"And since we've come to an agreement, until full-scale combat against the demon begins, I'll first take care of my comrade and client, and then I'll be able to fully devote myself to destroying the demon," I informed the priestess, standing up.
"I understand that you have other responsibilities, Nara-dono," she bowed her head, also standing up.
"It should take about a day, maybe a little longer," I estimated the distance I had traveled earlier, "and now, my respects."
With a polite bow, I left the room and headed for the infirmary, following the route I had memorized. A chill ran down my spine, causing me to shrug my shoulders and quicken my pace a little from the feeling of being stared at, although I could have sworn that no one was looking at me at that moment, but after a moment, it passed. Not bothering to wonder what it was, I focused on the task at hand.
The shinobi at the infirmary let me in without any problems, where kage bunshin continued to work on the wounded under the supervision of a couple of local fighters, and Yamanaka was already fully dressed in his equipment, which showed signs of repair, and sitting on a cot, talking about something with a short, stocky man in rich clothes and a magnificent beard down to the middle of his chest.
"Ryo-san," the jonin waved, noticing me and pointing to his companion as soon as I approached. "Allow me to introduce you. This is Yoru Sauri, my client, and this is Ryo Nara, jonin and one of Konoha's strongest fighters, among other outstanding talents, as well as our guarantee of safe return."
"My respects, Nara-san," the trader bowed politely, giving me a searching look. "To be honest, given the situation in Oni no Kuni, I didn't expect to be able to return home anytime soon.
"I'm glad that Takeru-san was able to get you out despite the obvious advantage of the attackers, Sauri-san," I replied to the trader's bow, "and I will take full responsibility for the mission to protect you.
"If I'm not mistaken, the land around the temple is now full of enemy forces, as is the area on the border with Numa no Kuni," the trader showed his knowledge, 'and I don't quite understand how security will be ensured with one more jonin, when three barely managed before, no offense to you, Yamanaka-san,' he bowed his head respectfully to the man mentioned.
"Yes, what's the big deal," the jonin waved his hand dismissively.
"It's very simple — I will seal you in an appropriate scroll and send you straight to the Land of Swamps, which will take no more than twelve hours."
"Um..." Clearly not knowing what to say to such a plan, the man turned to the jonin for help.
"Don't worry, Yoru-san," Takeru nodded firmly, "this is the safest option rather than trying to cross this distance on foot, forcing Ryo-san to protect us — enemy shinobi simply cannot match his speed.
"Besides, I can always create more clones to delay the enemies," I added, pointing to the kage bunshin working nearby, "without getting involved in the fight myself and putting the scroll in danger.
"What's more, these shinobi only have strength, but no experience or skills to use it, and if it weren't for the need to protect the caravan, the three of us could have wiped out all the attackers with ease," Yamanaka grimaced, "and for Ryo-san, they wouldn't be a problem at all.
"Then I'm counting on you, Nara-san," the client nodded after a short pause. 'What should I do?"
"Nothing complicated — just place your hand in the center of this picture,' I said, taking out the scroll for the prisoners and unrolling it, pointing to the seal.
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