There was no way around it—words alone were not proof. Although the Third Kazekage had written to Iwagakure, informing them that Kinnara had developed Wood Release, there was no way Ōnoki would simply believe it.
After all, the Land of Wind was such a godforsaken place. Telling him someone had developed Wood Release there—was that supposed to be a joke? After receiving the letter, Ōnoki had not torn it up on the spot and had instead replied that he wanted to witness it himself. That alone was out of respect for the fact that the sender was the Kazekage.
Without seeing it with his own eyes, Ōnoki would only assume this was a delaying tactic devised by Sunagakure for the sake of the River of Rain's interests.
So, even though the Third Kazekage treasured Kinnara immensely, he still took the risk of sending him to Iwagakure this time, hoping to reach an agreement with Ōnoki.
After all, he did not know Kinnara's true identity. In the Third Kazekage's eyes, once Kinnara's Wood Release was exposed, Konoha would never let the matter rest. Sunagakure alone would have a hard time protecting Kinnara.
Before long, Kinnara's group of three set out. Keiji and the three of them were all highly capable shinobi. Once their destination had been decided, they reached the border of the Land of Rain on the third night.
"Once we cross the Land of Rain, we should reach Iwagakure in another day. From the moment we enter the Land of Rain, everyone needs to be extra careful."
Although the Land of Rain and Sunagakure were currently in their honeymoon period, and quite a few Sand Shinobi were within the Land of Rain constructing the River of Rain, they were still entering another country. It could not be as safe