Shota walked through the massive gates of Konoha alongside the Kazekage's entourage.
They were received by one of Konoha's elders, Homura. One of the third Hokage's team members when he was a genin and a student of the second Hokage. He bowed slightly to Rasa.
"We welcome you, Kazekage, to Konoha."
Rasa nodded back in thanks.
"We have arranged your two-day stay in Konoha. I hope that this visit would bring our villages closer together." Homura said
Rasa gave another small nod of thanks. Elder Mina Sabaku stepped forward and began chatting quietly with Homura. She was the diplomatic head of Suna, so she took over the small talk. Shota stayed silent behind Rasa. He watched everything carefully.
Rasa greeted the others who had come to welcome them. Shota thought "welcoming" was an exaggeration.
They were definitely here to show Konoha's power and superiority. The clan heads of Konoha's major clans had gathered in a neat line. It was a statement that Konoha had powerful clans with strong abilities and Suna did not have them.
Fugaku Uchiha, the Uchiha Clan Head and Konoha Police Captain stood at the front. Choza Akimichi, the Akimichi Clan Head was next.
Then there was Inoichi Yamanaka, the head of T&I department of Konoha as well as Yamanaka clan head.
Shikaku Nara looked lazy, but Shota knew better to underestimate Konoha's Jonin commander.
Hiashi Hyūga stood straight with his twin brother beside him. Shibi Aburame stand to the side. Then there was Jiraiya of the Sannin, leaning against a post with his arms crossed and a grin on his face.
Shota stared at the lineup.
'Jeez. Now that's a powerful lineup right there to intimidate us. They are trying to tell us that even two of any of these people together could put up a good fight against the Kazekage. And in case of Jiraiya and maybe Fugaku Uchiha, even win.'
Shota felt grateful that Orochimaru was not here. The snake Sannin was probably leading forces against Kumo right now. Shota did not want that pervert's attention on him anytime soon.
'It's good that I would not catch the pervert snake's attention. There is no doubt about it that he would want my body.'
Shota shivered at the thought.
'Hiruzen has retired, so he is probably enjoying his retired life or maybe acting as Minato's advisor. Well, enjoy your retirement, old man. It would not last for long anyway.'
'And there is no Danzo either to welcome us. Which probably means that he is plotting something. Dude loves pulling the strings from the shadows after all.'
Shota's eyes narrowed.
'And I have no doubt that he would attempt something during our stay here too. And I really want him to try something because I have something planned for you, my dear Danzo. Something that would take away your sleep for years.'
He had entered Konoha with a dark grin hidden under his mask.
Shota could feel the stares from the gathered shinobi. They glanced at him again and again. They analysed him. They knew who he was.
No matter how young he looked by his small size, they knew his ability was a threat to all of them. A boy who could erase chakra with a look was dangerous. Even S-rank shinobi feared him. Shota ignored the stares. He was too busy gawking at Konoha.
Konoha was what you would call a metropolis city that was given the name of a village.
The population was huge. People filled the streets. The weather was nice and comfortable. Not as hot as Suna. Not as humid as the Land of Earth.
It was a perfect place to settle down. Shota saw different shops and stalls everywhere. Food stands sold ramen, dango, and grilled meat. Clothing shops displayed bright fabrics. Weapon shops had rows of kunai and swords. Despite the war and their losses, Konoha looked like it was doing good economically.
'No wonder every other village is jealous of Konoha. These tree huggers do have the best living environment compared to any other village. This good environment leads to better shinobi and better resources for them.'
Shota sighed inside his mask.
'Oh well, it is sad that all of this would be destroyed twice in the coming years. Once by the Nine-Tails and then by Pain. What a shame.'
They were led to their living quarters. Shota followed behind the Kazekage. He stayed vigilant. They were in enemy territory. Even if Konoha was friendly now, old grudges died hard.
He doubted anyone would attack the Kazekage directly in the village. Rasa could take out many civilians and damage a lot of infrastructure before he died. No one wanted that kind of destruction in their home.
Shota saw hateful glares thrown their way as they walked the streets. Some came from shinobi. Some came from civilians. They were probably family members or friends of people who had died by Suna hands during the war. Shota ignored them. He kept his eyes moving, searching for threats. And most importantly, he searched for Ichiraku Ramen.
He remembered the name from the anime. The best ramen in the world. He had dreamed about trying it since he first woke up in this world. Now he was here. He scanned every street sign, every stall. His stomach growled under the ANBU armour.
'Where is it? Come on, famous ramen stand, show yourself. I deserve a bowl after running from country to country. One bowl of miso pork ramen with extra narutomaki. Maybe two bowls. No, three. I've earned it.'
-----Author Notes---------
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