After a few days, Kawaki and his group entered the territory of the Land of Grass.
The terrain here was different from that of the Land of Taki. There were not as many waterfalls, but instead, there were vast grasslands. It truly lived up to its name as the Land of Grass.
Kawaki remembered that there weren't many powerful ninjas in the Land of Grass. They made a living by reselling intelligence from the big countries.
They also often captured ninjas from other countries to steal their ninjutsu, which seriously damaged the interests of other countries.
Because of this, in the original plot, the country almost got destroyed by the Kaguya Clan. Karin's mother was used as a medical tool during the war and was literally eaten alive.
The Bone Pulsation of the Kaguya Clan was a powerful Kekkei Genkai that could evolve into the All-Killing Ash Bones.
Otherwise, Orochimaru wouldn't have chosen Kimimaro as his first choice for a reincarnation vessel. It was a pity that Kimimaro passed away at a young age due to a genetic blood disease.
Kawaki guessed that with the Six Paths' power combined with the Bone Pulsation, one could evolve into the All-Killing Ash Bones. However, he didn't have the time to look for the Kaguya Clan at the moment.
But if there was a suitable opportunity, he wouldn't let go of this ability. The All-Killing Ash Bones was known as a killing jutsu.
Anyone stabbed by it would surely turn to ashes along with their bones. Their body would start to disintegrate from the wound and gradually spread throughout the whole body.
"I reckon we'll arrive before the large troop."
Kawaki estimated the time. The large troop would probably take another two or three days to arrive.
Most of their time was spent on the journey. The process of capturing the Seven-Tailed Beast had been quite smooth.
"Then let's wait in the town."
After enduring hardships on the journey, sleeping outdoors and eating on the go, Tsunade was starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Great! I want a big meal."
Nawaki's voice floated from behind. It was quite something that he could hear the news even from such a distance.
"Teacher, I'm fine with anything."
Minato added from behind. He was happy to let Nawaki take the lead and risk being targeted. He didn't like to fight for credit.
"Alright, you two young ones."
Kawaki scolded them jokingly with a smile, while looking at Tsunade flying diagonally above him with eager eyes.
He was nearly suffocated by the boredom these days.
"What are you smiling about?"
Kawaki came back to his senses only after being slapped in the face by Tsunade's wings. He quickly wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth.
"Nothing. I just thought of something delicious."
But his eyes were wandering, showing a bit of guilt.
"Better be."
Tsunade looked at Kawaki suspiciously. She always felt that this guy had something up his sleeve, but unfortunately, she couldn't read minds.
Otherwise, Kawaki would have experienced her playful but powerful punch.
"Cough... cough..."
"That's it. Don't think too much."
"Let's speed up. We're almost at the border."
Kawaki found an excuse and ran ahead. Tsunade flapped her wings to catch up, which was tough on the two young ones.
They thought it was a sudden test from their teacher and went all out at full throttle to catch up.
From the Land of Grass to the Land of Fire, they were getting closer to the border of the Land of Rain.
As expected, the large troop hadn't arrived yet. There were no marks left at the meeting point.
Kawaki and his group came to the town where Orochimaru had led the team before. This town hadn't been affected by the war.
It was still as bustling and prosperous as ever.
The journey had exhausted them severely. In order to keep up with Kawaki's speed, they had almost run out of Chakra.
"Let's have a meal first, then find a hot spring to soak in, and have a good rest tonight."
Kawaki arranged the next plan of action and received a half - hearted cheer from the two young ones.
"Let's go."
Tsunade hadn't had a good meal for a long time either. She took the lead and walked towards the street filled with alluring aromas.
On the way, she stopped for a moment when passing by a gambling house, but Kawaki grabbed her arm and dragged her away.
"We didn't bring much money. There will be an opportunity next time."
Kawaki was afraid that Tsunade would rush in, and then the four of them would have to sleep on the street that night.
Then what was the purpose of coming to the town with so much trouble.
"I'm just taking a look."
Tsunade spoke without confidence. She was being pulled along but still a bit resistant, as if she hadn't won money for a long time.
She forgot that she had never won at all.
The four of them came to a barbecue restaurant. In front of the barbecue stand at the entrance, the boss was grilling and shouting.
"Delicious barbecue! If it's not good, it's free."
"Boss, bring us meat and sake."
Kawaki led the way into the store. He didn't need to inquire about the price; anyway, he could afford the cost.
They sat down at an empty table.
Soon, the barbecue and sake were served. The boss was considerate enough to prepare beverages for the two young ones.
"It smells so good."
Nawaki stuffed his mouth with meat and guzzled down water, looking thoroughly enjoying himself.
In contrast, Minato was much more gentle and refined. No wonder Kushina took a fancy to him. If Kushina were paired with Nawaki, the house would probably be in a mess.
"You might as well choke to death."
Tsunade looked at her younger brother's behavior and was utterly speechless. What sort of younger brother is this?
"As long as we're full, let's drink."
Kawaki smiled broadly. This was nothing; he had more important things to do.
"It's a bit weak."
Tsunade, who was used to strong liquor, already started to dislike the sake, but something was better than nothing.
"It's okay. If it's not enough, just drink more."
"Boss, bring more sake."
Kawaki waved his hand, and the boss brought up several more pots of sake.
The two young ones ate happily, and Kawaki made every effort to intoxicate Tsunade.
However, he still underestimated Tsunade's alcohol tolerance. It seemed that after she became a Jinchūriki, her alcohol tolerance had increased even further.
Kawaki was compelled to resort to underhanded tactics. He made an excuse to go to the restroom to sober himself up.
Finally, he managed to get Tsunade quite drunk. She started asking for more sake and was very excited.
"Boss, check out."
As soon as Kawaki saw that Tsunade was drunk, he quickly extricated himself.
He put his arm around Tsunade's waist and escorted her out of the barbecue restaurant.
The two young ones belched after going out and rubbed their bellies.
Then the four of them arrived at the most luxurious hot - spring bathhouse in the area.
"Boss, two private hot spring rooms."
Kawaki went to the bathhouse and booked two private rooms, which had good privacy but were also much more expensive.
"You two go and take a bath."
He dismissed the two young ones. Tsunade still had a flushed face and leaned against Kawaki.
"I knew you had ulterior motives. Isn't it just soaking in the hot spring? Let's go."
Tsunade took the initiative, wrapped her arms around Kawaki's neck, pulled him into the hot - spring room and then released him. She staggered towards the pool.
"Kawaki, have you been planning this for a long time?"
As she spoke, Tsunade took off her clothes and stood naked in front of Kawaki.
"I～"
Kawaki stared with wide eyes and swallowed twice.
This is the first time! Finally, all my efforts paid off! Heaven never fails the one with perseverance.
"Not like you haven't seen it before."
Tsunade turned her head disdainfully, submerged her body in the hot spring pool, and closed her eyes to enjoy it.
The fatigue of many days was all relieved.
Kawaki quickly stripped off his clothes and slipped into the pool. He carefully approached Tsunade's side.
"Tsunade, let me give you a massage. I'm professional."
"Sure."
Now fearless after drinking sake, Tsunade was the personification of courage.
At first, Kawaki was massaging properly, but then he became more and more inappropriate.
"Um... "
"Come on, show me those wings!"
Kawaki moved behind Tsunade, leaned close to her ear, and murmured softly.
Then a pair of butterfly wings instantly burst out from Tsunade's back.
"This is so exciting."
Kawaki worked even harder. Whether he would be killed by the sober Tsunade tomorrow was no longer within his consideration.
For the flourishing of the Kawaki family's population, he was willing to do his utmost and sacrifice himself.
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