Departure for the Land of Hot Water

Tianqi had just reached the door when he used Medical Ninjutsu to heal his swollen face.

"Damn, Tsunade ate gunpowder today; she's fierce as hell." Recalling Tsunade's furious appearance, Tianqi shook his head.

"Honorable Ninja, can we depart now?" Tang He asked directly upon seeing Tianqi arrive.

"Almost. They should be here soon." Tianqi had barely finished speaking when Jiraiya and the others arrived.

"Big Brother Tianqi, why are you running so fast? At least wait for us!"

Seeing Jiraiya panting for breath, Tianqi wisely ignored him and instead turned to introduce Tang He.

"This is our client, Tang He. Our mission is to safely escort him back to the Land of Hot Water."

Tang He looked at the three people before him, his face full of doubt. "Honorable Ninja, are they really up to it? They're so young."

"We're young? I, Jiraiya, could complete this kind of escort mission alone! Are you looking down on us?" Jiraiya retorted loudly, hearing Tang He's disdain.

"That's right. Please don't underestimate the power of ninjas," Tsunade and Orochimaru added.

"Don't let their age fool you. Their strength is indeed considerable. Protecting you will be more than enough." Seeing Tang He's skepticism, Tianqi gave him a hint. The mission is to protect you, not anything else.

"I hope so." Seeing Tianqi's reassurance, Tang He didn't press the matter further.

"Alright, let's set off! Target: Land of Hot Water!" Tianqi immediately gave the order to depart.

And so, the group set off in a grand manner. Normally, with the speed of the ninjas, they could reach their destination in at most seven days. But now, with Tang He, an ordinary person, they could only proceed step by step.

"Unexpectedly, walking slowly while enjoying the scenery has its own unique charm." Tianqi mused. He usually traveled at top speed, completing missions and returning to the village. He had never tried walking so leisurely before.

Jiraiya and the others curiously looked around. They had never ventured far from home, at most just around Konoha. They were filled with endless fantasies and expectations about the outside world.

"Big Brother Tianqi, you travel often. What's the outside world like?" Jiraiya asked, looking at Tianqi.

"What else could it be? Just the same old thing: mountains, water, and ninjas." Tianqi wasn't particularly curious about the outside world. He'd rather stay in Konoha than run around outside all the time.

"Big Brother Tianqi, you're being too perfunctory with Jiraiya. Aren't there any fun or delicious places outside? You've been out so many times; don't you know?" Tsunade rolled her eyes at Tianqi.

"No matter how good the outside is, it can't compare to Konoha. Konoha is our home, after all."

Seeing Tianqi speaking so earnestly, the others were deeply moved. Yes, Konoha is our home! Just as they were feeling sentimental, Tianqi made a sudden turn.

"But, indeed, the things outside aren't as good as in Konoha. Konoha has plenty of delicious food and fun activities. And the beautiful girls in Konoha are not only good-looking but also pleasant to talk to. How can the outside compare to Konoha?" Tianqi said, a lecherous expression on his face.

"You agree, right, Jiraiya?" Tianqi said, looking at Jiraiya.

"That's right!"

"High five! Truly a kindred spirit!" The two then slapped hands.

Okay, Tianqi had come of age and had begun to yearn for women.

"Big Brother Tianqi, can't you be less perverted like Jiraiya? Can't you learn from someone like Orochimaru?" Tsunade rolled her eyes at Tianqi and Jiraiya.

Tianqi looked at Orochimaru and immediately got goosebumps all over. To be like Snake-aunt? Forget it. If I can't experience women, what's the point of life?

"What I said is true. You can ask Tang He if you don't believe me." Tianqi didn't delve into the topic of women but instead told Tsunade to ask Tang He.

"Konoha is indeed the best place I've ever seen. Everyone has a happy smile on their face, and there's no war. The outside world really can't compare to Konoha." Tang He also stepped forward to say. Unfortunately, my country can't be like Konoha. He didn't say those words out loud.

"See? I didn't lie, right? You're lucky to be born in Konoha," Tianqi said smugly.

Tsunade ignored Tianqi and turned to ask Tang He.

"Uncle Tang He, is life outside really that bad?"

Hearing Tsunade's words, Tang He thought for a moment and then said, "It's not just bad; it's terrible. Places protected by major ninja villages are still okay, but places without such protection are constantly at war. There are wandering ninjas everywhere, and ordinary people can't even afford to eat. You might get killed by a wandering ninja the moment you step outside, and your life would be lost." As Tang He spoke, his face darkened.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru also seemed thoughtful after hearing Tang He's words.

"I didn't expect life outside to be so difficult. I really can't imagine it in Konoha," Tsunade said, deeply moved.

"In the future, I will become a powerful ninja and bring peace to the Shinobi World, spreading peace to every corner of the Shinobi World," Jiraiya said confidently.

"Count me in," Orochimaru rarely agreed with Jiraiya's words. Orochimaru hadn't turned evil yet, and his heart was filled with justice.

"I believe that people will understand each other one day," Jiraiya said, uttering a classic line.

Hearing Jiraiya's words, Tianqi was also stunned for a moment. Then, Tianqi poured cold water on them. "Where there are people, there is conflict. Where there is conflict, there will be war. Mutual understanding is impossible. All we can do is try our best to prevent conflict and war."

"Big Brother Tianqi, I finally said a classic line. Can't you not pour cold water on me?" Jiraiya said with a complaint.

"It's not pouring cold water; I'm just stating the reality." Hmm! Just after saying these words, Tianqi noticed the Chakra of two Genin ahead.

Hiding and preparing to ambush? Here they come. On the surface, Tianqi continued talking to Jiraiya, not revealing any flaws.

"Jiraiya, you'll understand these things in the future. And Tsunade and Orochimaru, too. I advise you not to be too naive. Where there is light, there is darkness. Some people are invisible to the naked eye." Tianqi directly reminded the three, hoping they would understand.

Hearing Tianqi's sudden words and seeing his eyes intentionally or unintentionally drifting towards the bushes ahead, Tsunade and Orochimaru immediately understood that there were enemies. Tsunade silently began to protect Tang He, while Orochimaru prepared to strike at any moment. Only Jiraiya was still refuting Tianqi.

"Big Brother Tianqi, I think you're wrong. I believe the Shinobi World will eventually be at peace, and people will understand each other," Jiraiya said seriously to Tianqi.

Just then, two ninjas suddenly appeared from the bushes and threw two Shuriken at Tianqi. Tianqi was directly hit by the Shuriken and fell to the ground.

Jiraiya was stunned, watching Tianqi, who had just been talking to him, get killed.

Then, the two ninjas rushed towards Jiraiya, who was still in a daze, not having recovered.

"Jiraiya! Be careful, Jiraiya!" Orochimaru quickly reminded him, seeing the two rushing towards Jiraiya.

"That idiot!" After saying that, Orochimaru's hands turned into two snakes, binding the two attacking ninjas.