Chapter Twenty-Two: Haisai
Haisai is a much different place than Musoku. The land is flatter and the grass greener. It's much more of an agricultural type of town. Quaint, isolated, and dispersed. The people were also more formal like she first associated with the language to the point the -ue suffix was commonly used.
A nearby temple sent a monk once a week to teach the children, mostly reading and writing. The rest of the time kids helped their families, most as farmhands.
It's near the border of the self-recognized Land of Meadows. Self-recognized because the Five Great Lands refuse to recognize their autonomy as such. Land of Lightning and Land of Water don't seem to really care on the matter, but they have similar issues with other territories. As such, they default to Land of Fire, Land of Wind, and Land of Stone's opinion on the matter for the sentiment to be reciprocated with other lands.
Kusagakure are acknowledged for the diplomacy and even they could make no progress on the matter, though they were also a key proponent to the establishment of the government to start with.
Yuina shouldn't be surprised but the 'Great Powers' and 'Colonial' overtones were totally applicable to this world. For the second time she gained benefit from the system regardless of the other issues she faced. She felt bad about the power struggle, but she also feared the day that everything became more destabilized than it was.
Maybe it was all excuses.
Maybe she was starting to acclimate more than she wished to admit. Six years was both a long time and short time simultaneously – even if she doesn't remember half of her current life. Still, some of her old memories were beginning to fade in detail. Key details and events were still vivid, but the names of some old co-workers and acquaintances, dates, some routines. Little things like that.
Why would someone want a patrol of this town? Because of its geographic location? It couldn't be a coincidence, yet the implications churned her stomach. She knew that despite being in times of peace there were tensions. Particularly with Iwa.
She's heard that the Land of Earth had substantial amount of rock. Much like the sands of the Land of Wind it couldn't be easy to sustain life there. Though, they must have their methods and supports to thrive as long as they have.
She should be happy that nothing sticks out here, but that only further unsettles her.
"This is Haisai, isn't it?"
"Dissapointed? Sorry to say, but this is closer to the average village than Musoku."
"Less disappointed and more confused." If she could get a straight answer, she's willing to swallow any pride she had then fumble endlessly. Okay, maybe not to anyone, but she had at least that much trust in Orochimaru.
"You did well enough at the last town, that I suppose I can help out here." Orochimaru uncrossed his arms as he looked at the fields. "A spy was spotted here a few months ago. They've been dealt with, but it's best to check that there haven't been any other irregularities since."
Yuina hummed. "Out far enough that people likely aren't paying attention or stopping by long enough to spot something amiss, but small enough that those who do would likely quickly take notice."
But…
Yuina looked out to the town. They might be gone, likely dead, now but where had they hidden? It was small enough there was no inn. "Did they kill and replace someone or did someone take them in?" Would Orochimaru even know?
"From what I've heard he was welcomed into a home. The only adult crippled and two kids needed all the help they could get." She stomach twisted in disgust and regret. It's a small community. Couldn't people have helped each other out? Someone clearly took advantage of the situation to conceal themselves. It should never have happened in the first place. She hated it.
It got worse when during their investigation she learned that the old man had passed and the children vanished. None of the implications were anything good. Were they shunned? Did they flee? Were they killed? And if so who initiated?
There's a sudden pain that shot through her abdomen. A hand is brought up, but there's no injury and no real pain. Why did she…? Her head started to hurt.
She brushed off the sensation, but she couldn't help feel that there was something important she was missing. That she was forgetting.
"Is that it then?"
"Everything appears to be in order. We can walk for the rest of the day. Even if we run, it would take over two days with your current speed, so we'll alternate."
Ah. She doesn't mind running or walking, but continuously looking at trees and fields, hills, and small lakes get boring after a while.
"It's a perfect opportunity to catch up on training."
Was that okay? They were being paid for a mission. Even if there was nothing else to do was it alright to do personal training when being paid? Though, it wasn't like they were being paid base on how long it takes, but for the task at hand. Orochimaru said it was alright though so who was she to disagree.
It almost made up for the gruesome imageries she just endured.
"You'll help me learn to control fire then?" He's shown to use multiple nature types so he should be able to help in her efforts.
"Practicing taijutsu would be difficult as we travel." She hadn't had a taijutsu lesson since leaving the village which had been nice. Orochimaru was quite fearsome and adamant she improve. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate it, but appreciating it didn't mean she looked forward to it. It always left her dirty, sweaty, and with bruises.
"Is that a yes?"
"We'll focus on chakra, but that will also include your findings on those experiments of yours."
It wasn't a negotiation, but deal!
"Great, let's get out of here."