"Tenya-senpai, you were amazing!"
As soon as she got closer, Shizune couldn't help but give Tenya a thumbs-up, her big eyes wide open with admiration.
"By the way, Tenya-senpai, who was that person who attacked you just now? And why did he attack you?"
Before Tenya could respond, Shizune eagerly asked her questions and looked expectantly at him, hoping for a clear answer.
Tsunade, who had followed, remained silent but kept her gaze fixed on Tenya, also anticipating his response.
At this stage, Konoha had no information on Kakuzu. How would he explain it if he were to reveal anything about him to Tsunade and Shizune?
Since it was difficult to explain, he kept it under wraps, saving him a lot of trouble.
With that thought, Tenya had made his decision.
He waved his hand dismissively and explained, "I don't actually know that person's identity, but one thing is certain: he's a bounty hunter. The attack on me was for the bounty."
"Bounty hunter?" Shizune seemed to have guessed it, contemplating momentarily before asking, "How much is your bounty? To attract such a skilled bounty hunter?"
"Ten million!"
"Ten million?" Shizune's eyes widened in disbelief. "I didn't know Tenya-senpai was worth that much!"
Tenya smiled faintly and said nothing more, instead turning his gaze to Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama, I didn't expect to meet you here," Tenya greeted her with a smile.
"You know me?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"I've heard of you. Plus, with some introductions in the village, I naturally recognize you. It's an honor to meet you in person!"
Unexpectedly encountering a fellow Konoha ninja in Kusamachi, and one who seemed to be a prodigy, Tsunade was unsure if her embarrassing antics in Kusamachi had been exposed.
Thinking about it made Tsunade feel a bit embarrassed.
"Ahem..." Tsunade cleared her throat to cover her embarrassment, then asked, "Why are you in Kusamachi?"
"For a mission."
Tenya repeated what he had told Shizune.
Tsunade knew that some Konoha missions had confidentiality clauses, so she didn't press further.
"Is your mission dangerous?"
"Not really. I have two capable teammates with me. Even if there's danger, we should be able to protect ourselves."
Tenya's face was full of confidence as he said this.
"Tsunade-sama, are you heading back to the city now? Why don't we go back together?" Tenya suggested with a smile.
Together?
No way!
Tsunade shook her head slightly.
Thinking of the people still searching for her in the city, she might get caught if she went back now. It would be safer to return later.
"No, you go ahead. Shizune and I still have some things to do. We'll return later."
Tsunade directly declined Tenya's offer.
"Alright, I'll head back first then!"
"Okay!"
After Tenya left, Shizune looked at Tsunade in confusion.
"Tsunade-sama, why didn't we go back with Tenya-senpai?"
Tsunade lightly tapped Shizune on the head, saying, "If I go back like this, it'll be like walking into a trap. Those people are still looking for me all over the city!"
"If I go back with Tenya, I can't use transformation jutsu. If he finds out I owe gambling debts, what will he think of me?"
"So, let's wait a bit longer."
"Oh!"
As soon as he entered the city, people on both sides of the street were talking.
Everyone inside felt the recent battle outside the city.
The earth-shattering explosions had made many people fearful, especially some merchants who looked particularly anxious and uneasy.
Ignoring them, Tenya returned directly to the inn.
As soon as he stepped inside, Kakashi and Might Dai surrounded him.
"Tenya, did something happen outside the city?"
Kakashi looked at Tenya, eager to ask.
Tenya had been out for a while, and maybe he knew what had happened outside.
"Yes," Tenya nodded, "There was a battle outside, but it's over now."
"Oh?" Kakashi pressed, "The battle outside was intense enough for us to feel it in the city. The combatants must have been strong, possibly jonin or even elite jonin. Do you think they might target our group?"
By the end of his sentence, a rare serious look appeared in Kakashi's eyes.
"Don't worry, ninjas of that caliber wouldn't bother with a group like ours," Tenya reassured, patting Kakashi's shoulder. "Even if elite jonin attack us, the three of us can handle it."
"By the way, did any of the spies in hiding make a move while I was out?"
Tenya suddenly asked, as if remembering something.
"No," Kakashi shook his head, "Maybe they were scared off by the battle outside. All the spies have retreated."
"Is that so? What a pity."
"Pity what?" Kakashi asked, puzzled.
"If those spies stayed, they could have scared that fat guy Jouichi. Our chances of getting extra work would have increased," Tenya sighed. "Looks like we'll have to wait for another opportunity."
At the Yukikuni merchant camp, Jouichi and Shuji were gathered together.
Both of their eyes were filled with fear.
The commotion outside had terrified them.
As the merchant manager, Jouichi was full of dread about the return journey.
He wasn't sure if Shuji, the guard captain, could protect their caravan.
Shuji, noticing Jouichi's anxiety, suggested again, "Manager, the journey back won't be peaceful. We should hire the Konoha ninjas for protection. That way, our safety, especially yours, will be more assured. The king specifically instructed us about your safety."
Jouichi hesitated, not agreeing immediately.
"Shuji, let's discuss this later."
Hearing this, Shuji shook his head and said no more.
Although he was the king's guard captain and could handle ordinary people, he doubted his ability to deal with powerful ninjas.
The fat guy Jouichi was notoriously stingy and greedy.
As the king's chief manager, he had saved a lot of money for the country but also embezzled quite a bit.
If it weren't for his usefulness to the king, he might not have survived until now.
Now, to protect his wealth, he was risking his life by refusing to hire the Konoha ninjas.
Sigh!
For money, he was risking his life!
Shuji shook his head, saying no more.
This fat guy would only relent when faced with real danger.
Who knew what awaited them on the road ahead?
And whether he could make it back to Yukikuni alive?
Oh well!
All he could do was take it one step at a time.
With a final sigh, Shuji's eyes filled with helplessness.