"I was able to ihe enemy, but he summoned a defeype creature, which looked like an armadillo. Because of that, I couldn't finish him off. After that red smoke, he escaped. I think his name was Kazuki," Kaida said.

  "Even fighting a Jonin-level ninja and surviving is a great feat fenin. You even made him summon his partner—good job," Yukihiro praised.

  "Sensei, during the fight, I realized how important having a summon is. When will we be able to get one?" Kaida asked, his eyes shining with curiosity.

  "Kaida, I uand you're fasated by the idea of having a powerful partner. But first, you o make a tract with the animal, and for that, you have to go to the dimensiohey reside. On the surface, it doesn't seem too problematic, but from experience, I tell you that not all animals are friendly. Once you ehat dimension, you may have to fight tless animals with various abilities. And since you'll be alone in that dimension, no one will be there to help you. That's why, even though the chakra requirement for making the initial tract isn't high, it's reeo attempt it only when you're strong enough to be sidered a Jonin."

  "Sensei, since I was able to hold my own against a Jonin, I try to make a summoning tract?" Kaida asked, his voice full of expectation.

  "You try, but I reend mastering all the abilities your Sharingan offers first. Even though you ow see and notice minor movements of the enemy, as well as chakra movements, you're still not using the Sharingan for what it's most famous for," Yukihiro expined.

  "Genjutsu," Kaida said thoughtfully.

  "Yes. Once you learn some powerful genjutsu, your ces of getting a good summon will increase. You choose genjutsu as the field you want to specialize in when Lord Third asks about it. I'm sure with your Sharingan and excellent chakra trol, you'll bee a force to be reed with," Yukihiro enced.

  "But, Sensei, I'm sidering choosing something else as my specialization," Kaida said.

  "Well, it's your decision. If you already have something in mind, go with that. But you still o learsu. Having such potential and not expl it would be a crime against yourself."

  "Yes, Sensei."

  "Now, guys, get ready. We still have a mission to plete. We'll resume our journey in half an hour, so take some rest." After saying that, Yukihiro leaned against a tree to rest.

  Ryota and Kiba also found a er to rest. Even though they had eaten a soldier pill, which prevented physical exhaustion, they were mentally drained. Fighting against stronger oppos, outnumbered, and trying to save their lives and their friends'—if that isn't mentally exhausting, you're just not human.

  When Yomi and Kaida were alone, Kaida asked, "Are you truly alright? Are you sure you're not hurt? Are you exhausted?"

  "Shhh, Kaida, I'm fine. Calm dow's rest a bit. I have a feeling we won't have time to rest properly until we reach the Land of Noodles," Yomi said, reassuring him.

  After that, both of them leaned against a tree to rest. Sihey had all taken a soldier pill, none of them could sleep, so they meditated lightly, trying to alleviate their mental exhaustion as much as possible.

  Meanwhile, another discussion was going on in the carriage...

  "Renji, I've always told you that in this world, strength reigns supreme. No matter your position in the vilge, if you keep disrespeg ninjas, one day you'll die without knowing who killed you," Hiroto warned.

  "Just wait and see, Hiroto. I'll prove to you that I'm much more powerful than some lousy brat. Once we successfully plete the deal with the Land of Noodles, our value will increase tremendously. Then I'll pin about them to Lord Third and make sure they get the punishment they deserve," Renji said, his voice filled with spite.

  "Well, we'll see wheime es. For now, let's focus on the deal we have to plete," Hiroto said, knowing full well that he couldn't ge Renji's mind, no matter what.

  'The only good thing is that Renji is truly afraid for his life now, so at least he won't do anything more stupid. But now that our vilge is fag a she of ninjas, I'm not sure Renji will even be able to make them get any punishment,' Hiroto thought.

  For most of the ride, Hiroto stayed ihe carriage, cheg all the dots and reviewing the pns for the deal. Hiroto was the one Hokage had trusted to make a deal with the Land of Noodles, as Renji had gotten his position through es and money. And sihe vilge was in dire need of funds, Hiruzen had to turn a blio this. But ohing was certain: ohe vilge's dition stabilized, Renji was going to fae "unfortunate act."

  After half an hour, the four of them gathered.

  "Kaida, you will carry Hiroto-sama on your back, and I will carry the other one, for your information, Hiroto-sama's life is our top priority. He's not like the one we dealt with before, so don't worry about fag a simir situation. I don't think Renji will behave like that again, at least until we get back to Konoha," Yukihiro instructed.

  ---

  (A.N.: Thanks for reading ^~^)