Konoha, Just Like Kizaru

The Country of Tea is located in the southern gap between the Country of Fire and the Country of Wind. 

Although it's called a gap, it refers to the area between the countries on the map. 

This area is not small, and it often contains many smaller countries acting as buffer zones between the larger ones.

The mission was issued by the River Country, which is in conflict with the Country of Tea. 

Among the many small nations in this region, only the Country of Tea and the Country of River have their own ninja villages. 

As a result, the two countries frequently clash. The River Country has been at a disadvantage in these wars, forcing them to seek help from Konoha.

The River Country hopes that Konoha will send ninjas to assassinate the daimyo of the Country of Tea. 

Once the daimyo is killed, the entire Country of Tea will fall into chaos, allowing the River Country to take advantage of the situation.

As for why Konoha, backed by the entire Fire Country, accepted the task, they have their own reasons. 

In the buffer zone between the Country of Wind and the Country of Fire, the Country of Tea and the Country of River are the most powerful. 

There is also the Country of Rain, but that involves the Country of Earth, which is not part of this discussion.

The Country of Tea and the Country of Wind have always maintained good relations.

If the Country of Tea is allowed to defeat or even destroy the Country of River, the Fire Country will lose its buffer zone facing the Country of Wind. 

The Country of Tea could become a bridgehead for the Country of Wind, allowing its ninjas to march straight into Konoha. 

This is something Konoha cannot tolerate.

So, this mission is not only about the reward. It's also a demonstration of the Fire Country's strength. 

The goal is to show other small countries that the Fire Country remains the dominant power in the ninja world. 

Any country thinking of allying with others should carefully consider whether they can withstand the wrath of the Fire Country.

Of course, the Country of Wind likely has the same intentions.

In reality, this war isn't just between the Country of Tea and the Country of River; it's a hidden battle between the Fire Country and the Wind Country. 

It's essentially a proxy war.

That night, Simu and his team set off immediately, heading for the Country of Rivers. 

After six days of intense travel, they finally reached the 180th border of the Land of Fire.

The Country of Rivers is named for the many rivers that flow through its land. 

After crossing one of these rivers on the border of the Land of Fire, they were officially entering enemy territory.

Simu turned to look at the woods along the river bank. 

Five ninjas, each wearing river-shaped forehead protectors, stepped out from the nearby trees.

"As expected of Konoha's ninja, your perception is impressive," said the leader, a middle-aged ninja with a beard and a square face, exuding a mature and reliable aura.

He spoke slowly, introducing himself: "I'm the ninja responsible for the liaison this time. You can call me Harukami Aso."

With that, he tossed a scroll toward them.

Minato stepped back, waiting until Simu confirmed there was no danger before picking up the scroll.

At the same time, Harukami Aso threw the scroll to Minato. Minato carefully examined the scroll and then nodded at the River Country ninjas.

"Hello, I'm Namikaze Minato from Konoha."

"Hanyu Simu."

"Hyuga Lindy."

"Please, come with us," Harukami Aso said.

He led Simu and the others to the Ninja Village. They didn't arrive at the River Ninja Village until midnight. The ninjas there greeted them with a somewhat indifferent attitude.

Some people complained that Konoha had only sent three young ninjas. It wasn't until Harukami Aso scolded them that they quieted down. 

Aso, being one of the few Jōnin in Tanigakure, held enough authority to make them listen.

"I'm really sorry. Please rest here. The mission will start tomorrow," Aso said, leading Simu and the others to a room.

The room was well-stocked with food and had a large, soft bed. Simu immediately lay down without saying a word and let out a satisfied sigh.

"It's so comfortable…" he muttered. He hadn't had a proper bed to rest in for days.

Meanwhile, Minato sat down and began eating the dry food he had brought.

Minato avoided eating the food provided by others, preferring not to accept anything from others unless absolutely necessary. 

As for Simu, after sensing with the Sage Mode, he eagerly eat the meal.

Minato spoke seriously, "I can feel the eyes of ninjas on us. There are many of them."

Simu finished the food, patted his stomach, and said, "It's surprising. I didn't expect the ninja system in such a small country to develop so quickly."

Minato continued analyzing, "Despite that, they're still suppressed by the country of tea. It seems the country of Wind is still putting in effort."

He then glanced at Simu and Lindy. "We should prepare to face the Sand Shinobi."

Simu immediately stood up.

Minato immediately became concerned. "What's going on?"

Simu scratched his head and smiled. "I'm not full."

Minato rolled his eyes, but before he could say anything, Simu had already opened the door and walked out.

"I'm going to find something to eat."

Minato sighed and looked at Lindy. "How did you and Kushina end up liking Simu?"

Hyuga Lindy blushed slightly and whispered, "Actually, Mr. Simu is a really good person..."

Outside, in the country of Rivers, Simu could hear the sound of flowing rivers as soon as he stepped out the door.

Simu casually wandered down the road, looking for a place to eat. Suddenly, the sound of something cutting through the air reached his ears.

With his Observation Haki, Simu wasn't fazed by the poorly executed sneak attack. His expression remained calm as he slightly tilted his head to the side.

A thin strip of needle barely missed his neck, but it was nothing he couldn't handle.

Although the attack came from the right, Simu turned his gaze to a roof on the left.

"I see you. Come out." Simu said, hands in his pockets, his expression unchanged.

"Who are you, and why haven't I seen you before?"

A dark-skinned, athletic female ninja landed from the roof, with a handful of needles in her hand, clearly her weapon of choice. She gave Simu a sly look.

Simu smiled and replied, "Didn't we meet by the river?"

For Simu, with his mastery of Observation Haki, recognizing someone's presence was easy. Transformation and Clone Techniques were useless against him. 

He could always detect the breath of anyone nearby, making such tricks meaningless.

The female ninja in front of Simu was clearly one of the ninjas who had followed Harukami Aso to the river to join him and the others. 

At the time, she had been wearing a mask.

Upon hearing Simu's words, her face stiffened. She hadn't been wearing a mask then. How did he figure it out?

But she quickly regained her composure. "In that case, let me test the strength of big country ninjas like you."

Simu, appearing only sixteen or seventeen, adjusted his sunglasses with a calm smile. "So, you didn't believe in your own strength and are now looking for trouble?"

Under the bright moonlight, the female ninja's eyes sparkled with determination. 

She reached into her ninja pouch and pulled out several emerald green senbon, their tips glinting in the moonlight.

"Don't say I didn't warn you, Konoha ninja—these senbon are poisoned!" Her voice was sharp and clear.

In a flash, the female ninja scattered into several glowing firefly-like illusions that darted toward Simu.

However, with his Observation Haki, Simu easily saw through the illusion. 

The real ninja had appeared behind the illusions, but her movements weren't fast enough to deceive him. For ordinary ninjas, this level of trickery might have been effective, but not for Simu.

"And I...am poisonous too," 

A playful voice came from behind Simu, followed by a light white hand gently pressing on his shoulder. 

To his surprise, the girl's grip was unexpectedly strong, almost like a firm massage, but in reverse.

"You've already lost, Konoha ninja," she said, her voice teasing.

With a swift motion, she swung the senbon in her hand, aiming for Simu's neck. Just as the sharp tip was about to pierce his skin, Simu finally moved.

Simu's raised arm shot out like lightning, his two fingers firmly clamping the needle mid-air, stopping the fatal strike.

"How is that possible? It was already under my control..." the female ninja said in disbelief.

She had used a paralyzing ninjutsu, one that could instantly bring down even an elephant.

However, she didn't realize that Simu's body had been trained to the point where it was immune to toxins and external attacks. 

Even if the poison entered his body, he could simply use his life force to expel it.

"Your strength is so scary. You almost defeated me," 

Simu said with a calm smile, while the female ninja's face darkened in frustration.

Simu effortlessly caught the needles with two fingers and pulled the female ninja closer.

Recovering quickly from her shock, she twisted in mid-air, gripping more needles in her other hand and aiming them straight for Simu's face.

"Haruka, stop!" 

A middle-aged ninja yelled, rushing forward, but it was too late.

"What a ruthless woman" 

Simu remarked calmly. With a sigh, he raised his foot and sent the attacking ninja flying with a single kick.

Harukami Aso, who had just arrived on the scene, stood frozen, clearly not expecting the situation to escalate this way.

In a swift move, Harukami Aso caught the female ninja mid-air, landing steadily on the ground with her in his arms.

Simu stood calmly, hands in his pockets, watching them both with a sharp gaze. 

He needs an explanation. 

After all, Konoha had come to aid the Country of the River, yet here he was, facing an assassination attempt by one of their own.

Harukami Aso, visibly flustered, didn't even check on his daughter's injuries before bowing his head in apology.

"I'm deeply sorry, Mr. Simu. This is just the reckless behavior of a young girl."

He glanced at the injured ninja and continued, "She has always overestimated herself, thinking she could match the ninjas of great nations. When she saw you today, she probably acted out of a desire to prove her worth."

Harukami's voice grew more urgent as he clarified, "Please understand, this was not an act of hostility from our ninja village. It's purely her own doing."

Simu remained silent for a moment, his calm demeanor masking his thoughts. 

This incident was no trivial matter.

If Konoha were to hold this incident against the River Country, their only fate would be annexation by the Tea Country

Harukami Aso thought grimly, imagining the consequences for their ninjas.

" Cough, cough... " Harukami Haruka coughed heavily, breaking the tense silence. 

She looked at Simu with a mixture of respect and frustration before bowing deeply.

"As expected of a Konoha ninja,"

"I was wrong to act so rashly. Please accept my sincerest apologies and know this was entirely my own doing. Don't blame anyone else."

Simu yawned, brushing off the tension as if it were nothing.

"Oh, it's no big deal,That attack earlier? It felt more like a relaxing massage."

Though his words carried a hint of mockery, Harukami Haruka couldn't help but feel awed by Simu's overwhelming strength. 

She was no longer irritated—she was completely humbled.

At this moment, Simu didn't talk further. 

Instead, he said casually, "Well, it's pretty late... and I'm feeling a bit hungry."

Harukami Aso quickly caught on and responded enthusiastically.

"I know a restaurant with delicious food. How about I take you there to try it?"

Simu rubbed his hands together with a sly grin. "Oh, I couldn't possibly impose..."

Harukami Aso patted his chest confidently. "What's there to be embarrassed about? This way, please!"

For Aso, resolving this incident smoothly was important. 

While it seemed minor, it could easily be misconstrued on a larger scale as the River Country plotting to harm Konoha ninjas—a misunderstanding they couldn't afford.

Such an act could easily escalate to the River Country effectively declaring war on the Fire Country.

But in simpler terms, this was merely a friendly exchange between young ninjas from the two nations. If such a conflict could be settled over a meal, then it was well worth it. In fact, even if it took several meals, it would still be acceptable.

Simu's eyes sparkled at the mention of food.

"Then, can I bring a partner along?" 

Lindy had an appetite that was not far from his own, and if there was an opportunity to eat, Simu firmly believed it should be enjoyed to the fullest. After all, eating good food was one of his life's guiding principles.

When Simu invited Lindy, she immediately agreed without hesitation.

The group of four made their way to the most renowned sushi restaurant in Tanigakure. 

Along the way, Harukami Haruka kept chatting with Simu, her gaze filled with admiration.

This didn't go unnoticed by Hyuga Lindy. 

Unlike Kushina, who would have openly expressed her thoughts, Lindy quietly changed her seat closer to Simu once they were seated. Without a word, she clung tightly to his arm.

Simu felt a soft warmth enveloping his arm, almost as if he were surrounded by gentle waves, leaving him slightly flustered but amused.

Seeing Lindy's impressive figure, Harukami Haruka couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

Then, as if driven by some strange sense of competition, Simu and Lindy went on to devour 300 servings of sushi together.

Harukami Aso and the others were left utterly dumbfounded.

Is this real? Aso thought, panic creeping into his mind.

At this rate, I'm going to go bankrupt!

He had boasted earlier about handling ten or even eight meals, but now he was questioning his life choices.

Are these two even human? How can they eat so much?

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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