Since they were heading to negotiate, they might as well bring Shikaku along.
"Whatever," Tsunade shrugged.
Xin didn't care either. As long as she was in charge, he'd just follow along. Tsunade would be the one leading, while Xin would handle the talking when necessary. It was already decided.
As for whether Xin agreed... well, by the time they got to the Rain Village, it wouldn't matter. By then, he wouldn't have the option to say no.
Once you're pushed into a situation, you're committed-whether you like it or not.
Xin still thought he was just tagging along for the ride, so he didn't give it much thought. Casually, he asked, "When do we head out?"
"Once the medical team from the village gets here," Tsunade answered with a sigh.
She wanted to leave right away so she could finally be done with everything, but the medical team was traveling with heavy equipment and medical supplies, making them slower than Xin, who could move much faster. It would be another day or two before they arrived.
"Alright, just let me know when it's time," Xin said.
If this were anywhere else, he might've wandered around the village. But in the Land of Rain, where it poured constantly and clear skies were rare, there wasn't much to do except get drenched. Might as well find somewhere to lie low and relax for a couple of days.
Meanwhile, an Anbu ninja approached Nara Shikaku. "Nara Shikaku, you've been reassigned. Please report to Lady Tsunade."
"Reassigned?" Shikaku asked as he set down the papers he'd been working on. He left his tent and headed to the medical camp.
When he got there, Tsunade was busy treating a wounded shinobi. Without looking up, she said, " Anbu will take you to Usagi Xin. He'll explain what comes next."
"Yes, ma'am," Shikaku replied. He left and followed the Anbu ninja to find Xin.
At that moment, Xin was sitting in his tent, absentmindedly petting Ophis, while thinking about his training in Sage Mode. Since his Sharingan had evolved into the Mangekyō, all of his other abilities had improved as well. His next step was to start absorbing natural energy and refining Sage Chakra.
Luckily, Ophis was there to assist him, so there wouldn't be much risk involved.
"Lord Xin, Nara Shikaku is here," Anbu ninja announced as they entered the tent.
"Nara Shikaku?" Xin turned to face them.