The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima [Vol. 02]

Chapter 353 - Crossing the border.

Kakashi and Daichi set off along the main road, heading toward the Land of Fire's capital to meet Lord Taji Mayima, the Third Minister. The journey was quiet, each lost in their own thoughts.

Meanwhile, deep within the Hokage Tower's hidden chamber, a small group assembled. Danzo Shimura stood in silence with his usual stoic demeanor. Beside him, the reanimated Tobirama Senju crossed his arms, and Jiraiya was near looking over a large map. The Senju had a black hooded cloak that covered him from head to toe and a blue mask that concealed his face.

"We need to decide on the fastest route to the Land of Earth," Tobirama stated, his voice firm.

Jiraiya nodded. "Agreed. With your teleportation jutsu, travel won't be an issue, but we should still consider the safest path."

"The Land of Rain is out of the question," Jiraiya continued. "It's completely closed off. Hanzo the Salamander doesn't take kindly to uninvited guests."

Danzo glanced at Jiraiya from the corner of his eye, memories flickering in his mind. 'Last time I was there, things didn't go as planned.'

"The Land of Grass maintains diplomatic relations with both the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Stone," Danzo said thoughtfully. "It would be easier to move through there, but the Hidden Stone Village will likely expect that."

Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "So you suggest we avoid the obvious route?"

"Exactly," Danzo replied. "They'll be monitoring the usual paths. We should take an unexpected route to maintain the element of surprise."

Jiraiya stroked his chin. "That leaves the Land of Waterfall. It's less monitored, and with Lord Tobirama's teleportation, we can navigate the terrain quickly."

The Second Hokage nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll proceed through the Land of Waterfall."

Danzo adjusted his cloak. "We should prepare for any unforeseen obstacles."

"Yeah." Jiraiya said. "Orochimaru won't make this easy for us."

Tobirama stepped forward. "Gather close."

He placed a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder and then on Danzo's. "Hold on tight."

In an instant, they vanished from the chamber, leaving only a faint wisp of chakra in their wake.

The sudden shift from the familiar walls of the Hokage Tower to the lush surroundings of the Land of Waterfall was almost disorienting. To Jiraiya and Danzo it felt as if the world was moving around them for several seconds.

The sound of cascading water filled the air, and the mist from nearby falls cooled their skin.

"Welcome to the Land of Waterfall," Tobirama announced.

Jiraiya looked around appreciatively. "You sure know how to make an entrance." He took a breath as he felt nostalgic. 'The last time I experienced this was with Minato. What an incredible jutsu.'

Danzo surveyed the area, ever cautious. "We should move quickly. Even here, we can't assume we're unnoticed."

They began making their way through the dense forest, the canopy above casting dappled shadows along their path.

"The Land of Waterfall isn't heavily monitored," Jiraiya said, stepping over a fallen log. "But you're right, we should still keep a low profile."

The Second Hokage crouched down and touched the ground with this index and middle finger. The other two stayed quiet as they saw Tobirama get to work. Several seconds later the Senju spoke. "I sense several small creatures native to this area. But no humans. No abnormalities. For the moment we're the only ones here."