Sajin entered the ward, his eyes sweeping over the surprisingly pleasant environment.
"Konoha really is different; it looks far grander than our Sunagakure."
Some things were simply afraid of comparison. Sunagakure had a hospital, of course, but it was miles behind Konoha's medical facilities. If Daigan had returned home with injuries of this magnitude, he likely wouldn't have been able to walk for a month.
"With such unique natural advantages, how can Sunagakure compare?"
Fortunately, the nurse, Miss Otohame, had helped tidy up earlier; otherwise, the chaotic mess would have been embarrassing to show a visitor.
Sajin produced a delicate gift box and handed it to Daigan.
"Taifuku Taffy. It's a rather popular snack here. The taste isn't bad..."
"Thanks for the trouble."
The prosperous village of Konoha had countless delicacies. Beyond the famous signature shops, there were many exquisite, niche treats that were equally delicious. Daigan invited Sajin to sit and poured him a cup of tea.
"You seem quite busy, Senior. You've been in Konoha for so many days, yet we haven't really met."
"Too many matters to attend to."
Sajin possessed a delicate, handsome appearance rare in Sunagakure, though he neglected his grooming. When he smiled, he gave off the vibe of a charismatic villain, but in reality, he was a rather reserved young man.
He had only promoted to Chunin around the age of twenty. His aptitude wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. He was diligent, had no rumored conflicts with other Sand Ninja, and was generally well-liked. He could even hold a conversation with someone as picky about company as Daigan.
"I heard you were badly hurt, but seeing you recovering well puts my mind at ease," Sajin said warmly.
"I'm alright. Barring any accidents, it shouldn't delay the third stage of the Chunin Exam."
"Ah, the Chunin Exam."
Sajin glanced at the Substitute Puppet sitting in the wheelchair beside the bed, and the doll-sized Temari perched on Daigan's shoulder.
"You really are a talented guy. When I took the Chunin Exam at sixteen, I embarrassed myself thoroughly!"
Thinking back to those years, he had struggled bitterly just to end up as background noise, unworthy of even being colored in—humble as a minion.
Sunagakure was a small place; everyone knew who the geniuses were.
Daigan, a fourth-year Genin, had some fame, but most of it revolved around rumors concerning Temari and mockery of his overconfidence. Few truly recognized his strength.
In this joint Chunin Exam, the only ones worth paying attention to were supposed to be the three children of the Fourth Kazekage. The fact that Daigan had become the only Sunagakure Genin to advance to the third stage aside from Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara had shocked quite a few people.
To stand out among over a hundred elites selected from several ninja villages wasn't something achieved by sheer luck, telling a few jokes, or playing petty tricks.
The first and second stages were merely preliminaries. The third stage—displaying one's strength before countless spectators—was the main event. For Genin from smaller villages, just reaching this point was capital enough to boast about back home.
"It was just luck," Daigan said modestly.
Although he had passed through the danger, he had been heavily injured, which was a far cry from the unscathed advancement of Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara.
"That's already very impressive."
As for the Chunin promotion, it was likely hopeless. This year was too special. If everything went according to plan, it was hard to say if Daigan would even get to compete.
"By the way, take this..."
During a lull in the conversation, Sajin suddenly pulled out a document and handed it to Daigan.
"What is this?"
"A gourmet map of Konoha. It lists quite a few places I think are good. There are still a few days left before the third stage of the Chunin Exam; you should go check them out."
"A map? Thanks a lot!"
"Mn. It might be useful to you..."
With that, Sajin stood up.
"It's getting late. Rest early. I have matters to attend to, so I'll be going."
"Is that so?"
Daigan didn't insist he stay. A hospital wasn't a place for lingering; the smell of disinfectant became uncomfortable after a while.
"I won't see you out then, Senior."
After Sajin left, Daigan opened the so-called map of interesting historic sites and dining spots.
This isn't a "tourist map" at all. It's clearly an offense and defense route map.
Although it was obscure, combining it with the intelligence Daigan already possessed allowed him to see the rough outline.
Yakushi Kabuto and Baki should have met by now. The final details of the plan have likely already been told to Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara. Hayate Gekko is probably dead.
This map in his hand was likely the final bit of assistance Sunagakure would offer him. If he was clever and saw the clues, his chances of survival would increase. If he remained ignorant, his death would be in vain.
Daigan memorized the map thoroughly, then burned it completely and flushed the ashes down the sewer before he finally relaxed.
Having witnessed too many unexpected things that day, Daigan was mentally exhausted and soon fell asleep.
The next day, the chirping of birds outside the window didn't wake him until the sun was high in the sky.
"Crap, I missed breakfast."
Fully awake, Daigan ate the snacks and fruit Sajin had brought yesterday. After barely filling his stomach, he enjoyed a rare leisurely outing, strolling the streets of Konoha. He quietly observed the key locations marked on Sajin's map.
In truth, Daigan had already observed many of them from a distance, but it was necessary to walk the path personally to ensure no important details had been overlooked.
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