Hokage Office.
Nawaki slapped the mission application onto the desk.
"A C-rank escort mission. Transport the Senju Trading Company's first shipment of bulk goods to the eastern port."
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the application and skimmed it. His pipe nearly fell from his mouth.
"C-rank?" He flipped the application over and examined the cargo list on the back. "Nawaki, the total value of this shipment... could buy half a commercial street. Are you sure you don't want to raise it to A-rank?"
"No need." Nawaki leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. "High-value cargo doesn't automatically mean high danger. The eastern trade route is peaceful. At most, we'll run into a few petty bandits. C-rank is enough."
The Third watched him for three seconds, then put his pipe back in his mouth.
"Suit yourself. Who's escorting it?"
"I'll bring my own people."
The Third did not ask further questions. He stamped the application and, when handing it back, added, "Be careful on the road."
Nawaki took the file, waved with a grin, and walked out.
After the door closed, the Third spoke to the shadows in the corner.
"Jiraiya, follow them. Don't let them see you."
A lazy reply came from the darkness. "Got it, old man."
Konoha Gate, nine in the morning.
Three carriages stood neatly by the roadside, their compartments packed with wooden crates bearing the Senju Trading Company's labels.
Kushina Uzumaki sat on the shaft of the first carriage, swinging her legs as she chewed on a rice cracker. Mikoto leaned against the carriage, inspecting a short blade whose edge flashed in the light.
Minato came around from an alley with a pack on his back. Seeing the lineup, he paused.
"What are you doing here?" Kushina asked first.
"An eastern