After the unification of the ninja world, the number of missions for shinobi dropped significantly. Most were now low-level errands, finding lost cats and the like. High-stakes A- and S-rank missions involving assassinations or raids had become extremely rare. Escort missions, however, remained relatively common, especially at the A- and B-rank levels.
There were still reasons for this.
For one, the ninja world hadn't completely stabilized yet. Many rogue shinobi from the fallen or dissolved hidden villages continued to drift through the shadows.
And for another, darkness could never truly be eliminated. The underground world always persisted, and as history showed, any newly born empire would eventually edge toward corruption and decay.
So the demand for shinobi bodyguards remained strong.
Still, Kaede knew that over time, technology would begin to take a bigger bite out of the ninja profession. The "tech tree" of the Naruto world had always been a bit… strange.
Even back in Kaede's childhood, things like refrigerators and televisions already existed. Pain's Asura Path could launch missiles, and firearms had long been around, just rarely effective against shinobi due to the huge disparity in speed and reaction time.
Then came the Boruto era, where Ao, once the bodyguard of Mizukage Terumi, pulled out a full-on Gatling gun in a fight with Boruto and the others. That scene nearly made Kaede spit his drink.
"Sir… the times have changed."
To be fair, that Gatling gun was brutally effective. But the story still refused to lean into tech development, insisting instead on showcasing ninja power. Otherwise, nuclear weapons wouldn't have been far off.
And if nukes entered the equation, even Kage-levels would be toast.
Only those on the Sage of Six Paths tier could withstand such force. In Kaede's estimation, Truth-Seeking Orbs were on the level of matter-antimatter annihilation, at least a full tier above nuclear explosions.
That said,
As far as current tech went, Kaede only knew of a few countries that had developed firearms. And since shinobi still ruled the world, most civilians prioritized advancing things like TVs and refrigerators. No one was seriously trying to build weapons to counter ninjas.
After all, no one in this world had ever witnessed a nuclear blast. Subconsciously, most still believed that no matter how advanced guns got, they could never rival the agility or power of a ninja. So this branch of technology remained underdeveloped.
Most people still preferred hiring a few ordinary guards plus a ninja escort. It felt safer.
Kaede had once thought about limiting tech development altogether, but eventually shrugged it off. At this rate, nukes were probably still decades away.
And even if they did appear, a nuke wasn't anything close to "planet-busting." To Kaede now, even a nuclear bomb was just… insignificant. He was confident that if he went all out, he could destroy the entire ninja world with a single punch.
If technology wanted to catch up to him…
Try again in a few hundred years.
Besides, Kaede was actually looking forward to the invention of computers. It shouldn't be too far off now. He had to admit, after decades, the thought of finally getting to use one again stirred a little excitement.
=============
Land of Snow.
The Daimyo's Residence.
Inside a dark chamber, Kazahana Doto sat silently. A single candle flickered before him, casting shadows across his cold, unreadable face.
After a long pause, a white slip of paper fluttered in from the window and landed in front of him. He reached out and caught it.
"So… they've finally found her."
He unfolded the paper and scanned the contents. A glint sparked in his dead eyes, and his lips curled into a sinister smile.
"After ten years, you've decided to come back… trying to take my position, is that it?"
"Good. You've come at the perfect time…"
Doto held the paper over the candle flame and let it burn. Then he grabbed another slip and scribbled a few lines quickly. With a flick of his fingers, he sent it sailing out the window.
More than a year ago, the Village Hidden in Snow had surrendered to Konoha. Faced with overwhelming power, Doto had no choice but to submit, and the Land of Snow had been reclassified as Land of Snow under the rule of the Land of Fire.
He knew perfectly well that the Land of Fire didn't trust him. He was under constant surveillance and control. Eventually, they would probably eliminate him quietly.
That's why he had been biding his time… hunting for Kazahana Koyuki's whereabouts.
He needed the key she held, the one that could unlock the secret treasure of the Land of Snow.
With that power, and his chakra armor, he could build a military force strong enough to challenge the Land of Fire. Then he could cast off their chains, defeat both Fire and Konoha, and reclaim the Land of Snow.
"Come, then…"
"Come quickly… and bring me the key…"
Doto blew out the candle. His murmurs faded into the darkness.
=============
Northern Edge of the Shinobi World.
Near the former borders of the Land of Snow, temperatures had dropped steeply. Beneath the waves, glacial masses could be seen looming in the deep.
On one of the icy cliffs near Land of Snow's edge…
Kazahana Koyuki's film crew had anchored their ship, and dozens of staff were busy setting up equipment all over the small frozen island.
"Finally…"
"We've arrived."
Koyuki, wrapped tightly in a heavy coat, stepped onto the ice and exhaled a cloud of mist. "Just a little further, and we'll reach the sacred ground. That's where the power to defeat the Demon King lies."
Just as she finished speaking…
A figure emerged from the snowy horizon.
Short silver hair, like freshly fallen snow.
Eyes the color of a boundless, icy sky.
"Who's there?!"
Koyuki immediately raised her weapon, alert and cautious, pointing it at Kaede.
Kaede walked forward calmly, a composed smile on his lips.
"I am the guardian of this sacred place," he said. "My clan has protected the power to defeat the Demon King for generations… You've come seeking that power, haven't you?"
"Yes."
Koyuki took a breath and looked him in the eyes, her voice steady. "I've come here for that very power. Please, grant it to me!"
Kaede halted, staring at her in silence for a moment.
"To obtain that power, you must pass our clan's trial. If you fail… you'll lose your life."
Koyuki's eyes flickered, but she drew a deep breath and said resolutely,
"I'm ready."
"Then follow me."
Kaede turned and walked away. Koyuki took a step and followed him.
At that moment, the director behind the camera waved his hand excitedly.
"Cut!"
He stood up, his face full of enthusiasm. "Perfect! That was flawless. As expected of a ninja, no prep needed at all."
Kaede sighed and paused in place.
In the film's story, he played a descendant of the clan guarding the holy sword capable of defeating the Demon King. He would help Koyuki obtain the sword and awaken its power at the critical moment, sealing their victory.
The plot was admittedly cliché…
But in this era, it actually stood out as above average.
At least he wasn't playing some pervy lead in Icha Icha Paradise. That would've been awkward.
Well…
If it were with someone like Koyuki, he might be able to summon some "professional spirit" and endure it…
But considering Hinata was currently in charge of Koyuki's protection…
He'd rather not take the risk.
=============
Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria