"You're too kind. We came in friendship."
Minato Namikaze smiled gently.
In that brief time, he had already sensed that this older ninja was no weakling—at the very least, he was an elite jonin. No wonder he had become a Squad captain.
Yamahara Kaede extended a hand, inviting them forward.
"Please follow me. The Captain-Commander and the other captains have been waiting for some time."
Shikaku Nara nodded. Now that they were here, the mission still took priority. Reaching an alliance as soon as possible would benefit everyone.
Unlike the adults, whose minds were full of considerations, Rin Nohara, Kakashi, and the others began studying Kusagakure. Whether a ninja village was flourishing was something they could see with their own eyes.
"So this is Kusagakure now? It's completely different from what I imagined."
Rin Nohara exclaimed in astonishment, while Kakashi's gaze swept over the neat, orderly buildings lining both sides of the main street, lingering briefly on the dazzling array of shops and stalls. His eyes were equally full of surprise.
Rin's gaze paused for a moment as it passed a small stall where people were lining up to buy grilled fish balls.
Ripples of sorrow stirred in her heart.
If Obito were here, he would probably have a wonderful time...
Kusagakure's streets crisscrossed in every direction, wider than they had expected, with tall buildings rising all around them.
Some buildings had shop signs attached to their walls, with clear lettering, bright colors, and simple pictures that even someone who could not read could understand.
Many villagers walked along the sidewalks, brilliant smiles on their faces and their steps unhurried, their lives moving at a leisurely pace. Occasionally, a few stopped at stalls to choose something, paying with easy, natural movements.
Minato Namikaze and the others slowed as they followed