The Road Back to Konoha: A Deadly Trap and Its Bait

At the border of the Land of Rivers, outside a roadside inn.

An extravagant carriage sat by the road, so ostentatious it looked completely out of place.

Its cabin was built from agarwood, carved with intricate Spirit Gathering Formation patterns and lavishly clad in a layer of pale-gold Chakra-Conducting Metal.

"Ye Tian, I told you to return to Konoha to 'recover,' not to move house."

Tsunade stood beside the carriage, glaring at the team of six tall horses, every one of them pure white. A vein throbbed in her forehead.

Beneath her loose green gambling robe, her camisole still felt faintly damp from her bath, carrying a light herbal fragrance.

"Cough... cough..."

Supported by Shizune and two maids, Ye Tian looked as white as a freshly plastered wall. He had to catch his breath after every step. "Lady Tsunade... these old lungs of mine are full of holes. I can't bear the slightest jolt. This carriage... has good suspension."

"You call this suspension? Is that Finest Cloud Sable Fur you've lined it with?" Tsunade yanked aside the curtain, and the luxury inside caught her breath.

The cabin was spacious, with a rosewood rocking chair in the middle and soft cushions piled all around.

A small agarwood table held a warmed pot of Spirit Wine that gave off a clear, refreshing aura.

"Come in." Ye Tian weakly beckoned to Tsunade, though a roguish glint flashed in his eyes. "I get anxious sitting alone. If I suddenly breathe my last... how miserable would it be to have no one here to see me off?"

"Shut up! Get inside!"

Tsunade growled through gritted teeth, yet she reached out as naturally as could be, took his arm, and "helped" him into the soft sable fur.

Once they were both inside, the cabin's already close