Want the bounty? Looking down on the powerhouse beside me?!

Tōka and his group set sail from the Land of Artisans, heading west along the southern coastline of the Land of Fire, directly towards the Land of Rivers.

At the same time, both Kumogakure and Iwagakure declared war on Konoha.

The first Chunin Ninja Exams of Konoha Year 46 were held while Konoha mobilized most of its manpower to the exam site to protect the Daimyō of the Great Nations and wealthy merchants and nobles.

The Kumogakure and the Iwagakure mobilized a large number of Elite Ninja Troops to infiltrate the Land of Land of Fire.

Furthermore, Kumogakure sent the Two-Tails Jinchūriki and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki to assist in the battle, while Iwagakure's Third Tsuchikage, Two-Tails Ōnoki, personally led a large number of elite ninjas to launch a pincer attack on Konoha from the northwest.

In an instant, the smoke of war spread throughout the northern border of the Land of Fire.

"This is the Land of Rivers..." Standing on the land of the Land of Rivers, Tōka let out a long breath.

Looking at the dense green Forest, a cool forest breeze brushed against his face, and Tōka suddenly felt as if he had finally come back to life.

After days of sailing, only three words could describe Tōka's feelings at this moment—he felt like throwing up!!

Pakura and Shiro weren't much better off. At first, they were somewhat interested in the vastness of the sea, but in the end, they became annoyed.

The vast ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, with endless waves.

This perfectly encapsulates the word "boredom."

"This place is so beautiful!" Bai had never seen a world other than snow. For six years, her world consisted only of white snow.

The land of Land of Rivers is not large, but it encompasses yellow deserts, emerald Forest, blue mountains, and dark green Swamp.

This area is home to terrains from various major countries, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of different nations within a single place.

"Tōka, shall we settle down in the Land of Rivers next?" Pakura asked, frowning.

Her hometown is to the west of the Land of Rivers. When Pakura left Konoha, she chose to go east because she didn't want to return to the Land of Wind.

Being so close, Pakura felt a mix of reluctance and conflicted desire to go back and see.

"We'll wait here for someone." Tōka looked around; logically, that guy should have come to meet them by now.

"Waiting for someone?" Pakura frowned; she had no intention of joining Konoha.

Subconsciously, Pakura assumed that Tōka was going to arrange for her to join Konoha, because Pakura only knew that Tōka was Konoha Ninja.

Bai stood quietly to the side. She was now Tōka's companion, and Tōka's will was her will. She would not refute Tōka's words.

Tōka seemed to sense Pakura's concerns, and a slight, mocking smile appeared on his lips. "What? You still care about Sunagakure?"

Upon hearing this, Pakura's face instantly darkened. She didn't say anything and pretended not to care, but how could she truly not care?

Whether it's hatred or reluctance, Sunagakure is still the place where she grew up.

Suddenly, a strange yet familiar aura approached.

"Don't worry, we won't go to Konoha. You guys go somewhere else." Tōka's eyes narrowed slightly as he followed her towards the Earth Flow in the Forest.

Pakura and Bai were taken aback for a moment, then immediately followed.

They noticed that Tōka used "you" instead of "we," which meant that Tōka would not be acting with them from now on.

"Where are you going?" Pakura asked anxiously.

Although Bai hadn't had a chance to speak yet, her eager eyes were fixed on Tōka's figure, as if she were afraid he would suddenly disappear.

"Me? Of course I have other missions." Tōka said ambiguously, then didn't intend to continue the topic.

Pakura was about to speak when two figures emerged from the depths of the woods.

The dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves and fell on the two people, gradually making their figures clearer.

The newcomer wore a black Coat embroidered with red clouds and a conical hat with Wind Chime attached...

A dangerous aura emanated from the two of them, Pakura subconsciously raised her hands, feeling a heavy pressure.

"Relax, we're on the same side now." Tōka placed her hand in front of Pakura, signaling her not to act impulsively.

The newcomers were from the Deva Path and Animal Path; either one could easily overwhelm the three people present.

The Deva Path and Animal Path removed their straw hats with Wind Chime, revealing faces covered in Black Rods. Their Rinnegan, marked with concentric circles, seemed to suck people in.

A cold, deathly atmosphere swept over me...

Sensing the intimidating aura, Pakura's pupils contracted sharply, and a bead of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, while Bai immediately hid behind Tōka.

These two guys give off a scary vibe...

"Is this the Ice-Fire Combination you were talking about?" Deva Path looked at Pakura and Bai expressionlessly, his tone somber yet revealing deep disdain.

A little devil and a little brat?

How could someone like that possibly be accepted into the Kyoto Animation? He's not even fit to be a substitute, let alone a full member.

"Don't underestimate those two." Tōka didn't seem to care about Deva Path's tone and pointed at Pakura, "This is Pakura, Scorch Release ninja."

Then he pointed to Haku, "This is Ice Release... Haku, the inheritor of the Kekkei Genkai."

Haku hasn't become a ninja yet; he's only awakened the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai.

The Deva Path Dao looked at the two of them indifferently; Kekkei Genkai meant nothing to him.

However, for ordinary people or the vast majority of ninjas, Kekkei Genkai are an absolutely unattainable existence.

"Those two are Pain. You'll get to know them once you're familiar with them. Pain is actually quite easy to get along with."

Under the watchful eye of Deva Path, Tōka wouldn't say a word, nor did he want Pakura and Bai to get too close to Nagato.

Pakura took a step back, tugged at Tōka's sleeve, and whispered, "You're not planning to have us follow those two, are you?"

"This is the safest method." Tōka's affirmative answer immediately made Pakura's face turn ugly.

Deep down, Pakura didn't like these two cold and gloomy guys, even though her Sixth Sense told her they were very powerful.

But... there's no reason why I don't like this feeling.

Pakura frowned and remained silent, his expression extremely conflicted.

Bai gripped Tōka's clothes tightly, as if afraid of being left behind.

Tōka sensed the little guy's unease behind her, turned around, and saw Bai Lianlian shaking his head at her.

This is so troublesome...

Tōka turned around and patted Bai's head, comforting him, "You don't have the strength to live right now, but following them will give you enough strength to survive."

Bai remained unmoved, staring intently at Tōka; his expressive eyes spoke volumes.

She didn't want to be separated from Tōka; since they were companions, they should stay together!

"Do you remember what you promised me?" Tōka pulled out his trump card; he had a good grasp of Bai's personality.

Just as expected!

Bai lowered her head in silence upon hearing this. As Tōka's companion, she was determined to live well and had never forgotten her promise.

That's why Bai didn't want to separate from Tōka.

"Don't worry, I'll be coming to find you soon." Tōka finished speaking and turned to look at Deva Path.

Even without speaking, Tōka's meaning was clear.

He asked Nagato if he had thought it Kekkei Genkai. Although his current strength wasn't great, his advantage lay in his young age and high potential.

Moreover, Pakura is quite strong, possessing a certain foundation and experience.

However, in Nagato's eyes, Pakura and Haku were no different; one was the weakest of the weak, and the other was the strongest of the weak.

Anyway... they're all weaklings.

After a moment's hesitation, Deva Path coldly looked at the three of them. "I hope you're right."

Nagato agreed to Tōka's request for two reasons: firstly, Akatsuki was really short of manpower, and secondly, strong ninjas recruited from outside were naturally less loyal than those trained by their own clan.

Deva Path quickly led Pakura and Bai away. Watching the three figures disappear into the distance, Tōka knew that the two would give him a big surprise the next time they met.

The Ice-Fire Combination's plan is complete. Next, they need to improve their strength and make some money along the way.

It was during this Land of Water voyage to the land of water that Tōka realized the importance of money.

In the Forest, under the cool shade of the trees, a gentle breeze stirred the hems of their clothes.

"Are you ready?" Tōka suddenly spoke up, asking a question that seemed out of the ordinary.

The Animal Path nodded expressionlessly and casually replied, "The Jutsu Formula only requires a Living Sacrifice, and Sacrifice are readily available."

"Couldn't you have brought one?" Tōka frowned slightly, looking at the Animal Path with displeasure. He actually had to catch one?

The Animal Path gave Tōka a cold look, as if he were looking at an idiot.

It's obvious to a fool which is more convenient: bringing someone from the Land of Rain or just grabbing someone from nearby!

In fact, Tōka meant to bring a White Zetsu, but Black Zetsu obviously didn't tell Nagato about the White Zetsu.

Seeing Nagato's expression, Tōka immediately understood.

"Alright, I'll just treat it as training." Tōka turned and headed towards a nearby Town, with the Animal Path Tōka behind him like a little follower.

Unless Tōka asks, the Animal Path will not utter another word.

Nagato also wanted to observe Tōka up close, so he decided to let Tōka make all the decisions himself.

It is observation, and also surveillance.

Each town in the Land of Rivers has slightly different customs and traditions, Tōka entered a Town in the forest.

The style is similar to most towns in the Land of Fire, which makes it easier for Tōka to stand out even in his Land of Fire attire, without having to deliberately change his clothes.

"Where to next?" Animal Path noticed Tōka wandering aimlessly down the street and couldn't help but ask curiously.

"I'm not going anywhere," Tōka replied without turning his head. He was searching for a target, so his statement wasn't wrong.

The Animal Path's eyes narrowed, and he snorted coldly without speaking again.

The two people, one tall and one short, looked quite odd together; their flamboyant Red Clouds on a Black Background trench Coat made it impossible for them not to attract attention!

Tōka's attire was decent; he wore casual clothes and wasn't wearing a Ninja Headband, looking like a young master from a powerful clan in the Land of Fire on a leisurely trip.

The Animal Path had a cold expression, and was covered in Black Rods. He was dressed in Red Clouds on a Black Background Coat, and had Forehead Protector a Rogue Ninja on his forehead.

Logically, Nobles traveling Land of Fire wouldn't hire Rogue Ninja as bodyguards.

However, most people around only glanced at it briefly before looking away; these days, peace is rife everywhere.

It's better to mind your own business than to get involved in something else, especially when it's none of your concern.

After turning a street corner, Tōka decided to give up and find an inn to stay in before continuing his search.

Suddenly, several pungent odors appeared, like rats in a stinking ditch, impossible to miss.

Tōka's lips curled up slightly, a bloodthirsty smile One Flash across his face, but it was clearly seen by the keen beastly Animal Path.

"Did this brat discover something?" The Animal Path focused slightly, his cold eyes scanning the pedestrians on the street.

Before long, the Animal Path noticed the anomaly, and gave a cold, harsh snort, its tone full of disdain.

Tōka paid no attention to the Animal Path and walked towards the secluded Dark Alley.

As expected.

The moment Tōka stepped into the Dark Alley, a series of gusts of wind whistled through the air, and countless Shuriken rained down like raindrops.

"You think you can hurt him with something like this?" Tōka smiled contemptuously, raising his arm high with his fingers spread.

All-Killing Ash Bones - Bone Bullet Barrage!

Puff puff puff!!

More numerous, faster, and more powerful Bone Bullets were fired out like a Gatling gun.

A series of crisp, tinkling sounds rang out.

The Shuriken that were raining down were all knocked down into various corners of the Dark Alley.

Looking at the group of people emerging from the Shadowy Corner, Tōka couldn't help but sneer.

"What? Kirigakure is one of the Five Great Nations, and their Rogue Ninja are only this bad?"

A group of Rogue Ninja wore Forehead Protector with flowing water patterns on their foreheads, each Forehead Protector having a horizontal slash down the middle, signifying their status as Rogue Ninja.

One of the men, a burly nine-foot-tall man who appeared to be the leader, stood ten paces away with his arms crossed, looking down at Tōka.

Despite how infuriating Tōka's words were, the thoughts of the Kirigakure Rogue Ninja leader were completely disproportionate to his physique.

He is meticulous and his strength has reached the level of Elite Chunin.

They recruited a group of exiled ninjas through coercion and enticement, and established themselves in the Land of Rivers. They specialized in robbing and killing lone ninjas with bounties on their heads, and were known as the Violent Bear Grey.

Whether they are Rogue Ninja or ninjas from the Five Great Nations, anyone who enters the territory of the Violent Bear Grey will be targeted!

"Konoha Bone Release Ninja Tōka, bounty of 100 million taels."

The Violent Bear Grey's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Even if a kid of ten or so years old had a powerful Kekkei Genkai, he was at most Chunin.

He's definitely going to make that hundred million taels!

"Oh? Rogue Ninja are doing Bounty Hunter too?" Tōka asked with a half-smile. "Aren't you afraid of getting killed and taken for the reward?"

"Hmph, the one who can kill me, Grey Bear, hasn't been born yet!" Violent Bear Grey grinned, revealing a mouthful of rotten black teeth, and said coldly.

"Nagato, what do we do about his confidence?" Tōka had no intention of doing it himself. Bringing along a top-tier henchman, wouldn't it be foolish to do it himself?

"I won't make a move!" the Animal Path replied expressionlessly.

Tōka's eye twitched, and only two words flashed through her mind: aloof!

If the Animal Path says it won't act, then it truly won't...

Tōka's gaze sharpened slightly. There were seven people on the other side, including three Chunin and four Genin.

This lineup poses no challenge for Tōka...

"I have a question I hope you can answer," Tōka said with a serious expression.

"What's the problem?" Violent Bear Grey answered Tōka's question outwardly, but secretly made a hand gesture, signaling the other Six People to prepare to take action.

"How much are you worth?" Tōka tilted his head and asked seriously.

"Damn it!" In an instant, Violent Bear Grey understood what Tōka meant. This brat actually wanted to kill him and sell him for money!

A violent aura surged forth, and as his name suggests, the Violent Bear Grey, roared, his deafening voice echoing throughout the entire town.

The nearby residents sensed the menacing aura and swiftly fled out of Town.

Their speed and agility are comparable to those of ninjas who specialize in Taijutsu!

"Telling you won't hurt, I'm worth eighteen million taels!" Violent Bear Grey roared, his hands quickly Hand Seals.

At the same time, Six People hiding nearby made their move at once.

All the attacks converged on Tōka and the Animal Path.

However, Tōka seemed oblivious to the other party's attack, standing there blankly, though his pale face confirmed that he had indeed heard what Violent Bear Grey said.

"There are actually 18 million taels! Even if you completed all the D-rank missions in Konoha, you wouldn't see that much money."

Then, Tōka's expression changed again, and another question came to mind.

"If I were to do it myself, how could I at least leave behind a complete corpse? I should at least keep my head, right?"

In a flash, Tōka made up her mind.

Unfortunately, Tōka was destined to be disappointed, because the eighteen million taels that Violent Bear Grey mentioned did not refer to him alone, but to the total amount owed to seven people.