This was Qingyu's first time using the Yamanaka clan's secret technique to probe someone's emotions.
Chakra pulsed from his abdomen to his right palm, carrying his modest spiritual power to synchronize with the frequency of the sleeping child's mind. In an instant, Qingyu felt a flood of complex sensations: bravery, fear, sacrifice, and devotion.
These emotions, intertwined with the memories he had just acquired, gave Qingyu a deep, multi-dimensional understanding of the child. The boy possessed courage far beyond the average person, willing to risk his life as a spy for the village. Of course, he also harbored the natural fears of his age—fear of the unknown and fear of death—but these were suppressed by his sheer bravery.
"Captain Eaton, I believe he is suitable."
Qingyu withdrew his hand, his expression solemn. From the boy's memories, he saw the other children lying there. Eaton hadn't lied; no one had forced them. They were volunteers, hoping to contribute to the village through their own strength. It was a spirit Qingyu didn't possess himself, but one he deeply admired.
"Good," Morino Eaton nodded, accepting Qingyu's judgment without question.
Qingyu moved to the next child and placed his hand on their forehead.
Hum!
[Ding! Memory Reading Successful! Reward: Spiritual Power Increase!]
The familiar electronic voice echoed, but the reward had changed. This time, it was a boost to his spiritual power, though still no new Ninjutsu.
Memories flashed like a movie through his mind. Perseverance, bravery, decisiveness, and caution. The emotional strength shown by this child was even greater than the last. Qingyu was stunned; while the first child was excellent, he still carried the fear typical of his age. This second child seemed almost fearless.
"Does such a person really exist?" Qingyu took a deep breath. He never imagined a child so young could have such massive conviction.
Is this the ninja world? How many people walk in the shadows to uphold that brilliant light?
"Captain Eaton, he's perfect," Qingyu said deeply, etching the second child's face into his memory. Eaton simply nodded again.
With a heavy heart, Qingyu moved to the third child.
Hum!
[Ding! Memory Reading Successful! Reward: Chakra Increase!]
A warm current rose in Qingyu's body, increasing his usable chakra pool. He immediately activated the Yamanaka secret art. This child was like the first—brave and prepared for sacrifice, but with a deep-seated fear of the future.
Qingyu began to realize a potential problem. This trace of fear could be a time bomb. If something went wrong in the future, they might act impulsively—perhaps opting for self-sacrifice to protect Konoha's secrets simply because they had already resigned themselves to death.
Compared to the second child, they lacked "spirit" and caution. In Qingyu's view, the first and third children might choose sacrifice when a problem became unsolvable, but the second child was likely to find a way to turn danger into safety and complete the mission.
After some thought, Qingyu lifted his hand and moved toward the fourth child without saying a word.
"Is he not loyal enough?" Eaton asked, his curiosity piqued.
"No," Qingyu stopped and shook his head, looking directly at Eaton. "Captain Eaton, I was hasty before. I retract my statement that the first two are 'suitable.' I want to check all 23 children first before making a final decision."
"It's not that they aren't loyal. It's that I want to pick the most perfect candidates from among them!" Qingyu said seriously. Since he was given the task, he had to be responsible for these children. Selecting the best candidates was also a way to protect those who weren't quite suited for the life of a spy.
"Good." Eaton nodded, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.
As Qingyu continued, he noticed a pattern: children with bravery but underlying fear granted Chakra Increases, while the cautious, cleverer children granted Spiritual Power Increases. In a sense, the Mind-Reading System was acting as a judge for who was best suited for intelligence work.
"Phew..."
After checking all 23 children, Qingyu took a long, deep breath to steady his emotions. A few minutes later, he looked up at Eaton.
"Captain Eaton, I have my choices!"
[End of Chapter 11]