Several days later, the group finally arrived in the Land of Hot Water.
Located east of the Land of Fire, the Land of Hot Water was an island nation renowned for its hot springs and recuperation resorts. Surrounded by the sea, it enjoyed a mild, humid climate.
The harbor bustled with voices, vendors' calls mingling with tourists' laughter. The sea breeze carried a faint salty tang, refreshing everyone it touched.
Shinichi led the group straight to the area's most celebrated hot spring inn-the Sakura Springs Inn.
Nestled in a grove of cherry trees, the Sakura Springs Inn was a rustic, elegant wooden building. A stream murmured through its courtyard, and wisps of steam rose from its hot spring pools, carrying a faint scent of sulfur.
Cherry petals drifted on the breeze and dotted the blue-gray stone paths, forming a tranquil picture.
The innkeeper was a kindly middle-aged woman. Noticing the group's distinguished bearing, she greeted them warmly. "Welcome, honored guests! The hot springs at Cherry Blossom Bathhouse are among the finest in the Land of Hot Water. They soothe your muscles, improve circulation, and even nourish your chakra. Are you here on vacation? We have luxury suites with private open-air hot springs!"
Shinichi's eyes lit up. He turned to Tsunade with an exaggerated wink. "Did you hear that? Private open-air hot springs! Now that's living!"
Tsunade gave a soft huff and rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. "Enough wisecracks. Book the rooms first. We can soak tonight."
After settling their luggage, Shinichi gathered Minato, Nawaki, and Kushina to discuss their plan to wipe out the Jashin Cult.
"According to our intelligence, the Jashin Cult's base in the Land of Hot Water is hidden deep in the mountain forests, but we don't know its exact location."