The girl had fair skin and a pretty face, an undeniable beauty, with a slightly sharp demeanor, giving off an air of keeping people at a distance, and a deep, reserved nature unbefitting her age.
She wore a thin black robe, with slender shoulders and a delicate waist, a tall and elegant figure. In contrast, Hira Genjyo, wearing a thick fox fur coat and holding her son, appeared slightly plump.
Hira Genjyo glanced at the girl's purple hair and the blue paper flower she wore on her head, understanding immediately. As a transmigrator, she had already recognized the girl as Konan, one of the founders of the Akatsuki Organization, based on her face and features.
However, Hira Genjyo feigned ignorance, pretending to be puzzled, "May I ask who you are?"
Konan replied softly, "The owner of the 'Peace' Supermarket."
Hira Genjyo raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise, then praised, "Your Excellency is young and accomplished, truly admirable!"
At the same time, Hiraizumi Etsu, feeling a bit stuffy, peeked his little head over Hira Genjyo's high collar, curiously gazing at the crowded street. Hira Genjyo quickly pulled out a hat and put it on him to ward off the cold.
"Lady, are you interested in applying for this store manager position?" Konan repeated her initial question.
"Yes," Hira Genjyo nodded in affirmation.
"Judging by your appearance, you don't seem to be a native of this place."
"Hmm."
Hira Genjyo nodded, concisely stating, "The Ninja World War, my country was destroyed and my family scattered. I was lucky to escape here."
Konan had no doubts. Situations like Hira Genjyo's were all too common. During the Ninja World War, countless people flocked to the relatively peaceful Land of Iron.
Then, Konan asked, "May I ask, the child's father?"
Hira Genjyo silently shook her head, feigning sadness. The story of raising her son alone didn't need to be publicized. After all, it offered no benefits and would only attract unwanted attention.
"I apologize for bringing up a painful subject."
Konan nodded in apology, then looked at the innocent and carefree Hiraizumi Etsu, her eyes softening slightly.
Her difficult and challenging survival experiences in her youth felt like yesterday. Konan felt a sense of melancholy and a closeness to the mother and son she had just met.
The lady in front of her was clearly defenseless, and raising a young child alone in this chaotic world was truly difficult, yet she showed no signs of despondency, her eyes shining, subtly emanating an optimistic and confident demeanor.
An excellent woman, a respectable mother!
Konan felt a sense of respect, glanced at Hira Genjyo's slightly old fox fur coat, and said, "Lady, I would like to hire you as the store manager of the 'Peace' Supermarket."
"I'd be delighted!"
Hira Genjyo accepted without hesitation, then humbly added, "I'm not sure if I can handle this store manager position."
"No need to worry," Konan smiled faintly, "The specific store affairs will be handled by the staff. You only need to be a hands-off manager."
Don't have to do anything, and still get such a high salary?
Hira Genjyo frowned slightly, not believing such a good thing existed.
Konan saw her doubts and immediately clarified, "The store manager has other responsibilities. This is not the place for detailed discussion, please follow me."
...
In front of the supermarket entrance, an employee loudly announced that the store manager had been chosen.
The eagerly awaiting crowd dispersed, returning to their homes.
"The store manager is that woman who just went in, right!"
"What good luck!"
"Oh! Why didn't they choose me!"
...The people, in twos and threes, walked away while discussing animatedly, their words filled with envy.
Inside the supermarket, Konan opened a secret door, leading Hira Genjyo into the underground.
Behind the door was a hidden world.
In the underground stone chamber, wooden bookshelves were neatly arranged, and a vast collection of scrolls was stacked tidily. The slow turning of the ventilation fan blades produced a faint hum, particularly clear in the silent chamber.
Konan confessed, "This shop, on the surface a supermarket, is actually an intelligence station."
Hira Genjyo had expected this and was not surprised.
After all, as a founder of the Akatsuki Organization, Konan certainly wouldn't be idle enough to open a supermarket in the Land of Iron. Considering the current political climate—setting up intelligence stations in the Land of Iron was becoming a trend—Konan's intention in opening a supermarket was obvious.
Hira Genjyo's heart was calm, but she feigned surprise on her face, showing astonishment.
"You are not a civilian!"
"I am a Ninja striving for Peace!"
Konan's expression was solemn, her eyes shining.
Hiraizumi Etsu poked his head out, curiously looking at her.
Hira Genjyo was silent for a moment, then said, "I also yearn for Peace. But, shouldn't such an important outpost be entrusted to your own people?"
"No," Konan shook her head, "This outpost is insignificant."
The Akatsuki Organization's top priority was to confront Hanzou, the Giant Salamander, and change Amegakure. Setting up an intelligence outpost in the Land of Iron was just a casual move by Konan; whether it succeeded or not didn't matter, the key was to accumulate relevant experience.
"Why did you choose me?" Hira Genjyo asked.
"Eye contact."
Among all the people, Konan had the best impression of this mother and child.
Such a well-paying store manager position, who wouldn't want it? It might as well be given to this young mother, allowing this young child to have good family conditions.
Achieving Ninja World Peace was distant and difficult.
Before that, it was better to help the weak within her power!
Feeling the kindness of the stranger before him, Hiraizumi Etsu giggled happily, his soft little hands patting his mother continuously.
An innocent and pure child.
Konan saw this scene, felt pleased, and a faint smile touched her lips.
Then, she said to Hira Genjyo, "Occasionally, people will come here to buy and sell intelligence. The longer it operates, the more visitors there will be. As the store manager, you will be responsible for verifying visitors' passphrases and allowing those who are correct to enter. Simply put, you are the doorkeeper."
Hira Genjyo nodded slightly, indicating understanding.
Konan then said seriously, "There is one thing I must tell you beforehand."
"This job carries a certain degree of danger. Although the Land of Iron is peaceful and orderly, and Ninja will not harm civilians, intelligence work is special, and the people who come and go are of complex backgrounds. There might be those who disregard rules and are extremely vicious. Please consider carefully."
Hira Genjyo smiled brightly without hesitation, saying, "No reward without merit. If there's no risk at all, I wouldn't have the face to accept such a high salary."
Konan's eyebrows raised slightly. She thought, 'As expected of a woman who raises a child alone in a chaotic world, her courage far surpasses that of ordinary women.'
"You officially start work tomorrow. Happy cooperation!"
Konan extended her hand.
"Happy cooperation!"
Hira Genjyo reached out and shook her hand.
Hiraizumi Etsu opened his mouth and babbled, waving his small hands, wanting to join in.
Konan smiled gently, raised her hand, and lightly touched Hiraizumi Etsu's palm with her fingertips.
"What a cute child," Konan praised sincerely.
"Thank you."
Hira Genjyo showed a genuine smile, tightening the slightly loose hat on her son's head...