The next day, dawn had barely broken.
Iwagakure's stone gates, carved with an enormous character for "earth," were thrown open from within with a thunderous boom.
The broad road outside was packed with people.
From white-haired retired advisers to toddlers who had only just learned to walk.
Nearly the entire village had come out to see them off.
Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought some immortal was heading out to war.
"Keep your spirits up! Don't disgrace Iwagakure!"
Kitsuchi shouted himself hoarse at the front of the procession, struggling to maintain order.
As he looked at those little brats about to represent the village in "friendly exchanges," the envy in his eyes practically overflowed.
Damn it, if he weren't over the age limit, he would have wanted to go to Konoha and beat people up too!
"Lord Yoru, everything is ready."
Wearing an Anbu captain's mask, Uchiha Itachi appeared soundlessly behind Yoru.
"All lookouts around the village have been temporarily 'invited' by our people to have tea."
"Good work."
Yoru yawned. He had spent half the night drinking and bragging with that old man Ōnoki, so he had not slept well.
Rubbing his bleary eyes, he looked at the sea of people gathered at the village entrance and felt his head ache.
"Didn't we say we were leaving quietly? This looks like a military parade. Are we afraid spies from other villages won't find out?"
"Ahem."
Beside him, Ōnoki had changed into an ordinary jonin vest, and his old face reddened.
He cleared his throat twice and forced out an explanation.
"Well... the villagers are just too enthusiastic."
"Besides, this trip is supposed to be high-profile! It's supposed to be arrogant!"
The old man puffed out his chest, and the imposing air of the Tsuchikage returned.
"We're going