Naruto-Start by eating the golden fruit

Umino Musashi did meet his brother, Umino Kenjiro, that night.

After all, it's just a matter of asking someone to pass on a message. Even if it's no big deal, civilians are usually willing to help each other.

Moreover, most people here are civilian ninjas, and some of them actually knew Umino Kenjiro.

The Umino brothers embraced each other excitedly. A candle was lit, and the two brothers talked through the night.

Umino Musashi smiled and remarked that he didn't expect the outer cities of Konoha to be so clean, with smooth roads.

Umino Kenjiro smiled back and replied that the inner city is even better; the ground is paved with blue bricks.

Umino Musashi smiled reluctantly and continued, mentioning that the outer city has public toilets that are cleaned daily—something he found truly surprising.

Umino Kenjiro laughed and added that the inner city also has public toilets, but most people don't use them because everyone has their own toilets at home—the kind with a lever that flushes.

Umino Musashi's smile became more strained. He then commented that the outer city was much better than Kawanoguni, as there were even people assigned to escort newcomers to their residences.

Umino Kenjiro replied that his family, consisting of seven members, had been allocated three houses in the inner city. Their main house has five floors, though two floors are shared with others. He added that he plans to save enough money to buy those two floors.

Umino Musashi fell silent, and the conversation shifted to other topics.

When it was time to part, Umino Kenjiro explained that he had to return to the inner city. Since Umino Musashi hadn't lived in Konoha for five years, he wasn't permitted to enter the inner city yet.

Umino Musashi was furious, but Umino Kenjiro only laughed and left his brother's temporary residence—a cramped 20-square-meter room.

Looking around his room and reflecting on his brother's words, Umino Musashi resolved to try integrating into Konoha the next day.

And he soon discovered…

It was actually quite easy to integrate.

Factory workers would visit the refugee camp daily to persuade people to work. They provided food, accommodation, and weekly wages, which made the offer appealing.

However, many refugees were still too fearful and mistrusting to accept these opportunities.

Umino Musashi didn't hesitate. He raised his hand immediately, volunteering to work.

For the next week, no one in the refugee camp saw Umino Musashi.

Speculations and conspiracy theories began circulating among the refugees. But after a week, Umino Musashi reappeared, wearing clean, well-fitted clothes—workshop-issued attire—and brought his wife and children with him.

Seeing this, other refugees began enthusiastically signing up for work.

The happiest person about this development was Youya.

"It's good that they're willing to work," Youya thought. "I've already provided optimal conditions. If they still refuse and expect Konoha to support them, then they'll only eat porridge for the rest of their lives."

The refugees' greatest fear seemed to be that Konoha wouldn't treat them as people and might send them to the front lines as cannon fodder.

But Youya knew that, with time, those who started working earlier would inspire others. The stark contrast between workers and non-workers would become evident once Konoha stopped accepting refugees.

Youya believed this contrast would motivate others and also satisfy the vanity of those who worked hard. Comparison often breeds a sense of pride, especially when one is on the dominant side.

Meanwhile, the civilian ninja patrols were actively expanding their operations, venturing up to a hundred kilometers beyond Konoha. Some Uchiha clan members, eager to capitalize on this, suggested bringing back refugees in sacks. They didn't dare go that far, though.

Elsewhere, Senju Tobirama had returned to Konoha, prompting various ninja families to send representatives to gauge his stance on these developments.

Among them was Sarutobi Hiruzen. Tobirama shook his head, clearly disappointed.

"I expected better from you," Tobirama said, his tone heavy with regret.

Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head in shame.

Tobirama sighed. "I took you under my wing because I believed you could lead the Sarutobi clan. But you're still not satisfied. Tell me… do you desire the position of Hokage that much?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly responded, "I wouldn't dare!"

Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "Is it that you don't dare—or that you don't want to?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent.

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