Three days later at dusk, Team One was finally led to Sunagakure village by the four humiliated Iwa ninja.
Looking at the various geometric-shaped buildings constructed from compacted earth, Shen couldn't help but feel reflective: "It's still reasonable that Konoha uses wood for construction while Suna uses earth."
Then he began poking fun at other villages: "Kirigakure is on little islands—ninja version of *Cast Away*? Kumogakure built among clouds—the floating city? Iwagakure lives in mountains—Hobbit people?"
He even reached a frightening conclusion: "No wonder Konoha gets along well with Suna; the other villages aren't even on the same level!"
Seeing the strange look in his eyes, Little Iceberg immediately knew he was up to something again. That ominous feeling surfaced in her mind once more.
Orochimaru and Nawaki didn't seem to have any opinions about Suna's environment; what could one expect from a mad scientist or a straight-to-the-point guy anyway?
As long as it was livable, ninjas didn't care about comfort.
"Everyone from Konoha, please allow me to settle you in for rest first. After reporting to the Kazekage tomorrow, I shall personally lead everyone on a tour of Sunagakure village. How does that sound?"
Upon entering the village, Gerissen changed into the role of host, appearing as polite and accommodating as humanly possible.
Naturally, Orochimaru, as the official team captain, agreed to this arrangement. The moment they entered the village, the remaining three members of Team One became like excited kids, eagerly taking in all the unique sights of Sunagakure.
So, the group of eight followed Gerissen toward the guesthouse Suna had set up for visiting guests.
"Uncle Geri," Shen asked with an angelically mischievous smile during the walk, "do you think these mud walls could be washed away by water?"
Gerissen seemed perfectly fine with being called "Uncle Geri"—even if he did have issues, now wouldn't be the time to show them. He considered himself an experienced Jonin after all.
So he flashed that affectionate smile usually reserved for younger sisters: "Of course not, little Shen! Our mud walls are extremely solid."
Being called "little Shen" gave Shen goosebumps all over his body, yet he suppressed his nausea and continued probing: "Can plain dirt really be so sturdy? Doesn't it contain other hard materials inside?"
Confident as ever, Gerissen replied: "There's absolutely nothing else mixed in! Don't underestimate those tiny sand particles just because they're small, little Shen. When gathered together with earth, they become remarkably strong—that's always been Sunagakure's philosophy!"
Still shivering inwardly, Shen felt immense satisfaction after hearing this: "Great! If it's just sand and earth here, I can use Earth Penetration. This place practically feels custom-made for me!"
Of course, his intent wasn't to cause any trouble—what sane Konoha ninja would dare disrupt peace in Suna? Definitely not someone like Shen who valued his life far too much to pull such stunts.
"What an amazing philosophy!" said Shen with his cutest innocence, suppressing disgust once again. "Just as inspiring as Konoha's enduring spirit passed down through generations!"
Gerissen laughed even harder, clearly proud of the compliment towards his village's ideology. "Little Shen has such high awareness," he said. "If only everyone in the shinobi world shared your view on Sunagakure's ideals, perhaps wars could have been avoided."
"You're absolutely right, Uncle Geri," Shen replied. "I didn't expect you to have such profound thoughts."
"Hahaha! I wouldn't say they're particularly profound—just some small hopes of mine." Shen nodded politely while thinking how utterly naïve this guy really was.
From the dawn of humanity, suspicion has ruled mankind. Today I wonder if you'll attack me, tomorrow I dare to assume that you're finished. Peace won't come from just wishes like these.
"Captain, we've arrived!" Gaiki, who had been constantly bombarded with questions by Little Nawaki, reminded the group upon reaching their destination.
Hearing that, Gerissen felt a surge of irritation, thinking Gaiki rather impolite.
He immediately scolded him, "Of course I know that, Little Gaiki! Can't you show a bit more restraint in front of our guests? Now tell me—where exactly are our esteemed guests from Konoha staying? Try again, and with more politeness!"
Gaiki felt wronged inside. He talked a lot but wasn't stupid. If it hadn't been for that brown-haired brat pestering him nonstop, would he act like this?
He thought Nawaki talked even more than himself, but obediently followed orders nonetheless: "Honored guests from Konoha, we've now reached Sunagakure's finest accommodations! Aside from those reserved exclusively for Kage-level guests, this is definitely the very best—"
As Gerissen listened to Gaiki ramble endlessly, his temples began throbbing visibly. "Are you out of your mind?! Something that should've taken two sentences, and you dared to drag it on so long! Esteemed guests of Konoha, please forgive this fool for disturbing your rest time."
After scolding Gaiki, he sincerely apologized to Team One.
"It's fine. I think this young fellow here is just full of energy, Uncle Geri. How about we call it a night? I need proper rest today because tomorrow will be a busy day for you folks." At this point, Innocent Shen just wished they'd disappear already. He honestly couldn't handle hearing "Little Shen" left and right anymore.
Unaware of this, Gerissen simply assumed the child was tired from the long journey.
He readily agreed, "No problem at all, Little Shen. Then shall we meet at 8 AM tomorrow morning outside this residence?"
"Sure thing, Uncle Geri."
"Well then, may each of you enjoy a wonderful night!" With that, the four Sand ninja retreated.
"Sss...I truly held myself back..."
Once they were finally gone, Shen crossed his arms and shuddered slightly. The disgust clearly visible in his eyes left Team One exchanging looks of disbelief.
"Hahaha! So you finally got what's coming to you!" Naturally, the first to speak up was the ever straightforward Nawaki.
Slightly nauseated, Shen immediately shot back, "You try being called 'Little Nawaki' with that creepy grin plastering his face! I guarantee your reaction would've been ten times worse than mine!"
"Eww, don't remind me—I already feel sick just imagining it!" Nawaki too hugged himself and trembled involuntarily.
"You're the one being gross! I didn't even grin like that creepily! Why don't you try acting it out?"
"You want a piece of me, huh? Bring it on! This is Rope-Tree-sama you're talking to!"
"Little Nawaki~"
"RUA!!"
"You're sticking your finger down your throat again, that's so gross!"
"I didn't rua!"
Nayou and Orochimaru both felt awkward watching the scene unfold before them. It was nauseating not just for those involved, but even for the two of them.
Nawaki, completely lacking self-awareness, decided to go all-out against the other person. "Little Shen!"
"RUA YOUR OLD MAN!" Shen immediately lost his composure from that one sentence.
"Come on then, let's hurt each other!"
"Little Shen—"
"Rua! Rua!"
Both of their stomachs churned violently. Finally, they started spewing rainbow-colored vomit everywhere in the lobby. This sight made Hyouka [Ice Queen] and Dr. Kairi absolutely horrified as they watched.
"Erm... We'll pay for the cleaning costs," coughed Orochimaru.
Orochimaru couldn't bear the weird looks from the surrounding staff any longer. Ashamed by all the stares from the staff, he now fully grasped why his mentor had pushed him to be a squad leader.
If Tsunade or Jiraiya had been here, they'd have already fled back to Konoha and asked someone else to handle it.
Understanding everything now, Orochimaru looked at the two puking messily before him and began feeling calm and collected.
One was King, their main benefactor, while the other was his teammate's younger brother. Orochimaru vowed — after this mission, he'd never be a mentor or squad leader ever again.
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