The next day.
Tenya led Kakashi and Might Duy to join Chuichi's caravan early in the morning.
The three followed the caravan, traveling with Chuichi and his group towards the Land of Snow.
Their next stop was the Land of Grass.
After a day of traveling, the group reached Kusamachi (Grass Town).
The journey had been relatively peaceful.
The caravan hadn't encountered any attacks, which allowed Chuichi and Shūji to finally relax.
"We'll rest here tonight and set off again tomorrow."
After saying this, Chuichi looked at Tenya and the other two, seemingly seeking their approval.
Tenya nodded without saying much.
After settling in, Tenya called Kakashi and Might Duy over and spoke in a lowered voice, "Since we entered the town, quite a few people have been keeping an eye on our group. There are many spies in the place we're staying at now. Be cautious, and if anyone sneaks in, don't act unless they attack you. Let's observe the situation first."
"Why?" Might Duy asked, somewhat puzzled.
Tenya patiently explained, "Our mission is to escort the princess of the Land of Snow safely out of the country. The safety of the caravan is not part of our mission. We don't need to exert ourselves for them."
"You mean..." Kakashi began, seemingly thoughtful but unable to resist asking further.
"If that chubby leader asks for help, we will assist, but we must charge the appropriate fees. None of the extra payment should be lost." With a slight smile, Tenya continued, "Follow my instructions, and if we're lucky, the job of escorting the caravan will likely fall to us, and we'll certainly earn a considerable amount."
Hearing this, Kakashi looked at Tenya with a newfound respect.
This teammate was not only highly skilled but also someone who wouldn't settle for a loss!
If he could earn extra pay, Kakashi naturally wouldn't refuse, given that the ninja profession also required substantial financial resources.
On the other hand, Might Duy's face had already lit up with excitement.
Why did he undertake missions?
Wasn't it for the reward!
This time, teaming up with Tenya unexpectedly brought additional income, which Might Duy hadn't anticipated.
He was now very glad about his previous choice. As long as he followed Tenya's instructions, he could earn a substantial reward.
He had no reason to refuse and would fully support the plan.
After convincing Kakashi and Might Duy, Tenya continued, "I need to scout the area. You two stay here and keep watch. Again, if there's no need, don't engage."
"Got it!"
Kakashi and Might Duy nodded and continued to act nonchalantly.
Tenya quietly left the inn and activated his **Mind Network** skill as he strolled through the streets.
After walking for a while, he gained some insight.
In this city, many ninjas had gathered.
However, these ninjas weren't very powerful, appearing to be scouts from various villages.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Tenya sensed two significant chakra signatures.
One of these chakra signatures was very close and approaching him rapidly.
Who could it be?
Tenya looked closely.
He saw a ponytailed girl sprinting towards him at full speed, glancing nervously over her shoulder as if something terrifying was chasing her.
A gust of wind blew past.
The girl barely glanced at Tenya before continuing to run. After turning a corner, she disappeared.
Not long after the girl vanished, another girl appeared in pursuit.
This girl had shoulder-length hair and wore a kimono, looking somewhat restrained. However, she moved quickly.
In just a few breaths, she reached Tenya.
"Shizune?"
Tenya immediately recognized the girl.
"Tenya-senpai?"
Shizune was briefly startled, clearly recognizing Tenya and looking a bit surprised.
"Tenya-senpai, what are you doing here?" Shizune asked curiously.
"Mission," Tenya said, keeping it brief.
"Oh no, sorry, Tenya-senpai, I have to go!"
At that moment, Shizune seemed to remember something, hastily saying goodbye before rushing off.
Watching Shizune's disappearing figure, Tenya quickly understood that the ponytailed girl who had passed him earlier was undoubtedly Tsunade in disguise.
Shizune and Tsunade were always inseparable.
If Shizune was here, Tsunade must be nearby.
Seeing Tsunade's fleeing figure, Tenya couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.
Most likely, she had lost a bet and was being chased by debt collectors again!
Shortly after they left, a large group of people arrived in pursuit.
"Don't let that fat sheep get away, chase her!"
"Boss, she's gone. Where should we chase?"
"Are you stupid? With so many people, just ask around, pighead!"
"Right, you're smart, boss!"
...
Watching this somewhat clueless group of debt collectors, Tenya smiled and shook his head, not paying much attention as he shifted his focus to another direction.
There, a figure stood high, quietly watching him, seemingly interested.
From this figure, Tenya sensed a massive chakra presence.
"Kakuzu?"
Tenya instantly recognized the person.
He hadn't expected to encounter him here.
At this moment, Kakuzu seemed to confirm something, his face lighting up with excitement as he leaped from the high building.
Thud!
After landing steadily, Kakuzu ignored the surrounding gazes and walked straight towards Tenya.
"You must be Konoha's genius ninja, Tenya Gekkou?" Kakuzu sized Tenya up, not waiting for a reply before continuing, "Do you know how much you're worth? A full ten million ryo. Bad luck for you, your head is mine now!"
Before the words had fully left his mouth, Kakuzu's body vanished.
He reappeared behind Tenya, his right hand piercing through Tenya's chest.
However, no blood flowed out.
Hmm?
Realizing something was wrong, Kakuzu saw Tenya dissolve like a bubble.
Immediately, a dazzling light flashed, and Kakuzu's right hand was neatly severed.
"Kakuzu, is sneak attacking all you can do?"
Tenya casually watched Kakuzu, showing no fear.
"You know me?"
Hearing Tenya call out his name, Kakuzu's eyes narrowed, and he looked at Tenya more cautiously.
As someone from the era of the First Hokage, there shouldn't be many people who could recognize him.
Yet this young Konoha ninja identified him instantly.
How could he not be wary?
"Heh, of course I know you!" Tenya smiled at Kakuzu, "Are you sure you want to fight me?"
Kakuzu stared at Tenya, coldly laughing, "Hmph, kid, I don't know where you heard my name, but do you think that'll scare me off? Foolish...delusion!"
Whoosh!
Before he finished speaking, a sound of something cutting through the air came from behind Tenya.
The severed right hand shot towards Tenya again.
Maintaining his smile, Tenya's body slightly swayed, seemingly predicting and dodging the sneaky attack.
At the same time, numerous black tendrils emerged from Kakuzu's severed arm, catching and reattaching the hand.
"This place is too small. If you have the guts, follow me!"
Throwing these words, Tenya glanced at Kakuzu before heading out of the city.
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, Kakuzu immediately followed without hesitation.
Not far away, hiding in a corner, Tsunade and Shizune watched the scene unfold.
"Shizune, that kid is the Tenya Gekkou you told me about?"
Seeing Tenya and Kakuzu leave, Tsunade turned to Shizune with a curious look.
"Yes, that's him!" Shizune nodded affirmatively, "During the recent Chunin exams, he suppressed many contestants with his strength alone. He's incredibly strong!"
"Really? Quite a talent!" Tsunade pondered for a moment before urging, "Let's follow and see!"
"Tsunade-sama, those people are still looking for you. Aren't you afraid of getting caught?" Shizune reminded at the right moment.
"Hmm, I'll just use the Transformation Technique to change my appearance. That should be enough."
After saying this, a puff of smoke rose, and Tsunade transformed back into the ponytailed girl.
One after the other, the two headed in the direction Tenya had gone.