In the Land of Hot Water, a convoy slowly traveled along a broad, level trade route.
Two flags hung from the lead carriage: the flag of the Land of Grass and the emblem of the Chiba Clan.
With both flags flying together, the identity of the convoy's owner was plain to see.
In the Shinobi World of today, no bandit, Wandering Samurai, or rogue ninja dared attack a convoy bearing the Chiba Clan's emblem.
After all, behind that flag stood the Chiba Commerce Association, the Land of Grass, and a multinational alliance.
Anyone who dared attack a convoy belonging to the Chiba Commerce Association would face a joint hunt by multiple nations.
Inside a carriage, Karin leaned against the window.
"Hey, Sasuke, do you think anyone would really dare attack Lord Daimyo's convoy these days?"
Sasuke sat cross-legged inside the carriage, resting with his eyes closed.
"Maybe."
Beside him, Haku smiled.
"Wouldn't it be better if no one came? We could just treat this as a vacation."
Hearing that, Karin thought Haku had a point.
"I heard the Land of Hot Water is a major tourist destination. They call it the land that forgot war, and it has loads of hot springs. I've never been to a hot spring in my life. It'd be great if we got a chance to try one."
"Once we've escorted Lord Daimyo to the Land of Hot Water, we might get a chance."
Listening to their conversation from the driver's seat outside, Zabuza offered a reminder.
"It's good to have something to look forward to, but as ninja, we still have to put the mission first."
"We know, old man Zabuza."
A little annoyed, Karin called him an old man through the carriage wall.
"You're going too far, redheaded brat! I'm not old enough