Fleeing as fast as they could, after about fifteen minutes of running, the members of the Liu clan finally caught sight of the walls of Hope City.
On the city ramparts, soldiers in turn noticed the wounded and exhausted Liu clan members emerging hurriedly from the forest.
Preparing to sound the alarm for a beastmen attack, they focused on every detail within the forest.
Only after reaching the city gate, and once the gates had closed behind them, did Liu Mei collapse to the ground from exhaustion.
Every one of them was drenched in sweat, gasping desperately for what little air remained in their lungs.
Soldiers rushed forward to take them in and gather information.
Aware of Hope City's reputation, Liu Mei quickly informed the guards that she was part of the Thousand Lotus Sect, preferring to be sent directly to the city branch rather than remain in the hands of guards serving a corrupt mayor.
The lieutenant in charge of the gate understood the situation and ordered,"Immediately inform the Thousand Lotus branch that we are sending their people for urgent treatment! Tell them to prepare medical care before our arrival."
As one soldier ran off to deliver the message, another squad brought stretchers to carry the wounded cultivators.
None of them could take another step. They were completely spent.
Transported as quickly as possible, they were taken directly to the medical hall of the branch and placed under the care of Zhang Yanfei's team.
Instructor Su arrived some time later."What happened?" he asked urgently.
He had just received word that a group of cultivators had reached Hope City severely injured. Why were they here to begin with?
"Impossible to know. They all passed out the moment they crossed the gate," Zhang Yanfei replied impassively."Judging by their wounds and the various fresh scars, they must have been in life-and-death situations for weeks—perhaps even months.
Their bandages were hastily applied, and it's clear they haven't eaten a proper meal in a very long time.
What's strange, however, is that they carry no means of identification. Whoever they are, they were operating in secrecy. The only thing they said was that they belong to our sect—but there's nothing proving that isn't a lie."
Clicking his tongue in irritation, Instructor Su sensed trouble approaching."Thank you, Zhang Yanfei. I'll discuss this with Akeno. We may need to interrupt the master's closed cultivation over this matter…"
…
On Akeno's side, he was already on his way back, his swords still stained with blood.
Returning to the young ninjas' training ground, he removed the dark garments and the mask, calmly storing them away.
Kaede, standing beside him, looked at him with a wide smile."You were amazing! You were dancing among those monsters with grace and speed, wielding both swords!" she exclaimed, excitedly mimicking Akeno's movements.
"You were able to follow the entire battle from that far away?" Akeno asked with a smile.
Raising her thumb, she flashed a victorious grin."Of course! With my sensory abilities, nothing escapes me, hehe."
Izaya, standing nearby, felt a hint of jealousy—he still lacked the ability to see that far with his eyes.
"Excellent," Akeno said, genuinely pleased. It seemed her abilities were improving."I don't think there will be another attack today. You can continue training, then return to Hope City afterward. I need to hurry back into the city to see what's going on now."
"No problem!" Kaede replied.
…
In front of the branch gates, Instructor Su was already waiting patiently for Akeno."Finally, you're here! Where were you?" He didn't wait for an answer and pulled Akeno along."Something important happened. We need to clear things up before they wake up."
Feigning ignorance, Akeno allowed himself to be dragged toward the medical wing."Good heavens, Brother Su, what's going on?"
"A group of Muscle Purification cultivators arrived at Hope City gravely injured and on the brink of death. They claim to be part of our sect, but they carry no identification."
"Why not interrogate them?" Akeno asked.
Shaking his head, Instructor Su explained,"They're all unconscious. And even if they were awake, would we dare provoke trouble with such a powerful group? There are nine Muscle Purification cultivators. Whoever stands behind them won't be any weaker. Especially now that the situation with the Empire is becoming ambiguous."
Arriving before the bodies of the Liu clan members, Akeno feigned surprise."I don't think we need to interrogate them."
Pointing at the unconscious Liu Mei, he revealed their identity."She's the young lady of the Liu clan from Glory City. Liu Mei."
"You recognize her?" Instructor Su asked in surprise.
"Yes. I'm certain. I know her brother well," Akeno replied, recalling Liu Jie—who beat him whenever he had the chance.
Seemingly relieved, Instructor Su let out a breath."Good. The Liu clan is indeed affiliated with our sect. They didn't lie—this simplifies things. Once they recover, they can leave without causing trouble."
"Aren't you curious why they're in such a state?" Akeno asked calmly.
"That's not our concern," Instructor Su replied firmly."We just resolved our own problems. We're not about to take on new ones."
"Very well. Now that we know who they are, all that remains is to wait. I'll return to my duties—inform me when they wake up."
With that, Akeno left in a hurry. He still needed to check how the new ninjas' training had concluded.
Watching Akeno stride away, Instructor Su smiled silently. He was reassured that a young man like him was the vice-master of this branch—it was thanks to him that things had changed for the better, for both them and the city.
…
"That's enough," Izaya said, looking at the Kaguya clan members sprawled on the ground, struggling to get back up.
"How is this possible…" Gekido Kaguya spat bitterly. None of them could understand how their frail new matriarch had displayed such overwhelming strength.
Even Daigo was shocked. One of the strongest of his generation, he had been completely powerless against Maiko.
Her speed and the force behind her punches were on an entirely different level. From start to finish, she hadn't even used her bones—only her cultivated body and the chakra concentrated in her fists.
"Sister Kaede's method of chakra usage is exceptional," Maiko said, observing the chakra gathered around her fists.
"Well done, Maiko!" Kaede shouted joyfully from outside the small arena, jumping energetically so Maiko would notice her. She was relieved to see her succeed.
Smiling as she spotted Kaede, Maiko felt joy overflow within her. She had managed to stand her ground against her generation in a one-versus-five battle.
Wrapped in that happiness, she failed to notice the change in the Kaguya members' gazes.
Perhaps they were beginning to see her as a true member of their clan.
With the training finished, the young ninjas gathered their belongings and calmly returned to their respective homes, now displaying a stronger sense of unity.
They had all witnessed the kind of power they could obtain—and every one of them was eager to reach it.
Their mindsets were changing, awakening emotions beyond mere devotion to their clans. Perhaps they would finally be able to live—rather than simply survive—as they had in their former world.
…
The following days passed normally. Akeno continued training and meditating, while also preparing volume four of Naruto.
Finally, on the third day, on the deserted ground outside Hope City, Akeno stood beside Chikara, Kaede, and the others, watching the young ninjas seated in meditation on the ground.
"Now focus on the technique in the manual and feel the Qi around you. When the lightning strikes, do not dodge it. Remain still and use that energy to break through the barrier within your body."
"Understood!" the children shouted.
Seeing the confidence on their faces, Akeno nodded in satisfaction."Good! Begin!"
…
At the Hope City branch, inside a dimly lit room, Fang Qin opened his eyes in surprise."Oh, oh, oh… what a surprise," he murmured with a faint smile before leaving his isolation to observe the sky.
…
In the medical hall, Liu Mei had barely opened her eyes for the first time since collapsing at the city gates when she felt a terrifying energy forming outside the city."What's happening!?"