Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 158 requires one "samurai".

Has this happened before?

"No, shipwrecks have never happened so frequently."

"Didn't the typhoon in late May cause any maritime disasters?"

"...We have an agreement with Yunoko regarding typhoon warnings. If they observe a typhoon, they will inform us in advance so that our fishermen can return to port to avoid danger. In return, if a typhoon passes through their territory, we have to pay a certain amount of rescue fees." This Ikeya Nakae had put a lot of effort into matters concerning the coastline, answering every question thoroughly and comprehensively.

Konoha Village is located in the southwestern part of the Land of Fire, extremely far from the coastline. Logically, they shouldn't be paying attention to typhoons, yet this unusual captain asked about something that happened in May, even though it's almost late July. After the Q&A session ended, Ikeya, bursting with curiosity, held back for a while, but finally asked anyway.

"I remember the typhoon in May wasn't strong and didn't affect many places at all. There was very little news about it, even in the Land of Iron. How did you know about this?"

Naruto's answer was equally businesslike: "Gathering intelligence is the basic work for ninjas to carry out missions, there's nothing strange about it. Although that typhoon didn't affect you much, it passed through the neighboring Land of Mist, which is a plain area and was severely affected."

No one cares whether a small country is suffering a disaster, even if it's their neighbor. Chi felt even more confused. He was already exhausted just worrying about his own country's coastline, so why would anyone in the world care so much about the affairs of other countries?

"Thank you for your support, Mr. Ikeya. I can see that you are very responsible in your work; very few people can answer all my questions." Perhaps because he answered correctly, the Konoha ninja's attitude softened considerably. No, Naruto's attitude had always been peaceful, except for the argument before he even boarded the ship, which revealed his less gentle side. After chatting, that strong sense of rejection dissipated considerably, which made Ikeya find him somewhat more agreeable.

"It's my duty, and it's only right that I do it," Chi replied proudly. His abilities were appreciated by the daimyo, otherwise, such an important task would not have been assigned to him.

The ninja smiled and uttered several familiar names, causing Chi to unconsciously furrow his brow. These were all fishing villages by the sea, some of which even the locals might not recognize. How did a foreign ninja know them? In that instant, various conspiracies flashed through his mind. For example, Konoha spies might have infiltrated the border and infiltrated the village, or this ninja might actually have brought more than five people with him...

"After the mission is over, go and see these places. I believe you will find them rewarding."

"...Excuse my bluntness, but may I ask how you came to know about these places?"

“I thought the map hanging in your residence was open to anyone.” Naruto blinked. “My sensory range is very wide, so I just happened to discover something you wouldn’t want to miss.”

Ike remained skeptical. He couldn't believe that someone could uncover information he himself didn't even have control over simply by using "sensory perception" and a map after only one visit. But he suppressed his doubts, because if the perception was real, then he was the most likely person to find Lord Matsui.

"By the way, I heard that all your soldiers are skilled swimmers. Don't laugh at me, but apart from myself and Master Jiraiya, none of the men I brought this time have ever seen the sea. I'd like to borrow one of them from you to learn how to survive at sea. Would that be so kind of you?"

These words were spoken quite humbly, which made Chi, who had been annoyed before, much more at ease. He had thought ninjas were omnipotent; it turned out there were things they couldn't do.

"Of course, or else..."

"Let's go with him. It's all about first impressions, what do you think?"

Ike followed Naruto's raised hand and looked towards the stern. They had somehow ended up at the stern, where a lone samurai stood guard in a corner. Familiarity? All the samurai here dressed the same; even familiar people might not recognize each other. What was this talk of chemistry? But it was perfect; he was reluctant to part with his lieutenant. Ike waved his hand, asking only his name before decisively assigning the man to Naruto. No need for intelligence gathering; just make sure these ninjas were well taken care of and capable of fighting the sea monster.

The moment the door closed, Naruto finally couldn't hold back his laughter and burst into laughter, leaving the Guy team of three bewildered. Only Jiraiya focused his inquisitive gaze on the samurai who had followed him in, squinting to identify him.

The samurai tapped Naruto with his scabbard, but not with much force. Naruto unfastened his helmet, revealing a helpless face beneath.

"Sasuke!" Lee exclaimed, then suddenly realized that the wooden cabin was not very soundproof, and belatedly covered his mouth.

"Haha... It's okay... Haha, I set up a soundproof barrier the first time I came in." Naruto caught his breath, but his eyes still held a smile.

"What's going on?" Tenten exclaimed in shock. Sasuke had infiltrated the ship transporting Konoha ninjas, only to be brought right in front of them by Naruto. Did he even remember that he was "kidnapped" out of the village?!

Neji shook his head and sighed, "You guys are too bold."

Jiraiya accepted it well and asked, "Did you coordinate before you left?"

Naruto was clearly in a great mood, a wide smile playing on his lips. "Hmm~ I sent a letter unilaterally, and I didn't expect Sasuke to come too." He turned his head and started fiddling with Sasuke's attire. "Pretending to be a samurai? Named Naruto Maki? Hahahaha! You used genjutsu on Ike, didn't you? Otherwise, how could that name fool him?"

"Stop laughing!" Sasuke didn't know why he had slipped up. He hadn't used that name at all. Now, he could only use genjutsu to patch things up and avoid being completely exposed. "Who told you to suddenly pull this stunt!"

"I thought we had a tacit understanding. Are you going to sleep with the samurai?" Naruto didn't think he was wrong at all. On the contrary, he was self-righteous and arrogant, putting his hands on his hips and saying, "I took you from Ikeya, so you'll be my personal bodyguard for the next few days!"

Shut up, you idiot! Can't you see the three on the other side are already stunned?

Sasuke, unable to contain himself any longer, threw a punch, which was predictably dodged. The two boys, reunited after a long separation, inexplicably started fighting, scaring their friends into cowering in a corner. Fortunately, the two still had some sense of propriety, engaging only in a small-scale sparring match, and didn't damage much, only breaking one leg of the only table.

"...We'll need it for meals later."

"I didn't kick it."

"You started it."

"What, you still want to fight?"

Finally, Jiraiya lifted them up one by one, and Tenten, the all-powerful one, pulled out her repair tools and solved the problem of food.

The first day of the sea voyage passed by in complete chaos.