August 19, Severed Mountain City.
Orochimaru's squad was resting in Severed Mountain City.
After they negotiated terms with Three-Eyes yesterday, the beef and liquor had arrived today, and everyone had already dug in.
"Say—doesn't this count as a kickback?" Ranwu asked worriedly as she ate.
In theory, they had come to escort a bulk shipment of trade goods for Konoha, and what they were eating now—seemed to be trade goods too!
"Of course not! They said it was a congratulatory gift," Akaseki declared righteously.
"Really?" Ranwu asked uncertainly.
"I'm with the Konoha Military Police Force! If I say it doesn't count, it doesn't count!" Akaseki puffed out his chest.
Well, that was quite convincing. The Konoha Military Police Force was responsible for overseeing precisely this sort of thing.
Ranwu: ...
"This black yak beef really lives up to its reputation as the Land of Lightning's national gift. This meat is utterly delicious. Take some to Minato!" Akaseki said, casually ordering Yakushi Nonō around. Minato was outside the city at the moment, practicing the "Wind Pressure Technique."
This time, Ranwu did not side with Akaseki. Instead, she spoke up for Yakushi Nonō. "You know Fire Style. If you take it, it won't get cold along the way."
Akaseki: ...
Clearly, Yakushi Nonō's decision to stay behind and cover their retreat during the attack at Mountain Hollow Village had gradually earned Ranwu's trust.
What Yakushi Nonō had done to Akaseki during the Chunin Ninja Exams had indeed left Ranwu nursing a grudge. That was the side of her that cherished her comrades.
But just as Akaseki was a typical member of the Uchiha Clan, Ranwu was a typical member of the Senju Clan. She valued her comrades, but she also forgave others easily. Back in the day, the First and Second had