After entering the area of Yugakure, the number of bandits and robbers quickly decreased.
Although Yugakure had actively reduced its military strength, it was, after all, the Ninja Organization of the Land of Hot Water.
No matter how much it declined, it was still overwhelmingly powerful against ordinary people.
"Wow, it's so lively!" Shizune clapped her hands cheerfully, temporarily forgetting the unpleasantness of the journey.
As if worried that Setsuna might say something shocking again, Hizashi quickly said: "It's rare to come to Yugakure. You can find a hot spring to soak in. For us Taijutsu specialists, hot spring therapy can not only relax muscles but also eliminate some internal injuries."
Guy's eyes lit up, but he was still somewhat worried: "Hizashi-sensei, wouldn't we be too relaxed? We haven't even started the mission yet."
Hizashi smiled: "Combining work and rest is the way to train. Don't keep yourself too tense."
Shizune asked: "What about you, Hizashi-sensei?"
Hizashi said: "I'll go meet with the mission client first. I'll join you later."
"Is that really okay?" Shizune felt a bit guilty. They would be enjoying the hot springs while Hizashi-sensei handled the mission alone.
Setsuna smiled: "It might actually be better if we don't go. Although we know our own strength, the people of Yugakure don't. If they see children in a team taking an A-Rank mission, they might think Konoha is deliberately brushing them off."
"Oh, that makes sense." Guy suddenly understood. Looking at Setsuna, who was half a head taller than Hizashi, he couldn't help but envy: "I really want to grow taller quickly too, so I can look as reliable as you, Setsuna-san."
After Hizashi left, Guy and Shizune gathered around Setsuna and asked: "Setsuna-san, which hot spring should we go to now?"
"Let's go to..." Setsuna looked around and suddenly let out a surprised sound. "They're here too?"
"Ah? Who?" Guy was confused.
"It's the team led by Minato-senpai. Come on, let's go say hello." Setsuna led the two towards the entrance of a hot spring establishment.
Guy indeed spotted the few people standing at the entrance and exclaimed excitedly: "It's my rival, the White-Haired Kakashi!"
Hearing the nickname Guy had unilaterally given him, Kakashi twitched awkwardly.
"Setsuna-san, Guy, Shizune!" Obito nearby waved his arms frantically, very excited.
After the groups met and exchanged brief greetings, Setsuna asked: "Obito, what are you all doing in the Land of Hot Water?"
Obito boasted not without pride: "We took a B-Rank escort mission! What about you, Setsuna-san?"
"We came out for an A-Rank mission." Guy explained.
"A-Rank mission!" Obito staggered back a step as if struck by sunlight, "You're already taking A-Rank missions! Kakashi, it must be because you're holding us back!"
Kakashi looked at him speechlessly: "You'd better have some self-awareness."
Just as the two were about to start arguing again, a portly man dressed as a merchant beside them exclaimed: "To be taking A-Rank missions at such a young age is truly remarkable."
Setsuna asked: "And this is?"
"Uncle Caz is the client for our escort mission. We were supposed to escort him to the Land of Frost, but Uncle Caz said the Land of Frost is freezing cold, so he invited us to the hot springs before entering. He's a super nice guy!" Obito said bluntly.
"Haha, it's the least I could do." Caz laughed heartily. "You all work much harder than I do. A-Rank missions must be quite difficult, right?"
"It's alright. It's mainly about eliminating an organization called the Jashin Cult." Guy spoke straightforwardly, not giving Setsuna time to remind him about confidentiality.
"The Jashin Cult!" Caz's expression changed. He lowered his voice and said: "You must be very careful. I've heard the Ninjas of that cult are all madmen. They feel no pain at all. Some monsters even enjoy pain."
As he spoke, he waved his hand somewhat mysteriously: "Be careful, they might have people nearby. Better not talk about it. Let's go enjoy the hot springs."
Not long after, Hizashi and Minato found them, they had apparently also met by chance on the way.
Shizune and Rin went to the women's bath, while Setsuna and the others soaked in the hot spring on the other side. They chatted freely, feeling very relaxed.
"It's strange, though. The climate in the Land of Hot Water is warm and pleasant, but the neighboring Land of Frost is all wind, blades, frost, and swords. Two adjacent countries, yet the climate difference is so vast." Hizashi remarked in amazement.
Caz smiled: "I've actually heard a theory. Legend has it that a Shinigami's Sword named [Frost's Sorrow] is plunged into the land of the Land of Frost, which is why its climate is so severe."
Setsuna found this rather speechless, 'Frost's Sorrow? Why not just call it Frostmourne?'
Minato shook his head with a smile: "I've never heard of Shinigami having such a divine weapon."
The Dead Demon Consuming Seal originated from the Uzumaki Clan. When it came to understanding the Shinigami, he was probably second only to Kushina. And from what he knew, the Shinigami used a tanto.
Just then, water splashed beside Setsuna, and a moan was heard: "Ah, only in the water can one truly feel the meaning of life."
Setsuna looked beside him and instinctively raised an eyebrow, 'This guy's attire... seems to be that of Kurosuki Raiga, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?'
Setsuna had some impression of him, after all, he was one of the three lucky survivors of the Eight Gates Released Formation… worthy of sitting at the same table as Uchiha Madara.
He just didn't know why a Ninja from Kirigakure would appear here.
Setsuna couldn't be bothered to think too much about it. Anyway, he was now in the same team as Guy. If, as in the original timeline, they encountered the Seven Ninja Swordsmen during the Third Great Ninja War, then the [Tragic Seven] could only blame their own bad luck.
The anticipated conflict did not erupt, and they spent the hot spring time harmoniously.
After finishing their soak, Team Minato set off for the Land of Frost. Hizashi didn't forget to remind them: "The Land of Frost borders the Land of Lightning. Be very careful. Those barbarians are the most unreasonable."
"Mm, I'll be careful." Minato's expression was grave. He hadn't forgotten that Kumogakure still blamed him for the deaths of those three invading Ninjas.
Although Kumogakure had been quiet for nearly a year, it was indeed unwise to let their guard down.
After seeing off Team Minato, Hizashi said: "Alright, let's go carry out our mission. I've found out the location of the Jashin Cult's base from the village chief."
"Ah? You found the base that easily?" Setsuna was somewhat surprised.
Shizune was worried: "Could it be a trap?"
"Probably not." Hizashi said hesitantly. "I also asked other villagers. They said that base has existed for a long time, and it wasn't established recently. It's just that their doctrine has become increasingly extreme in recent years."