They're promoting the "Konoha threat" theory, and spouting nonsense about the Hidden

Chapter 178 That year, the heavy rain destroyed my dream of becoming a ninja school student.

Kato Shizune is only four years old now, a time when she has a youthful face, round body, and delicate features.

Because Tsunade left Konoha many years earlier than in the original story, Kato Shizune had not yet entered the Ninja Academy, nor become classmates with Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and others, and simply left Konoha with Tsunade, her uncle's girlfriend.

When Tsunade, the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, came to personally take her away, the current head of the Kato clan not only did not stop him, but was very happy to offer his daughter to him with both hands.

After all, there are not many opportunities for them to get in touch with someone of Tsunade's caliber. However, this made things difficult for Kato Shizune, who, at a young age, knew nothing and had to live a life of wandering with Tsunade.

Tsunade was naturally aware of this, so after hearing Hozuki Shingetsu's words, she thought for a moment and agreed to his good intentions.

Having the opportunity to live with peers is very beneficial for a child's development.

Moreover... this is also a great opportunity to gather intelligence on Kirigakure.

Tsunade glanced discreetly at the Mist Ninja who was always by her side, and then at Kato Shizune beside her.

Ever since she entered Kirigakure, she has been able to sense a small squad following her closely.

They didn't even bother to hide; they just openly revealed themselves and followed behind Tsunade. Their intention was clear—just teach medical ninjutsu properly, and don't bother to find out anything else.

Before leaving Konoha, Shimura Danzo specifically sought out Tsunade and taught her several ways to send messages. He hoped that during her three years in Kirigakure, she could continuously send messages back to Konoha—the more Shimura Danzo cooperated with Hozuki Shingetsu, the more he wanted to learn about Kirigakure.

Out of resentment for Hozuki Shingetsu's past mockery, Tsunade accepted the mission. However, under the surveillance of these squads, she certainly wouldn't have many opportunities to gather intelligence.

This is where Kato Shizune comes in handy. As a four-year-old child, it should be much easier for her to gather information in the ninja academy than for Shizune.

As the only military academy in the ninja village, information about the ninja academy is obviously very valuable.

Seeing Tsunade nod, how could Hozuki Shingetsu not know what she was thinking?

However, after Hozuki Shingetsu's reforms over the past few years, even if information about Kirigakure were leaked, he was certain that other ninja villages wouldn't have his guts to make the corresponding changes to the ninja academy.

The difference lies in the different motivations behind the training at the ninja academies and the different levels of control the leaders exert over the villages.

Therefore, Hozuki Shingetsu was completely unconcerned about the leak of information about the Ninja Academy.

After briefly explaining Tsunade's job duties, responsibilities, and recent work priorities, Hozuki Shingetsu left Kirigakure Hospital and headed to the Mizukage's office.

The establishment of the Ocean Ninja Alliance, the international student program in the surrounding small ninja villages, and the future development direction of Kirigakure all require his attention, so he naturally won't stay here for long.

"Let's go, Jingyin, let's go check out your school first."

Watching Hozuki Shingetsu's departing figure, Tsunade, after a brief exchange with Shennong, prepared to take Kato Shizune on a tour of Kirigakure.

This is, after all, where she will be living for the next three years. Even if she doesn't want to gather intelligence, she should still familiarize herself with Kirigakure Village as a tourist.

So, completely disregarding the group of ninja monitoring them behind her, she took Kato Shizune's hand and left the hospital onto the street.

Seeing this, the group of Mist Ninja behind her followed without saying a word.

Their task was to keep an eye on Tsunade and prevent her from going to those secret locations, but otherwise let her do as she pleased and not restrict her actions in any way.

So, accompanied by the ninja from the Mist Village, Tsunade thoroughly enjoyed the prosperity of the village.

"It's been two months since the war ended, and I still have so many people in Kirigakure..."

Looking at the bustling street, Tsunade subconsciously compared Kirigakure and Konoha.

Although many people went to Konoha after the war ended, it was still inferior to the prosperity of Kirigakure.

"And...the people here are all so wealthy!"

Tsunade glanced around casually and noticed that all the villagers here were dressed properly, with at least one clean and intact piece of cloth.

When she came last time, she was preoccupied with matters concerning Konoha and didn't have time to observe carefully. This discovery has greatly surprised Tsunade.

She's not some aloof young lady who doesn't understand the ways of the world. Influenced by her two grandfathers, she has a deep understanding of normal life.

Take Konoha as an example. Even in Konoha Village, ordinary villagers can only say that they have cloth clothes to wear when they go out. As for whether they fit or are intact, that's up to fate.

Some families even only had one complete set of clothes, which was worn by whoever went out, while the rest of the family stayed at home naked.

It's normal for these clothes to fade after washing, unlike in Kirigakure, where everyone seems to be wearing brand new clothes.

Tsunade knew all too well what this provision of clothing for everyone represented.

Tsunade, of course, had no idea how cheap basic commodities like fabric and clothing had become in Kirigakure since the Industrial Revolution began, productivity exploded, and assembly line production emerged.

While it's not quite like modern times where each person has their own wardrobe, at least two outfits per person are perfectly feasible.

"And besides these changes in the lives of ordinary people, there are just too many young ninjas in Kirigakure..."

Tsunade stopped in front of a ninja tool shop, pretending to inspect the tools, but secretly observing the ninjas who came to buy them.

To her surprise, she discovered that among the ninjas who came here to replenish their ninja tools, six out of ten were under the age of fifteen.

Many ninjas even had a youthful appearance, which clearly indicated that they had just graduated from the ninja academy.

"Huh? These students actually exude a murderous aura..."

Although the killing intent emanating from these graduates was faint, Tsunade's keen senses made it easy for her to detect the subtle killing intent emanating from them.

These graduates, who still look so young, have actually seen blood on their hands!

"Judging from your appearance, you must be a parent choosing ninja tools for your child who is about to start school?"

Perhaps because Tsunade had lingered for too long, a young waiter wearing white socks greeted her with a broad smile.

"In that case, why not take a look at the welcome package we've prepared especially for new students?"

Perhaps seeing that Tsunade remained unmoved, the waiter quickly stepped forward and began to promote his product:

"Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm very familiar with this entrance exam. I trained as a ninja when I was young, and I really honed my skills... It's just a pity that a heavy rain fell on the day of the ninja academy's entrance exam, ruining my dream of attending the ninja academy..."

Tsunade shook her head, impatient to listen to this "Chensu Bro" recount his past stories, and left the "Veteran Ninja Tool Shop" with Shizune.

(End of this chapter)