The following afternoon, Shuo stood at Konoha's gates, unhurriedly waiting to set off.
Sai stood beside him, along with someone unexpected-Shizune.
"Lady Tsunade asked me to go with you."
Shizune clutched her medical bag, sounding a little reserved. "With a medical ninja along, any injuries on the road can be treated promptly."
Shuo glanced at her, running through his assessment in an instant: her chakra was quite steady, she clearly specialized in medical ninjutsu, and she probably carried more than thirty kinds of medicine.
Her combat experience looked lacking, though. Even her breathing was a little rapid. She was clearly nervous.
"Have you fought before?" Shuo asked directly.
Shizune froze for a moment, then said quietly, "...A few times."
"How many?"
"...Only twice." Shizune's voice grew even quieter.
Shuo nodded, his tone flat. "Then just stay behind us. Don't rush forward if a fight breaks out. You'll get in the way."
Shizune opened her mouth, wanting to say she could help too, but ultimately said nothing and nodded silently.
The three set off. The main road was frighteningly quiet.
The war had only just ended, and the merchant caravans still hadn't dared venture out. There wasn't even a single traveler on the road.
Shuo remained as unhurried as ever. His pace wasn't quick, but every step covered far more ground than it appeared to.
Sai was long accustomed to it and kept pace beside him with ease.
Only Shizune chased after them, panting, nearly falling behind several times.
"You... slow down a little..."
She braced her hands on her knees, catching her breath, her forehead covered in sweat.
Shuo ignored her and continued at his own pace-just as he had when Temari had been chasing after him: "You... can't you hurry up?"
Temari had panted, her forehead covered in sweat.