Return

With no incidents overnight, the three from Konoha set out again at dawn, embarking on their journey back to Konohagakure. As usual, they were accompanied by two Stone Ninja Anbu. Xing Ran easily detected with his X-ray vision that these were the same two who had "escorted" them on the way there, confirming that Konoha's methods were indeed similar to many others.

If he hadn't handed the paper ball to Nonō at the gambling house last time, Xing Ran's current situation of being "escorted" would have been the environment he originally planned to use to contact Nonō. Now, things were much simpler. The two remained silent, as if strangers, throughout the journey.

After Yamaki Atsushi released three Ninja Hawks, and following 13 hours of travel, the Konoha trio left the Land of Earth and entered the Land of Grass.

There had been no attacks when they came to the Land of Earth, and this time, with experienced Stone Ninja Anbu familiar with the terrain, the group was able to travel at their fastest pace. In 13 hours, they covered nearly two thousand li, their speed astonishing.

"We'll escort you this far. Good luck," Nonō said, offering her blessings before quickly disappearing into the sunset with her companion.

The Konoha trio felt nothing in particular. After waving goodbye, they headed towards the nearest market. Meanwhile, the burly Stone Ninja Anbu man glanced strangely at his companion walking beside him in the darkness. This companion rarely spoke, and exchanges with ninjas from other countries were even rarer. What was going on today?

Beet Town was a large market town within the Land of Grass, but still some distance from the border.

The Konoha trio had originally planned to find a nearby market at the border of the Land of Earth and the Land of Grass to rest. However, Xing Ran had other ideas. He had been persuading his companions along the way, and finally got them to agree to the plan of coming to Beet Town.

As a result, the trio, who could have reached their lodging before dinner, only managed to find an inn around supper time.

Xing Ran felt the extra few hundred li were well worth it because this was a large market town, bustling with activity and traffic. Places that were lively in this world often came with many establishments for entertainment. Xing Ran wanted to buy some Explosive Tags to test out a previous idea, and replenishing his reserve funds was also essential. Xing Ran was definitely not doing this just because his fingers were itching.

This time, Xing Ran learned his lesson. After supper and settling into the inn, he waited until he was sure his companions were resting before going out alone to find a gambling house. He was well-prepared this time, having disguised himself before leaving. He could change his appearance several times in a short period to ensure he wouldn't be chased out for winning too much money.

Soon, Xing Ran began sweeping through the nearest gambling houses. What was initially just pocket money quickly became a sum that could be described as savings. Xing Ran was having a great time. When success is a foregone conclusion, some might find it boring, but Xing Ran just wanted to say, "Don't stop."

Snap.

A familiar force, a familiar palm, a familiar voice.

"Xing Ran-kun!" Junpei's voice suddenly appeared behind Xing Ran. This was the third gambling house Xing Ran had visited. He had noticed Junpei searching for him during the last round, so he had quickly seized the opportunity to make a big bet. Junpei, upon seeing someone at the table winning a large sum, easily found Xing Ran.

"Hi, what a coincidence. Senior Junpei, would you like to play a round?" Xing Ran once again put on a friendly, formulaic smile, a dazzling, sunny smile that almost made Junpei forget whether he had come to play one round or two. Bah, he came to save a lost lamb.

"Xing Ran-kun, I've told you countless times that gambling leads to ruin. You absolutely cannot get addicted to this, or your life will be over..." Junpei said, pulling Xing Ran by the arm and dragging him out without waiting for a response. He launched into a lecture mode, like a mother, without repeating a single word. In a way, Junpei truly had his own unique strengths.

Xing Ran just smiled the whole way, like a young actor with no acting skills who only needed to smile.

However, this smile gradually began to carry some sincerity. Although Junpei was ordinary in appearance, ability, and personality, his concern for Xing Ran touched him. This guy was an ordinary person he could form a deep friendship with.

For some reason, Xing Ran suddenly felt that Junpei's template was very similar to Iruka's. He had no special ninja skills, but he had some bright spots as a person.

When they returned to the inn, Yamaki Atsushi was not there; he had gone to look for Xing Ran too. Just this fact alone showed that the ninja environment in Konohagakure was indeed much better than in other countries. They had only been on one mission, and it was already in the completion and return phase, yet there was this level of camaraderie. In those ninja villages with a bad atmosphere, most people wouldn't care about their companions' lives at such a time.

The next morning, Yamaki Atsushi, who had returned late the previous night, dragged Xing Ran out of his warm bed early. Mother's lecture, part two.

Xing Ran smiled wryly. To escape the predicament as quickly as possible, Xing Ran played his trump card.

"Seniors, I won 10,000 ryo yesterday."

"So what if you won? With your attitude, you'll lose it all back sooner or later. Listen to my advice."

"Seniors, I gamble to buy more ninja tools and to train new jutsu."

"Hmph, gambler's excuses. We are experienced Chunin; your little tricks won't work here."

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

"Don't think a little favor can make you avoid the main issue. You must quit gambling... You won so much and only give us two?"

"Three each. No, four."

"Deal."

Between people, to resolve misunderstandings, one doesn't need the Infinite Tsukuyomi or the Chakra connection of the Ninja Sect. Giving gifts is also a very good option.

After a night of big wins and sharing the spoils with his companions, followed by a heartwarming exchange, the Konoha trio once again set off on their journey back to Konohagakure.

This time, they were without the Stone Ninja Anbu, and the three were not in a hurry. It wasn't until mid-afternoon that they crossed the Land of Grass and reached the border of the Land of Fire.

Along the way, Xing Ran held Explosive Tags in his hand, his eyes occasionally darting around. In places no one noticed, leaves and branches would inexplicably be burned with a small hole.

It was still not subtle enough. Xing Ran secretly glanced at his companions ahead. He could clearly see the red light emanating from his eyes. Anyone with discerning eyes would notice something was wrong with light shooting out from one's eyes.

But he couldn't make the light weaker and detonate the Explosive Tag instantly. A weaker light meant reduced power, and if the instantaneous heat wasn't up to par, it would be a waste of effort.

Once again, Xing Ran quietly used his heat vision ability on a leaf to his side.

"Alert!"

Suddenly, Yamaki Atsushi at the front shouted, startling Xing Ran. Since the mission was complete, he had been developing new combat methods while traveling and wasn't fully focused. Yamaki Atsushi's shout made him think he had been exposed.

Thanks to book friends Feng Erdan, Si Si 420, and others for their daily voting support, as well as book friends Hu Bian Tu, Silence and Death, Tommy's Pikachu, and others for their recommendation support.

It's been several days since I asked for recommendations. I shamelessly ask for votes again. You get them every day, and it's a waste if you don't vote. Please vote for Xiao Ran. Also, those who are saving up chapters, please vote too. Don't let Xiao Ran die from neglect. Thank you.