In the forests of the Land of Fire.
Zhengye and the other seven, having traveled all day, were setting up camp in a sheltered spot to rest.
Everyone was used to going out on missions year-round, so their coordination was fairly good.
They quickly finished pitching tents, lighting a fire, fetching water, and hunting.
The group sat around the campfire, roasting a freshly caught sika deer.
Might Guy talked about amusing past duels with Kakashi, while Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi chatted quietly.
Dongyou and Junxia discussed swordsmanship while the others listened in silence. The atmosphere was quite harmonious.
Although this was Zhengye's first long journey, he had the original owner's memories, so he adapted naturally.
He had even specifically brought plenty of barbecue seasoning with him. Above all, he refused to mistreat his own stomach.
The Land of Fire was quite vast. Even for a group of jonin like them, more than ten hours of travel had not brought them to the border.
The Hidden Cloud side was moving even more slowly, and Zhengye's group was in no rush to force down soldier pills to save time. They rested whenever they could.
Flap, flap, flap... The sound of beating wings came from above.
A messenger bird landed on Asuma's hand.
He removed the note tied to its leg, read it, then reported to Zhengye.
"Lord Zhengye, Hidden Cloud's location has been confirmed."
"If we set out early tomorrow morning, we'll be able to meet up with them by evening."
As Zhengye sprinkled seasoning over the roasting meat, he replied,
"Alright. Then let's eat and get to bed early tonight."
Zhengye beckoned to Kakashi.
Kakashi paused, then shifted positions and sat beside Zhengye.
Zhengye handed him a skewer of meat. "How has Naruto been lately?"
Kakashi accepted the meat and answered,