"Sunagakure is too kind," Shihōin Naraku replied with a smile.
Since Sunagakure was showing him such respect, he would not be discourteous either.
The two sides exchanged a few pleasantries, then entered Sunagakure under the guidance of its welcoming party.
Naruto and his two companions looked around Sunagakure, curiosity showing on their faces.
Although Sunagakure had jointly hosted the last Chunin Ninja Exams, Sakura and Neji had not come to the village. They had taken their exams in the Demon Desert.
Naruto had never been here at all, so despite their urgency, all three quieted down for the moment to take in scenery completely different from Konoha's.
As they walked, however, they could clearly sense negative emotions in the gazes of Sunagakure's ninja and civilians.
Rejection, wariness, hatred, and more.
It should not have been like this, but Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage, had only recently been abducted by the enemy. Naturally, Sunagakure was now filled with distrust toward outsiders.
Looking deeply apologetic, Baki explained, "Sorry. The recent incident has left everyone in the village wary of outsiders."
"It's fine. We understand."
Naraku waved a hand. After their Kazekage had been abducted, it was perfectly normal for Sunagakure's people to be on edge like startled birds.
Soon, the group from Konoha was brought to their lodgings.
But they had not come to Sunagakure for sightseeing. Rescuing Gaara could not wait. Where would they find time to rest?
Before Naraku could ask, Naruto, who had waited the entire way, finally lost his patience. His face full of anxiety, he demanded, "Gaara's already been taken by the enemy! I don't want to rest!"
"Let's go after the enemy right now! I'm bringing Gaara back!"
Naruto's attitude was genuine, and everyone present could see it clearly.
Although she did not quite understand why Naruto