In Konoha, they wiped out the Sarutobi clan at the start.

Chapter 91 Mixed Bathing, Chiya's Plans

Qianye continued, "Never underestimate any opponent."

"Leaving Zabuza aside, Kakashi is the type who gets stronger when facing stronger opponents. He can hold his own against anyone for a few rounds. If you dare to underestimate him, you could easily be caught off guard and suffer a crushing defeat."

"Zabuza right in front of us is a living example. He had an absolute advantage because those kids distracted Kakashi, and he even used the Water Prison Technique to trap him."

"But because of his blind arrogance, he has put himself in danger. Zabuza is doomed to lose this battle."

As the two were talking, Kakashi copied Zabuza's Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique once again, and using his Sharingan's prediction, he struck first, releasing a powerful stream of water that swept Zabuza toward the shore, where he crashed heavily into a large tree.

Finally, he threw a kunai, pinning Zabuza's limbs to the tree stump.

"It seems that's indeed the case." Ye Cang remained noncommittal, glancing at the tree trunk behind him out of the corner of his eye, and said softly, "It looks like someone's hiding behind us, eavesdropping on our conversation. What do you think, should I go and take care of her?"

"No need. Let's go." Qianye shook his head, and with a flash, disappeared into the tree trunk.

After a brief hesitation, Ye Cang followed closely behind.

Strictly speaking, besides seeing an old friend, Qianye's other purpose in coming here was to save Bai and prevent the tragedy from happening.

Although he wasn't some saint, anyone who had read the original Naruto manga felt sorry for Haku's death.

This can be considered as resolving the second unresolved issue after Yekura.

Incidentally, this will also give our dear Mizukage two more capable helpers.

Shortly after Chiya and the other person left, Haku slowly emerged from behind the tree trunk, bowed in the direction Chiya had left, and leaped towards Zabuza's direction.

Meanwhile, Chiya and Yekura had arrived at the residential area.

Looking at the lifeless pedestrians around him, and the entire country exuding an atmosphere of poverty, Yekura couldn't help but ask, "Is it really possible to make extra money in a place like this?"

"Of course, making extra money isn't like robbing civilians, and there's nothing to rob about civilians anyway." Senya sensed Haku and Zabuza's movements with her Observation Haki, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. When they reached a hot spring inn, she stopped and turned to Yekura, saying, "Want to take a bath? It's on me."

"Take a bath?" Ye Cang tilted his head.

A moment later, Chiya and Yekura had changed into yukatas and were enjoying the open-air hot spring.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen, but because the Land of Waves is too poor and doesn't have enough money for maintenance, this is the only mixed-gender bath that is still open." The owner of the hot spring inn was an elderly woman in her seventies. She bowed slightly and said with a contented expression.

"It's alright, I'll take over this shop for the next week. Don't let anyone in." Qianye casually pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket and tossed it to the shopkeeper.

"Thank you very much, sir. Please rest assured that our shop will be closed from today onwards, and we will not allow anyone to disturb you."

The owner excitedly accepted the banknotes. For them, this was a huge sum of money, enough to equal the annual revenue of the hot spring hotel.

After the owner left, Qianye took off his bathrobe, leaving only his lower body covered by a white towel, revealing his fair skin and perfectly toned muscles. He entered the hot spring, rested his hands on the edge, and lay down. He let out a long sigh, looking completely at ease.

"Aren't you coming down?" Chiya turned her head to look at Yecang.

"Yes," Ye Cang replied respectfully, trembling as he untied his bathrobe and stepped into the bathtub, his face flushed, even his neck tinged with pink.

Like Qianye, she was also only wrapped in a bath towel, except that she wrapped her upper body up as well.

The bathrobe clung to her skin the moment it became wet, outlining her curvaceous and exquisite figure in perfect detail.

"Relax, it's not like we've never done this before. Besides, I'm not going to eat you." Qianye turned over and looked Yecang up and down with admiration. When he saw the pure gold ring around her neck, he smiled, reached out and touched it, and said with a smile, "You're still wearing this ring?"

"Yes, Lord Qianye, you said that I should keep this ring close to my body and never take it off under any circumstances." Ye Cang's cheeks flushed even more, and there was panic, fear, and a hint of hidden expectation and secret joy in her eyes.

"I've told you so many times, don't call me 'sir'," Qianye said helplessly.

"Lord Chiya, you saved my life. You also often guided my training and taught me ninjutsu. You have been kind to me as if you were my second life. I have the utmost respect for you." Ye Cang looked up at Chiya's handsome face and spoke eloquently.

"Hey, whatever, whatever." Chiya withdrew her hand, completely losing interest, and lay back down on the stone wall at the edge of the hot spring.

Just then, Chiya suddenly felt a startling touch on his back, and then Yekura hugged him from behind, saying timidly, "If you want, Chiya-sama, Yekura is willing to do anything for you."

Qianye glanced at the bath towel floating in the water. Although he was filled with rage, he seemed to have no intention of making a move.

Releasing Ye Cang's hand, and amidst her astonished gaze, he picked up a bath towel and draped it over her, unusually acting as a virtuous man.

Chiya said seriously, "I know you want revenge, and I promised to help you, but don't let hatred blind you and cause you to do things against your conscience. Compared to who you are now, I prefer the old Yecang."

At this point, Qianye gently patted Yecang's head and smiled, "Alright, that's enough for today. I'll go order some food."

As she spoke, Qianye got up and walked out of the bath.

Yecang was left with a completely bewildered expression.

Next, Zabuza began his recovery period, and Kakashi, having exhausted his Sharingan, was unable to move for several days.

Under Kakashi's tutelage, Naruto and Sasuke began learning to climb trees.

Sakura lay flat.

The Land of Waves fell silent once more.

As for Qianye, he had scouted the location beforehand, infiltrated Gato's residence, and unusually used his Sharingan to control him, forcing him to focus on raising funds.

A week has passed just like that.

Chiya and Yekura, already dressed in their kimonos and wearing wind chime hats, stood at the entrance of the inn.

Sensing the battle between Kakashi, Sasuke, and Zabuza and Haku, Chiya handed Yekura a storage scroll: "Yakura, I'll leave the rest of the way to you. I'll wait for you on the cross-sea bridge."

"Leave it to me." Ye Cang took the backpack, responded respectfully, and disappeared from the spot.

Her mission was to take all of Cardo's property.

"What a hassle. I've been in this world for so many years and killed countless people. Today, I'm actually going to all this trouble for a complete stranger, and a boy at that." Qianye chuckled self-deprecatingly, then dashed towards the bridge.

P.S. The book will be available for purchase tomorrow at noon, with an extra chapter.

(End of this chapter)