Mist shrouded the sea, with only One passenger ship sailing through it.
On deck, the captain chatted with Naruto and the others.
"...You came at just the right time. This route used to be fine, but hardly anyone takes it anymore. Most people couldn't handle fog this thick. You're lucky you met me!"
The captain looked like a talkative old man, and the mist over the sea prompted him to reminisce.
"Yeah, I spotted you in the crowd right away, Captain. I never expected you to be so friendly, or willing to sail us all the way there!"
Naruto wore a dazzling smile.
"We just hit it off! Hahahaha! I happen to know both the person you're looking for and the place you're heading, and I happen to have a ship. Let's call it making friends. Wouldn't you agree, Naruto-kun?"
"Absolutely! Absolutely!"
Naruto nodded enthusiastically.
Hinata sat quietly beside Naruto. Although they looked like a young couple who simply enjoyed being together, she was actually keeping a silent watch on every movement aboard the ship.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Mei Terumi admired the view from the bow. Kakashi stood nearby, watching the absurdly large number of sailors and crew members bustle back and forth.
"Captain, how did you meet that old guy named Jiraiya?"
Naruto continued fishing for information.
"Ah, didn't I tell you? It's all in the past. Besides, he's on a little island we'll be visiting soon. Don't be impatient."
The captain laughed off the question, then changed the subject.
"Speaking of that island, it used to be quite a famous country."
The captain and Naruto were both in a talkative mood, and the two had hardly stopped chatting since setting sail.
"But things aren't what they used to be. Ever since the country was destroyed, hardly anyone has