chapter 24:Water Country

❄️ A City on the Outskirts of the Land of Water

Snow fell heavily on the narrow streets, where the dim lantern lights reflected off the wet roads. People's footsteps were hurried, their feet sinking into layers of snow as the sounds of vendors and passersby rose amidst the whistling cold wind.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, a man walked with steady steps, his heavy coat draped over his body, while his breath condensed into white mist before his face. He gazed at the stone buildings covered in ice and muttered in a low voice:

"It's truly different from the Land of Fire… No wonder the Four Villages covet Konoha."

This was Uchiha Hyōjin. A month had passed since he left Konoha, heading toward the Land of Water, where he had barely managed to sneak across the borders. But now, after two days of aimless wandering, doubt and confusion began creeping into his mind.

"Was I wrong about the Yuki Clan?" he wondered. He had always believed that Obito was the one who destroyed the clan, but he discovered that it had actually happened ten years ago, during the reign of the Third Mizukage, who waged a bloody war against the "Bloodline Succession" clans.

As he pondered, his stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. He glanced to the side of the road and spotted a well-kept wooden restaurant, warmly lit by paper lanterns. Through the foggy windows, he glimpsed polished wooden tables and neatly arranged chairs, while the rich aroma of seafood filled the air.

"Seems like a good place." He whispered to himself, then pushed the door open and stepped inside.

---

The bell above the door chimed, drawing the attention of the receptionist—a stout man in a clean, ocean-colored uniform. He put on a professional smile and greeted him in a welcoming tone:

"Welcome! You must be a new visitor. Rest assured, you've come to the finest restaurant in the city!"

Hyōjin didn't respond. He cast a quick glance around the place, observing the diners enjoying their meals amidst quiet laughter and the clinking of utensils. Choosing a secluded corner away from prying eyes, he walked toward it in silence.

Once seated, the waiter handed him a menu, but he didn't bother to read it. Instead, he lifted his gaze and said coldly:

"Bring me ten of your most popular dishes."

The waiter blinked in surprise.

"All those dishes… at once?"

Hyōjin nodded without changing his expression. He wasn't just hungry—he wanted to experience the cuisine of the Land of Water after days of eating stored food.

"Hah… Certainly! I'll prepare your order right away!" The waiter scurried off, assuming that Hyōjin was perhaps a noble from a neighboring country wanting to sample the local flavors.

As he waited, Hyōjin pulled out his wallet and opened it, revealing 4.5 million ryo.

He stared at the amount for a moment. It was a decent sum—enough for an average person to live on for years if spent wisely. But for a ninja? It was a different story.

Weapons, medical supplies, bribes, intelligence—everything cost money, and sometimes, large sums were spent in a single day. Hyōjin knew that while the money seemed plenty now, it wouldn't last forever.

"I need to think about securing a steady source of income."

For a brief moment, the idea of starting a small business in the Land of Water crossed his mind—perhaps a secret weapons trade or exchanging valuable information. But he wasn't settled in this country yet, and any wrong move could attract the wrong kind of attention.

"Not yet," he muttered, slipping the wallet back into his pocket. First, he needed to understand the situation here before making any decisions.

---

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by an angry shout from the lower floor.

"You little brat! This is the last time you steal from me—I swear I'll kill you!"

A loud thud followed, then a muffled groan. Some diners turned their heads in curiosity, while others continued their meals indifferently, as if this was a common occurrence.

Hyōjin waited for a moment, then spotted the source of the commotion. A small boy, barely ten years old, dressed in tattered clothes with a dirty face, stood trembling. Despite his visible pain, his eyes remained clear, showing no tears.

"That boy…"

For a fleeting moment, Hyōjin thought he saw his mother's face in the child's features. His eyes widened slightly before he shook his head, dismissing the illusion.

But something inside him had shifted. He could no longer ignore the scene.

He stood up abruptly, his firm voice cutting through the tense atmosphere:

"Enough. Stop this."

The waiter hesitated, surprised. Customers rarely interfered—they usually watched for entertainment. But this man… his gaze was cold and commanding.

Swallowing nervously, the waiter stammered:

"B-But sir… he's a thief."

Hyōjin took a step forward, his tone unyielding:

"I said, stop."

The waiter flinched, then hesitantly stepped away from the boy. At that moment, Hyōjin turned to the child and gestured toward the washbasin.

"Wash your face and hands. Then come sit here."

The boy didn't move, eyeing Hyōjin warily.

Hyōjin pressed his lips together, then lowered his voice, making it even firmer:

"I said, move."

After a moment of hesitation, the boy obeyed and slowly walked toward the washbasin. The waiter remained tense, watching the situation unfold. Meanwhile, Hyōjin returned to his seat.

---

A few minutes later, the waiter reappeared, carrying a large tray filled with various dishes, which he carefully placed on the tekka—a large table designed to seat six people. The dishes were arranged meticulously, their vibrant colors forming an almost artistic display, showcasing the rich flavors of the local cuisine.

The waiter stood for a moment, then smiled with a mix of pride and flattery:

*"Each dish here represents a unique flavor of the Land of Water. Allow

When he saw that I did not stop him, he confirmed his earlier guess and began presenting the dishes one by one, pointing to them with his fingers:

Fresh Oyster Sushi: Fresh oyster pieces, carefully prepared with seasoned rice, making for a perfect start.

Seafood Soup: A rich broth with the flavor of the sea, mixed with pieces of fresh fish, giving the visitor the scent of the waves.

Seaweed Salad: A light mix of fresh, crispy seaweed, topped with lemon and oil dressing.

Grilled Fish Balls: Finely minced fish meat, grilled to a golden hue.

Fried Grouper Fish: A traditional dish showcasing the chef's skill with seafood.

Then, as if it were completely normal, he casually pointed to a side dish and said indifferently,

"And finally, our signature dish—roast pork."

Hyoujin's expression hardened for a moment at the mention of the last dish. It wasn't so much disgust as it was a deep aversion, reminding him of an unpleasant experience from his past life.

He took a calm breath, then raised his hand slightly, speaking in a firm but steady voice,

"Replace this dish with something else. I don't eat it."

The waiter noticed the subtle change in his expression but did not comment. Instead, he bowed slightly and took the dish quietly,

"Of course, sir. I'll replace it right away."

Hyoujin did not dwell on the matter. Instead, he began examining the other dishes, regaining his curiosity about the flavors of the Land of Water.

A few minutes later, the child returned, his face a bit cleaner, though his clothes were still dirty. He looked at Hyoujin hesitantly.

Hyoujin gestured to the opposite seat.

"Sit down and eat."

The child did not move.

Hyoujin narrowed his eyes and spoke in a sharper tone,

"Eat, or I'll throw you out."

The child's eyes widened, then he began to pick up the food slowly, before increasing his speed with each bite.

Hyoujin sat quietly, watching him as mixed emotions stirred within him—feelings he couldn't quite name.

"Why… did you do this?"

But deep down, he already knew the answer.