Return

Nothing happened overnight. At first light the next day, the three from Konoha set out again on their journey back to Konoha. As usual, they were accompanied by two Iwa Anbu. Using his X-ray vision, Xing Ran easily discovered that they were the same two people who had "escorted" them on their way here. Sure enough, they handled things much like Konoha did in many ways.

If he had not slipped the paper ball to Nonō in the gambling den beforehand, then this "escort" situation would have been the environment Xing Ran had originally planned to use to contact her. Things would not have become so troublesome. The two tacitly said nothing, acting like strangers as they traveled in silence.

After Yamaki Atsushi released three Ninja Hawks, the three from Konoha traveled for thirteen hours before leaving the Land of Earth and entering the Land of Grass.

They had not encountered any attacks on their way through the Land of Earth, and this time, with experienced Iwa Anbu familiar with the terrain leading them, they traveled at top speed. In thirteen hours, they covered nearly two thousand li, moving incredibly fast.

"We'll see you off here. Good luck to you all." Nonō offered her blessing before quickly vanishing into the sunset with her companion.

The three from Konoha did not feel much about it. After waving goodbye, they headed toward the nearest market town. Meanwhile, the burly male Iwa Anbu glanced curiously at the companion moving alongside him through the darkness. This companion rarely spoke, and communicating with ninjas from other countries was even rarer. What had gotten into her today?

Beet Town was a relatively large town within the Land of Grass, though it was still some distance from the border.

The three from Konoha had originally planned to find a nearby market at the border between the Land of Earth and the Land of Grass to rest up, but Xing Ran had other ideas. He spent the whole way persuading them and finally got his companions to agree to go to Beet Town.

As a result, the three, who could originally have reached their lodging before dinner, only found an inn around the time for a late-night snack.

However, Xing Ran felt that traveling a few hundred extra li had been completely worthwhile. This was a large town, with bustling streets packed with carts and people. In this world, lively places were often accompanied by plenty of places to spend money. Xing Ran wanted to buy some Explosive Tags and test out an idea he had been working on. Replenishing his reserves of cash was also essential. It was absolutely not because his hands were getting itchy.

This time, Xing Ran had learned his lesson. After finishing their late-night snack and settling down at the inn, he waited until he had confirmed that his companions were resting before going out alone to find a gambling den. He had also prepared thoroughly this time, putting on a disguise before leaving. He could switch between several appearances in a short period, ensuring that he would not be thrown out after winning too much money.

Xing Ran soon began sweeping through the nearest gambling dens. What had originally been pocket-change-level funds quickly became enough to call savings. Xing Ran was having a wonderful time. When something was destined to succeed, pretentious people might find it boring, but Xing Ran only had one thing to say: don't stop.

Smack.

The familiar force, the familiar hand, the familiar voice.

"Xing! Ran! -kun!" Junpei's voice suddenly sounded behind Xing Ran. This was the third gambling den Xing Ran had switched to. During the previous round, Xing Ran had already noticed Junpei coming after him, so he hurriedly placed one huge bet. After Junpei spotted someone at this table making a fortune, he easily found Xing Ran.

"Hey, what a coincidence. Junpei-senpai, are you here for a round too?" Xing Ran once again wore that friendly, practiced smile. His dazzlingly sunny grin nearly made Junpei forget whether he had come to gamble once or twice. No, damn it, he was here to save a lost lamb.

"Xing Ran-kun, I've told you countless times that nine out of ten bets end in losses. You absolutely cannot get addicted to this stuff, or your life will be over..." Without another word, Junpei grabbed Xing Ran by the arm and dragged him outside, switching into full mom mode as he lectured him. He could go on and on without repeating himself. In a sense, Junpei had a remarkable talent.

Xing Ran merely smiled along the way, like a young idol who could not act. If he had no acting skills, he could just smile.

Yet that smile gradually gained a touch of sincerity. Junpei was ordinary in appearance, ordinary in ability, and ordinary in personality, but Xing Ran was somewhat moved by his concern. This guy was an ordinary person worth befriending.

For some reason, Xing Ran suddenly felt that Junpei's character template was very similar to Iruka's. He had no special talent as a ninja, but he did have a few admirable qualities as a person.

When they returned to the inn, Yamaki Atsushi was not there. He had gone looking for Xing Ran too. From this alone, Konoha's ninja environment was indeed much better than that of other countries. They had only gone on one mission, and it had already entered its final return stage, yet they had formed this level of bond. In ninja villages with poor atmospheres, no one would care whether their companions lived or died at a time like this.

Early the next morning, Yamaki Atsushi, who had only returned in the middle of the night, yanked Xing Ran out of bed at dawn for the second round of mom-mode education.

Xing Ran could only smile bitterly. In order to escape his predicament as quickly as possible, he unleashed his ultimate move.

"Senpais, I won ten thousand ryo yesterday."

"So what if you won? With that attitude, sooner or later you'll lose all the money you won. Take your big brother's advice."

"Senpais, I gamble so I can buy more ninja tools and practice new techniques."

"Hmph, a gambler's excuse. We're both experienced Chunin. Your little tricks won't work on us."

"There's a ninja tool shop at the street corner. I'm going to replenish my Explosive Tags now. How about I give each of you two?"

"Don't think a few petty favors can distract us from the issue. You have to quit gambling... You made that much and you're only giving us two?"

"Three each. No, four."

"Deal."

When people failed to understand one another, there was no need for Infinite Tsukuyomi or the Chakra-linked Ninja Sect. Giving gifts was also an excellent choice.

After making a large sum last night and sharing the spoils with his companions, the three from Konoha set out once more on their journey back to Konoha Village after a warm exchange.

This time, without Iwa Anbu at their side, the three did not rush their journey. It was not until late afternoon that they crossed the Land of Grass and arrived at the border of the Land of Fire.

Along the way, Xing Ran held Explosive Tags in his hand, his gaze occasionally wandering around. Wherever no one noticed, tiny holes would mysteriously be burned into leaves and branches.

It was still not concealed enough. Xing Ran secretly glanced at the companions traveling ahead of him. He could clearly see the red light shooting from his own eyes. Anyone with eyes could tell there was something wrong with beams shooting out of someone's eyes.

But if he wanted the beam to become dimmer, he could not instantly detonate the Explosive Tag. A dimmer beam meant weaker power. If the instantaneous heat did not meet the standard, it would all be wasted effort.

Once again, Xing Ran quietly used Heat vision on a leaf diagonally ahead of him.

"Stay alert!"

Yamaki Atsushi, at the front of the group, suddenly shouted in a low voice, startling Xing Ran. The mission was already complete, and he had been developing a new combat method while traveling, so his attention had not been focused. When Yamaki Atsushi shouted, he thought he had been exposed.

Thanks to readers Feng Erdan, Si Si 420, and others for voting every day, as well as readers Tiger Whip Picture, Silence and Death, Tommy's Pikachu, and others for their recommendation support.

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