Chapter 122 The Fallen Cloud Hermit
Chapter 122 The Fallen Cloud Hermit
After Fugaku Uchiha's merciless warning, the delegation from Kumogakure finally curbed their arrogance.
Although they still walk with their heads held high, eyes wide, and a brisk pace, at least no one is kicking roadside signs or trying to grab the assistants' collars anymore.
"Tch, is this what Konoha calls prosperity?"
A Cloud Village Jonin walked in the middle of the group, muttering disdain, but his eyes couldn't help but glance at both sides of the street.
Unlike Kumogakure, which is nestled amidst high mountains and clouds and emphasizes military-style management, Konoha's streets present an enviable level of order.
The ground was so clean that there wasn't a single piece of trash in sight, and every so often there were auxiliary police officers in black uniforms with batons hanging from their waists patrolling.
These ordinary people, who had no chakra fluctuations whatsoever, were able to command the ninja vendors who possessed chakra to obediently line up and set up their stalls according to the rules.
"What... flag is that?"
Ai walked at the front, his gaze falling on a caravan wagon that was unloading goods. A flag with the word "Peace" printed on it was stuck on the wagon.
The drivers and workers unloading the goods wore relaxed smiles, showing none of the anxiety and trepidation one would expect from merchants traveling in turbulent times.
"That's the logo of Konoha Heian General Services Co., Ltd."
Although the Konoha clerk who was leading the way was reluctant to explain, he spoke up out of diplomatic courtesy. He said calmly, "As long as this flag is planted, no bandits will dare to make a move within the Land of Fire."
Ai scoffed, "Being a bodyguard? What a degrading job."
Although he said that, he was secretly surprised.
This method of transforming force into credibility, and then credibility into business rules, is far more sophisticated than mere killing.
He wondered why his village had so few bodyguard missions; it turned out that Konoha had taken them all. How despicable Konoha was!
Moreover, the intelligence indicates that this so-called Konoha Peace Corporation ninja possesses extremely powerful weapons.
As Ai walked, she noticed that most of the shops on the street had protective barriers. Were these merchants all that rich?
"Ahem..." He coughed twice, feigning an attack, and asked, "Are all these shops protected by barriers?"
The clerk was somewhat surprised: "Good eye! These shops have basically all purchased police-certified security barriers, which are very convenient to use. You should have noticed that these shops all have stickers on their doors. It's not just shops; many people also use security stickers in their homes."
"You mean the barrier was released through that sticker?" Ai's first reaction was that this person was dishonest and trying to trick her.
Stuffing the barrier into a sticker is an unheard-of method.
"Yes, I trust that you, Lord Ai, will make your own judgment." The clerk was too lazy to explain; he wouldn't believe her anyway, so there was no point in saying more.
The midday sun grew increasingly scorching.
Even the physically strong Cloud Village ninjas felt a bit unbearably hot after walking around all morning wearing heavy combat vests.
"Lord Ai, there's a ninja tool shop up ahead, shall we go in and take a look?"
One of his men pointed to a shop with a sign that read "Swiftwind Hall" by the roadside. "Want to... take a break?"
Ai wiped the sweat from her forehead and glanced at the shop.
The shop is decorated in a very stylish way, with a bronze plaque hanging at the entrance that reads "Police Department Certified Standardized Manufacturing Point".
"Let's go in and take a look. I want to see if Konoha's ninja tools are as amazing as the legends say."
Ai strode over.
"Ring ring—"
Pushing open the heavy glass door, a clear, crisp sound of wind chimes rang out.
Immediately afterwards, a strong, cool breeze that made your pores open up rushed towards you.
"call--"
The Cloud Village ninjas following behind Ai couldn't help but let out comfortable groans.
The feeling was like jumping from a scorching desert into a cool lake.
"Hmm? A barrier?"
Ai tensed up warily, his muscles tensing, and his lightning chakra nearly exploded.
He looked around but sensed no fluctuations in chakra or any hostility.
There was only a white rectangular iron box hanging in the corner, humming as it blew out cold air.
"Welcome! Would you like to see kunai or self-defense gear?"
The shop owner, Kentaro Fukushima, was calculating accounts at the counter when he saw the group of fierce-looking, dark-skinned men. Instead of being afraid, he greeted them warmly.
The merchants in Konoha these days have the backing of the police department, so they're very confident and don't need to worry about trouble as long as they're innocent.
"What kind of ninjutsu is this?"
Ai pointed at the white metal box and asked with a frown.
"Ninjutsu? Oh dear, sir, you must be joking."
The Fukushima boss explained with a smile:
"This is an air conditioner, a new product from the Science Research Institute. It's powered by electricity, not chakra. Why don't you have one over there?"
Ai's face darkened slightly.
The Hidden Cloud Village didn't have any; they were still using ice to cool down, and some ruthless individuals even used Lightning Release to stimulate their cells to withstand the heat.
"Fancy and gaudy."
Ai snorted and walked to the counter, his gaze sweeping over the neatly arranged goods.
Besides the usual kunai and shuriken, the most conspicuous place was filled with rows of exquisite cans and sticks—pepper spray and stun guns.
"These are for civilians?" Ai picked up a stun gun, pressed the switch, and the buzzing sound of electricity made him laugh. "This level of current isn't even enough to tickle me."
"Of course, sir, you are a powerful figure." The Fukushima boss wasn't annoyed. "But for ordinary people, this is a life-saving artifact. This is a civilian version specially approved by the police department."
"Hmph, a toy only a weakling needs."
Ai put down the stun gun, but he didn't leave.
Because it's so cool here...
His sweat-soaked muscles dried quickly in the air conditioning, and the comfort made even this tough guy feel a little reluctant to move.
"Boss, do you have any drinks in this shop?"
One of the Chunin behind A finally couldn't hold back any longer and licked his chapped lips, asking a question.
"Yes, yes, yes! Our store offers convenient services!"
The Fukushima owner pointed to a large standing freezer in the corner.
"Popsicles, juice, and the latest blockbuster drink from the research institute—happy water! Oh wait, I mean cola!"
"Cola?"
Ai raised an eyebrow.
A few minutes later.
The future Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure held a glass bottle that was still emitting cold air in his hand.
The bottle was filled with a dark liquid that was constantly bubbling.
"Can you drink this black water?" Ai asked with a look of disgust.
"Sir, this is the current trend in Konoha!" the Fukushima shopkeeper enthusiastically promoted. "One bite, and you'll feel refreshed and exhilarated!"
Ai glanced at it suspiciously, then tilted his head back and took a big gulp.
"Glug—"
The icy liquid, carrying countless tiny bubbles, burst instantly in my mouth, and the stimulating sensation traveled down my throat and churned in my stomach.
Sugar, caffeine, carbon dioxide.
Three waves of pleasure instantly assaulted the tough guy's cerebral cortex.
"belch--!!!"
Ai let out a long, loud burp uncontrollably.
The entire room fell silent.
The Cloud Village ninjas looked at their leader in horror, fearing that he would lose his temper and go berserk.
However, Ai suddenly opened her eyes, looked at the empty bottle in her hand, and a strange light flashed in her eyes.
"Cool!"
He roared and slammed the bottle heavily onto the counter.
"Another bottle! No, one for each of my brothers!"
"Okay!"
Five minutes later.
A group of Cloud Village brutes who were originally aggressive and ready to cause trouble in Konoha were now each holding a bottle of cola, squatting under the air conditioner vents or leaning against the freezer, their faces showing that kind of unworldly... cough, that kind of enjoyment of life.
The clerk who was leading the way was speechless; a bunch of country bumpkins.
"This is... Konoha?"
Ai sat in the chair, enjoying the cool breeze from the air conditioner, drinking chilled sugar water, and looking out at the hot street.
He suddenly realized that Konoha could show him more than just that electromagnetic cannon.
There's also this kind of subtle, pervasive soft power that can corrupt people.
"This thing... is a bit dangerous."
Ai squinted at the empty bottle in her hand.
"However... the taste is indeed quite good."
He turned to his trusted aide beside him and lowered his voice:
"When we get back, we'll ask if this stuff can be sold wholesale, and buy a few boxes to take back to the village for everyone to try."
"Yes, boss!"
stonecrandall