Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

Chapter 22: I Survey the Heroes of the World, and Only Minato Namikaze Is Real!

On the outskirts of Kumogakure stood a weathered building.

It was a large ninja tool shop, a rare sight these days.

Decades ago, during Kumogakure's peak, there was at least one such shop in every corner of the village.

They sold ninja tools, along with basic intel and restorative medicine.

The muscle-bound ninjas of Kumogakure, after completing their missions and rigorous training, would often gather here to rest their weary legs, replenish their strength with muscle-boosting tonics, and browse for new tools of the trade.

Those seeking to discuss matters or trade information would also frequent this establishment.

In those years, small-scale brawls within the village were not uncommon, but there were always friends who would step in to mediate between the opposing sides. With a few words from the mediator, thirty to fifty Genin would often settle their differences over a bowl of muscle-boosting tonic, turning hostility into camaraderie.

In short, it was a vital hub in its heyday, a place where people could gather, regardless of whether they had business to attend to or not.

Here, one could hear the most absurd news, such as tales of audacious villagers donning masks to participate in robberies alongside the perpetrators. When reported to the Kumogakure Security Force, these incidents would often be dismissed due to the insignificant losses and the sheer number of individuals involved.

Strange intel could also be gleaned here, like the story of a Konoha shop being attacked, where customers, instead of taking advantage of the chaos for some free shopping, actually paid for their goods...

And now, we find ourselves at one such ninja tool shop.

Upon entering, one was greeted by a counter and a dazzling array of ninja tools. Signs reading "No Robbing" were plastered everywhere.

Two merchants, whose names remained unknown, sat at a table, sipping their restorative medicine. They exchanged words in hushed tones, their eyes narrowed in a conspiratorial manner.

"This tonic is truly authentic."

A moment of silence followed.

"You've heard about the recent events in Konoha, right?"

"Of course. Honestly, if it weren't for my family being in the Land of Lightning, I'd be quite inclined to move to the Land of Fire."

"Oh? Why is that? Your business in Kumogakure seems to be doing quite well."

"It is, but when a business reaches my scale, it's not just about making money anymore. What's more important is..."

The merchant dipped his finger in the tonic and wrote two large characters on the wooden table-Environment!

"Although I was born and raised in the Land of Lightning, I have to admit that the atmosphere here is terrible, especially in Kumogakure."

"It's already the 51st year of Kumogakure, and those muscle-brained ninjas, whose heads are filled with who-knows-what, still believe they can achieve everything through brute force."

"Every month, I have to pay a hefty sum to security ninjas."

As he touched upon this sensitive topic, the merchant's voice involuntarily rose, his tone laced with resentment.

Merchants had long suffered under this oppressive environment!

The other merchant nodded in agreement. "I survey the heroes of the world, and the Raikage is tyrannical, the Mizukage bloodthirsty, the Kazekage ruthless, the Tsuchikage antiquated. Only Minato Namikaze can be considered a true hero..."