Looking at the desolate land, Shun's mood became a bit heavy.
"The Land of Fire used to be the wealthiest country in the entire Ninja World. This land you're standing on was once a border city of the Land of Fire. But later, it was occupied by the Land of Akatsuki, and the villagers were either expelled or became refugees, wandering everywhere."
Everyone's expressions grew solemn upon hearing this.
Sasuke's eyes were full of doubt as he asked, "Father, what should we do now?"
A hint of benevolence appeared in Shun's eyes as he said, "Within fifteen kilometers of here, there are many displaced refugees hiding in abandoned villages. You are to search the surrounding areas for refugees, try to take them in, and prepare some food and water."
"Once you've gathered a certain number, bring these refugees back to the Land of Water. The Land of Water still has enough land and resources to give them a stable home."
Kakashi immediately nodded. "Understood, Shun-sama. We will definitely bring the refugees back safely."
Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes full of drive. "Don't worry, Shun-sama. I'll help everyone find more refugees and make sure they don't suffer from cold and hunger again."
Sakura said earnestly, "I will prepare medical supplies. If any refugees are injured on the way, I can treat them promptly."
Sasuke looked at everyone's determined expressions and straightened his back. "Father, I'll help too."
Shun nodded in satisfaction and threw some storage scrolls to Kakashi.
"Kakashi, the tents in the storage scrolls are enough to set up eight temporary shelters, and food and water have been prepared for ten thousand people."
"I'll go back first to arrange the reception of the refugees. You must pay attention to safety. If you encounter trouble you can't solve, immediately activate the Flying Thunder God Mark."
Kakashi gripped the scroll and nodded solemnly. "Shun-sama, please rest assured, we will definitely complete the mission."
Seeing this, Shun said no more. He opened a spatial portal, and instantly vanished into it.
Watching Shun leave, Kakashi became serious. "Next, we will split into two groups. I'll take Sasuke to the abandoned village to the east. Naruto and Sakura, you will go west. We'll contact each other with communicators every half hour."
Naruto quickly replied, "Alright, Kakashi-sensei. Sakura, let's go. Let's try to find more refugees so they can have a hot meal sooner."
Sakura glanced at Sasuke, her eyes a little reluctant. But she could only helplessly follow Naruto, running west.
Sasuke adjusted the Konoha forehead protector on his forehead and said, "Kakashi-sensei, let's get moving too."
Kakashi looked down and said, "Let's go. The sooner we finish, the sooner we return to the Land of Water."
The two figures instantly transformed into two streaks of green light, speeding towards the east.
The abandoned village to the east was dilapidated, with weeds growing among the broken walls and ruins, and a faint smell of decay lingering in the air.
"Kakashi-sensei, there's someone there." Sasuke pointed to the remains of a house, and the two quickly ran over.
Upon closer inspection, they found a family of three huddled under a collapsed wooden beam.
A young couple held a child of about five years old. The child's face was pale, and his lips were chapped, clearly having been hungry for a long time.
Seeing Kakashi and Sasuke, the couple was initially wary, but their eyes widened when they saw the Konoha forehead protectors on their foreheads.
The man's voice trembled with excitement. "Konoha... are you ninjas from Konoha?"
Kakashi gently tapped his forehead protector with his finger, his expression softening.
"We are ninjas from Konoha. This used to be the Land of Fire, and you are all villagers of the Land of Fire, aren't you?"
"The Land of Water is willing to accept refugees. It is the safest and wealthiest country in the Ninja World, with endless food, warm houses, and a life free from the ravages of war."
He took out a wheat cake and a flask of water from a storage scroll and handed them to the man. "Give these to the child to fill his stomach first."
"The Land of Water?"
The couple exclaimed in unison, the woman tightening her grip on the child.
Her eyes were full of disbelief as she said, "Is it really the Land of Water, known as 'Paradise of the Ninja World'? Can... can we go there too?"
"Of course."
Sasuke spoke softly, "Shun-sama of the Land of Water said he would give you a stable home."
The man looked at the wheat cake, then at the Konoha forehead protectors on their foreheads. That was the symbol of the once greatest ninja village in the Ninja World. They had seen many Konoha ninjas when they were children.
He no longer hesitated and took the food. The woman quickly broke the wheat cake into small pieces and fed it to the child, who devoured it ravenously, tears welling up in his eyes.
Refugees who heard the commotion around them poked their heads out.
When they saw the Konoha forehead protectors, they all gathered around, asking excitedly, "Can we really go to the Land of Water? Is it really like the legends, with hot meals even in winter?"
Kakashi patiently responded. Smiles of hope gradually appeared on the refugees' faces, their initial fear and exhaustion largely dissipating.
Watching this scene, Sasuke suddenly remembered what his father had said: "Protect the weak."
He seemed to understand more clearly why his father would spend time saving these strangers, and why the Land of Water was called "Paradise."
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached from a distance, accompanied by rough shouts.
"There's movement over there! Go check it out quickly, don't let any escaped refugees get away!"
Kakashi's expression changed slightly, and he whispered to the refugees, "Everyone, hide in the cellar first. We'll draw them away."
The refugees immediately and orderly hid in the cellar.
Sasuke helped lift the wooden plank, his eyes firm. "Don't worry, we'll be back soon."
Once the refugees were hidden, Kakashi and Sasuke exchanged glances. The two ran in opposite directions, deliberately making noise.
The ninjas from the Land of Akatsuki were attracted. There were five of them, each holding a blade, their black clothes still covered in dust.
The leading ninja saw Kakashi's forehead protector, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
"It's a Konoha ninja? Perfect, let's capture him and take him back to claim credit from the leader."
The five simultaneously formed hand signs, and several Fire Release Ninjutsu shot towards Kakashi.
Kakashi's Lightning Chakra surged around him, instantly eliminating three ninjas.
Sasuke, from the shadows, activated Genjutsu. His Three-Tomoe Sharingan glowed red, and one ninja instantly fell into a genjutsu, his blade uncontrollably slashing at his companion.
"Damn it! It's Sharingan Genjutsu, the evil Uchiha!"
Another ninja roared, trying to break his companion's Genjutsu, but was struck in the heart from behind by Kakashi's Chidori, instantly dying on the spot.
In just a moment, all five ninjas from the Land of Akatsuki were dead.
Sasuke called out to the refugees inside. "It's safe now, you can come out."
The refugees immediately poured out, surrounding the two and repeatedly thanking them.
A white-haired old man grabbed Kakashi's hand, tears streaming down his face with excitement. "Thank you. We've dreamed of going to the Land of Water."