The moment those words were spoken, the whole place erupted in an uproar.
"You—what did you say? Say it again!"
On the side of the medical ninja group, chaos broke out immediately, looking like they were about to start a fight. Shigeo tried to slip away quietly, but someone grabbed him back.
"You, say it! Are you a freelance shinobi or a medical ninja from Konoha? Say it!"
"Just because he knows people from Konoha doesn't mean he's one of them!"
"He is from Konoha! Haven't you heard of Tsunade? One of the Legendary Sannin, a master of medical ninjutsu…"
Shigeo groaned inwardly. Only eight or nine years old, standing among this crowd, he was pulled left and right, shouted at again and again. It took a long while before things finally calmed down and they let go of him.
The only reason the two sides didn't actually break out into a fight was because the staff came over to call them onto the elevator!
This time, the group split into two factions: one for the freelance shinobi, and the other for the medical ninja from the Five Great Villages. Compared to the freelancers, the Five Villages had sent far fewer medical shinobi—Konoha hadn't even officially sent any at all.
If Shigeo counted, then there were only five in total.
Right now, he was the youngest among them all, but he ended up standing alone, treated as his own "faction." The freelancers dismissed him, while the Five Villages didn't include him either.
At last, no one paid him any attention—things grew much quieter for him.
After taking the elevator up, the medical shinobi had to wait before they could enter the main hall. Meanwhile, the protective ninja from all over had already gone inside to meet the city lord, Wuyouhua.
During this time, Shigeo overheard some news.
The reason Wuyouhua had invited so many shinobi to Wu Wang City was because a sea demon had been causing havoc within the city, killing many people. Fearing for the safety of her citizens, she scattered her fortune to issue commissions far and wide, hoping that the combined strength of many shinobi could capture the creature the next time it appeared and restore peace to the city.
Everyone whispered among themselves, praising Wuyouhua as a ruler who truly cared for her people—rare and admirable.
As for these medical shinobi, whether they could stay or not would depend on the selection. Only those who met the city lord's requirements would be allowed to remain.
Shigeo looked around. Everyone was murmuring, guessing about what the selection would involve. Meanwhile, that "Teacher Shinno" stood off to the side, just like him, calmly watching the expressions of the others.
"Teacher Shinno, this time our freelance medical shinobi are counting on you. You must defeat those Five Great Villages' medical ninja and show them that freelancers have talent too!"
"Yes, yes," Shinno said warmly. "All these years, we've suffered much oppression. Don't worry, I'll do my best!"
At last, the protective shinobi emerged from the inner chamber, and the guards came to invite the medical shinobi into the great hall.
Inside the grand hall, on the seat of honor, sat a woman in her twenties. Her long violet hair flowed down her shoulders, her figure graceful, her posture leaning lazily against her chair as though weary.
A strong fragrance wafted through the air, the same scent that filled the city. Some people couldn't handle the intensity of it and coughed softly.
"Welcome to Wu Wang City. I am the city lord, Wuyouhua." Her voice was languid, her eyelids heavy. "The condition for staying is simple. In the next three days, you will complete the medical examinations I assign. If you pass, you may remain, and your commission will be doubled. If you fail, you will return home."
"We've met today already. It's late. Tomorrow morning, you'll all come to the castle for the competition. That's all—dismissed."
With a weary lift of her eyelids, Wuyouhua swept her gaze over the thirty-odd shinobi. Her broken words trailed off, and she waved a hand. Then she rose, supported by a maid, and left the hall.
After leaving the cliffside, the shinobi began looking for lodging within the city. Some grumbled that Wuyouhua's castle was enormous yet didn't house them, calling her stingy.
Still, even without food and lodging, most were satisfied. After all, Wuyouhua's commission was generous. Even if they failed to be chosen, they'd still profit.
But by now, night had fallen, the city gates had long been shut, barriers activated, soldiers and shinobi patrolling. Leaving the city was impossible.
Now, the group stood on the street—it was deserted, every shop closed tight.
"Hey! Lady! I'll pay you! Your house is so big—don't you have a room? I'll pay double!" someone pounded on a door.
But after the resident peeked out once, they refused to open again.
"What the hell? Are we supposed to be the bad guys now? We're medical shinobi—we save lives, not harm people!"
Shigeo walked behind the group, frowning deeply.
Since no one could find a place to stay, the patrol soldiers pointed them west to the Yao Hai Inn. The soldiers warned them it wasn't very safe.
This city was strange indeed—thick mist by day, perfumed air, and a strict curfew at night. Anyone found outside was forbidden, unless they were soldiers or shinobi on official duty.
With no other choice, the thirty-odd people were escorted to the inn. The innkeeper, an elderly man with thinning hair and drooping eyelids, hurried them inside.
"Quickly, sleep! Curfew's already started. Lights out, hurry, hurry!"
The group settled in, but since rooms were few, nearly everyone had to squeeze four to a room.
Shigeo lay down and shut his eyes. A thick fragrance drifted in. His brows furrowed, and he rubbed his nose.
Soon, the other three in his room were fast asleep. Only he remained awake, though his eyes were closed. He tried using sensory ninjutsu, but the fog and barriers restricted his range to only a few dozen meters.
The curfew was in full effect. Everyone else slept soundly, but Shigeo had no hint of sleep.
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew. Under the mist, the oil lamps flickered dimly. Dark figures appeared in the street!
They wore long black robes and ghostly masks painted black and white, each mask carved into a sinister smile.
Their footsteps made no sound as they glided quickly forward. Three of them entered the inn, climbing the stairs toward the second floor.
Sensing this, Shigeo sat up instantly. He turned to look at the three men in his room—breathing deeply, they seemed asleep, yet eerily silent.
Not just them—everyone in the inn was the same. Not a sound.
(End of Chapter)
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