Chapter 206: Returning to Konoha (Part One)
As the sun sank in the west, a seagull swooped over the clan compound's wall, a message tube from the Mizukage's Office tied to its leg.
Sōji rose beneath the veranda and raised his arm to let the seagull land on his forearm. He took the note from the tube, skimmed it, then turned toward everyone training in the practice grounds.
"Mei sent word."
"Konoha has invited Hidden Mist to send representatives to the Land of Fire to discuss the details of next year's joint Chunin Ninja Exams between the three nations."
He paused, waiting until he had everyone's attention before continuing. "I've decided to take the Shadow Guard on this trip to Konoha."
The practice grounds fell silent for a moment.
Ye Tong was the first to stand, her dark brown ponytail swaying gently in the wind. She said nothing, but the look in her eyes made her feelings clear.
Mangetsu slipped his training blade back into the rack with a reverse grip and shook the sweat from his wrists. His gray-blue eyes turned toward Sōji. "Konoha, huh? I wonder if I'll get to fight that guy again."
"This time is different."
Sōji tucked the note into his sleeve. "Last time, we went as envoys. This time, Konoha wants to take the opportunity to size us up, so there's no need for us to hide anything either."
Utakata stopped twirling his bamboo pipe between his fingers, a subtle flicker passing through his amber eyes.
Saiken rolled over inside him, his languid voice sounding in Utakata's ears. "Over in Konoha... is that the Nine-Tails?"
Utakata answered inwardly, Yes. I wonder what its Jinchūriki is like!
Then he slowly lifted his head and looked at Sōji. "Does Konoha have information on Karin and me?"