After weighing the pros and cons, Haido stopped dwelling on those headaches, left the room, and immediately issued his orders.
He sent word to Temujin, who had just returned from the Land of Wind, and Naruto, who had come back with him, ordering them to head to the Wandering Caravan at once.
"Temujin, the caravan you used to belong to has crucial information about the Gelel Stone. Kazahana has already failed. You and Naruto will make another trip."
"Two ninja are stationed with that caravan, and their origins are unknown. Go investigate and provide support. Be careful, and don't underestimate them."
Haido warned Temujin and Naruto again not to underestimate their opponents. If they got careless and died again, he really would have to take action himself.
Temujin accepted the order, and Naruto pretended to cooperate, nodding his agreement.
Neither dared delay. They changed course midway and raced toward the caravan's camp at full speed.
When they reached their destination and saw two familiar figures outside the caravan, Naruto instantly relaxed.
It was Sakura and Shikamaru.
Behind a tree, Temujin cautiously watched the caravan, his expression guarded.
Naruto quickly stepped forward, raised a hand to signal Temujin to stop, and said quietly:
"Those two are my teammates. Leave them to me."
Temujin didn't give it much thought. It wasn't that he trusted Naruto all that much; he was simply rather dim and did everything according to Haido's instructions.
He nodded immediately, leaving all the arrangements entirely to Naruto.
That night.
Naruto found a secluded spot.
He told Sakura and Shikamaru everything about his encounter with Haido's forces and the Gelel Stone's incredible healing power, which could completely cure all of Miki Yūya's old injuries.
After hearing the whole story, Shikamaru absently rubbed his chin, immediately seeing through Naruto's intentions. Strictly