Danger Is Approaching

He turned to Aoba and beckoned him over. "Aoba, come here. This guy doesn't have the strength to throw his weight around anymore."

Aoba cautiously stepped forward, his gaze shifting back and forth between Xiong Tie and Asuma.

He asked quietly, "Sensei, what... what do we do next?"

Asuma patted Aoba on the shoulder and said with a smile, "What next? Naturally, we have a nice talk with them."

He turned to Xiong Tie, his tone still relaxed. "Hey, Xiong Tie, right? Do you still think I'm a spy?"

Xiong Tie panted heavily, staring at Asuma with a conflicted look. After a long while, he finally said in a low voice, "You won... Tell me, what exactly do you want?"

Asuma grinned and crouched down until he was eye level with Xiong Tie. "Simple. I want to join your caravan and have you take us to Sunagakure. How about it? That's not too much to ask, is it?"

Xiong Tie frowned and hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Fine... I can take you there. But you have to promise you won't harm the caravan."

"Don't worry."

Asuma stood up and dusted off his hands. "I'm a man of my word."

He paused and gave Aoba a look. "Aoba, go get our luggage. We're setting up camp here tonight."

Aoba nodded, then turned and ran toward the woods nearby, still shaken by the battle he had just witnessed.

As he ran, he couldn't help recalling Asuma's effortless footwork and precise attacks. So this is the strength of a Jonin... When will I ever reach that level?

By the campfire, the caravan members gradually gathered around. Some began whispering about Asuma's strength, while others curiously looked Aoba over.

Xiong Tie sat on the ground, rubbing his wrist as he looked at