Shizune, standing behind Kana, was saying goodbye to Tonton and Tsunade, but the scene looked like she was giving instructions to her children who were about to leave on a long journey.

"You must drink less alcohol and don't make bets with people casually. If you encounter danger, um... don't cripple someone, or you'll have to pay compensation."

Silently, she kept giving instructions.

"Okay, okay, you little nag!"

Although Tsunade complained, she still reached out and pinched Shizune's still slightly chubby cheeks.

"I'm one of the Three Ninja Masters, why would I need a little brat like you to worry about me?"

Just then, a voice with a sobbing tone came from not far away.

"Teacher, could you please not go?"

Mitarashi Anko gripped Orochimaru's wide kimono sleeves tightly, her large eyes brimming with tears, looking as if she was about to burst into tears.

This unusual behavior drew everyone's attention. Why was the little tyrant, who usually ran rampant in the research institute, suddenly becoming so clingy today?

Orochimaru frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his golden vertical pupils. He squatted down and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Anko's eyes with a handkerchief.

"Red Bean, what's wrong? The teacher is only going to inspect for a few months and will be back soon. You stay in the village and listen to what Sister Mizuki says, and complete your chakra refining assignments on time."

"But...but..."

Red Bean sobbed, her voice trembling slightly. Because of the many people watching, her voice became even softer. She leaned against Orochimaru and whispered in his ear:

"When I went to play in the lab at the bottom yesterday, that white and black monster trapped in the glass jar secretly told me that the place you went to this time was extremely dangerous, and that you definitely wouldn't come back..."

Red Bean became more and more heartbroken as she spoke, clinging tightly to Orochimaru and refusing to let go.

"Teacher, please don't go, okay? I promise I'll listen to you from now on and never be naughty again. I'll do my homework properly!"

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes instantly turned cold.

He immediately understood what was going on.

Although he hadn't told Zetsu he was going on a long trip, Zetsu likely learned about it from Anko. Combined with his previous inquiry about Madara Uchiha's hideout, Zetsu could easily deduce that he was going to deal with Madara Uchiha.

Those two cunning guys, Hei Bai Jue and Hong Dou, actually took advantage of his absence from the laboratory to bewitch Hong Dou with their words!

"Are these guys trying to exploit Red Bean's fear and manipulate her into breaking the seal on the lab?"

Orochimaru took a deep breath, suppressing his killing intent, patted Anko's back with both hands, and then held Anko's shoulders to make her face him.

"Red Bean, look into the teacher's eyes."

Red Bean looked up at Orochimaru with teary eyes.

"Remember what I said, Master." Orochimaru's voice was deep. "That monster in the lab is a liar who spouts nothing but lies. You can't believe a single word he says. Master is one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha. Nothing in this world can harm Master."

"Really?" Red Bean sniffed.

"Of course it's true." Orochimaru nodded with a smile.

Just in case, he made the most meticulous arrangements before leaving the laboratory last night.

He not only sealed the mouths of Black and White Absolutes completely with a special sealing talisman, preventing them from making a sound.

They also increased the dosage of anesthetics and chakra suppressants to ensure that they couldn't move a single finger for the next two weeks.

Even more ingeniously, Orochimaru reinforced the laboratory with three more layers of sensory barriers and temporarily revoked Anko's access to the lower-level laboratory.

"As long as this little girl can't get in, those two rats won't be able to cause any trouble."

"Alright, it's about time, we should get going."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped forward, looking at this strongest team in Konoha with eyes full of expectation and solemnity.

"Have a safe journey on this expedition." The Third Hokage didn't say anything somber, just offered his blessing.

But the envoys from several villages saw it in a completely different light.

They looked at the impressive delegation composed of Konoha's high-ranking officials, and then at the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was standing by to see them off.

A look of shock and understanding flashed in the eyes of the envoys.

"It seems that Vice Minister Nishikawa was right." Yuan Shi leaned on his cane and said to Mei in a low voice, "Konoha really attaches great importance to this international infrastructure inspection. Even the Third Hokage came out in person to see them off. Such a grand reception is not even comparable to that given to a Daimyo."

"This further proves the weight that the Konoha leadership places on the shared destiny of the ninja world. We must send the information back to the village as soon as possible so they can prepare to welcome this inspection team." The Iwagakure envoy echoed in a low voice, secretly marveling at how convincingly the Konoha leadership was putting on a show.

"yes!"

The members of the inspection team responded in unison.

As the carriage wheels turned, the Konoha expedition team set off!

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