"That's Lord Rain Shadow!"
"And Lord Rain Shadow's personal guards."
"Not just them. Look, the village's other higher-ups are all there too."
"Whoa, why have all these big shots come out?"
"They're heading to the village entrance."
"The entrance? Hey, I saw the Honor Guard heading there earlier."
"Are they welcoming someone?"
"No idea. Maybe a Kage from another village is coming?"
"No, look. A lot of merchants are going too."
"They're merchants from the Chiba Commerce Association."
"Could some big shot from the Chiba Commerce Association be coming?"
"No idea. Come on, let's take a look!"
"Let's go, let's go..."
Seeing that it was nearly time, Hanzo of the Salamander personally led Amegakure's senior officials out to welcome Tetsuya with the highest possible honors.
This drew quite a few people who enjoyed a bit of excitement to follow them.
Before long, a crowd had gathered at Amegakure's entrance.
Dust suddenly rose from the broad road outside Amegakure, as though something was approaching from afar.
Soon, a luxurious procession of carriages appeared before the crowd. The lead carriage alone was drawn by six fine horses, making quite a few onlookers gasp.
Most of the carriages behind it were drawn by four horses as well. The sheer extravagance of the procession was astonishing.
"The carriages are here! Fire all the ceremonial cannons and fireworks!"
At the command, the cannons boomed in unison and fireworks burst overhead.
The Honor Guard formed two rows to welcome the guests along the road, while the band's drummers and musicians played with all their might. The entire village entrance came alive.
Hanzo of the Salamander straightened his Kage Robe and conical hat once more, ready to welcome his kindred spirit.
Soon, the carriage stopped, and a portly middle-aged man stepped out.
At the sight of the