"We came from the Land of Grass. An elder in our family has fallen ill with a strange disease. We spent everything we had and heard that miracles could be found in the Land of Hot Water, so we traveled all this way seeking treatment." Naruto pressed his hands together, his expression devout, his voice filled with anxiety and hope. He perfectly played the part of a wealthy merchant who was both filial and desperate.
His usually indifferent eyes now brimmed with hope, along with a trace of helplessness born from a loved one's grave illness.
Hozuki Suigetsu immediately got into character as well. He dramatically clutched his chest, looking utterly heartbroken as he shouted, "Sir priest, as long as you can cure our old master, money is no object! Please, save him!"
Sasuke said nothing. He merely pulled a gold note from his robes and casually handed it over. The note carried a substantial denomination and was universally accepted, enough to exchange for considerable wealth in any ninja village.
The smile in the priest's eyes finally stopped being superficial. He glanced at the gold note, then swept his gaze over Hozuki Suigetsu's silk robe, which looked extravagantly expensive. The greed he had carefully concealed began growing wildly in his eyes like creeping vines.
"The Lord is merciful. His blessings are never measured in money," the priest said with holy words on his lips, yet his hand steadily accepted the gold note and tucked it into his wide sleeve. His formerly rigid smile became even more "kindly."
"Three esteemed guests, your piety and filial devotion have received the Lord's approval," the priest said in a deliberately mysterious tone. "Behind the church lies a meditation chamber, prepared specifically for those destined to be here. You may stay there and experience the