When Enkō emerged from the gorge carrying the four unconscious men, Fukuizumi Takuya had already been pacing anxiously outside. Chikuma and the others looked eager to try their hand, clearly planning to go in and look for him once the agreed time arrived.
The moment he saw Enkō emerge with people, Fukuizumi Takuya let out a huge sigh of relief and hurried over, taking one person from Enkō's hands as he repeatedly thanked him. "Lord Enkō, thank you so much. I don't even know how I could repay you."
"There's no need to speak of repayment. I already received a fine reward inside." Enkō waved a hand, then called to Chikuma, "Chikuma, come help!"
Chikuma put away his slight disappointment at having missed another chance to show off. "Coming, Boss!"
With everyone working together, they quickly brought the four men back to Medicine Hidden Village. A faint pale light had begun to appear in the sky; without realizing it, they had spent the entire night there.
Under Tian Lao's arrangements, Enkō and the others were each given rooms to rest in, while Tian Lao led people to treat the four unconscious men.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Enkō opened his eyes in bed. He tried contacting Mad Fang but received no response. It was probably still digesting the power of life. He wondered how much strength a single fruit could restore.
After quickly freshening up, Enkō opened his door and found Tian Lao waiting outside, with the four people he had brought out the previous night standing behind him.
"You're awake. I didn't expect you to truly pull it off." Tian Lao's expression was calm, but his eyes were full of gratitude. After all, that had been his son; how could he truly feel nothing?
"Brother Enkō, thank you so much." The four men led by Tian Yuan immediately surrounded him, each expressing their gratitude.
Since the four of them had not absorbed much Sage Chakra, they had recovered quickly.
At Tian Lao's warm invitation, Enkō called Chikuma and the others over and shared a meal with Tian Lao's group.
At the table, Enkō brought up his intention to leave. "Since Tian Lao is unwilling to leave the mountains, we'll take our leave. If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely come visit you again."
Rather than answering, Tian Lao smiled and asked, "You drank the medicinal wine in that gourd yesterday, didn't you? How did it feel?"
"It felt wonderful." Enkō sincerely thanked him. "I've never felt so relaxed before. I have Tian Lao to thank for the medicine."
Tian Lao nodded, then suddenly pointed at his son. "Actually, I'm not the only one who can make that medicinal wine. A Yuan's skill in preparing medicine has already reached seventy or eighty percent of my level."
"Hm?" Tian Yuan, who had been seriously focused on eating, froze and pointed at himself. "Father, are you calling me?"
Enkō narrowed his eyes. "What does Tian Lao mean?"
Tian Lao took a sip of his nourishing soup and said unhurriedly, "As for me, I'm used to life here. The outside world is full of fighting and killing, and I grew tired of it long ago. But A Yuan and the others are still young. It would be too wasteful for them to stay cooped up in this mountain hollow with an old man like me. If they're willing, you can take them away from here."
"Oh?" Enkō's eyes lit up. He had not expected such a pleasant surprise after the turn of events, and immediately thanked him. "Thank you for your help, Tian Lao."
"Don't thank me. If they aren't willing, you can't force them."
Enkō said solemnly, "Of course. No matter how many are willing to come with me, I'll treat them as though they were members of my own clan."
Tian Lao smiled in satisfaction. "With those words from you, that's enough."
After the meal, Tian Lao specifically gathered everyone in the village. Enkō personally explained his request to recruit them, then left the choice to them.
Because Enkō had helped them the previous night, the people of Medicine Hidden Village already held some goodwill toward him. Moreover, not everyone wanted to remain in the village for the rest of their lives. Soon, more than ten young people expressed their willingness to return with him to Flame Hidden Village, including the four men he had rescued the day before.
"Then I'll leave them to you. If you ever need help, you can also come to Medicine Hidden Village and find me."
At the village entrance, Enkō bid Tian Lao farewell. Enkō smiled faintly and replied, "Don't worry, Tian Lao. We may see each other again very soon."
"Oh?" Tian Lao looked thoughtful. "Could it be that you..."
Enkō did not answer. Instead, he turned to Chikuma and said, "Chikuma, you and the others will escort everyone from Medicine Hidden Village back to Flame Hidden Village. I'll go alone to the Uzuki Clan's territory. I hope they haven't joined Konoha yet."
"Uh? Boss, you're going alone? You don't need our help?"
"I'm practically half an acquaintance of the Uzuki Clan, so there shouldn't be any trouble. Besides..." Enkō shook the wine gourd. "Now I can fight without holding back. A second-rate clan poses no threat to me."
Chikuma's disappointment was written all over his face. "Ah..."
"Just wait. Once we return, there'll be a chance for you to act. I imagine it won't be long."
"You said the same thing last time, Boss." Chikuma muttered quietly, but he ultimately agreed. Thus, the two groups went their separate ways. Chikuma and the clan members led the people of Medicine Hidden Village back to Flame Hidden Village, while Enkō headed alone for the final destination of this operation.
Land of Fire, Uzuki Clan territory.
The Uzuki Clan's territory had been built within a forest. Dappled sunlight fell across the clan's houses, while dense green vegetation surrounded the grounds like a natural barrier.
Inside the central pavilion, a white-haired old man sat quietly at his desk, writing something. Though his hair and beard were entirely white, he remained vigorous and sharp-eyed. His deep, bright gaze resembled a blade that could see through all things in the world.
Tap, tap, tap...
At that moment, a set of footsteps approached from afar, breaking the tranquil scene.
A middle-aged man hurried over at a brisk jog, but upon seeing the old man's figure, he subconsciously slowed down. He walked quietly to the old man's side and stood there, watching him write and paint.
After a long while, the old man finally completed the final stroke. He nodded in satisfaction before speaking. "A Ri, what is it?"
The middle-aged man called A Ri immediately replied, "It's nothing major. Konoha has invited us to join them again. This is already the third time. What do you think..."
The old man rose from his chair, an imposing yet restrained aura emanating from him. "Have you found out who killed Sarutobi Sasuke?"
"Uh... we have." A Ri hesitated, as though reluctant to speak. "But... I think revenge will be difficult."
"Hmph. Sasuke was our benefactor. How can we leave such kindness unreturned? No matter who the other party is, the Uzuki Clan will fight him to the death!" The old man's expression was filled with hatred. "Tell me. Who was it?"
A Ri sighed and could only speak helplessly.
"According to reliable leads, the man who killed Lord Sasuke is named Uchiha Enkō. He is also the Uchiha Clan's... third-in-command."
Before you continue