44: Chapter 44 Fresh BloodAfter leaving the border of the Land of Rice Fields, Naruto and his group increased their speed.
With Hibari, an intelligence expert, scouting ahead, they skillfully avoided several patrols that might be Sound Ninja and successfully entered a relatively safe area.
The dense forest was gradually left behind, replaced by a coastal path leading to the Land of Waves.
The sea breeze carried away the oppressive feeling from the journey.
Hozuki Suigetsu seemed very excited, fiddling with his ordinary ninja sword from time to time, his eyes constantly glancing at Naruto.Finally, he couldn't resist leaning forward and asking in a cocky tone, "Hey, Chairman, what you said before about helping me find out where the ninja sword is, is that true?Don't try to fool me!"
Naruto glanced at him."The Apocalypse Merchant Guild operates on the principle of equivalent exchange.The more value you demonstrate, the more resources you receive.If you want the Executioner's Blade or even more ninja swords, it proves you deserve them."
"Tsk, don't worry!" Shuiyue grinned, revealing her sharp canine teeth."My strength is absolutely amazing!Don't worry about your resources later!"
Compared to Suigetsu's liveliness, Karin Uzumaki is much quieter.
She followed carefully behind the group, her gaze sometimes stealing glances at Naruto's broad back behind her glasses, and sometimes nervously scanning her surroundings.
The sudden change in her identity left her struggling to adapt.
Naruto noticed her unease, slowed his pace, and walked beside her to reassure her, "Karin, don't be nervous.There are no experimental tables in the Land of Waves, and no one will treat you like a tool.There are the best medical equipment and data there, and Tsunade will be your best teacher."
Karin trembled slightly and looked up at Naruto.
He then nodded vigorously, his voice still tinged with timidity: "Um.thank you.thank you, Chairman."
[Ding!Successfully appeased the important talent, Karin Uzumaki, enhancing her sense of belonging, and gained Villain Value +200!]
[Current Villain Value: 2300 points]
Naruto felt a slight stirring in his heart; this villain value came quite easily.
A few days later, the headquarters of the Apocalypse Merchant Guild in the Land of Waves, a magnificent mansion facing the sea that had been expanded and reinforced, appeared before everyone's eyes.
The towering walls, the guards patrolling the watchtowers, and the several merchant ships flying the Apocalypse flags moored in the harbor all demonstrate the vigorous development momentum here.
Wow!It looks pretty good!
Shuiyue whistled, getting a little excited.He had originally thought it was just a bandit den where people ruled the mountain, but he hadn't expected it to be so well-organized.
Karin's eyes widened as well; the atmosphere here was a completely different world from the gloomy and oppressive Sound Village.
Tsunade, accompanied by Shizune and Sakura, came out to greet them.Tsunade was dressed in a smart divine robe, her golden hair tied up, exuding a mature charm.When she saw Naruto return safely, her eyes finally relaxed.
"You're back?"
Tsunade's gaze swept over Suigetsu and Karin."These are the talents you personally went to pick up?"
"Hmm, Hozuki Suigetsu, a master swordsman.Uzumaki Karin, possesses excellent sensory and healing abilities."
Naruto gave a brief introduction, then said to Suigetsu and Karin, "This is also the official president of the Chamber of Commerce, Lady Tsunade, and currently the strongest medical ninja in the ninja world."
"Tsunade-sama." Karin was so excited that she trembled slightly and bowed almost at a ninety-degree angle.She was a living legend!
Suigetsu also toned down his tone considerably, after all, the title of one of the Legendary Sannin still carried considerable weight: "Lady Tsunade, it's an honor to meet you."
Tsunade nodded in greeting, her gaze lingering more on Karin, especially her vibrant red hair: "From the Uzumaki clan?That's rare.Now that you're here, you'll learn from me.Don't waste your talent."
Yes!Thank you very much!
At this moment, Sakura peeked out from behind Tsunade, secretly sizing up Karin, especially her red hair and delicate face behind her glasses, and a feeling of comparison inexplicably arose in her heart.
Naruto took in Sakura's reaction and chuckled to himself."Sakura, go and show Karin around and arrange her accommodations."
"Shuiyue, you and Tiezhou go to the Armed Forces Department to report for duty.He will arrange tests and tasks for you."
"Yes, President." The group responded and left.
After everyone left, Tsunade nudged him lightly with her elbow, "You brat, you didn't cause any big trouble this time, did you?"
Naruto smiled, gently put his arm around Tsunade's waist, and walked towards the main house: "Trouble?Not really.I just said hello to an old friend."
"Sasuke?" Tsunade's face turned red.
"Yes, he has become much stronger."
Naruto calmly recounted the general events that had transpired.
After listening, Tsunade sighed: "That brat from the Uchiha clan.he's a pitiful person.But this time, you've really offended Orochimaru."
"Offend him?" Naruto sneered."He's already an enemy, and besides, he's just a cripple in a wheelchair now.What can he do to me?"
Tsunade couldn't help but roll her eyes at him, "You're getting cocky just because I called you fat!"
The two returned to the study, where Shizune was already waiting with a thick ledger, her face showing a resentful expression that said, "Finally back, get to work."
"Lord Naruto, this is the recent income and expenditure statement of the Chamber of Commerce.There are also several large-scale trades from the Land of Tea and the Land of Craftsmen that require your review and signature."
"In addition, the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Waves has sent an invitation to your banquet next week." Shizune began her work report with practiced ease.
Naruto took the document and quickly began to browse through it.
The Apocalypse Merchant Guild has grown faster than expected.By integrating the legacy of Kado and the resources of the Kingdom of Waves, its business network has begun to cover several surrounding countries.
As evening fell, the lark brought new intelligence.
"President, according to reports from our informants in the Land of Hot Springs, two mysterious figures wearing black trench coats with red cloud patterns appeared in the vicinity.Their characteristics match those of the two people who investigated the Chamber of Commerce earlier."
Akatsuki!Itachi and Kisame!
Naruto tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "I know."What are their plans?
"They've temporarily lost track of us, but it seems they're heading towards the Land of Rain."
Hibari replied, "In addition, from Konoha, 'Shakugan' sent word that Danzo has been very active lately and seems to be secretly contacting some high-ranking officials of the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Fire."
Jiraiya-sama was busy handling the aftermath of the Sunagakure alliance and was unaware of this.
"Continue to monitor the Akatsuki's movements and report any news immediately."
"As for Danzo.let him run wild for a few days."
"Yes!" Yun Que accepted the order and withdrew.
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the study door.
"Come in."
Sakura entered, carrying a cup of hot tea, her face showing a hint of trepidation: "President, I've made you some tea."
Naruto looked at her, recalling her reaction when she saw Karin earlier that day, and understood.
He took the teacup, took a small sip, and asked, "How's your medical ninjutsu training going?"
Sakura immediately straightened her back, as if receiving an inspection."Lady Tsunade said I'm progressing very quickly!I've already mastered the basics of chakra scalpel!"
"Not bad." Naruto put down his teacup, gently lifting Sakura's chin with his fingers, forcing her to look him in the eye."But, medical ninjutsu alone isn't enough.If you want to become stronger, you can't just hide behind others like before, right?"
Sakura's eyes were watery, a mixture of humiliation and longing: "Yes!Naruto-sama!I dream about it!"
"very good."
Naruto released his grip."Starting tomorrow, in addition to learning from Tsunade, you'll have extra taijutsu and sparring practice every day.I'll be personally checking up on you occasionally."
Sakura's cheeks flushed, whether from excitement or something else, she said, bowing deeply: "Yes!I will definitely not let you down!"
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