Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 350 Snow Disaster

"Actually, I've been thinking a lot about what I can do over the past six months, and after thinking it over, I think 'teacher' is more suitable for me."

"Look at me! In order to understand the books that record secret techniques, I was forced to read so many books since I was a child. Later, I studied etiquette, music, musical instruments, dance... and even horsemanship and archery with many teachers! You won't find any teacher in the entire Demon Kingdom who knows more than me!"

"So what would you rather teach?"

"Hmm... we should still learn to read and write. I see that many people in the village can't even read the notices and have to ask others or wait for the messenger to read them. Not being able to read will definitely put them at a disadvantage in life."

"Huh? I didn't even notice that."

"Most people in Konoha have attended the Ninja Academy, so they should have no problem recognizing words."

"Not the majority. There are quite a few ordinary people living in Konoha, but Konoha only has the Ninja Academy."

"...I thought recognizing characters was quite ordinary."

"There are very few schools for ordinary people. Those who can attend school are mostly from noble families or families with some savings. Ziyuan, your idea is very good. Have you thought about how to implement it? For example, where to open the school, what kind of textbooks to use, what kind of students to recruit, how to schedule classes, and how to conduct assessments."

"Now that you say that, I feel even more uncertain..."

"Taking the first step is the beginning of success. I believe in you, Ziyuan. Feel free to ask if you need anything, and I will do my best to help you."

"Me too! I can go and get Konoha's introductory textbooks, of course, excluding the ninja part."

"I remember we had books at home for learning to read when I was little..."

“I can help you with things other than teaching.”

"How can I help?"

"He's got a lot of brute strength; he'd be good at helping repair houses."

"That's right!"

Amidst the chatter of the crowd, the young girl once again burst into tears.

"Thank you... I'm really grateful to you all, I will definitely work even harder!"

That's why the friendship between children is said to be the most touching. Unlike adults, they don't see everything through the lens of self-interest; they simply want to help each other.

Naruto, who had stirred everyone's hopes, ultimately stepped in to pour cold water on their plans. After all, they only had one day off, and they'd managed to leave in the afternoon due to a bug, so staying overnight was already their limit. Of course, their simplest wish could still be fulfilled. Naruto made an extra trip to deliver the promised teaching materials, secretly slipping a newspaper business card inside, practically an invitation for Shion to investigate.

After doing all this, Naruto also sent the marked map to Hokushin, asking his seniors to send someone to take a look before leaving quietly, keeping his merits and fame hidden.

Meanwhile, in many parts of the world, people are welcoming the New Year in different ways.

Sweeping away the dust, paying respects to ancestors, setting off firecrackers, and preparing the New Year's feast—it's all so lively!

It was a bit cold, and the snow was quite heavy, but for farmers, heavy snow meant a good harvest for the coming year!

As long as they have enough food for the winter and enough charcoal for the stove, they should happily celebrate the New Year and enjoy their rare days of rest.

But it was precisely because the snow had been falling for so long and so heavily that, before the New Year was even over, people appeared near the village from who-knows-where, asking them for some charcoal to save their lives.

With the Dongfeng caravan's visit, the village received an early warning of the approaching winter and also received enough charcoal and coal for heating. Food wasn't a concern; since using Dongfeng seeds, the yield was enough to feed five villages. Selling it all wouldn't bring in much money, so they followed the advice of the agricultural expert specially dispatched by Dongfeng and raised some poultry, cattle, and sheep. They should be able to survive the winter without any problem.

With the surplus, some kind-hearted villagers generously gave charcoal, considering it a life-saving act. Unexpectedly, such requests increased after that day, with some asking for charcoal and others for grain. After a couple of times, the village chief realized something was wrong and immediately ordered a ban on sending anything out, while also strengthening the village's security. Five or six people could stop them, a dozen were barely enough, and thirty or forty were a serious problem.

"Dad, could it be that there's a snowstorm somewhere?" Shanming, who had been working non-stop for many days, looked visibly haggard. Over the past few days, he noticed a significant change in the people he had stopped outside. Their eyes were now filled with greed and ruthlessness as they looked at the village, and it was likely that it wouldn't be long before they ran out of manpower to suppress them.

"I told you that old man was just messing around and he was bound to get into trouble sooner or later!" Village Chief Harada cursed, but what good did it do? He felt bad looking at the refugees who were freezing and starving, but their village only had so many resources, and the snow was clearly not going to stop anytime soon. He had to think about the villagers who believed in him.

"What should we do? Dongfeng's convoy won't arrive for another four or five days, and the number of people we have guarding is already less than the number of refugees who have found this place... I'm worried that something even worse will happen." Shanming has grown up through his experiences and has learned to assess the situation. He can see that perhaps only Dongfeng can solve the immediate problem, but they are not omnipotent.

Harada pondered for a moment, then got up and dressed, looking as if he was about to go out. This terrified Yamaaki. His old man was already quite advanced in years; why would he go out wandering around in such cold weather? Was he courting death?!

"Calm down, Dad! I'll handle anything!" Shanming grabbed Harada and wouldn't let him leave.

"Get out of the way, we're here to ask for a favor, so of course we have to show sincerity." Harada struggled for a moment, but unfortunately he was no match for his son, so he could only reason with him.

"I'll go, I'll bring gifts or something, anything that shows my sincerity!" Shanming persisted, determined not to give up. While the old man and the young man were locked in a stalemate, their daughter-in-law led someone in, looking bewildered at the situation.

"Dad, Shanming, what are you two doing? The teacher is coming."

This gentleman was naturally the agronomist specially dispatched by Dongfeng. Harada had just been looking for him, but unexpectedly, he came on his own.

"Mr. Harada is still so energetic. Don't worry, I'm here to solve the problems in Motoba Village."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to trouble you again..."

"It's no trouble at all. It's all for everyone, for the people. Please hear me out."

This is not a good thing, because almost the entire Silk Kingdom is affected by the disaster. The old king was indeed confused and did not heed the warnings at all. Now he has left behind this big problem, which is causing trouble for the truly responsible people.