After entering Konoha.
Natsume and Nonō continued to conceal their presence as they hurried toward the Orphanage.
It wasn't that Natsume wanted to make a big entrance.
He just didn't want to draw too much attention.
After all, both Konoha's Blue Beast and Sarutobi's Reaper Death Seal posed a certain threat to him.
This wasn't cowardice.
He was simply being sensibly cautious!
If he waited just two or three more months, he could save up another ten thousand Gold Coins and obtain an Immortal Body.
By then, even taking a direct hit from the Eight Inner Gates wouldn't be a problem.
But right now, there was no reason to risk death just to show off for a moment.
Besides, there were still so many wonderful services waiting for him back in his own village and in Kirigakure!
He couldn't afford to get sunk in a ditch like this!
Beneath the night sky, Natsume and Nonō leaped through the village.
Before long, they reached the vicinity of the Orphanage.
"Careful. Stay hidden!"
"I'll go in and take a look first. Once I've confirmed it's safe, you can follow."
Natsume stopped Nonō and cautioned her.
According to the intelligence,
there was a very good chance this Orphanage had become one of Root's secret bases.
It was a convenient place to hide their activities and train their people.
So there might be Root ninjas stationed inside.
Natsume could handle an ambush himself, even if there was one.
But Nonō, who was only a Chunin, couldn't be guaranteed safe if she charged in recklessly.
He couldn't risk the alluring shrine maiden at his side for a bunch of kids who hadn't even grown up yet, could he?
"Okay!"
Nonō nodded, clearly trusting Natsume completely by now.
But just as Natsume was about to