Chapter 271 : Joy of Ordinary People!!

As time slowly trickled away amidst the bustling activities of everyone, the Land of Red appeared less desolate than before, thanks to the influx of numerous refugees, injecting vibrancy into its streets.

With the break of dawn, the sun cast its radiant glow upon the land. Be it the citizens of Land of Red or the commoners who remained unaffiliated with it, they all strode purposefully towards their assigned tasks, brimming with anticipation.

Nakamura Ryohei arrived at the modest paddy field under his care, his expertise in farming earning him this responsibility. Though the current season wasn't ideal for cultivation, the paddy fields had been irrigated, allowing for moderate refurbishment of the soil.

Come next spring, the fields would be much more fertile, facilitating the cultivation of rice and vegetables with greater ease.

It didn't take long for Nakamura Ryohei to immerse himself in the bustle of the day. His companions exchanged greetings as they began tilling the earth. Despite the hustle, Ryohei Nakamura, having experienced the vagaries of life, cherished this existence.

With daily toil came sustenance and clothing, and living in Land of Red afforded him free accommodation for a year. While it would revert after that period, individuals were expected to procure their lodgings through renting or purchasing.

Nonetheless, with the savings he brought to the Land of Red, Ryohei felt confident about purchasing his own house swiftly. Though the state offered a year of complimentary housing, he believed he had the means to secure his own abode, thereby leaving the vacant residence for those in greater need.

"Ryohei, hurry, someone's asking for you!" 

Midst his focused labor, Nakamura Ryohei heard the squad leader's call. Looking up, he saw the leader gesturing towards him. "Come here," the leader bellowed.

"Uncle Nohara." 

Nakamura Ryohei rose from his seat, his expression tinged with suspicion as he turned to face the team leader. A smile spread across his face when he recognized him, prompting him to approach. "Is there something urgent? My work in the field isn't done yet, and I can't afford to delay."

Given the upheaval of the ongoing construction, Nakamura Ryohei understood that everyone was occupied, and the team leader typically had his own pressing matters to attend to.

"Hehe, it's indeed good news that brought me here." The team leader's smile widened. "Just a moment ago, the list of candidates for official citizenship in the Land of Red was released. They're individuals eligible to enter the Land of Red legally. As soon as I saw it, I rushed over to inform you that your name is on the list."

"Really, Uncle Nohara? You're not pulling my leg, are you?! Didn't you mention it would take at least several months of scrutiny?"

Nakamura Ryohei's eyes widened in surprise as he glanced at his team leader. Obtaining official citizenship in the Land of Red was crucial for purchasing a house. He had anticipated a lengthier wait.

Though he was aware of his clean record and the inheritance from his deceased father, a former ninja who has left him a ninjutsu scroll which he had given to the Land of Red, thereby aiding his cause, he hadn't anticipated this sudden turn of events.

"I assure you, I wouldn't jest about something so significant. Go on, the documents are in the office. You can verify it for yourself."

"Once confirmed, submit your application, and you'll promptly receive your official Land of Red citizenship."

Reassured by the confirmation, Nakamura Ryohei felt a surge of excitement. Becoming a citizen of the Land of Red was now within immediate reach. The joy was overwhelming.

However, he didn't forget to inquire further, "Uncle Nohara, what are the next steps after obtaining citizenship?"

The team leader nodded solemnly, tempering the excitement with practicality. "I recall you're still using a temporary ID card. Once your registration is complete, you can proceed to obtain the official national ID card."

"Yes, yes." Eager anticipation lit up Nakamura Ryohei's face as he posed another question, "Uncle Nohara, you mentioned many of the original ninjas haven't secured Land of Red citizenship yet. Why should I..."

The team leader grinned, giving Nakamura Ryohei a hearty pat on the shoulder before speaking.

"Well, you've lucked out. Seems the scroll you turned in might just be a rare secret technique, quite a curiosity for the folks over at the research department. So, they've adjusted your terms accordingly. No need to thank me; I'll give you the full rundown later."

"Heh, thanks, Uncle Nohara," Nakamura Ryohei smirked upon hearing the explanation, silently thanking his deceased father in his heart. 

Despite lacking the natural talent for becoming a ninja, the legacy his father left behind had finally come in handy after all these years.

"Quit grinning and get on with it. Don't drag it out; take today off. But tomorrow, it's business as usual!" the team leader interrupted Nakamura Ryohei's amusement, exhaling a puff of smoke from his cigarette.

"Sure thing, Uncle Nohara! I'll get to it right away. Thanks!" Nakamura Ryohei quickly rose to his feet, brushing off the mud from his shoes.

The team leader waved dismissively. "Don't mention it. Just get it done. You've been a diligent member of the squad; I've noticed. Keep at it."

"Once you're settled with a residence, you can think about buying a house, finding a wife, starting a family. You won't be alone anymore."

The team leader sighed, knowing all too well Nakamura Ryohei's situation. He hoped for nothing but the best for him in the Land of Red, wishing for him to build a new home and life as soon as possible.

"Yeah," Nakamura Ryohei's voice cracked slightly, his eyes misty. "I just want a place to call my own."

"Off you go!" The captain nodded, a warm smile on his face.

"Goodbye, Uncle Nohara."

With that, Nakamura Ryohei wasted no time, hastening towards the household registration office, leaving behind a cloud of dust in his wake, much to the team leader's amusement.

"Cough... This kid..."