Charlie concluded, "Remember, developing the country isn't just about hosting banquets or throwing kunai, or performing ninjutsu and genjutsu. We have to adapt to our land and time, using the unique conditions of the Land of Grass! Every case needs to be analyzed on its own!"
"That's how we figure out the best path for Kusa's growth," Charlie said, picking up the hot tea that Kana had poured for him. He took a sip, looking every bit the serious, slightly grumpy veteran leader.
"The meeting's over now. Everyone needs to write a reflection of at least eight thousand words on today's topics, really analyze the situation in the Land of Grass!"
The room fell quiet. When the meeting ended, everyone left silently, shaken, not just because the leader had examined Kusa's development from so many angles, but because they only half understood what he said!
It all sounded impressive, but as ordinary shinobi, they didn't grasp the details. Still, the big question was: how exactly were they supposed to write that reflection?
As most people left with confused looks, Charlie stretched and stood up. A whole day of meetings was exhausting.
Speaking of which, Fuso and Nagato were also moving today, just next door, separated by a wall. Maybe he should check if they needed any help. Just as he was about to leave with Kana, someone called out.
"Lord Kusa!"
Charlie turned to see Youma still standing there. "Yes? Elder Youma?"
"Well… is there anything the Uzumaki clan can do for the Land of Grass?" Youma asked hesitantly, then quickly added, "I don't mean any offense. It's just that the Land of Grass has accepted the Uzumaki clan with open arms, letting us live in peace. If we do nothing, the Uzumaki clan would feel ashamed."
Charlie frowned, then replied plainly, "Do what?"
Youma blinked in confusion.
"Have kids," Charlie said bluntly. "You're almost extinct. If you waste time on anything else and don't focus on having children now, what good will come of it?
How can we strengthen the country without growing our numbers? Just have kids, lots of them, and there will be great rewards."
Youma fell silent, wondering how having kids could possibly be linked to strengthening the country.
The population problem is a serious issue for the Land of Grass. The country has only recently recovered from being nearly wiped out and has suffered from internal conflicts and corruption, so its population remains quite low.
If the Uzumaki Clan had over a hundred members, the Land of Grass might finally have a powerful bloodline clan to rely on. But right now, there are only about twenty Uzumaki left, and just four of them are shinobi. It's truly pitiful.
"If Lord Kusa has time, could you send someone to the Uzumaki Clan's old homeland ? There are treasures hidden there from before the fall of the Whirlpool Country," He paused, then bowed slightly.
"And… if it's not too much to ask, would it be possible for the Uzumaki Clan to officially relocate here, under your protection? Our numbers are small, but with your support, we could begin again."
Charlie nodded silently, then turned to leave. Youma remained where he stood, watching him go with a quiet, relieved smile. He could sense it, this leader genuinely accepted the Uzumaki Clan. He had the kindness and tolerance of a great man.
No wonder he managed to restore the Land of Grass amid chaos and earned so much respect and loyalty. If this had been during the Warring States Period, Lord Kusa would surely have been as remarkable as the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, who united various clans and founded Konoha, the strongest shinobi village.
"It's a shame Kushina was sent to Konoha already. She had the greatest potential. It would have been wonderful if she could have stayed here. I wonder how she's doing now," Elder Youma sighed, shaking his head as he turned toward his home. "And Rokuro and the others? I wonder how they're holding up."
Before coming to the Land of Grass, Youma never imagined the Uzumaki Clan could be accepted by other countries.
Meanwhile, Charlie was walking home with Kana, surprised at the unexpected good fortune. When a country is on the brink of collapse, they never leave things entirely unprepared.
As soon as they knew their end was near, they hid precious treasures, hoping to restore their nation someday. If that wasn't possible, at least those treasures could support the Uzumaki Clan's future.
What they hadn't expected was how ruthless the other shinobi villages would be. Even after the Whirlpool Country's destruction, they continued sending forces to wipe them out without mercy.
Just like the Uchiha Clan, when they were wiped out, except for one stubborn kid, no one was spared, not even the ordinary folks. Keep in mind, the Whirlpool Country was about the same size as the Land of Grass but stronger. So, after its fall, the wealth it left behind should help the Land of Grass get through some tough times. At least, that's what Charlie hoped.
He sighed deeply, thinking about how he wouldn't have to tire himself out every night if things were better. Suddenly, something caught his attention, and he blinked. "What are those two brats up to now?"
At that moment, Kana, lost in her own thoughts, snapped back to reality and followed Charlie's gaze. There, two little troublemakers, Nagato and Yahiko, were sneaking into a small grove, looking as secretive as ever.
Charlie opened his mouth to call out but then saw the amused look on Kana's face as she quietly decided to follow them instead. After a moment's hesitation, Charlie stayed silent and followed along too.
"Yahiko, why did you drag me out here? I still have to help Mom with moving!" Nagato complained.
"Relax! There's barely anything to move, and it's just next door. With Konan and Aunt Fuso there, it's more than enough!" Yahiko said casually, then pouted. "Seriously, why move at all? Isn't living at Charlie-sensei's place great?"
"That's still Charlie-sensei's home. Staying there all the time can't be good!" Nagato replied.
"So what? Don't tell me you don't get it," Yahiko whispered mysteriously into Nagato's ear. "Maybe you'll even get a little sister. Otherwise, why would Charlie-sensei let Aunt Fuso live with you?"
Nagato was silent.
"You don't like the idea of Charlie-sensei being your dad?" Yahiko teased.
Nagato raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "Alright, enough. Just tell me, why did you really call me out here?"
"I've got something good, something I snuck from my new dad Mujie!" Yahiko winked. "If it weren't for our good relationship, I wouldn't even let you see it!"
Now Nagato was curious. "What is it? You know stealing stuff isn't right."
With a flourish, Yahiko pulled a book out from under his clothes. "Just borrowing it. My new Dad Mujie said I could read it when I'm older."
"I just wanted to sneak a peek!" Yahiko insisted, holding the colorful book carefully in his hands.
Both he and Nagato stared down at it, intrigued by the strange drawings inside, frogs, snakes, slugs, and even winged creatures, all looking oddly unfamiliar. The cover caught their attention most of all, with characters boldly printed: "Night Time Exercsie."It looked incredibly mysterious.