That day, the group stopped their carriages and horses, happily eating noodles when their expressions suddenly turned serious.
These past few days, their lives had been much better than at the start.
These nobles couldn't endure hardship, and the carriages were very comfortable, with no bumps at all when sitting inside. Their food and drink were also prepared according to the nobles' standards.
This was also thanks to Tsunade. Ordinary ninjas wouldn't receive such courtesy from these nobles, but Tsunade herself was a noble, and her status was even above these ordinary nobles.
Of course, their food also needed to be inspected, as it was hard to guarantee that no one had been bribed.
"What's wrong?" Tsunade stopped eating and looked at Kazuki, asking.
"Quite a few powerful Chakra signatures are approaching."
Kazuki pressed his fingers to the ground and said, "Among them, there are over ten Jonin-level Chakra signatures, and the Chakra signature of the leader is above yours and Sakumo-senpai's."
"Even above ours?" Tsunade frowned.
She was willing to believe Kazuki's sensory abilities. A Ninja capable of using the Flying Thunder God Technique wouldn't have poor sensory abilities.
Although the strength of a Ninja and the amount of Chakra they possess are not directly related, having more Chakra is always beneficial.
However, as a person trains their Chakra, especially in nature transformation, their Chakra signature changes, and many sensory ninjas often gauge an opponent's strength from this signature.
"Yes, but it won't have much impact, and it's not impossible to fight." Kazuki said, eager to try.
"I want to see how strong such a powerful person really is."
Tsunade frowned slightly. She felt that Kazuki was courting death.
Sometimes, trying it out leads to death!
Even she would be at risk of dying if she encountered a truly powerful opponent.
"Just because you've learned the Flying Thunder God Technique doesn't mean you can be reckless." Tsunade reminded Kazuki in a hoarse voice.
She had long regarded Kazuki as a disciple, like a younger brother. He was one of her own.
She naturally did not want to see Kazuki suffer any mishaps.
"I know, but fighting such a master is very dangerous, but if there's no pressure, I can't improve."
Kazuki spread his hands and said, "Don't worry, Tsunade-sensei, if you're gone, I can definitely awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan."
"You bastard, are you looking to die?"
She furiously grabbed Kazuki's hair, instantly turning his head into a bird's nest.
However, if she were gone and Kazuki awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan because of it, she would be very pleased. It would prove that she was very important in Kazuki's heart.
Kazuki snorted, "If possible, I even want to find Sakumo-senpai and go ambush those Kumo ninjas together."
"Are you sure they're from Kumogakure?" Tsunade frowned, this was not good news.
"Yes, most of them are Lightning Release users. I can sense the aura of their kind."
"Besides Kumogakure, I don't know which village has so many Lightning Release users."
Kazuki's lips curved into a smile and he said, "So, Tsunade-sensei, what do you plan to do?"
Tsunade looked at Kazuki, then at Kushina and Rinka. As for the nobles, she temporarily ignored them.
Even though the other party had provided delicious food and drink all the way, she still didn't take them too seriously.
Otherwise, she would not have come out on this mission.
At this moment, she was somewhat hesitant, unsure of what to choose.
"Actually, we can set traps on their way here."
Rinka extended her hand and suggested to the others, "Actually, my father was a bit worried before I came out, so he made a lot of preparations for me. I have a lot of Explosive Tags here."
"Explosive Tags?" Tsunade's lips twitched slightly.
What? Can you blow them up with Explosive Tags?
She had never heard of any powerful person being killed by Explosive Tags.
However, if it was to cause some trouble for those Kumo ninjas, it could still be done.
"You use them for self-defense then, Kazuki and I will meet the enemy together, as for you, protect yourselves."
Tsunade then swept her gaze towards where the nobles were, and whispered into Rinka's ear, "If it really comes down to it, you take Kushina and leave, don't worry about the others."
"Okay!" Rinka cast a sympathetic glance at the location of those people.
She had seen how those people had flattered Tsunade along the way, but she didn't expect that they meant nothing in Tsunade's heart.
Kazuki, however, was unconcerned. But then again, these nobles were their protection target this time, weren't they?
Making a choice between protecting oneself and one's comrades versus protecting the mission objective was a difficult decision.
In reality, it depended on how one chose, just mission. If Sakumo were to execute it, and people died, and Danzo's heart was a little darker, then Sakumo would become the object of scorn for countless people.
"Actually, I also have a trump card. Grandma Mito left me an insurance." At this moment, Kushina spoke weakly.
Tsunade instantly felt sour. Mito left Kushina insurance, but didn't leave anything for herself.
Who was Mito's real granddaughter, herself or Kushina?! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
However, Tsunade still asked, "What trump card did Grandma leave you?"
"I don't know either. Grandma Mito said I would know when the time came. I don't know what it is."
Kushina scratched her head and said, "But I think it should be a very powerful technique."
Kazuki looked at Kushina with a deep gaze. He thought it must be the Nine-Tails's Chakra. Kushina's previous displays had confirmed this point.
However, if she really unleashed her power, Tsunade probably wouldn't be her opponent, would she?
Kazuki then turned his gaze to Tsunade, who was somewhat hesitant.
Whether to take the initiative or stand by and wait, Tsunade was unable to make a decision at once.
She was not only responsible for herself but also for the entire squad.
If possible, she would rather Orochimaru carry out this mission. She didn't want to do it at all.
Anyway, the heads of Nawaki, Hizashi, and Mikoto were very valuable.
"Fine, kid, we'll face them together proactively."
Finally, Tsunade gritted her teeth and said, her fighting spirit soaring.