On the road to their lodgings, Lihuo walked with an outwardly calm expression, but inwardly, he was silently calculating while deliberately taking note of the surroundings and Kirigakure's unique terrain.
His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, missing no detail.
As they neared the village entrance, Lihuo took advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention. With a flash, he instantly appeared in an extremely secluded corner.
His hands flew through seals, and he silently placed a special mark at that spot.
This was his Flying Thunder God Mark. Not only was it difficult to detect, but countless past experiences had proven that such preparation was the right choice.
Since the Anbu's attention was focused entirely on powerful figures like Orochimaru and Ai, coupled with the Flying Raijin Jutsu's exceptional concealment, even the Anbu responsible for escorting the envoys failed to notice Lihuo's series of covert actions.
Meanwhile, throughout the journey, Lihuo and Orochimaru had both been carefully observing this mysterious hidden village that seemed isolated from the rest of the world.
Lihuo noticed that although all of Kirigakure was shrouded in dense fog and the air was abnormally damp, creating a somewhat oppressive feeling, the villagers were full of vigor and vitality.
Perhaps the new Mizukage's assumption of office had brought a new atmosphere to the village, filling its streets and alleys with bustling energy.
Before long, Lihuo and the others arrived at the lodgings specially arranged for the envoys.
What was rather telling was that their residence was very close to the Mizukage's office building.
On one hand, this arrangement undoubtedly demonstrated Kirigakure's importance and respect for its visitors;
on the other, it was likely meant to make monitoring these foreign envoys more convenient.
Lihuo and Orochimaru were assigned two adjoining rooms.
After quickly organizing