Long before entering the hotel, Ren had used his senses to sense the building inside and out. The young man at the front desk was most likely a member of Kirigakure's staff stationed in this town.
After all, an economically important place like Imagawa Town cannot be left unmanaged. Ren encountered more than one Mist Ninja patrol team along the way, and it was obvious that they were all sent by the Hidden Mist Village to maintain public order.
"In that case...is there anything I can do to help you?"
Fujiwara Kuzuma's expression relaxed a lot, but he still walked cautiously to Ren and whispered.
"President Fujiwara, please take me into the Hidden Mist Village and assist me in completing the mission."
"this…"
A trace of confusion flashed in Fujiwara Kuzuma's eyes. Ren noticed the other's expression keenly and frowned slightly.
"Excuse me, is this an inconvenience?"
"Excuse me, how long will this mission take? My caravan is about to leave for the Land of Hot Springs. If we delay too long, all the things we purchased will be lost, and the loss will be considerable."
"So that's how it is. If nothing unexpected happens, it will take at most five days, or at least three days. Is that feasible?"
"call"
Fujiwara Kuzuma heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing the response, and his expression brightened considerably. If it was only four or five days, it wouldn't be a big deal. But if it was really a month-long mission, he would probably lose a lot of money on this batch of goods.
"No problem, then you decide when we will take action."
"The sooner the better!"
…
"Hey, President Fujiwara, little brother, get out."
The bored young man sitting at the front desk noticed a noise coming from the stairs behind him. He turned around and happened to meet the two people.
"Oh, yes, I remembered that I still have some goods to buy, so I have to be away for two days."
Fujiwara Kuzuma replied with a smile, putting the room key on the counter and indicating that he was checking out.
"Okay, this is the deposit if you check out, keep it."
The young man did not hesitate and returned the deposit to Fujiwara Kuzuma in a short while.
Looking at the two people's backs as they walked away, the young man yawned, lay down and continued to sleep.
Ren followed Fujiwara Kuzuma all the way to a camp where more than a dozen carriages were parked, most of which were piled high with goods. When the curtains were lifted, they could see all sorts of seafood and local specialties from the Land of Water, likely destined for sale in other countries.
"President, you're here!"
As soon as the two appeared, several strong men surrounded them and greeted Fujiwara Kuzume with respect.
Fujiwara Kuzuma nodded, looked around, and then spoke softly.
"It looks like we've almost finished shopping, but I suddenly remembered that there are still some things we haven't done and some things we haven't bought, so our trip abroad will be postponed for two days. Hibashi, you take four or five people with me, and the rest of you can stay in town for another two days."
"Yes, President!"
No one had any objection. The man called Hibashi was a dark-skinned young man who was quite capable. He arranged the idle carriages and personnel in a short while. As it was already getting dark, they did not waste any time and set off directly.
The distance between Imagawa Town and Kirigakure Village is not too far. Although they set out in the evening, they arrived at Kirigakure Village before it was completely dark.
"Stop and get checked."
The Kirigakure Chunin guarding the gate said this in a cold voice, but after Fujiwara Kuzma came forward, the former's expression immediately became enthusiastic.
"It's President Fujiwara, long time no see."
"Yeah, long time no see, Kihara Chuunin."
Fujiwara Kuzuma walked forward with a smile, revealing two silver bills from his wide sleeves. The Mist Ninja opposite him took advantage of the cover of night, remained expressionless, and quickly took the silver bills and put them in his pocket.
He looked extremely skilled, and it was obviously not his first time.
The Mist Ninja, who had received the benefit, became more enthusiastic. He walked around the convoy a few times perfunctorily, then registered Fujiwara Kuzuma and let him go.
Looking at the Mist Hidden Gate disappearing into the distance behind him, Ren was somewhat surprised. He really had not expected that these gatekeepers were so corrupt and dared to be so careless during such a war.
Fujiwara Kuzuma also noticed Ren's confusion. After looking around and seeing that there was no one around, he lowered his head and spoke softly.
"Over the years, I've made millions of taels from issuing missions and buying and selling goods in Kirigakure. I'm one of their biggest sponsors, if not tens of millions. Plus, I haven't caused any trouble, so these people just turn a blind eye when I usually deliver some 'best-selling items'."
"…"
Sure enough, poverty limits my imagination.
"It's too late today. Let's find a hotel first and take action tomorrow."
"You arrange it."
Ren yawned, a trace of fatigue showing on his face. After running around non-stop all day, he was indeed a little tired.
Under Fujiwara Kuzuma's arrangement, they quickly checked into the hotel. After saying hello to a few people, Ren returned to her room. After washing up, she lay down on the bed and fell asleep.
Outside the window, a dark shadow flashed by...
The next day, Ren opened his eyes and looked out the window. Although there was nothing but towering houses and the endless sky, there was a gleam in Ren's eyes.
"Are you gone?"
Ever since they entered the Hidden Mist Village yesterday, Ren felt that someone was following them secretly. Ren speculated that it was most likely a member of the Hidden Mist Anbu who was used to monitor outsiders. However, due to Fujiwara Kuzane's long-standing good reputation, the Hidden Mist Anbu left after midnight.
Just as Ren finished washing up, she heard someone knocking on the door. As expected, it was Fujiwara Kuzuma.
"What are my plans?"
"Please wait a moment"
Ren put on her clothes and walked out with Fujiwara Kuzuma.
"President, your task today is to take people to purchase goods as you said yesterday. I also need to understand some of the situation and make some preparations."
"good"
Fujiwara Kuzuma didn't ask any more questions. After breakfast, they left the hotel. Fujiwara Kuzuma took Yota and others in a carriage to do business, while Ren used simple disguise to change her appearance a lot. Compared with her previous appearance, she was only three-quarters similar.
"Well... let's take a walk first. This is my first time in the Hidden Mist Village, so it's good to see the customs and culture of a foreign country."
Ren started strolling around in casual clothes, buying any new gadgets she saw.
Before I knew it, it was almost noon, and the streets were much quieter. After all, it was autumn, and with the impact of the war, it was normal for the flow of people to be less.
"Well...we've almost finished shopping, let's go get something to eat."
Ren murmured and stopped, looking up.
Shina Meatball Shop.