The next day.
The sun blazed overhead.
Amid rolling thunder, the eight members of Kirigakure, along with Sasori of the Red Sands, walked out through Kumogakure's gates.
This time, Samui had not made it to the gates to see them off, because the newly promoted Chunin, including her, would soon be heading to the front lines with Killer B.
As for Zabuza and the others, who had also finished the Chunin Exams...
They were still Genin.
It was not because they had performed poorly. Rather, neither Araki nor the Mizukage could possibly handle their promotions in Kumogakure.
They had to return to Kirigakure before they could register them properly.
Beyond Kumogakure stretched a barren mountain road.
The descent was much easier than the climb. Araki remained vigilant the entire way, but more than half a day passed, and even after they boarded the sea vessel Kumogakure had specially prepared for them, they had not spotted anyone who looked remotely like an assassin.
"Looks like Konoha has given up on the assassination plan."
Araki sighed in relief and said to the Third Mizukage, "Mizukage-sama, please board first."
Once aboard, he politely asked every sailor on the ship to disembark.
After all, what they intended to do aboard this ship absolutely could not be witnessed by outsiders.
"But how are we supposed to explain this to Lord Raikage?"
The captain looked at Araki awkwardly. "And without us steering the ship, you people..."
He did not finish the sentence, likely out of consideration for Araki and the others' pride.
What he meant was obvious: could any of them even sail a ship?
"Hehe..."
Araki smiled faintly at that. Asking people from Kirigakure whether they could sail?
Ninja education might have been heavily skewed in areas like culture and politics, but any skills related