"Kakashi, Dousuke, what should we do now?" Nohara Rin asked softly.
"We aren't invading the village, so let's just go along with whatever that Takikage has planned," Kakashi said, looking around before walking towards the house they had been shown to.
Click. Dousuke Okamoto fumbled for the light switch on the wall and flicked it on.
"Wow, finally some rest!" Obito exclaimed, spotting the futon laid out in the room, and promptly dove onto it.
He was utterly exhausted from the long journey and the strenuous climb they had undertaken that day.
Okamoto Dousuke gently untied Fu from his chest and laid her down on the soft quilt.
Looking at Fu, who was still sound asleep, he wondered, "Isn't this child ever going to wake up?"
"She's been like this for the past few days. Teacher mentioned that she'll only return to normal once Fu's seal is complete," Nohara Rin said, skillfully changing Fu's diaper.
Watching Nohara Rin care for Fu, Okamoto Dousuke took out a few Chakra Pills from his ninja tool pouch and distributed them among the group.
"Let's have a quick bite to eat. We haven't had a proper meal since last night. After dinner, the three of us will take turns keeping watch tonight."
Kakashi took a Chakra Pill and nodded. "Agreed. Until we understand Hidden Waterfall's stance towards us, we should remain vigilant."
That night, Okamoto Dousuke, Kakashi, and Obito each took a shift to watch, and the night passed peacefully.
The next day, as dawn broke.
Knock, knock.
"Everyone, Lord Takikage wishes to see you," a voice announced from outside the door.
The knock woke Kakashi and Dousuke, who had only been half-asleep.
Kakashi exchanged a quick look with Okamoto Dousuke and subtly reached for the ninja tool pouch at his waist, ensuring he could draw his weapon instantly if needed.
Okamoto Dousuke secretly manipulated the water film he had created, making it ready, and cautiously opened the door just a crack.
Standing in the doorway was the same ninja from the previous night, clad in a grey robe and his ever-present breathing mask.
The ninja stood about six to nine feet away from the door – close enough for immediate interaction but not so close as to appear intrusive.
"This is your breakfast. Lord Takikage requests that you proceed to the office building to discuss matters after you have eaten," Shuiyou said, gesturing towards an office building not far away and stepping aside to reveal a portly man dressed as a chef, holding a food box.
"My lords, this is your breakfast," the stout chef said with a friendly smile, stepping forward to hand the food box to Okamoto Dousuke.
"Okay, I understand, Mr. Shuiyou," Okamoto Dousuke said, taking the food box, glancing at Shuiyou, and slowly closing the door.
"That Takikage wanted to see us last night. What do you think, Kakashi?" They had all heard the announcement through the slightly ajar door.
Okamoto Dousuke placed the food box on the table and looked towards Kakashi for his opinion.
"What choice do we have? We just have to go. We're in their territory, after all. Besides, after dealing with those ninjas yesterday, it's clear they could easily handle us if they wanted to," Kakashi replied in a low voice, his head slightly bowed.
"Ah, so we are the fish on the chopping block, at their mercy!" Obito muttered dramatically.
"What kind of fish and meat do you think they've prepared?" Obito then asked Okamoto Dousuke with a curious look.
Seeing Obito's change in demeanor, Okamoto Dousuke waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing, Obito. Don't overthink it."
"What should I do with this meal? Wow, it looks so extravagant!" Obito exclaimed, opening the lunch box and revealing a full container of sushi.
Okamoto Dousuke took out a few tweezers, syringes, and test tubes from his ninja tool pouch. He carefully picked up a small sample of the food and placed it into a test tube, shaking it a few times. The liquid inside slowly turned a pale blue.
"It should be alright. At least it doesn't seem to be highly toxic," Okamoto Dousuke said, holding the test tube up to the light for a closer inspection.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony!" Seeing that Dousuke had finished his analysis, Obito couldn't resist any longer. He eagerly picked up a piece of caviar sushi and popped it into his mouth.
"Wow, this is delicious! Rin, Masuke, Kakashi, come and have some!" Obito, who had been surviving on outdoor rations for several days, was instantly won over by the delicious meal.
Nohara Rin, holding Fu who had just woken up, sat down at the table. "This is quite a spread!"
"It looks yummy! Big sister, I want to eat! I want to eat!" As soon as she was seated, Fu started fussing in Nohara Rin's arms.
Okamoto Dousuke picked up a piece of sushi and gently handed it to Fu. "Eat slowly, don't choke."
"I don't want to eat anymore."
"I'm also good," Okamoto Dousuke and Kakashi said at almost the exact same moment.
Nohara Rin and Obito paused, mid-bite, looking surprised by their sudden disinterest in the lavish meal. A hint of suspicion flickered in their eyes as they glanced at the remaining sushi in their hands.
"M'ghoo wah?" Obito mumbled through a mouthful of food, his cheeks still bulging as he reached for another piece of sushi, seemingly unable to resist its deliciousness despite the sudden caution of his teammates.
After breakfast, Kakashi and Dousuke positioned themselves strategically, with Kakashi in the front and Dousuke behind, to protect Nohara Rin, who was carrying Fu.
Finally, it was Obito who trailed slightly behind, occasionally patting his stomach and letting out a soft burp.
The group walked slowly towards the office building that Shuiyou had indicated.
As they made their way through the village, the residents of Hidden Waterfall Village watched them with curious glances.
The Hidden Waterfall Village ninjas, however, focused more intently on the prominent Konohagakure forehead protectors worn by several members of the group.
While everyone else was observing them, Okamoto Dousuke was also taking in his surroundings.
Having arrived at night, he hadn't had the chance to notice many details before.
Hidden Waterfall Village was situated in a unique location, surrounded by towering cliffs on all sides, much like a wooden barrel encircled by its staves. Waterfalls of various sizes cascaded down the cliffs, filling the air with a moist, refreshing mist. A gentle breeze also helped to keep the air from feeling stagnant.
Perhaps due to the pleasant climate, the villagers of Hidden Waterfall were all dressed in light clothing. Along the roadside, small shops offered an assortment of agricultural products for sale.
Looking up, they could see the impressive cliff they had climbed down yesterday. Directly facing that cliff was a massive waterfall, its powerful stream plunging down from the summit to the village below. According to the Chunin's map, that was the main entrance to Hidden Waterfall Village.
Okamoto Dousuke nodded slightly. The environment of Hidden Waterfall Village was certainly favorable for a Water Release ninja like himself.
It was a short walk, and the group soon arrived at the office building located in the center of the village.
A ninja standing guard at the entrance held up a hand to stop them. "Halt! What is your business here?"
"Mr. Shuiyou informed us that Lord Takikage requested our presence," Kakashi said to the two ninjas guarding the door.
Just then, a ninja wearing a dark green robe and a breathing mask appeared at the entrance in a swift movement. "Lord Takikage has given orders to allow these Konohagakure ninjas to enter."
With that, he made a gesture, inviting them to follow him, and then led them into the office building.
Looking at the dimly lit office building, Fu, nestled in Nohara Rin's arms, whispered, "Sister, Fu is scared."
Nohara Rin murmured a few comforting words before continuing to walk with the others, following the masked ninja.
Not far away, a translucent figure slowly materialized, observing Okamoto Dousuke and the others as they entered the office building under the guidance of the Hidden Waterfall ninja.
Swish. With a burst of speed, the figure vanished using the Instant Body Movement Technique.
Tuk, tuk, tuk!
The ninja leading the way knocked gently on a door. "Come in."
"Lord Takikage, the Konohagakure ninjas have arrived."
"Very well, come down and let them in."
Swish.
The Body Flicker Technique activated, and the ninja leading them disappeared in an instant.
Outside the door, Okamoto Dousuke and the others exchanged knowing glances.
"Come in," a voice called from within the room.
Okamoto Dousuke pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room appeared very clean and well-organized.
"Please, have a seat," the Takikage said, gesturing towards the sofa beside his large desk, indicating for everyone to make themselves comfortable.
Sitting behind the desk, the Takikage began to speak. "Did you accept the commission to escort Fu here?"