The Land of Hot Water.
It lay near the border of the Land of Fire and was a famous country in the shinobi world.
Not because it was particularly powerful, but because of a village within its borders: Yugakure, also known as "the village that forgot war."
It was a popular tourist destination, with springs gushing everywhere and natural Hot Springs dotting the land. It was practically a paradise, drawing countless visitors.
Thanks to that, Yugakure was best known for its Hot Spring Inns.
But it was still spring, not the best season for soaking in Hot Springs, and the village's Inns were in their off-season.
"Hot Springs~ Hot Springs~ Hot Springs~ Let's go soak!"
Despite the off-season, Naruto was brimming with excitement for his first Hot Spring bath.
Even the journey that had taken them straight out of the Land of Fire had barely tired him out. He was still bursting with energy.
Now Naruto was bobbing his head in their room, urging Kakashi and Sasuke to hurry.
"You think everyone travels without luggage like you?"
Sasuke was organizing his belongings when he looked back and saw that Naruto had already changed into a bathrobe. His voice immediately turned sour.
"Why make it so complicated? Come on, let's go!"
"You moron, stop pulling me... Hey, at least let me change my clo—"
"Young people certainly have plenty of energy."
Kakashi watched Naruto drag a despairing Sasuke out of the room, his eyes curving into a smile as he sighed.
Then he changed into a bathrobe too, but instead of heading straight for the Hot Springs, he went to the front desk and approached the older woman there. "Hello, I'd like to ask about someone."
"Hmm?"
With few guests to attend to during the off-season, the woman had been enjoying