Aside from training, Tsunade, Hatake Sakumo, and Hattori Heizo would often spend time together outside. Though it was mostly Tsunade and Sakumo leading the way, Heizo was usually dragged along, not by choice but by the fact that they shared a common purpose.
Despite Heizo's reserved nature, his willingness to accompany them hinted at the possibility of change, and gradually, he began joining in their conversations.
Today, Tsunade and Sakumo were excitedly discussing recent events. Tsunade brought up a new topic, "Hey, did you know that Masaki-sensei accepted Kana Ba-chan's request to go to the Land of Demons?"
"The Land of Demons?" Sakumo repeated, sounding uncertain. "I think I've heard of it. Isn't that the country with the shrine to the Miko, the priestess?"
"Yeah, that's the one!" Tsunade confirmed, her hands clasped behind her as she walked with a bounce in her step. "I heard ba-chan once met the priestess herself. But I'm surprised you know about places outside the village, Sakumo."
Sakumo shrugged. "It's just a coincidence. The Land of Demons is unique—no ninja, only a few samurai, and the priestess holds supreme authority, not the daimyo. My father mentioned it once."
"That's unusual," Heizo commented, walking slowly behind them. "So, I assume they don't usually hire ninja."
"Right," Sakumo replied. "Tsunade's Ba-sama is there, and they still have a priestess in charge."
"So, why does Masaki-sensei need to go there?" Heizo asked. "Is there a dangerous enemy that needs dealing with?"
"Not exactly," Tsunade replied. "Apparently, they found the ruins of the ancient Ninshū there, and you know how interested Ba-chan and Masaki-sensei are in anything related to it. He's going to help investigate the ruins."
"Ninshū... I don't get why Masaki-sensei cares so much about these things from the past," Heizo sighed, feeling that such ancient matters didn't hold much relevance today.
"Who knows! But he's going, and if Ni-jiji approves, he'll head to the Land of Demons." Tsunade suddenly turned, facing her teammates with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Hey, let's convince him to take us with him! What do you say?"
Sakumo and Heizo exchanged looks, both feeling the pull of curiosity. Ninjas weren't allowed to leave the village without permission, or it could be seen as defection. Since arriving in Konoha, they hadn't had the chance to see much of the world outside. Sakumo, who had only recently moved to Konoha, especially felt the appeal.
"It's been a while since I've been out," Sakumo admitted.
"What's it like outside the village?" Tsunade asked.
Sakumo thought back to his travels and tried to explain. "It's a bit different from the village. There are all kinds of people and shops, and you can find things you'd never see here. It's hard to describe."
"Ugh, that's too vague," Tsunade pouted.
"Sorry, I can't really show you anything from memory," Sakumo said with a helpless smile.
"Anyway, we shouldn't pass up this chance. It's a low-risk mission, so we could see more of the world. Are you both in?" Tsunade asked, clearly excited.
Sakumo felt tempted but turned to Heizo for his input. "Heizo, what do you think?"
Though Heizo was traditionally-minded, his recent time with his teammates had softened him a bit. After a brief pause, he sighed in mild surrender. "Alright, let's go."
"Yes!" Tsunade cheered, pumping her fist. She knew Masaki would have to think twice about saying no to all three of them.
Meanwhile, Masaki had just finished a conversation with Tobirama, who approved Kana's participation. Given the current peace among the Great Nations, there was little chance of encountering a powerful enemy. Masaki felt confident that any remaining threats could be handled easily.
Relieved at Kana's progress, Masaki mused that she had found her own path outside the typical ninja life, proving her worth. He couldn't help but feel grateful for the influence she had on others, even as he continued his search for meaning in the ancient teachings of Ninshū.
"Good luck, Masaki. I hope you find what you're looking for," Tobirama said, aware of Masaki's hopes in exploring the Ninzong relics.
"I hope so," Masaki replied, tempering his expectations.
Afterward, Masaki began preparations for the journey. He intended to remind his students to stay focused in his absence, only to be surprised when they asked to accompany him. After some thought, he approached Tobirama once more. To Masaki's surprise, Tobirama agreed, reasoning that if Kana could join, there was no need to restrict his students—especially since Sakumo and Heizo were promising candidates for the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
Thus, the team heading to the Land of Demons included Masaki as the captain, Kana as his assistant, and the three young ninja, Tsunade, Sakumo, and Heizo.
At the village gates, Tsunade, Sakumo, and Heizo looked thrilled to be leaving for the first time, chatting animatedly. Kana, who was accustomed to traveling, watched them with a smile and said to Masaki, "I was surprised to hear Tsuna and the others would be coming along, but I think this is a good opportunity for them."
"Indeed," Masaki nodded. "It's fortunate this mission is low-risk. I'd rather not have kids so young see the harsher realities of the world."
"But isn't it the duty of Ninshū to lead people towards a better understanding?" Kana asked.
"Yes." Masaki smiled and began walking ahead. "Let's go. I'm looking forward to seeing the Land of Demons for myself."