Hakushi always believed that without actual investigation, one has no right to speak.
A leader like that is a disastrous presence.
"Hakushi, aren't you planning to go back tonight?"
Walking on a path leading to a village in the Land of Demons, Ayane, out of boredom, started a conversation with Hakushi.
"Hmm, because the investigation requires quite some time, I need to quickly summarize the issues."
"Can't this kind of thing be handed over to someone else?"
"No, this is very important. I must personally investigate it to feel assured. Road construction can be done within three months or half a year. Because Ninja Techniques can be used to cheat and push the work's completion. But education is different. Education has no shortcuts; it's a long-term endeavor that needs to adapt to the actual situation to unfold."
Hakushi spoke like this.
In the Ninja Realm, ninjas are a group completely different from ordinary people.
Their education differs greatly.
You can't use ordinary people's education methods to develop ninjas, nor can you use ninja education methods to teach ordinary people.
Moreover, the national and family environments everyone faces make the choices complex and varied.
"It all just seems so troublesome."
Ayane walked on the small path, which, being a remote place, was not very well-paved.
The road construction team hasn't started working here yet. It might take some time before the road reaches here.
Before long, they arrived at a secluded village in the Land of Demons.
Because it wasn't affected by war, even such a poor village appeared to have villagers who live in contentment and stability.
Compared to most places in the Ninja Realm, this could be described as a paradise on earth.
"Are you outsiders? It's been a long time since someone from outside came to our village."
An elderly woman carrying a heavy parcel asked with a smile.
"Yes, grandma. You look quite tired, let me help you."
"Sorry for the trouble, young man."
The elderly woman hesitated for a moment and let Hakushi carry the parcel that was on her shoulder.
"No problem. But what's inside that makes it so heavy?"
Feeling the weight of the parcel, Hakushi curiously asked.
"It's specialty products from the neighboring village… just ahead is fine."
"Okay."
Hakushi and Ayane followed the elderly woman into the village.
The peace was certain, but it wasn't a sign of wealth.
"By the way, are you two a traveling couple?"
The elderly woman asked with a smile.
Before Hakushi could answer, Ayane came forward, pressing her chest against Hakushi's arm, and responded happily to the old lady: "Yes, I am his fiancée, right, dear?"
Hakushi shot her an exasperated side glance—she really knew how to push her luck.
"I can tell you two have a good relationship."
"Yes, because we are childhood friends and we plan to get married soon."
Ayane replied like this.
Hakushi thought Ayane was getting more and more carried away with her words.
But perhaps it wasn't entirely untrue?
"I see, then congratulations to you both."
The elderly woman also offered her congratulations.
They soon arrived at the front of the elderly woman's home, a solitary wooden house with a yard enclosed by a railing, where some wild vegetables were growing—a simple and modest life.
"Put it here."
The elderly woman pointed to a spot.
Hakushi placed the package containing the specialties on the ground beside him.
"Thank you so much. Now it's getting late, would you young couple like to stay for dinner?"
Hakushi was about to refuse when Ayane hugged his arm, blushing slightly, and said, "In fact, we're traveling to experience rural life, so we'll trouble you to host us, grandma."
"No trouble at all, I'll go make dinner, feel free to make yourselves at home."
The elderly woman seemed delighted to have guests over for dinner after such a long time and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
"Honestly, don't make decisions for me so casually."
With no chairs, Hakushi could only sit on the side, speaking softly to Ayane with a mix of helplessness and resignation.
"Well, you're here to observe the countryside in the Land of Demons, right? Consider this as part of your fieldwork. Plus, the elderly woman seems quite lonely, she'll be delighted if we stay for dinner."
Ayane released Hakushi's arm as she responded.
After hearing her explanation, although it deviated slightly from his original plan, the purpose was essentially aligned.
Initially, he intended to conduct an overall investigation of the village's situation and delve deeper into understanding the people here tomorrow.
"Besides, I suddenly feel quite excited about tonight, the countryside seems nice."
A beautiful smile appeared on Ayane's face.