Tea Country.
Degarashi Port.
Inside a small teahouse, three oddly dressed figures sat together.
All three wore Kumogakure headbands. At the head of the group sat Killer B, sporting sunglasses and seven blades strapped across his back. After sipping his tea, he spoke up.
"According to the reports from our Kumogakure spy in Konoha, the mission that Shinju brat came to Tea Country for… is to protect the participants in the Todoroki Shrine Race."
Across from Killer B sat his disciple, a tanned, white-haired man with a lollipop in his mouth — Omoi. Always pessimistic, he muttered gloomily.
"I'm telling you, Killer B-sensei, you really shouldn't have accepted this mission."
"Rumor has it that red-haired Shinju kid not only uses Wood Release but also Sage Arts. He even summoned a massive Buddha hundreds of meters tall and slapped Orochimaru into the ground with a single strike…"
"That kind of monster-level power isn't something we can compete against."
"Sure, Killer B-sensei, you're strong too, but that's still Wood Release… the same power used by the God of Shinobi himself…"
Before Omoi could finish, Killer B's female disciple Karui punched him squarely on the head.
"You haven't even seen that guy yet, so stop saying depressing crap like that! (ꐦ ಠ 皿 ಠ)"
Omoi groaned, clutching his head with a disgruntled expression, but he didn't fight back.
Clearly, he was used to getting beaten by Karui.
Karui, dark-skinned with long crimson hair, crossed her arms and analyzed calmly.
"If you ask me, they're just a bunch of kids. No matter how strong they are, there's only so much they can do."
"Killer B-sensei is the perfect jinchūriki of the Eight-Tails, with an endless supply of tailed beast chakra and the ability to fully transform into the beast itself."
"And the two of us are Kumogakure elites. Capturing those three? Totally easy. ┐(´-｀)┌"
"I also heard Shinju's supposed to be really handsome. Who knows, maybe he'll fall for me at first sight, surrender willingly, and let me tie him up! (ꈍᴗꈍ)"
"And also…"
The more Karui talked, the further her fantasies went, until Killer B finally cut her off.
"Anyway, don't underestimate that kid. He's the brightest genius the shinobi world has seen in decades. We need to tread carefully."
After discussing a bit longer, the three finished their tea, paid the bill, and left.
It was time to set up traps.
Rumor had it Shinju possessed an incredible ability to learn new jutsu mid-battle, which meant unexpected developments could occur at any time. The safest way to deal with him was to catch him in a trap.
Omoi hesitated, frowning.
"I mean… last time our village sent several barrier experts after him and still couldn't catch him. Are we sure this trap of ours will actually work?"
Killer B paused mid-motion, clearly thinking Omoi might have a point.
"…Good question."
...
Degarashi Port.
Wagarashi Family Estate.
The Wagarashi family head was speaking with several hired shinobi from Amegakure.
"I heard the Wasabi family hired ninja for protection this year too, and they're from Konoha. Are you sure you guys can handle this?"
The Wagarashi clan head asked, his tone cautious.
Although he wasn't a shinobi himself, he knew enough about the major villages to understand Konoha's power — far stronger than Amegakure.
Across from him, a green-haired shinobi wearing an Amegakure headband leaned on his umbrella and smirked.
"I've already seen those so-called ninja. Just three kids. At best, they're around chūnin level."
"I'm an Amegakure jōnin. Plus, I've got an artifact enhancing me. Taking them down will be a breeze."
The Wagarashi clan head's face relaxed. He patted the green-haired jōnin on the shoulder.
"Good. If you're confident, then I can rest easy."
...
Time flew by, and soon, the day of the Todoroki Shrine Race arrived.
Nearly everyone in Degarashi Port gathered at the ritual's starting line — this grand festival only happened once every four years.
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
"Hope the Wasabi family wins this time!"
"Honestly, I'd rather see the Wagarashi family disappear from Degarashi Port entirely."
"Yeah, agreed."
"Shh! Keep your voices down. If the Wagarashi people hear you, they'll beat you bloody."
"Who cares? Even the daimyō came to watch today. I doubt the Wagarashi family would dare start trouble in front of him."
"And what about after the daimyō leaves? You'll be the one paying for it."
"Forget it, look! The contestants are entering the field!"
"Wait, what? The Wasabi family's contestant is just a kid?! He doesn't even look old enough!"
"You don't know? Their original contestant got taken out by a Wagarashi-hired shinobi. All they've got left is Morino Idate… Let's hope this boy can make us proud!"
"I also heard the Wasabi family hired ninja this year, but apparently, it's just three Konoha kids. No idea if they're any good…"
"Why would Konoha send three kids to handle such an important mission? Are they looking down on our Tea Country?"
...
At the starting line, the Wasabi and Wagarashi contestants crouched low, ready to sprint.
The next moment, the referee's signal came, and both shot forward like arrows!
The first stage of the race: crossing the water route to reach the Todoroki Shrine on the island.
The Wagarashi contestant immediately dashed for the port to board a boat.
But Idate… suddenly bolted the opposite direction, sprinting down the beach like a deserter!
The entire crowd froze.
"What the hell is that kid doing?! Even if he doesn't want to compete, now's not the time to run!"
"Yeah! Deserting in the middle of the ritual gets you punished hard!"
Seeing this, the Wagarashi family head couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Hahaha! What's wrong, Jirōchō? Your man chickening out already?"
Wasabi Jirōchō looked embarrassed, not understanding Idate's actions, but he still chose to believe in his younger comrade.
"If Idate's doing this, he must have a reason. I trust he won't run away."
The daimyō, however, didn't look pleased. He cast a sidelong glare at Jirōchō.
"If that boy doesn't reach the finish line, I'll punish the Wasabi family severely. Honestly… causing trouble during such an important ritual…"
Nearby, Shinju and his team were equally shocked.
If Idate bailed now, the Wasabi family would suffer devastating consequences.
They could even lose control over Degarashi Port permanently.
Idate might dislike ninja, but he respected Jirōchō deeply. There was no way he'd willingly put him in a position like this…
Suddenly, Shinju glanced up at the drifting clouds above and understood Idate's move in an instant.
"I get it! There'll be sea winds near the port soon, slowing down the boats!"
"Idate must be taking an alternate starting route, going the long way around. It's farther, but without headwinds, he'll reach the shrine faster than by boat!"
"So… that kid's actually pretty smart."
Naruto blinked, his opinion of Idate shifting slightly.
Sasuke, however, stayed serious.
"Our mission is to protect Idate. Less talking, more moving. Let's go."
Shinju immediately added,
"No need to rush. I placed a Flying Thunder God seal on his clothes earlier. Grab onto me — I'll take us straight to him."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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