn Lord Fourth in advance.
The morning passed quickly. Around 2:40 in the afternoon, the Eighteen Seats members tactfully left their respective offices and headed toward the conference room.
"Haebira, have you noticed we're having meetings way more often this year? Usually we only meet twice a year, but we're only halfway through and this is already the third meeting!"
Meanwhile, the middle-aged woman in a red robe, Haebira, instinctively dodged Kubo as he sidled up to her, waving him off with disgust. "Kubo, whatever I owed you has been repaid. Stay away from me now!"
Kubo remained unmoved, still grinning obsequiously, his fat jiggling. "Haebira, how can you be so heartless? Lord Kaza always says: 'A day as husband and wife means a hundred days of kindness.' Your attitude really breaks my heart!"
"Ha! Heartbroken? You? Toothpick boy?" Haebira glanced mockingly at Kubo's lower half.
At this, Kubo immediately flew into a rage. How could she say something so insulting to his dignity?! "Get lost! You air-raid shelter hag!"
With that, the two glared at each other furiously, whatever small affection they'd once shared long since thrown to the winds. But this was hardly surprising— among the Eighteen Seats, they didn't just represent themselves, but the massive factions behind them. Those factions would never allow them to form alliances on their own.
Under the amused gazes of the others, Haebira and Kubo followed the rest of the Eighteen Seats into the conference room.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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