"This is so delicious, Mister!" Even with his mouth stuffed with cream-filled bread and sausage, Yahiko managed to speak his thoughts, though bits of food sprayed as he spoke, prompting Kahn to take a step back with a slight frown.
The blue-haired Konan noticed Kahn's reaction and quickly scolded Yahiko, "Yahiko, swallow before you talk! Mister, I'm sorry. We were just so hungry, and your bread is really tasty."
"Don't call me 'Mister.' We're not that close. My name is Kahn Pent, so just call me Mr. Kahn," Kahn corrected them, then shifted the conversation. "Where are you heading? Which ninja are you planning to apprentice under?"
"We're not sure yet. Last time, we saw a group of Konoha ninja fighting Hanzō, and they survived. So we thought of looking for them to become their students, learn ninjutsu, and then change the Land of Rain," Yahiko said with determination.
Hearing this, Kahn shook his head. He found Yahiko's idealism naive but didn't bother debating.
"What's that supposed to mean, Mr. Kahn? Don't you believe me?" Yahiko asked, upset at Kahn's dismissive reaction.
"No, your dream is admirable. Keep at it," Kahn replied. He wasn't interested in arguing with naive individuals; it wasn't worth the effort. Besides, the fewer intelligent people around him, the better for his goals.
Switching gears, Kahn asked, "Do you know where those Konoha ninja are now?"
Yahiko, still feeling deflated, replied, "Roughly. After their fight with Hanzō, as there weren't any bodies left behind. If we head in the direction of the Land of Fire, we should catch up with them eventually."
"Got it," Kahn nodded thoughtfully.
If Yahiko and his group were targeting the Sannin, binding the world transaction system to Tsunade or Orochimaru seemed like the best choice. Before the Third Ninja War, they'd likely stay in Konoha, while Jiraiya might linger with Yahiko's group. Collaborating with Konoha could be advantageous, offering a stable partnership and potentially using their influence to secure his position in the Land of Fire.
After some deliberation, Kahn decided to accompany Yahiko's group to find the Sannin. If Konoha seemed untrustworthy or hostile, he could abandon this world and return to the Marvel universe.
"Mr. Kahn, what are you thinking about?" Konan asked softly. If the bread bag were paper, she would have folded it into a flower for him.
"Nothing much. Let's make a deal. I'll go with you to find the Konoha ninja, and you lead me to them as quickly as possible. In return, these three cartons of milk and some chocolate are yours as travel expenses."
Kahn placed the milk and chocolate on the ground and looked at the trio.
"What do you think?"
The three children's eyes lit up at the sight of milk and chocolate—luxuries even in peacetime.
However, Yahiko hesitated and asked cautiously, "Mr. Kahn, why do you want to find the Konoha ninja?"
Kahn waved dismissively. "To make a trade. I'm a merchant who got lost here. You didn't think I was here to apprentice as a ninja, did you? Be realistic, kid."
Embarrassed, Yahiko scratched his head. He had indeed thought Kahn might compete with them for apprenticeship. Hearing Kahn's explanation, he felt relieved—it seemed his concern was unfounded.
"Alright, we agree. Thank you, Mr. Kahn," Yahiko said, quickly grabbing the milk and chocolate. He shared it with Konan and Nagato, cherishing every bite of this rare feast. The chocolate, however, was saved for later—they couldn't bear to eat it all at once.
"Since you've agreed, let's get moving. I'm short on time," Kahn urged, brushing off the dust as he stood. With barely over a day left, he needed to focus on convincing Tsunade or Orochimaru—or, if necessary, bind the transaction system to Nagato or Konan.
The group of four headed toward the Land of Fire. Despite their young age, Yahiko's group was surprisingly perceptive, accurately deducing the Sannin's likely route. Their analysis skills were on par with many trained ninja.
Fatigue, however, remained a challenge. Whenever the trio needed a break, Kahn would offer chocolates or other snacks to motivate them, pushing them to continue toward their goal.
Fueled by the promise of food, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato tapped into newfound stamina, traveling for four to five hours until nightfall. Finally, they located the Sannin.
"There they are, Mr. Kahn. Should we—" Yahiko began.
"Approach them directly. You're here to plead your case, so honesty and sincerity are your strengths. As for me, I'm a merchant. Skulking around will only make them suspicious and hinder negotiations. Besides, they've probably already noticed us," Kahn interrupted and began walking toward the shelter.
"Ugh, that's reckless! Konan, Nagato, you two stay here and watch. If anything goes wrong, run," Yahiko instructed before rushing to catch up with Kahn.
In the shelter, Tsunade sighed, "Finally, this war is nearing its end. Once the Sand ninja retreat, we can go back to the village to rest."
"The sooner, the better. Let's hope the other villages behave themselves for once," Jiraiya began, but his words trailed off as he noticed two figures approaching through the rain.
"Tsunade, I don't think they're ninja," Jiraiya muttered, preparing for anything.
"Likely not," Tsunade said, channeling chakra just in case. "But let's stay alert."
From a distance, Kahn called out, "Konoha ninja! Please don't misunderstand. We're not from Amegakure. We're here to talk!"
Kahn stopped at a safe distance in the rain, ensuring his movements were visible and unthreatening.
"Come inside and speak," Tsunade's voice finally replied.
Moments later, Orochimaru emerged from the shadows, confirming Kahn's suspicions.
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