Sajin walked into the hospital room, sizing up the environment which was, all things considered, quite nice.
"Konoha really is in a league of its own. It looks far more majestic than our Sunagakure."
Some things simply couldn't withstand comparison. Sunagakure had hospitals too, but they fell far short of Konoha Hospital's standards. With injuries like Daimaru's, if he were back home, he wouldn't have been able to walk for at least a month.
With such unique natural advantages, how can Sunagakure possibly compare?
Fortunately, the nurse, Miss Otohame, had helped him tidy up earlier; otherwise, the messy state of the room would have been embarrassing to show a guest.
Sajin took out an exquisite small gift box and handed it to Daimaru.
"Taifuku Candy. It's a rather popular snack here. The taste isn't bad..."
"Thanks, sorry for the trouble."
The bustling village of Konoha had countless delicacies. aside from the famous signature shops, there were many exquisite, niche treats that were also delicious.
Daimaru invited Sajin to sit and poured him a cup of tea.
"You seem quite busy, Senior. You've been in Konoha for so many days, yet we haven't really met."
"Too many things to do."
Sajin had a delicate, handsome appearance that was rare in Sunagakure, though he neglected his grooming. When he smiled, he gave off the vibe of a charismatic villain, but in reality, he was a rather reserved young man.
He had only promoted to Chunin around the age of twenty. His aptitude wasn't great, but it wasn't poor either. He was diligent, and he had never been heard to have conflicts with other Sand Ninja. He was well-liked; even a guy like Daimaru, who was picky about his associations, could chat easily with him.
"I heard you were heavily injured, but seeing that you're recovering well, I'm relieved," Sajin said warmly.
"I'm alright. Barring any accidents, it shouldn't delay the third test of the Chunin Exam."
"Ah, the Chunin Exam!"
Sajin looked at the Substitute Puppet sitting in the wheelchair beside the bed, and the puppet doll of Temari leaning against its shoulder.
"You really are a talented guy. When I took the Chunin Exam at sixteen, it was humiliating!"
Thinking back to those years, he had struggled bitterly just to be a background character, humble as a minion. Sunagakure was a small place; everyone knew who the geniuses were.
Daimaru, a Genin of four years, had some fame, but mostly for his rumors regarding Temari and mockery for overestimating himself. Few truly recognized his strength.
In this joint Chunin Exam, the only ones worth paying attention to were the three children of the Fourth Kazekage. The fact that Daimaru had become the only Sunagakure Genin to advance to the third test—aside from Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara—had truly shocked some people.
To stand out among over a hundred elites selected from several ninja villages wasn't something that could be achieved by luck, cracking jokes, or playing petty tricks.
The first and second tests were preliminaries. The third test, displaying one's strength before countless spectators, was the main event. For Genin candidates from small villages, just participating was capital enough to boast about back home.
"Just luck," Daimaru said modestly.
Although he had passed through the danger, he had suffered heavy injuries, which was far inferior to Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara, who had advanced unscathed.
"That's already very good!"
As for the Chunin qualification, it was probably hopeless. This year was too special. If everything went according to plan, it was hard to say if Daimaru would even get to take the field.
"By the way, take this..."
During a lull in the conversation, Sajin suddenly took out a document and handed it to Daimaru.
"What is this?"
"A gourmet map of Konoha. It lists quite a few places I think are good. There are still a few days before the third test; you can go check them out."
"A map? Thanks."
"Mm, perhaps it will be useful to you..."
With that, Sajin stood up. "It's getting late. Rest early. I have things to do, so I'll be going."
"Is that so?"
Daimaru didn't insist on him staying. A hospital wasn't a place meant for long visits; the smell of disinfectant became uncomfortable after a while.
"Senior, I won't see you out."
After Sajin left, Daimaru opened the so-called map of interesting historic sites and entertainment spots.
This isn't a "tourist map" at all. It's clearly an offense and defense route map.
Although obscure, when combined with the intelligence Daimaru already possessed, he could make out the general idea.
Yakushi Kabuto and Baki must have met. The details of the final plan should have already been told to Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara. Gekko Hayate is likely already dead!
This map in his hand was likely the final bit of help Sunagakure would give him. If he was clever and figured it out, his chances of survival would increase. If he remained ignorant, his death would be in vain.
Daimaru memorized the map firmly, then burned it completely and flushed the ashes down the sewer before he could relax.
Having witnessed too many unexpected events that day, Daimaru was mentally exhausted and soon fell asleep.
The next day, he wasn't woken until the sun was high in the sky, roused by the chirping of birds outside the window.
"Crap, missed breakfast."
Fully awake, Daimaru ate the snacks and fruit Sajin had brought yesterday. After barely filling his stomach, he took a rare leisurely stroll out onto the streets of Konoha, quietly observing the key locations marked on Sajin's map.
In truth, Daimaru had already viewed many of them from a distance, but it was necessary to walk through them personally to ensure no important details were overlooked.
The strongest ninja village in the world lived up to its reputation. If Daimaru hadn't already observed some dangers and avoided them, he might have been arrested as a suspicious person long ago.
Approaching noon, his investigation was roughly complete. With a plan in mind, Daimaru returned to the hospital. After lunch and a short rest, he began using the Sand Eye to scout nearby movements.
There was no need to go to the exposed roof garden anymore; he could use the "Third Eye" directly from his hospital room with similar results.
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