Engineer of the Gansekigan: Rebirth in the Village Hidden in the Rain

Chapter 5: Kaito Draws the Attention of Other Villages



As the months passed, the village of Amegakure underwent remarkable changes, many of which seemed impossible in a place so ravaged by war. Kaito's name began to be recognized not only within the village but also beyond its borders. The innovations he had introduced—from the water collection system to agricultural tools and new construction techniques—did not go unnoticed. Amegakure, once a somber and forgotten village, was becoming a place that stood out, not just for its ninja skills but for its ability to adapt and its resilience in the face of hardship.

What Kaito had achieved was not merely a change in infrastructure. He was transforming people's lives through technology, and that revolution did not go unnoticed by the surrounding villages. What started as a small effort to improve local living conditions soon sparked the interest of more powerful places.

The first reports of Kaito's advancements reached neighboring villages, first through travelers and merchants, then through ninja groups who arrived in Amegakure out of curiosity or duty. Some of them were astonished by the improvement in the villagers' quality of life. In a world where ninja villages constantly competed with each other and war was a constant factor, the fact that a village so close to desolation could prosper in such a way was worthy of attention.

Kaito's innovations quickly became a topic of discussion in markets, taverns, and secret meetings among village leaders. Some thought the advancements were merely temporary circumstances with no lasting impact. However, others saw something greater: an opportunity. If these methods were applied in their own villages, they could significantly increase their power.

Kaito had not only introduced basic technology but had also demonstrated that it was possible to combine innovation with traditional ninja skills, creating a balance that could change the landscape of villages worldwide. Naturally, this did not escape the attention of villages seeking an advantage in the war.

The nearest villages, especially major ones like Konoha, began sending spies to investigate the origins of these advancements. Villages, always on the lookout for new technologies or abilities that could shift the balance of power, were forced to focus on what Kaito was doing. Spies infiltrated Amegakure, trying to learn as much as possible about Kaito's inventions, but he had anticipated this. He had taken precautions to ensure that his inventions would not fall completely into the wrong hands.

However, instead of crumbling under the pressure, Kaito chose a more strategic approach. He began showcasing only a portion of his advancements to visitors, revealing agricultural tools and water collection systems but never disclosing the complete formula. It was a chess game, and Kaito was playing carefully. He didn't want anyone to take advantage of his work without him having control over the future of his inventions.

Although spies from Konoha and other villages remained close, they were never able to obtain all the information they desired. Kaito understood that his work was valuable, and he was prepared to protect it at all costs.

Hanzō of the Salamander, the absolute leader of Amegakure, also began to notice the growing attention the village was receiving from other nations. Though Amegakure was in a delicate position, caught in the crossfire of the great ninja powers, Kaito's influence was changing how other villages perceived it. It was no longer just a place of constant conflict but one with unexpected potential, thanks to the innovations Kaito had introduced.

One day, Hanzō summoned Kaito to discuss recent developments. Despite being a leader feared for his power and ferocity, Hanzō could not ignore the value of what Kaito was doing.

"Kaito," Hanzō said, his tone grave and measured, "your efforts have drawn the attention of neighboring villages. Not only are spies watching us, but there is growing interest in what you are doing here. Amegakure could become the center of something much greater if this continues."

Kaito nodded, knowing that this attention was not just a benefit but a potential threat. If the larger villages began to see Amegakure as a valuable resource, they might seek to destroy it before it became too powerful.

"I know," Kaito replied calmly. "We've already received several messengers, and spies from other villages are present. I don't know how much longer we can keep this a secret."

Hanzō pondered for a moment before giving Kaito a calculating look.

"This interest may be dangerous, but it can also be an opportunity. Amegakure needs to find a way to handle this, and I believe you are key to that."

Kaito understood what Hanzō meant. The Village of Rain was not a direct target in the war, but if it continued developing new technologies, it would soon be seen as a threat that had to be eliminated. Hanzō, as a leader, knew that war was on the horizon, and if Amegakure remained neutral or managed to seize opportunities, it could avoid being crushed by the great villages. Kaito had to find a way to balance tensions without revealing too much of what he had achieved.

As tensions rose and nearby villages closely watched Amegakure's activities, something remarkable happened: the war began to shift away from the village. Although conflicts continued, none of the major villages wanted to destroy what Kaito had created. They knew that if they annihilated Amegakure, they would lose the chance to obtain that valuable knowledge and the technologies Kaito had developed. Instead of attacking the village directly, the villages began moving their battles elsewhere, away from the lands Kaito had transformed.

This strategic shift was surprising, as major villages rarely hesitated to destroy their enemies, especially in times of war. However, Kaito had achieved something that few could: he had turned his village into something that not only the other villages feared but also needed.

The war, therefore, spread to other regions, but Amegakure remained relatively untouched—at least for a while longer. The major villages began fighting over control of distant territories, leaving Amegakure as a sort of strategic neutrality, a place where Kaito's secrets remained safe, for now.

Though aware of the risks, Kaito did not stop working on his inventions, determined to continue improving the villagers' lives while keeping his village standing. While the great villages fought among themselves, Amegakure—under Hanzō's leadership and Kaito's innovation—stood at the center of a war where intelligence and strategy were just as important as military power. And in that scenario, Kaito became a key figure, not just for the Village of Rain but for the balance of the ninja world.

 


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