Fugaku and Shisui once again set out with Hiruzen Sarutobi. Aside from the three of them, only Zisu accompanied them.
This mission was still to capture Tailed Beasts. The two of them could be said to be well versed in it by now.
Now that they had awakened the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, it was even less of a problem.
Several luxurious carriages slowly departed from Konoha. There was no rush this time, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's group chose to travel to the Land of Earth alongside a merchant caravan.
Flower Fruit Mountain lay deep within the Land of Earth, some distance from Konoha. They also had to pass through the Land of Rain, making this a long journey.
Even if they hurried all the way, it would still take several days. They might as well travel with the caravan and experience the customs of the Shinobi World along the way.
Though it was called a merchant caravan, it had actually been specially arranged for them. It had every facility they could need, as well as official documents from the Land of Fire, so they would encounter no obstacles on their way to the Land of Fire.
Under normal circumstances, merchant caravans from the various countries would not encounter much trouble.
Rogue ninja and bandits were essentially there for the ninja villages to let Genin gain experience from. Otherwise, a few Jonin could sweep them all clean within days.
At the same time, ninja needed people like them around to demonstrate their own value.
Hardly anyone dared to provoke merchant caravans from the Land of Fire. Larger caravans would hire ninja for protection.
First stop: the Land of Rain!
At the same time, Black Zetsu and Obito in the Land of Rain received the news.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was leaving Konoha!
This was