Several members of the Root Suicide Corps lay in the mud, their bodies covered in cuts.
Sen brushed the leaves off his clothes and pressed his palm against the muddy ground.
Green light flashed, and the Divine Tree Origin drained every last drop of chakra.
"That's the last base weeded. Man, I'm beat."
Sen let out an enormous yawn, his back aching.
He had spent three straight days running across more than half the Land of Fire, wearing holes through his soles.
Still, the haul had been good. The scroll tucked in his pocket was heavy.
"All right, back to the village for a hot bath and a good meal at Ichiraku."
Sen picked up the heavy bag and sped off in a streak of green.
By now, it was broad daylight, and the sun felt wonderful on his back.
But just after Sen passed through the gates and stepped onto the main street, he froze.
Decorations filled the streets, with bright red lanterns hanging everywhere.
Instead of working, the villagers were drinking, laughing, and chatting in the streets first thing in the morning.
A crowd packed the Dango Stand, where the delighted owner was handing out free hot soup.
The village felt as festive as New Year's.
Sen's mouth twitched, and he grabbed an acquaintance who had just stepped outside.
"Hey, Ichiraku's owner! What's all this about so early in the morning?"
Teuchi was carrying a flask of sake. At the sight of Sen, his eyes crinkled with a smile.
"Sen! Back from your special training? Everything at the shop is free today!"
"Free? You're usually such a cheapskate, old man. What brought this on?"
Puzzled, Sen rubbed his stomach.
"Wonderful news! Haven't you heard? Root is finished!"
Teuchi lowered his voice, unable to hide his excitement.
"The Fifth