Seeing Guren still wanting to resist, Itachi felt a bit helpless.
He hadn't yet activated his Mangekyo, so he could only shout, "Shisui, let her see the true power of the Uchiha."
Shisui slowly stepped forward, his Mangekyo Sharingan glowing. Pale green Chakra erupted from his body, rapidly condensing into a giant humanoid outline.
In a moment, a 110-meter-tall green Susanoo appeared on the trade route. The Susanoo held a massive green spiral sword, and with Shisui's will, the spiral sword lightly swung, instantly cleaving the surrounding red crystal barrier into fragments.
Guren and her subordinates were utterly stunned. Though they had heard of the Mangekyo Sharingan and Susanoo, they had never imagined witnessing such a breathtaking sight firsthand.
The pale green Susanoo stood there like a deity, its powerful pressure making even their breathing difficult.
Guren's shoulders drooped, the stubbornness in her eyes gradually fading, replaced by a hint of helplessness.
"I lost. I'll go with you, but please don't harm my subordinates. Otherwise, even if it costs me my life, I won't go with you."
Nurari was the first to rush forward, blocking Guren.
Her other subordinates also gathered around, clutching their weapons tightly, their voices trembling, but their eyes full of determination.
"Guren-nee! We'll fight them, you run!"
Guren raised her hand and pressed Nurari's shoulder, gently shaking her head. "No need. The rumors say that Shun, though lustful, treats his women very well. Going to the Land of Water might be for my own good, better than collecting protection fees here."
She turned to Itachi and Shisui, her gaze scrutinizing. "Can you guarantee the safety of my subordinates?"
Shisui retracted his Susanoo, the Mangekyo in his eyes gradually fading.
Seeing how beloved Guren was by her subordinates, his tone softened considerably. "The Land of Water is in need of people right now. If you are willing, you can also join the Land of Water. You'll have stable housing and ample food, which is better than living out in the open and relying on banditry."
Guren's subordinates exchanged glances, their eyes full of hesitation.
Nurari looked at Guren, and seeing her nod, he tentatively asked, "Can we really join the Land of Water?"
Shisui nodded. "Of course, as long as you are willing to abide by the rules of the Land of Water, you will receive the treatment you deserve."
Guren looked at her subordinates around her, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes.
She turned to Itachi and Shisui, her tone firm. "I'll go with you, but I have one condition. I want to ensure that my subordinates can live peacefully in the Land of Water."
Itachi was filled with excitement. He had finally found someone who met the requirements and could report back to his foster father.
He responded with a smile, "No problem. With your beauty and ability, father will surely like you. Your status in the Land of Water will not be low then. Let your subordinates come with us. However, we need to go to the Land of Wind first before returning to the Land of Water. I hope you don't mind."
Guren suddenly looked up, her brows instantly furrowing.
She had drifted along the borders of various countries since childhood, and she knew the situation in the Land of Wind all too well. It was a land covered by desert, with extreme temperature differences between day and night, scarce water sources, and a very harsh environment.
"What are you going to the Land of Wind for? Recently, Sunagakure has been constantly clashing with surrounding small countries, and war could break out at any time. My subordinates..."
Hearing this, Nurari interjected, "Boss, we're not afraid of danger. Wherever you go, we'll go."
Her other subordinates also echoed. Having followed Guren for many years, they had long regarded her as their sole reliance and would never easily separate from her.
Shisui saw that Guren still had concerns. His eyes conveyed power and confidence as he said, "Don't worry, we're just going to the Land of Wind to find something, it's not a combat mission. And with me here, even if unexpected situations arise, I can protect everyone's safety. I wasn't using my full power just now."
Guren looked into Shisui's unperturbed eyes, and gradually, a judgment formed in her mind.
"The Land of Wind has a harsh environment, so we need to prepare some water and sun protection supplies. We have a temporary base in the valley ahead. We'll go back and pack our supplies, then we can go with you."
Shisui immediately nodded. "Alright, but we need to go to the base with you. After all, we just met, and understanding each other more can help avoid misunderstandings."
Guren didn't retort, merely giving a faint "Mm."
She turned and gave her subordinates a look, then led the way towards the valley, with the other subordinates following suit.
Itachi looked at Guren's retreating figure and excitedly said, "Shisui, I can't believe we're so lucky. Father will definitely be very happy."
Shisui patted his shoulder and said, "Itachi, don't be too hasty. The Land of Wind has a complex environment, and we need to pay close attention to Guren and her group's condition. After all, they haven't been to the desert before. If something goes wrong, it will delay our journey."
The two quickly caught up with Guren's group, the travelers on the trade route having already dispersed.
Half an hour later, everyone arrived at the temporary base in the valley. It was a cave hidden behind rocks, its entrance concealed by vines. Inside, it was fairly tidy, with several bags of water and compressed rations stacked in a corner, and a few simple maps hanging on the wall.
"You wait here, we'll be quick." Guren said to Shisui, then led her subordinates into the cave.
Nurari, while packing water bags, quietly asked, "Boss, are we really going to the Land of Wind with them? That place is notoriously dangerous."
Guren took a water bag, carefully checking its seal and said, "What else? Their strength is far above ours. If we refuse, we won't even have room to resist. Going to the Land of Wind with them at least gives us a chance to live. As for a strong person like Shun... I don't dislike him."
Her subordinates said no more, speeding up their packing.
Outside the cave, Itachi gestured at a map of the Land of Wind, his eyes full of anticipation.
About ten minutes later, Guren led her subordinates out of the cave, each carrying backpacks filled with water and dry rations, and cloaks for sun protection hanging at their waists.
"We're all ready. We can leave anytime."
Shisui nodded. He took out several sun and sand protection masks from his ninja tool pouch, and handed them to Guren and the others.
"The Land of Wind has strong sunlight and heavy sandstorms, these will come in handy."
Guren took the mask, and as her fingertips touched the fabric, her heart stirred.
The other party was powerful yet exceptionally considerate, completely unlike the arrogant and indifferent Uchiha of the rumors.
She silently distributed the masks to her subordinates and said, "Let's go. It will be dark in half a day, and the desert at night is better for traveling."