After persisting for over a month, Hatake Sakumo finally managed to meet Tetsuya and begin his career as a bodyguard.
The day after they met, they made their preparations and planned to depart for the Land of Grass.
Meanwhile, a report was swiftly relayed from the Capital City to Konoha.
Konoha, Root's underground base.
"Lord Danzo, a new report has come in. After returning from the Land of Rivers, Chiba Tetsuya's next destination is the Land of Grass. He leaves tomorrow.
"His only companions will be a carriage driver and Hatake Sakumo, who is serving as his guard."
Danzo raised his head and sought confirmation, his gaze sharp.
"Are you certain there are only three of them? That hidden Kage-level guard isn't with him?"
"Yes, Lord Danzo. The former bounty hunter Kakuzu has gone ahead to the Land of Grass to make preparations, so Chiba Tetsuya will be traveling light this time. There are only three of them.
"We have also confirmed that the driver is an ordinary man. He has no chakra whatsoever and isn't a samurai."
"Heh heh heh. It seems he has great faith in the White Fang of the Leaf's strength."
Danzo sneered at the news.
"Keep investigating. Find out whether anyone is guarding him in secret. If not..."
As he spoke, murderous intent surfaced in Danzo's eyes.
"The Land of Grass will be his grave."
"Understood!"
The Root ninja answered and quickly withdrew.
Shimura Danzō reached out and gripped the armrest of his chair, squeezing so hard that it creaked.
"Chiba Tetsuya, I will take over everything you own. Consider it your contribution to the village."
His grip tightened as he spoke, as though he were squeezing not the chair's armrest, but Chiba Tetsuya's neck.
Chiba Tetsuya's carriage left the Capital City of the Land