The next day, a reply from Konoha finally reached Team One, who was currently staying in Sunagakure village.
After reading the letter's contents, Orochimaru's expression turned very strange.
Shen immediately grew tense. "What is it, Snake Uncle? Did the Third grumpy old guy refuse this plan?"
"No."
Orochimaru shook his head and began explaining. "The representatives sent this time should all be quite familiar to you three. They're driving here, and probably will arrive today."
"Who are they?" [x3]
The three who didn't understand the situation were naturally very curious about these representatives.
"Tsunade, Elder Meide, and Elder Kazushi."
"What!" [x3]
All three were greatly surprised by Orochimaru's answer. These representatives coming to Sunagakure were actually their own family members.
"The teacher didn't want too many people knowing about this plan and risking leaks. By sending your families as representatives, they could also help conceal your identities when necessary."
Orochimaru patiently explained the reasoning, though it clearly seemed like just an excuse—likely created specifically to prevent a certain troublemaker, by bringing in that person's father.
"Well then we'd better get moving on our backup plan! Once those old geezers show up, they're definitely gonna shoot it down!"
Mastermind Shen, Mr. Perfect Plan himself, didn't want any unexpected complications, so he decided to immediately take care of everything in Sunagakure.
A faint twitch appeared at the corner of Orochimaru's mouth.
But he didn't object, so all three obediently listened to Mastermind Shen explain every detail.
"Snake Uncle, you'll do this with the Kazekage first, then Nayou and Nawaki you can do this, followed by that, and finally wrap it up like this..."
"???" [x3]
The arrangements made by Mastermind Shen left them all completely confused. Would doing things this way really capture the Kazekage and Sunagakure's attention?
"Why are you all looking at me like that? Just follow my instructions and you'll be fine. Don't you guys ever think carefully? How come I've caused trouble in Konoha so many times without anyone ever catching me in the act?"
"How exactly?" [x3]
"Haha." After a self-(flatteringly) confident smile, Shen started explaining, "It's all about attitude! If you don't back down, fight till the end. This saying I'm giving you three right now—I hope you'll all make good use of the principle behind it."
The three of them exchanged even more puzzled looks after hearing this.
How could such a vague statement become the key to causing trouble?
If the trio of survivors who narrowly escaped death had heard this, they would certainly nod in complete agreement.
After all, this phrase not only enhances one's aura but also carries certain mystical power. The prototype vehicle slowly making its way toward the Land of Wind at this very moment was the best proof of that.
"Well then, let's just go with what you said." Nayou, who always trusted him, was the first to express agreement.
Orochimaru also nodded in agreement with his typical "supported-by-sponsor" awareness.
Finally, Nawaki hesitated slightly. "You really want me to do this? That seems way too… reckless."
"This script was custom-built especially for you. Just imagine how badass you'll be once we pull this off!" Shen questioned him with a completely sincere (read: full of gu) tone that practically dripped with honesty.
"Alright," Nawaki couldn't resist the temptation and finally agreed to his plan.
"Great!" Shen nodded with satisfaction, then pulled out a scroll and unfurled it, starting to hand out equipment to the three of them. "This is a flare gun—if things go wrong or you're in danger, just pull this. Wear these hidden blades and sleeve darts on your wrists for self-defense. Take plenty of smoke bombs too. And there are shuriken, kunai, poison needles—loads of stuff. We won't be using earpieces this time—they probably wouldn't transmit properly anyway."
"!!!x3"
The assigned trio were blown away by all these dazzling weapons and gadgets.
The guy standing in front of them kept pulling out more gear like he was getting ready for a full-scale ninja war or something.
"Why are you all staring at me like that? Oh, let me guess—are you gonna say money lets you do whatever you want? Exactly, money really does—"
"Don't wanna hear it! x3"
Shen's bragging was cut off in unison by the three, leaving him visibly frustrated: "Let me just finish what I was sa—"
"No way! x3"
Once again defeated, the heir to Konoha's richest clan wasn't about to give up: "Money really lets you do whatever—"
"We're heading out now! x3"
In a flash of wind, the room was left with only the would-be show-off, staring at the now-empty table like what just happened couldn't be real.
"How the heck did they take everything away in just one second?"
With this lingering question in mind, Shen activated his Earth Nature Chakra Mode and dove deep underground.
Orochimaru stood outside the uniquely shaped Kazekage Tower—reminiscent of a gourd—feeling utterly indifferent, perhaps even slightly amused.
"Shen must be totally baffled right now. I know exactly how unpleasant that feels." With plenty of firsthand experience of such feelings, Orochimaru slowly approached the oddly-shaped tower.
"Welcome, honorable guest from Konoha. How may I assist you today?"
As soon as Orochimaru stepped inside, he was stopped by Sunagakure Anbu guards.
He explained his purpose in his deep, smooth voice: "I need to speak with Lord Kazekage regarding an urgent and important matter. Please inform him immediately."
Seeing that he wasn't joking, the guard excused himself and went to report to the Third Kazekage.
Orochimaru calmly watched the figure disappear into the building, waiting patiently.
Meanwhile, Nayou and Nawaki had tracked down Gerissen and insisted he keep his promise.
"You two are serious? Every Chunin in Sunagakure is no easy opponent," Gerissen hadn't expected his offhand promise earlier would actually come true.
Nawaki smiled innocently, unconcerned: "Uncle Gerissen, you can't back out now!"
"Mm-hmm," Nayou chimed in behind him.
Realizing refusal wasn't an option, Gerissen sighed. "Fine, but both of you better be careful. And if you happen to offend anyone, I'll apologize on your behalf in advance."
Nawaki patted his chest confidently: "You got it, Uncle Gerissen!"
Seeing this, Nayou twitched her lips slightly, then gently raised her hand to touch her chest: "I promise too."
"Alright then... By the way, isn't Little Shen coming along too?"
"This kind of commotion, that kid is sure to come over, right?" Gerissen felt somewhat puzzled.
Nawaki seized the chance to start stirring up trouble: "Oh, he's resting in his room. He's been having runs all night — probably from gorging himself on all that gourmet food and not being able to digest it?"
Gerissen bought that without a second thought: "I see. Man, Little Shen really does have bad luck. Seems like he truly enjoys our Sunagakure specialties. Before you guys leave for Konoha, I'll make sure to prepare even more so you can share them with your family and friends!"
After all, the Third Kazekage had issued a strict order to properly entertain these four honorable guests from Konoha.
"Thanks a bunch, Uncle Gerissen!"
Nayou and Nawaki mumbled their thanks as the sight of those local specialties made them feel queasy in both stomach and spirit.
They both silently agreed that they'd have to pawn these off onto some rich noble or something.
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