Chapter 48 - Land of River (2/2)
They walk on for hours, with people pushing the carriage changing every thirty minutes this time. Chisato didn't want any of them to tire. If they are ambushed, they must be at their full capacity.
Along the way, Minato sensed some chunin level enemy waiting in ambushes, but they were finished off by his stalker. And under the escort of said stalker, they successfully arrived at one of the bases of Konoha in the Land of River. It was a basic camp, with tents set up everywhere, and guards patrolling around it.
When they were spotted, they were escorted inside of the camp, warmly welcomed despite the tension in the air. Konoha shinobi have a liking for their futures replacement, and adding the fact that they bring them food and weapons, it would be hard for one to welcome them coldly.
Chisato went to talk briefly with a shinobi wearing a chunin jacket, and when he returned, he announced that they can do anything for today, they will only go back tomorrow. ”But don't wander outside, you will only be protected inside the base!” Warned the chunin in charge of them.
Looking at the Konoha shinobi's busy discharging the merchandise, Minato chose a direction and walked aimlessly, having nothing to do. The busy shinobi he passed by gave him curious glances, surprised to see such a young kid here, but didn't bother with him, having better things to do.
Unknowingly, Minato headed deeper in the camp, and before long, he was stopped by some guards that were guarding the center of the camp, where the higher-ups were situated.
”Halt! You can't go deeper, it's a restricted zone.” Coldly declared the guard.
Broken out of his daydreams by this shout, Minato excused himself and was going to go back, when a voice called him.
”Oh, if it's isn't Minato, what are you doing here?”
Looking back, he saw Tsunade exiting the biggest tent, with some rather aged shinobi following her. 'Must be the higher-ups and their war room'
”Tsunade-san” Minato nodded politely ”I came here on an escort mission, bringing provisions for the war”
”I see, come, let's go discuss in my tent” Saying so, Tsunade ordered the guard to let Minato pass, and guided him to her personal tent.
On the way, Minato could sense the curious gazes and whispers, with people asking who was he and what was his relationship with Tsunade.
Entering Tsunade's tent, Minato raised an eyebrow at the lack of luxury, thinking that for somebody that loves money, gambling, and alcohol, she sure can be humble sometimes. There was only a bed, a shower, a closet, a small table, and two chairs.
”Pretty humble tent eh” Seeing Minato's look, she guessed his thoughts. ”Well, what I can say, everybody has it hard in war” Saying so, she took out a bottle of sake that she had hidden in her closet and sat down on a chair, gesturing Minato to do the same.
Pouring herself a cup, she gulped it down and sighed in comfort. ”Ah, after such a tedious talk with those annoying old men, nothing beat sake”
”So” Bending down on the table and bringing her face closer to his, she asked him ”How was your first escort mission?”
”Pretty boring, apart from that small ambushed, but the guy fled” Complained Minato
”Eh, you should rejoice instead, if you have been ambushed by someone strong, it could have been dangerous” Replied Tsunade.
”And how did it go for you?” Asked Minato curiously. Despite not being bothered with her in their first meeting because he was worried about Kushina, the following month he often came to her house to talk with Mito, so he often saw her and the two of them hit off pretty well.
Even if she loves her brother, he is often childish so having somebody else to talk to is a nice change of pace. Jiraya is a pervert, her other teammate is creepy, and the majority of people of Konoha treated her so respectfully that it made her head hurt. Minato with his blunt personality was a breath of fresh air. He knew that she dislikes too much respect so he simply respected her wish.