Escape from Konoha.

"The weirdo who's keeping an eye on Akatsuki... Does Akatsuki have any rare value in being the target of someone's attention?"

Shiraishi knew some things about Akatsuki. The organization members were all teenagers who lived in such difficult circumstances, which forged their strong will and courage to fight.

They attempted to save the entire country in the most clumsy way.

Xiao was founded about two years ago. At that time, it was still in its infancy and did not have a specific name. There were only three people in the organization.

It took more than a year to grow into an organization of eight or nine people, and Xiao's name only started circulating in the last few months.

But that still doesn't change anything.

Ultimately, why would someone target an organization that is so poor that it has no money and even has problems with basic living?

Internal strife in the Land of Rain?

Or is it that other countries don't want an organization like Akatsuki to appear in the Land of Rain?

Shiraishi only thought about it for a moment before giving up. He had a mountain of things to deal with and no need to waste time on such matters.

In any case, other people's business has nothing to do with him.

What the future holds for Xiao will be left to the unknown future to decide.

According to Shiraishi's prediction, Akatsuki's end will be very tragic.

The Land of Rain... is not suitable for development.

At least for now.

That is territory contested by great powers. Unless the three great powers of fire, wind, and earth are willing to jointly establish a stable order, the land of rain will not become prosperous and peaceful.

However, apart from their rivalry, the three major powers have no intention of jointly building a stable order.

The people of that country, having been oppressed for many years, have mostly lost the will to resist.

In this era, people die every day, and people fight every day.

The way of human survival is the law of the jungle.

The same applies to nations built by humankind: the weak are bullied, while the strong can possess everything.

The Land of Rain is just one of the many countries built by humankind.

Beyond that, in such chaotic times, the country has little meaning.

◎

Early November.

A new batch of graduates emerges from the ninja academy, becoming true genin and embarking on their own passionate ninja journeys.

The Sakumo Squad celebrated at Ichiraku Ramen in Konoha.

"Too slow, today is an important day."

A black-haired girl stood gracefully in front of the ramen shop, her voice clear and cool.

She wore a jet-black off-shoulder bodysuit on her upper body and black gloves that reached past her elbows. On the back of her gloves were incredibly hard iron plates, which were special protective gear that could be used to block kunai and ninja swords.

She wore a short skirt and black over-the-knee socks that showed off her beautiful legs. Her ninja tool bag was tied to her thigh with a leather belt. Overall, everything looked just right.

On the back of her black bodysuit was embroidered the Uchiha fan symbol.

This girl is Liuli.

Compared to three years ago, she has grown a lot and is now the steady second-in-command of the Sakumo Squad, a genius ninja who is widely known in Konoha.

She stood with her arms crossed, her face cold, seemingly very dissatisfied that Shiraishi had arrived so late.

"What does it matter? Isn't the timing perfect?"

Another black-haired girl smiled and helped Shiraishi out of the predicament.

This girl is Ayane.

Compared to Liuli, she has actually changed more over the past three years.

For example, body shape.

For example, the chest.

Wearing a pale white custom-made kimono with a hem that doesn't extend past the knees, she ensured that her legs could move freely.

She wore white over-the-knee socks similar in style to those worn by Ruri. She wasn't carrying a ninja tool pouch on her thighs, and if it weren't for the headband she wore on her forehead, she wouldn't look like a ninja at all.

But her weapon might be strapped somewhere else.

"Has Professor Sakumo arrived yet?"

Shiraishi ignored Ruri's dissatisfaction and asked about Sakumo.

He was carrying a gift bag containing several gift boxes.

Because today is a special day.

"I've been here for a while now, just waiting for you."

"Really? Well, there's nothing I can do about it. I had some things to take care of, but I'm glad I made it in time. Anyway, I didn't forget to bring the gift."

As he spoke, Shiraishi lifted the gift bag in his hand and said with a smile.

Liuli's expression improved somewhat.

The three entered Ichiraku Ramen. Sakumo sat there, and to his right sat a boy with white hair, about five or six years old, wearing a mask and a ninja headband.

This proves that the boy, who is only five or six years old, has officially graduated from the Ninja Academy and is a qualified Konoha ninja.

"Long time no see, Kakashi."

"It's been a long time, Shiraishi-senpai."

This boy is none other than Sakumo's son, Kakashi Hatake.

After Shiraishi greeted him, he responded immediately.

"Here you go, Kakashi, this is a gift to congratulate you on becoming a genin."

Shiraishi placed a gift box in Kakashi's hand.

Kakashi solemnly accepted it and thanked Shiraishi.

After sitting down, Shiraishi said with great emotion, "Speaking of which, this is really amazing. Kakashi, you are only five years old, but you have already graduated from the Ninja Academy and become a formal genin. This breaks the record for the fastest genin to become a genin since the establishment of our Konoha Ninja Academy."

Kakashi responded casually, "Actually, it's alright. The main problem is that the graduation exam wasn't difficult at all."

This was his natural attitude; the difficulty of the graduation exam was practically nonexistent for him.

Although many people say he is a genius and think that his achievements are normal, they will always overlook the hard work and sweat he puts in behind the scenes every day.

Those people only judge others based on their own shallow ideas. They believe that what they think is correct, but they cannot see the efforts and hard work of others. Therefore, they can use the word "genius" to get by.

Shiraishi knew that Kakashi wasn't being modest; he was simply stating his personal opinion.

That's right. He entered the ninja academy at the age of four and graduated at the age of five... He was first in both theory and practice, so there's no possibility of him cheating.

It is said that when Kakashi applied for graduation, even the Third Hokage was alarmed.

Konoha has gained another genius ninja.

The cradle of geniuses.

Many ninja villages refer to Konoha in this way.

Shiraishi believes that there is absolutely no error in using this terminology.

"And what about our gifts? Today's gathering is also to prepare for Ruri and me becoming Jonin."

"I understand, it's already prepared."

That's right, this gathering wasn't just to celebrate Kakashi graduating from the Ninja Academy and officially becoming a Genin, but also to celebrate Ruri and Ayane becoming Jonin.

Shiraishi delivered the gift boxes to Ruri and Ayane.

Ruri and Ayane were finally satisfied.

"Ruri and Ayane have both become Jonin, it seems that it won't be long before our team is separated."

Shuo Mao sighed softly, his tone filled with regret.

He really wanted to maintain the original lineup of the Sakumo Squad, but Ruri and Ayane's identities were too special.

The reason the two women joined his team was not without the intention of Uchiha and Hyuga; it was for training purposes.

Having become Jonin, their training in the Sakumo Squad was naturally coming to an end.

Given their current strength, Sakumo no longer has the ability to guide them, and facing both of them at the same time, he might even be defeated.

However, seeing that the village had gained two more powerful new members, Sakumo's frustration vanished.

Rejoice in the prosperity of Konoha.

Therefore, for Shuo Mao, this gathering was also an extremely important farewell ceremony.

Kakashi, meanwhile, handed over the gifts he and Sakumo had prepared to Ruri and Ayane.

Just then, Shiraishi took out the last gift box from the gift bag, placed it in front of Sakumo, and said with a smile, "So I prepared four gifts. Please accept them, Sakumo-sensei."

Shuo Mao was slightly taken aback, then smiled and accepted the gift.

"You're still as thoughtful as ever. You'll grow up to be a good man. Then I'll accept it without hesitation."

Before Shiraishi could speak, Ayane laughed and said, "Of course, I am the most authoritative in this regard."

Liuli's face was cold, and her eyes revealed a terrifying murderous intent.

Ayane sat there gracefully, completely unaffected by Ruri's murderous aura.

"It seems you've forgotten who's at the very top."

"If you get angry often, your skin will age very quickly."

Anger instantly flared between the two.

Kakashi, looking at the two women exuding murderous intent, patted Shiraishi on the shoulder with the precocious little boy's shrewdness.

"The world of our predecessors was truly rich and colorful."

"Don't speak like an adult."