Chapter 84 Departure, Land of Hot Springs!
Chapter 84 Departure, Land of Hot Springs!
The intelligence came faster than expected.
Just two days later, a letter from the Senju clan lands was delivered to Nishikawa Tetsuya.
The letter was concise and to the point, carrying a bitter taste of money lost:
A blonde woman with twin ponytails has appeared at a famous casino in the Land of Hot Water. Her defining characteristic: a magnanimous spirit, but an unstoppable losing streak. It's estimated that she lost five million ryo in just three hours and is currently under the joint surveillance of several creditors.
"Confirmed, it's the legendary big fat sheep."
Nishikawa Tetsu closed the letter, a hunter's smile playing on his lips as he watched his prey fall into the net.
"And the fact that she lost so badly means that she desperately needs to recover her losses. This is when her psychological defenses are most vulnerable and her desire for money is at its strongest."
This was the perfect opportunity to create his "Option C: Gambler's Trap".
Nishikawa Tetsu quickly tidied up the sealed scroll on the table—it contained the specially made blood-spraying vest, several boxes of specially made artificial blood plasma drinks, and several blind boxes with many traps.
"Are you going alone?"
Fugaku Uchiha stood at the office door, his brows furrowed, clearly dissatisfied with the decision.
"Although the Land of Hot Springs is a neutral country, it's a melting pot of all sorts of people due to its abundance of hot springs and casinos. It's a gathering place for wandering ninjas and rogue ninjas. You're a Chunin, and while you're intelligent, if it really came down to a fight..."
Fugaku paused, his tone hardening:
"No, that's too dangerous. I'm going to have Yashiro lead a team of elites with you. Anyway, the police department has plenty of funding right now, so let's treat it as a transnational security mission."
"Senior, I'm going there to provide psychological therapy, not to organize an armed demonstration."
Nishikawa Tetsu stuffed the scroll into his ninja tool bag and shook his head helplessly.
"Lady Tsunade's sensory abilities are extremely strong. If we were to lead a group of Uchiha through the city in a blatant manner, she would detect us before we even got close. To deal with a powerhouse of this level, we can only outsmart her, not overpower her."
"and……"
Nishikawa Tetsu patted the energy storage belt around his waist and the bee sting arm guard on his left arm.
"I have this, and the medicine Lord Orochimaru gave me before. I'm more than capable of protecting myself."
Looking at Nishikawa Tetsu's confident demeanor, Fugaku still felt uneasy, but he also knew that once this guy made up his mind, it was hard to change it.
"...Then bring enough money."
Fugaku turned around, opened the safe behind him, and took out two large bundles of thick banknotes, which were the police department's bonus for this month.
"Don't lose money. If that woman gets desperate and asks for money, lend it to her and put it on the police department's account."
Nishikawa Tetsu accepted the money, feeling a warmth in his heart.
This is the Uchiha style of concern—simple, direct, but very genuine.
"Thank you, senior. If all goes well, I will obtain the principle of the Yin Seal, which is the key to our next research step."
……
Just as he stepped out of the police department building, a golden figure instantly appeared in front of Nishikawa Tetsuya, bringing with it a gentle breeze.
"Che! I heard you're going to the Land of Hot Springs?"
Minato Namikaze had clearly just received the news; he hadn't even had time to take off his inspector's armband, and his face was filled with worry.
"I'll go too." Minato spoke very quickly. "I've already checked the schedule, and I can take a couple of days off. I've heard there's been some espionage activity from Kumogakure in the Land of Hot Springs lately, and I'm worried about you going alone."
"Minato, you..."
Just as Nishikawa Tetsu was about to refuse, an ANBU member wearing a cat-face mask suddenly appeared on the telephone pole behind Minato.
Minato Namikaze.
The sounds from the shadows were cold and mechanical.
"The Hokage urgently summons you! The border patrol team has been attacked by an unknown force, suspected to be an A-rank mission. You are specifically requested to lead the team to provide support. Depart immediately."
Minato's expression froze instantly.
He glanced back at the Anbu, then turned to look at Nishikawa Tetsu, a conflicted expression on his face.
On one hand, her best friend was going to the chaotic land; on the other hand, there was an urgent mission for the village and the Hokage's orders.
"Go, Minato."
Nishikawa Tetsu smiled and patted his shoulder, straightening his slightly crooked collar.
The Third Hokage really favored Minato. A Chunin was able to lead an A-rank mission, which can be seen as an acknowledgment of Minato's strength. It should be noted that A-rank missions are usually related to the movements of ninja villages and countries.
"This is the village's mission, and also a good opportunity for you to build your reputation. Don't forget, you're going to be Hokage, how can you let us down at a time like this?"
"But..." Minato still hesitated.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Besides, I'm going to see Lady Tsunade, and with one of the Legendary Sannin by my side, who would dare to harm me?"
Nishikawa Tetsu told a white lie—in reality, Tsunade's current state meant that she would be lucky if she didn't accidentally injure friendly forces, let alone protect anyone.
"Then you must be careful."
Minato took a deep breath.
"If anything happens, have Kosuke send me a message."
"Okay, okay, you nagging old woman."
Nishikawa Tetsu waved his hand: "Go quickly, don't keep the Hokage waiting."
Watching Minato's retreating figure following the Anbu, Nishikawa Tetsu's smile gradually faded, and his eyes became calm and sharp.
This time, I can only rely on myself.
……
Before setting off, Nishikawa Tetsu made one last trip to the underground base of the scientific research institute.
Orochimaru was standing in front of a huge map, seemingly deducing something.
"Are you leaving?"
Orochimaru did not turn around; his voice remained hoarse.
"Yes, to the Land of Hot Springs. According to reliable sources, Lady Tsunade is there." Nishikawa Tetsu checked the equipment.
"Oh……"
Orochimaru chuckled softly, turned around, and stared at Nishikawa Tetsu with his golden vertical pupils.
"Let me give you some advice, Che-kun."
"Don't treat Tsunade as an ordinary medical ninja, and even more so, don't treat her as an ordinary crazy woman."
"Although she is now afraid of blood, and although she looks dejected, she is still Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin."
"If you accidentally anger her, run as far away as you can before her hemophobia kicks in."
"Remember, you're going there to get treatment, not to die."
Nishikawa Tetsu nodded.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Orochimaru. I will be careful."
"Go." Orochimaru looked at the map again, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
"I'd also like to know if you could... bring her back."
……
Half an hour later, at the gates of Konoha.
With his backpack on, Nishikawa Tetsu set off alone on the road to the Land of Hot Springs.
The sunlight lengthened his shadow, making him appear somewhat lonely, but his steps were exceptionally firm.
"Let's go, Land of Hot Springs!"
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