"This one?" Hayate picked up a tea leaf and examined it carefully, then glanced over at Hinata.Noticing that she was staring expectantly at him, he suddenly felt a bit self-conscious about acting so cheeky.
"Ahem... this one—yeah, it's really good," Hayate said with a firm nod.
"Ah, really? That's great!" Hinata's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled brightly at him.
"Keep looking. Once we're done, we'll show everything to Mr. Trump," Hayate said, returning her smile.
"Mm!" Hinata nodded, then turned back to her search. Still, she couldn't suppress the quiet happiness blooming inside her. It feels so nice… being able to help Hayate like this...
Hayate watched her slender figure moving between the rows of tea bushes, sunlight glinting off her dark hair. His lips curled into a small smile as he brushed his fingers against the leaf she had given him.
Hinata's first hand-picked tea leaf... keeping it as a souvenir wouldn't hurt, right?
He took a quiet breath of the cool air, placed the leaf in a small box, and held it close to his chest. For a moment, he simply stood there, lost in thought. How long can this peaceful life really last...?
By his count, the Chūnin Exams were about to begin soon. And that meant the Naruto world would soon edge toward the Third Great Ninja War. It might've been the smallest in scale among the great wars, but it would still bring chaos and death.
A delicate little hand slipped through Hayate's loose sleeve, gently placing another leaf in his palm.
"Brother Hayate… I found another one," Hinata said softly.
Hayate looked down at the leaf in his hand, then turned toward her. She stood close — eyes shy, her voice as tender as the leaf she'd just offered him. His heart gave an involuntary flutter.
He shook his head quickly and forced his gaze away. Even though Hinata was only twelve, she was already beautiful enough to make anyone's heart skip a beat. Her gentle "Brother Hayate" alone could melt his self-control like butter in the sun.
They continued picking tea until nearly noon. Trump wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a hearty laugh.
"Ahh, I haven't done this myself in years. This feeling… I really missed it."
Kurenai smiled beside him, amused by his satisfaction.
Looking over at Hayate, Hinata, and Fang — still diligently picking leaves — Trump chuckled.
"How's it going over there? It's about time we head back for lunch!" he called out.
The trio jumped up from the tea bushes and bounded toward him. Kiba was first to show off his results — he opened a small box containing six perfectly green leaves.
"Mr. Trump, take a look! These are the most fragrant ones in your entire tea field. I bet they're the best," Kiba said proudly, puffing his chest out.
Trump raised an eyebrow and examined the leaves. He held one up to the sunlight, studied its delicate veins, then brought it close to his nose for a sniff.
After a long moment, he smiled and nodded. "Impressive. The aroma is pure, and while the veins aren't flawless, it's excellent quality. Well done! I'll pay you six hundred taels as a reward."
Kiba's grin widened. He shot a smug look at Hayate, flashing a row of teeth in victory.
Hayate didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he calmly took out another box and handed it over.
"Mr. Trump, take a look at what Hinata and I found."
Trump opened it—and his eyes immediately widened.
"There are so many!"
Inside were more than twenty tea leaves, each one vibrant and pristine. He examined them carefully, then looked even more astonished.
"These are all top-grade leaves! Even a seasoned tea picker of ten years couldn't find this many in a single morning."
Hayate smiled modestly, though his eyes gleamed. "So… how much are they worth?"
He didn't even bother pretending to be embarrassed. In his past life, he'd long since lost any shame when it came to money — especially now, when he could barely afford a meal.
Trump stroked his chin. "Two thousand three hundred taels! That's—"
Before he could finish, the clear sky suddenly darkened — and within seconds, heavy rain began to pour down.
"Tch, just our luck…" Trump muttered, frowning. "Let's head back before we're soaked." He quickly closed the box, shielding the precious leaves from the rain.
Kurenai glanced toward the northwest, narrowing her eyes. "Strange… The sun's still shining. This kind of rain usually means there's a storm somewhere nearby."
Meanwhile — Northwest, in the forests outside the Land of Tea.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A shinobi wearing the Mist Village headband shouted up toward the dark clouds overhead. His eyes darted anxiously through the rain.
"Where... where are you!? Come out!"
At his feet lay two fallen comrades — and the corpse of their client. His voice trembled, half in rage, half in despair. What was supposed to be a simple mission had turned into a nightmare. Whoever they had crossed paths with… was far stronger than he could have imagined.
Damn that employer… dragging us into this mess even after death…
A sinister chuckle echoed from above.
"Looking for me? Heh... Even if you find me—what can you possibly do?"
The voice came from within the clouds. A masked man appeared, standing on thin air, eyes cold and mocking.
His fingers formed a seal. "Needle Rain: Thunder Extinction!"
BOOM!
Lightning split the sky. The heavy rain suddenly crackled with electricity, streaking down like spears of thunder. Trees ignited, exploding into ash under the storm of lightning-infused water.
The Mist ninja didn't even have time to scream. The current hit him full-on, searing through his body. He twitched once, then collapsed — his body blackened, smoking, and still.
The masked man laughed. "Charging at me so recklessly... how arrogant."
Then, as suddenly as it began, the storm dissipated. The sun pierced through once more — and the masked man vanished with the wind, leaving behind only the charred remains of the forest.
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, it was already the third day of the Tea Ceremony Festival.
The event was held at the grand mansion of Ling Shanyi, the wealthiest merchant in the Land of Tea. Banners fluttered from every corner, and the hall reserved for honored guests was adorned with elegant calligraphy bearing the nation's insignia.
At dawn, the mansion buzzed with life. Servants hurried about, preparing delicate sweets, arranging teaware, and welcoming the flood of arriving guests.
When Hayate and his team arrived with Trump, the entrance was already crowded. Standing at the door was an elderly man in a Tang-style robe, greeting guests with a warm smile.
"Master Yi, long time no see!" Trump called, clasping his hands together as he approached.
Ling Shanyi turned, his face lighting up with joy. "Ah, Trump! It's only been a week since our last meeting, and yet it feels so long. Hahaha!"
"Haha, you haven't changed at all, Yi." Trump's laughter was hearty, but as he glanced around, his brow furrowed. "But… are you here alone?"
Ling Shanyi chuckled knowingly. "This old man's already got one foot in the grave. I've got no children, no heirs — and I've made peace with it. If someone wants to come and claim what's mine, then so be it."
Trump smiled wryly. "You've always been a philosopher."
Ling Shanyi personally ushered them inside. The corridors were lined with tables, though several remained empty — clearly, many guests had yet to arrive.
Hayate's expression darkened slightly as he scanned the crowd.
Something felt off.
Every merchant in attendance had one or two ninjas standing guard beside them.
This mission... might not be as simple as it looks.