The Unreliable Quartet Shows Their Strength

The distance from the Land of Fire to the Land of Waves was by no means short. With nothing else to do, Tazuna gave the group a rough overview of the situation along the way.

The Land of Waves was a nation without ninjas—a small island with almost zero ninja presence, a failing economy, and an impoverished population.

Gato had used his wealth and brute force to gain complete control over all maritime transport on the island.

For an island nation like the Land of Waves, controlling the lifeline of maritime traffic meant controlling the country's wealth, politics, and every aspect of its people's lives.

However, once the bridge Tazuna was building to the mainland was completed, Gato's plans would fall through, which was why Gato had hired numerous ninjas to assassinate him.

Lu Yu had known about this plot for a long time, but Shikamaru and the others listened with genuine interest.

The group traveled at a leisurely pace. Asuma, having been pestered by Mrs. Murakami until he developed a psychological trauma, felt that everything outside the village looked incredibly beautiful now that he had finally escaped.

As for the other four youngsters, there was no need to mention them; they had no concept of being on a C-rank mission. They constantly pulled snacks out of their large bags, eating and drinking their way along, having the time of their lives.

Tazuna watched this incredibly unreliable team of ninjas with dark lines on his forehead, wondering what kind of deities he had hired. If he hadn't already verified their identities as ninjas, he would have suspected they were all con artists.

For the rest of the journey, only Tazuna remained paranoid, jumping in alarm and running away at the slightest rustle in the bushes.

Ino watched Tazuna's skittish behavior and said with a chuckle:

"Uncle Tazuna, don't worry, we'll protect you. Here, try this."

Tazuna took the small bag of snacks Ino tossed to him and tucked it carefully into his coat; he wanted to bring these treats, which looked quite good, to his grandson.

After doing so, Tazuna looked at Ino with a grateful expression:

"Thank you, beautiful Ino. May the heavens bless your wishes to come true."

As he said this, Tazuna cast a meaningful glance at Lu Yu, who was busy gnawing on beef jerky beside Ino.

Seeing Tazuna's look, Ino knew exactly what he was implying. Her pretty face flushed bright red, and she bit her lip, gathering the courage to edge a little closer to Lu Yu.

"Huh? Ino, do you want some too?"

Lu Yu saw Ino move closer and, assuming she was craving his beef jerky, generously handed her the remaining half-bag.

"I..."

Lu Yu looked at the stunned Ino, assuming she was just being shy, and said with a cheerful laugh:

"Don't be polite, Ino. Take it, it tastes pretty good."

Ino subconsciously took the beef jerky Lu Yu handed her, feeling completely windblown...

Does he really think I'm Choji?

Do you think I'd be craving your beef jerky?

Damn it, this blockhead, he's going to be the death of me!

Ino spitefully pulled out a piece of jerky, shoved it into her mouth, and bit down hard, as if she were biting Lu Yu to vent her frustration.

Beside them, Shikamaru watched his older brother and Ino, shaking his head helplessly as he couldn't help but remark:

"Women are such a drag..."

Team 10 continued their carefree stroll, looking left and right, until a large puddle appeared on the road ahead.

Except for Ino, who was sulking, and Choji, who was focused on his potato chips, Lu Yu, Shikamaru, and Asuma keenly sensed that something was wrong.

It hadn't rained recently, so where could such a large puddle have come from?

Even if it had, under the heat of the sun, it should have evaporated by now.

To the three of them, such a clumsy attempt at concealment was far too amateurish.

Asuma didn't give any orders; he was actually looking forward to seeing how his "salted fish" students would react if the enemy launched a surprise attack.

Before long, the six of them passed by the large puddle, seemingly oblivious to everything before them.

The only thing out of the ordinary was that Lu Yu waited slightly for Ino, who had fallen behind, and walked side-by-side with her.

Ino looked at Lu Yu beside her, completely bewildered, thinking:

Could it be that this blockhead has finally opened his eyes?

But Ino didn't notice that as they passed, a head slowly emerged from the puddle.

"Splash..."

"The first one!"

The sound of chains extending was piercingly sharp in the quiet forest path.

A low, murderous voice came from behind.

Two figures suddenly appeared behind Lu Yu and Ino.

Ino felt a rush of wind behind her back. Seeing Lu Yu, who seemed completely unaware, she instinctively stepped in front of him and shouted:

"Lu Yu, look out!"

"Hmph, seeking death!"

Seeing Ino block Lu Yu, a bloodthirsty glint flashed in the two ninjas' eyes, and they quickened their pace.

Shikamaru saw this and immediately activated his Shadow Possession Jutsu, his brow furrowing as he thought:

Damn it, hurry up and catch up.

Asuma watched Lu Yu, who seemed completely oblivious to the situation, with a hint of disappointment. He tightened his grip on the Flying Swallow, already prepared to strike.

Just then, a black shadow flashed by, followed by two dull thuds.

In the next instant, the two ninjas who had just been launching a fierce assault vanished without a trace.

The group stared at the scene in utter bewilderment. Had it not been for the constant rustling coming from the distant forest, they wouldn't have even known what had happened.

Among the five, only Asuma had vaguely seen Lu Yu move; the others had only deduced that it must have been him.

Yet, no one had expected that this guy, who usually spent his days fishing, could be so terrifying when he cut loose, instantly sending two ninjas flying.

At this moment, Shikamaru was the most shocked of all. Same parents, same lazy lifestyle—he never imagined his older brother could be this strong.

Lu Yu offered no explanation. He turned his head and patted Ino's little head with a smile:

"Silly girl, don't worry, I'll protect you..."