After leaving the Daimyo's Residence, Asuma Sarutobi and the members of Team 10 did not depart. Instead, they found an inn and settled in.
"Asuma-sensei, are we going to keep waiting here for Senior Ye Fan?" Ino Yamanaka asked curiously.
Asuma Sarutobi gave a slight nod.
He had promised Kurenai Yuhi that he would bring Ye Fan back safely.
If they returned without Ye Fan, who knew what Kurenai Yuhi would think?
"Asuma-sensei, why didn't we stay at the residence together?" Ino Yamanaka asked again.
"There are too many rules in the residence. Staying outside is much more comfortable." Asuma Sarutobi answered somewhat absentmindedly.
"Asuma-sensei, why did Madam Shijimi keep Senior Ye Fan behind alone?" Ino Yamanaka asked again.
Asuma Sarutobi did not answer Ino Yamanaka's question. Instead, he said to everyone:
"Since we're staying here, just treat it as a few days of relaxation."
He was also very curious about why Madam Shijimi had kept Ye Fan behind.
"Asuma-sensei, I think Senior Ye Fan deliberately separated from us." Shikamaru Nara suddenly spoke, voicing his opinion.
"Shikamaru, what did you notice?" Asuma Sarutobi hurriedly asked.
This student of his not only possessed high intelligence, but also sharp observational skills. Asuma trusted him deeply.
"Asuma-sensei, do you remember the two merchant caravans we encountered on the road?" Shikamaru Nara suddenly shifted the topic, though his expression was exceptionally serious.
Asuma Sarutobi looked at him intently.
Shikamaru Nara continued, "Those two merchant caravans have already decided to follow Senior Ye Fan. That raises a question: why does Senior Ye Fan need to establish merchant caravans? And even if he does, how will he operate them?"
"Shikamaru, can you say that more simply and clearly?" Ino Yamanaka complained from the side.
"Any merchant caravan that receives the daimyo's support will gain a tremendous