On the main road leading to Konoha, the Daimyo's motorcade slowly advanced.
However, their pace was unhurried, not at all like a group in a rush to travel.
Inside the spacious carriage, the scent of incense mixed with the faint fragrance of a woman's body, stirring subtle feelings in the heart.
Ragyō knelt beside Arashi, her slender hands gently pouring him a cup of warm sake.
"My Lord, please try this. I warmed it just for you."
Her voice was sultry, her breath as fragrant as orchids.
Arashi accepted the cup and downed it in one gulp.
His peripheral vision, however, landed on Kurenai, who sat across from him with her back straight.
The young girl was clearly uncomfortable in this extravagant atmosphere.
Her small hands were nervously clasped on her lap. Her gaze drifted toward the window, pretending to watch the passing scenery.
But the slight flush on her earlobes had already given her away.
"Kurenai, we're almost home. Why are you still so nervous?" Arashi's voice was gentle, tinged with amusement.
Kurenai's body trembled slightly. She quickly turned her head and met his smiling eyes, her cheeks growing even hotter.
"No... no, My Lord," she replied softly, her voice lacking confidence.
"Is that so?" Arashi chuckled, handing the cup back to Ragyō. "I thought you were already thinking about what you'd say when we return."
He still remembered how boldly she had asked to travel with him yesterday.
And he remembered the brilliant smile on her face after he agreed.
His teasing now was more like a harmless joke.
Having her thoughts exposed, Kurenai lowered her head even further. Her voice was so soft it was nearly drowned out by the sound of the carriage wheels. "You're teasing me, My Lord..."
"What's there to tease? It's only human."
Arashi waved his hand casually, toying with Ragyō's soft, delicate fingers. His gaze turned to the window as if admiring the scenery.
"When you get back this time, take the time to relax."
That simple sentence warmed Kurenai's heart, easing the tension in her body.
She could feel that this seemingly unreachable Daimyo was offering concern in a way she could accept.
"Yes. Thank you for your concern, My Lord." Her voice was still soft, but this time much more sincere.
Arashi nodded slightly, then leaned back against the cushion, closing his eyes as if taking a nap.
In truth, his perception had already spread out, monitoring everything within several kilometers — every tree and blade of grass.
Inside the carriage, silence reigned for a while, broken only by the steady clatter of wheels on the road.
Just as Kurenai thought this silence would continue, a cup of fragrant fruit tea was suddenly handed to her.
She looked up and met Ragyō's smiling, foxy gaze.
"Kurenai-san, don't be nervous. Have some tea." Ragyō's tone was warm, with an easy intimacy.
"Ah... thank you, Ragyō-san." Kurenai accepted the teacup, slightly flustered.
Ragyō took the opportunity to sit beside her. "What are you saying? That's nothing to thank me for."
She naturally linked arms with Kurenai and chuckled softly. "We're sisters, aren't we? We should support each other."
"After all, we both came from Konoha. That practically makes us hometown girls."
That one line instantly shortened the distance between them.
The mention of Konoha made Kurenai feel much closer to her, and the unease in her heart faded away.
Looking at the friendly and charming older sister beside her, she couldn't help but feel a good impression.
"Mm! You're right, Ragyō-san!" She nodded earnestly.
Arashi, resting with his eyes closed, curled the corners of his mouth slightly.
Smart women always knew what to do.
On the other side of the carriage, Ragyō leaned close to Kurenai's ear, softly sharing amusing stories from Konoha.
Every now and then, the thin-skinned girl would let out a suppressed giggle, and the atmosphere inside the carriage grew warm and pleasant.
The motorcade's slow pace, of course, did not escape the notice of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
An hour later, Sarutobi Asuma finally lost his patience.
He moved forward a few steps, landing near Enmaru and walking alongside him.
"Hey, Enmaru-senpai, isn't this speed a little too slow?"
Enmaru glanced at the carriage ahead and replied in a low voice, "Have you ever seen a fisherman eager to haul in his net?"
Asuma immediately fell silent.
He reached for the chakra blade at his waist and silently returned to his position.
Enmaru watched him leave, then scanned the quiet forest around them. A bitter smile tugged at his lips.
Using oneself as bait to lure out the snake...
This man's boldness truly made one view him in a new light.
No wonder he dared speak so fearlessly.
Just then, in the corner of his vision, a shadow flitted through the trees, nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding shadows.
That figure flickered and disappeared deep within the forest.
A member of the Shadow Guard.
Enmaru's eyes narrowed.
What terrifying concealment.
As someone who knew about the unit, he was familiar with their existence.
But it was only upon seeing them move like ghosts in broad daylight that he truly understood how terrifying they were.
On the surface, the Daimyo was protected by the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
But secretly, a web of surveillance had already been cast by the Shadow Guard.
And the Daimyo himself was the bait, drawing the snakes out.
From the start, this was a hunt.
At the rear of the procession.
Orochimaru extended his tongue to lick his lips, having also sensed the figures moving in the shadows.
A faint chuckle escaped his lips, and a playful glint appeared in his eyes.
The road ahead would certainly not be dull.
The bleak autumn wind stirred fallen leaves across the path.
The Daimyo's motorcade continued to move forward at a leisurely pace...
Konoha, Hokage's Office
Minato was discussing the reception arrangements for the Daimyo with two of the village's elders.
Just then, an Anbu appeared and knelt before them.
"Report. The Daimyo's motorcade has departed from the Fire Capital and is heading toward Konoha."
Minato nodded. "What about the guards? How many has the Daimyo brought?"
"On the surface, only the Twelve Guardian Ninja. I did not dare inquire further about others."
"Hm." Minato realized his question had been careless and quickly followed up, "How long until they reach Konoha?"
"At their current speed, at least two more days."
Minato's brow furrowed. He began pacing.
A normal carriage journey from the Fire Capital to Konoha wouldn't take that long.
He knew the Daimyo's goal was to fish out hidden enemies.
Even so, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"What about the shinobi we dispatched to meet them?" He stopped pacing and asked again.
"They should rendezvous with the motorcade by noon today."
"Understood." Minato waved his hand. "Continue surveillance. I want updates on even the slightest movement along the route."
"Report every hour."
"Yes!"
The Anbu's figure turned into a blur and vanished from the office.
Only then did Mitokado Homura speak up, his tone filled with concern.
"Minato, the Daimyo is shouldering a burden that should be ours. We must ensure his safety."
"Don't worry," Minato replied calmly. Then he asked, "Are all preparations for the reception complete?"
Homura nodded solemnly. "Everything is in place, all according to the highest standard."
"Good." Minato nodded, finally relaxing a bit after confirming everything.
His gaze drifted to the window. Under the sunlight, the village looked peaceful and calm.
But in the depths of his blue eyes, a cold gleam flickered.
He hoped Kumo wouldn't be foolish enough to make a move.
Otherwise... he, the Yellow Flash, would make them remember the horror of war.
(To be continued.)