About seven or eight minutes later.
Onoki found Xia Le sitting beside the pond, leaning against a large tree with his eyes closed, resting.
The courtyard was neither large nor small, but it had everything: a rock garden, a pond, and fish swimming within it.
There were also two boys quietly training nearby.
After surveying the scene, Onoki composed himself and walked toward Xia Le.
At that moment, he felt deeply anxious and nervous, yet also somewhat excited.
It was like an ordinary human approaching the god he worshipped, step by step, filled with fear, anticipation, and hope.
The distance was short, but Onoki felt as though he had crossed countless mountains and rivers. Only after what seemed like an eternity did he slowly come to a stop.
Looking at the figure sitting casually before him, eyes closed as though asleep, he drew a deep breath and spoke softly.
"Lord Xia Le!"
There was no response. Xia Le seemed genuinely asleep.
Onoki said nothing more and stood there silently, like a statue.
Ida, standing nearby, was about to call out, but Onoki raised a hand to stop him, then shook his head, signaling for him to remain silent.
Kimimaro and Haku had noticed what was happening too, and watched quietly.
For a time, the only sounds in the courtyard were the passing breeze and Xia Le's faint snores.
About another half hour passed before Xia Le slowly opened his eyes.
"You're here?"
His casual words sounded as though he were greeting an old friend he had not seen in ages.
Onoki, however, was tense all over, standing there like a child before an elder. "Lord Xia Le!"
"Since you're here, have a seat!"
Xia Le said.
"Ida, bring Lord Tsuchikage a chair!"
"Don't neglect our guest!"
Ida immediately nodded and