(Land of Wind - Naruto's Team)
Three figures cloaked in hooded robes made their way across the barren desert, heading toward a village deep within the sands—a popular summer retreat for travelers.
"You two have both registered at Konoha, right? I know Sai did. What about you, Maki?"
Maki nodded.
"Yes, Senior, I've already registered. Should I put on my forehead protector now?"
"Yeah, you should wear them now," Naruto said. "Gaara trusts me, but after all, we're foreign shinobi. To avoid unnecessary trouble, you two should make your identities clear so we don't appear more suspicious. The only issue is if this reaches Lady Tsunade's ears—she'll definitely want to know where I found you two."
Sai smiled slightly.
"Don't worry, Senior. Danzo-sama has already arranged for me to be your permanent teammate, specifically assigned to protect you. I believe he gave Maki the same explanation."
Naruto grinned as he looked at his two subordinates.
"Good then. Anyway, remember not to cause any commotion. Get some rest and prepare your gear in case Akatsuki makes a sudden move or we need to leave urgently."
He turned his head and flashed them a grin, which caused Maki to smile too.
"Not cause any commotion? 'Senior' Naruto? That doesn't sound like something you'd say. I still remember the time we carried out a mission in Kiri—you sneaked into that nobleman's mansion and then you—"
"Alright, Maki," Naruto replied unhappily, narrowing his eyes ahead. "I don't need you reminding me how I barely escaped. I remember perfectly well. And besides, you didn't even help me then, so you're not qualified to critique my plan to steal that treasure since you weren't even involved."
"Understood, Senior," Maki immediately responded calmly.
Shaking off those thoughts, Naruto focused on the mission ahead.
---
## Konoha Hospital ##
Since Jiraiya had been admitted, Tsunade had regularly visited him. Though no longer in life-threatening condition, he remained severely injured and required ongoing hospital observation.
He still struggled to breathe independently due to severe throat injuries, requiring a ventilator to assist with breathing. Additionally, because he couldn't swallow properly, he required nutrition via alternative methods.
Not to mention his most severe wound—the complete amputation of his left arm at the shoulder joint.
She watched her teammate through the slats of the window blinds, taking a brief break from her schedule to chat with him.
"So even you don't know where that brat went?" She adjusted the blinds for him as she asked. Turning around, she turned to face him directly and saw him shake his head. "You two still couldn't defeat that guy called Pain even when working together?"
Jiraiya shook his head again, looking at her as though he wanted to say something. Tsunade frowned.
"I'll have to find something for you to write with. We can talk again once you're able to speak." She looked out the window.
"You've been back for three days already. Do you have any idea what he's been up to outside the village?"
Jiraiya shook his head again. He wanted to talk with Tsunade, but in his current condition, that was impossible.
His apprentice had gone off on his own, leaving Konoha and placing himself directly under Akatsuki's watchful eyes. He needed to find a way to tell Tsunade everything—including what he'd learned about Pain—and he also needed to find Naruto and prepare him for their second confrontation.
He had so much he wanted to do, but right now, there was absolutely nothing he could accomplish while stuck in this bed.
Tsunade sighed.
"Fine. If anything happens, we can still contact him through the Toad Oil Mirror. We'll get you better, you old geezer," she said with a smile. "I still need you here—you can't just die so easily."
"So Naruto won't be coming back for now," a voice came from the doorway, slightly resigned in tone. Everyone turned to see Kakashi standing there. "Do you want me to go look for him? I'm willing to go if needed."
Tsunade shook her head.
"No need. That kid didn't run off—he's just bending the rules." She smiled. "I think he really does need some time to rest properly, but no—I can't send anyone after him. He'll return once he finds what he's looking for, and when that happens, I'll send this pervert to fetch him once he's fully recovered."
Kakashi grinned at her.
"In that case, I volunteer to escort Jiraiya-sama to find him." Tsunade nodded, and Kakashi gave a thumbs-up. "Great! Just give me a heads-up when it's time, and I'll come straight away."
Jiraiya grunted unhappily, and Tsunade rolled her eyes.
"You'll definitely be three hours late, like always," she said, hands on her hips. "I'll let you know once Jiraiya is almost healed."
"Alright then," Kakashi replied, pulling out his Make Out Paradise before turning and walking out of the room.
---
## Sunagakure ##
Naruto walked down the streets of Sunagakure accompanied by his two companions when Sai lightly nudged him.
"We're being followed, Senior Naruto," he whispered.
"Well, we are foreigners, and we're not exactly hiding," Naruto answered. "Of course they'd assign someone to tail us—what's the big deal? Are you planning to cause trouble here or something?"
Sai shook her head.
"Our only mission is to ensure your safety, Senior Naruto. Other than that, we don't have any additional orders. Danzo-sama gave us considerable freedom when assigning this mission."
Naruto nodded.
"Maki, remind me to spar with you later. I want to test your strength. I know you're a great Medical Ninja, which is good—I think sooner or later we'll definitely need your help."
Maki nodded, scanning the surroundings.
"While we are indeed allies now, this village tried to destroy Konoha three years ago, Senior Naruto."
"Maki lowered her voice so as not to attract the attention of the surrounding ninjas and civilians," Maki continued, "Besides, the current Kazekage once tried to kill you. How can you trust him?"
Naruto smiled at Maki.
"I defeated him and helped him realize that constantly chasing power and wanting to destroy everything wouldn't truly make him stronger. I told him I fight for Konoha... but I guess he really did take my words to heart." He glanced toward the Kazekage's office while walking with his team. "Come on, let's see if Gaara can help. I need to get stronger to beat Pain."
Maki followed the temporary squad leader and asked curiously,
"Who exactly is this Pain? What kind of abilities does he have in battle?"
Naruto shook his head.
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