Urashiki's Trail

Ye had only taken a few steps out of the station exit when five Sunagakure border Jonin emerged from the shadows.

Their spears crossed, their tips all aimed at Ye's throat.

"Stop!"

The lead Jonin's gaze shifted between Ye's throat and chest, while his grip on the spear remained tight.

"The Joint Chunin Exams are approaching. Sunagakure is under martial law. State your name and purpose for entering the country, or you'll be detained on suspicion of espionage!"

Ye offered no explanation.

He drew a scroll sealed with the Hokage's wax from his sleeve, flicked it with two fingers, and sent it toward the lead Jonin.

"Konoha's special envoy, acting on the orders of the Seventh Hokage, here to invite Lord Kazekage to the Joint Chunin Exams."

The lead Jonin caught the scroll. The moment his eyes fell upon its surface, his hands froze.

At the head of the scroll was the Seventh Hokage's personal signature, and beneath it, the Hokage's seal still carried anti-counterfeit Chakra.

Cold sweat dripped from the lead Jonin's chin, and the back of his windproof robe was soaked through.

This young man, with no forehead protector and no attendants, was actually Konoha's highest-ranking envoy.

He lowered his spear, snapped his legs together, and straightened his back.

"My lord! Please forgive our disrespect. This way!"

All five guards bowed at once.

A black official vehicle bearing both Konoha and Sunagakure flags pulled up beside the platform and took Ye away.

The car drove into Sliver-of-Sky Canyon, where the rock walls on either side had been carved into smooth passageways. The sound of the wheels echoed back and forth within them.

Once they exited the canyon, the streets of Sunagakure unfolded before them.

The Shopping Street bustled with voices. Seeing the Konoha flag fluttering from the front