The girl had fair skin and a pretty, charming face.
She was a rare beauty, but her aura was slightly aloof, giving off a sense of distance, along with a maturity and depth that belied her age.
She wore a thin black robe, with sharp shoulders and a slender waist, her figure tall and lean.
In comparison, Megumai, clad in a thick fox fur coat and holding her son, looked slightly plumper.
Megumai glanced at the girl's purple hair and the blue paper flower she wore, and realization dawned on her.
As a transmigrator, she recognized the girl's face and features: one of the founders of the Akatsuki organization-Konan.
However, Megumai feigned ignorance, pretending to be puzzled. "Excuse me, may I ask who you are?"
Konan softly replied, "I am the owner of the 'Peace' supermarket."
Megumai raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise, and then complimented her, "Your Excellency is young and accomplished, truly admirable!"
At the same time, a slightly bored Seiya leaned over Megumai's high collar, peering out with curiosity at the crowded street.
Megumai quickly pulled out a hat and put it on him to ward off the cold.
"Lady, are you interested in applying for the store manager position?" Konan repeated her initial question.
"Yes, I am," Megumai nodded.
"Judging by your appearance, you don't seem to be a native-born local."
"That's correct."
Megumai nodded, speaking concisely: "The Great Shinobi War left my country shattered and my family ruined. I was lucky to flee here."
Konan did not doubt her. A situation like Megumai's was all too common.
During the war, countless people flocked to the relatively peaceful Tetsu no Kuni.
Konan then asked, "If I may be so bold, the child's father?"
Megumai silently shook her head, pretending to look sad. The story of independently conceiving her son did not need to be publicized.
After all, there was no benefit, and it would only draw unwanted attention.
"I apologize for bringing up a painful subject."
Konan nodded in apology, then looked at the innocent, carefree Seiya , her eyes softening slightly.
Her own difficult survival experiences in her youth felt like yesterday. Konan felt a twinge of sadness and an immediate sense of closeness to the chance-met mother and son.
The lady before her was clearly defenseless, struggling to raise a young child alone in this chaotic world, yet she showed no sign of despair.
Her eyes were bright, radiating an implicit optimism and confidence.
An outstanding woman, a respectable mother!
Konan felt a deep sense of respect.
She glanced at Megumai's slightly worn, old fox fur coat and said, "Lady, I would like to hire you as the store manager of the 'Peace' supermarket."
"I would be delighted!"
Megumai accepted without hesitation, then added modestly, "I am not sure if I can handle the responsibilities of a store manager."
"You need not worry," Konan smiled faintly. "The specific duties in the store are handled by the employees. You just need to be a hands-off manager."
"Don't have to do anything, yet you get such a high salary?"
Megumai slightly frowned. She didn't believe such a good thing existed in this world.
Konan noticed her doubts and immediately clarified, "The store manager has other responsibilities. This is not the place for details. Please follow me."
...
In front of the supermarket entrance, an employee loudly announced that the store manager had been selected.
The eagerly waiting crowd dispersed in confusion, heading back to their homes.
"The store manager must be the woman who just went inside!"
"What good luck!"
"Oh, why didn't I get chosen!"
...
The citizens departed in twos and threes, discussing the news. Envy was prevalent in their words.
Inside the supermarket, Konan opened a secret door, leading Megumai into the basement.
Beyond the door was a completely different world.
In the underground stone chamber, wooden bookshelves were orderly arranged, piled high with an overwhelming number of scrolls.
The blades of the ventilation fan spun slowly, their faint whirring sound remarkably clear in the silent chamber.
Konan stated frankly, "This shop, on the surface a supermarket, is actually an intelligence post."
Megumai had already guessed this and was not surprised.
After all, as one of the founders of Akatsuki, Konan would surely not be idle enough to open a supermarket in the Tetsu no Kuni.
Considering the current political backdrop-with the establishment of intelligence posts becoming widespread in the Tetsu no Kuni-Konan's intention in opening a supermarket was obvious.
Megumai's mind was calm, but her face feigned shock, showing surprise.
"You are not a commoner!"
"I am a Shinobi striving for peace!"
Konan's expression was solemn, and there was a light in her eyes.
Seiya peeked out, curiously watching her.
Megumai was silent for a moment, then said, "I also long for peace. But for such an important post, shouldn't you entrust it to one of your own people?"
"No," Konan shook her head. "This post is insignificant."
Akatsuki's immediate priority was to fight Hanzo the Salamander and change Amegakure.
Establishing an intelligence post in the Tetsu no Kuni was merely a strategic side-move for Konan.
Whether it succeeded or not didn't matter; the key was to accumulate relevant experience.
"Why did you choose me?" Megumai asked.
"Affinity."
Out of the entire group of people, Konan felt the best connection with the lonely mother and son before her.
A store manager position with such generous benefits-whoever got it would be doing the job.
Why not give it to this young mother, allowing the young child to have a good home environment?
Achieving peace in the Shinobi world is a distant and difficult goal.
Until then, why not help the vulnerable people within her capability!
Sensing the kindness of the stranger before her, Seiya happily giggled, his soft little hands patting his mother.
A child of pure innocence.
Konan's mood brightened upon seeing this scene, and a faint smile curved on her lips.
She then said to Megumai, "Occasionally, people will come here to trade information. As the post operates longer, the frequency will increase. As the store manager, you are responsible for verifying the visitor's password and granting access to those who are correct. Simply put, you are a gatekeeper."
Megumai nodded slightly, indicating her understanding.
Konan then said seriously, "There is one thing I must state clearly to you beforehand."
"This job carries a certain degree of risk. Although the Tetsu no Kuni is orderly and peaceful, and Shinobi will not harm commoners, intelligence work is unique.
The people who come and go have complex backgrounds, and there may be ruthless individuals who disregard the rules. Please consider this carefully."
Megumai did not hesitate, giving a cheerful laugh. "No reward without effort. If there was no risk at all, I would be ashamed to accept such a high salary."
Konan's eyebrows lifted slightly. She thought, "As expected of a woman raising a child alone in these chaotic times; her courage far surpasses that of an ordinary woman."
"You will officially start working tomorrow. Happy to cooperate!"
Konan extended her hand.
"Happy to cooperate!"
Megumai reached out and shook her hand.
Seiya babbled, his small hands waving, wanting to join in.
Konan smiled faintly, raising her hand to lightly touch Seiya 's palm with her fingertip.
"He's a very cute child," Konan sincerely praised.
"Thank you."
Megumai smiled genuinely, tightening the hat that had come slightly loose on her son's head.
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