Xia Huanao found Feng's solemn demeanor rather confusing. As the leader of the dojo, what matter could possibly require Xia Huanao's assistance?
Seeing Xia Huanao remain silent, Feng assumed he was unwilling to agree to his request. "Please rest assured, we will express our gratitude once the matter is settled," Feng said.
Xia Huanao realized Feng had misunderstood him. "You've misunderstood," he explained. "I'm not refusing your request. I just want to know why you specifically need my help."
Relieved that Xia Huanao hadn't outright refused, Feng proceeded to explain the details.
"Does Mr. Hu know about the waterfall outside our village?"
Xia Huanao nodded. "Of course. I even went there this afternoon."
Upon hearing that Xia Huanao had been to the waterfall, Feng's expression turned slightly strange. "Since you've been there, you must have entered the cave as well."
Xia Huanao nodded again. "Yes, I went into that cave. What's wrong? Is there a rule against entering? If so..."
"No, there are no rules against entering. But since you've been inside, the matter becomes much simpler. What are your impressions of it?"
Xia Huanao blinked. Impressions? What impressions? Besides being dark, was there anything else notable?
Xia Huanao's honest reply made Feng chuckle. "Yes, the general impression of that cave is that it's very dark. However, ninjas have enhanced night vision, allowing them to see in the darkness."
Xia Huanao grew even more perplexed. What was Feng trying to get at?
After rambling about various unrelated topics, Feng finally got to the point. "I hope you can accompany Mei on a trip into the cave."
"A trip into the cave?"
As Feng elaborated, Xia Huanao finally understood. The cave hidden behind the waterfall held something of great importance to the ninjas. The ninja dojo was currently in a difficult situation, and Feng hoped to retrieve this item to help them overcome their current predicament.
However, Feng had to remain at the dojo. Therefore, he needed Mei, who was ranked second in the dojo, to retrieve the item. Xia Huanao was surprised to learn Mei was ranked second. He couldn't fathom why such a crucial matter would be entrusted to an outsider like himself.
In response to Xia Huanao's question, Feng explained: He hadn't initially intended to involve Xia Huanao. However, it was too dangerous for Mei to go alone. He couldn't trust other ninjas to protect her, and Xia Huanao seemed to have a good relationship with Mei and was highly capable. After consulting with Mei herself, Feng decided to ask for Xia Huanao's help, as his agreement would bring him greater peace of mind.
Xia Huanao then agreed to accompany Mei into the cave behind the waterfall.
Upon hearing Xia Huanao's consent, Feng bowed deeply in gratitude. He then took Mei back to the dojo. Before leaving, Feng specifically urged Xia Huanao to rest well and conserve his energy.
Xia Huanao exchanged a glance with Guagua, and after a brief stroll, they also returned.
...
It was midnight on the day of Many Cherry Blossoms. Xia Huanao sat in his room, a teapot on the table before him. He meticulously picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea. "Alright, stop hiding. I have a feeling this scenario has happened before."
After the Rotom translated his words, the door to the room opened, and Feng entered, taking a seat opposite Xia Huanao. "Mr. Hu knew I was coming?"
Xia Huanao nodded. "I took a gamble. You wouldn't have told me to rest early unless there was something else. For tomorrow's mission, conserving energy is usually about avoiding danger. And if there were danger, neither you nor Mei would want me involved. Therefore, I surmised you had another reason for me to return early, so I decided to wait."
Feng was impressed by Xia Huanao's deduction. "I'm impressed, Mr. Hu. You're not an ordinary person. I do indeed have something else to ask of you."
Xia Huanao chuckled. "What is it? Does it mean there's a change to tomorrow's plan?"
Feng nodded. "That's right. Actually, there's no treasure in the cave. It's merely a location for our dojo's ninja assessments."
Xia Huanao's teacup trembled slightly. "An assessment location? So, the so-called retrieval mission for Mei is actually an assessment?"
"Yes, it's an assessment method passed down through generations of our ninja dojo since ancient times. One must pass this formal assessment to become a true ninja."
Xia Huanao asked, "How many people have passed the assessment in the dojo?"
Feng pointed to himself and remained silent.
"Just, just you?"
Xia Huanao hadn't expected only Feng to have passed the assessment. In his opinion, even if the dojo's numbers had dwindled, it shouldn't be reduced to just Feng. Feng sighed. "It can't be helped. In my generation, Mei and I were the most talented. And given Mei's personality, only I managed to complete the assessment."
"Then what are the specific rules of your assessment? It's not just about retrieving an item, is it?"
"It is about retrieving an item. However, each person can invite an external helper. Since Mei has invited you, I have something to ask of you as well."
"Please, go ahead."
"I need you to absolutely prevent Mei from completing the assessment."
Xia Huanao looked at Feng, bewildered. "You want me to absolutely stop your sister from completing the assessment? What is this about?"
Feng explained, "My sister's personality isn't suited for independent ninja missions, but she always wishes to become a ninja, so..."
Xia Huanao gave a knowing smile. Confirmed: this was a doting older brother.
...
The next morning, Xia Huanao was up early, stretching in the courtyard. Feng had specifically instructed him to keep last night's conversation strictly confidential.
Seeing Xia Huanao exercising, Mei asked, "Mr. Hu, you're up early."
Xia Huanao looked at Mei, who was dressed in a ninja outfit. "Mei, you're up early too. Are you going already? Are you ready?"
"Of course, I'm ready."
As she spoke, Mei took out various items from her person, such as kunai, shuriken, and smoke bombs. To Xia Huanao's surprise, Mei also produced two small bottles from her chest.
Xia Huanao watched her movements and muttered, "Hiding things in one's chest, that's quite a skill."
Mei, blushing, put away the items she had taken out. "Mr. Hu, please don't joke with me."
After a brief exchange, Xia Huanao saw Feng approaching. "Good morning, Mr. Hu. I'm entrusting today's matters to you."
Xia Huanao nodded and left the dojo with Mei for the cave. Mu Zhishui, watching their retreating figures, initially intended to follow them stealthily, but Feng stopped her. "Miss Mu, Mr. Hu is accompanying Mei on a secret mission that, to a certain extent, involves our dojo's confidential matters. Therefore, we hope you can maintain secrecy."
Mu Zhishui, seeing Feng's mysterious yet tense demeanor, said, "I understand. I'll go back and rest then."
"No, Miss Mu, I'm not preventing you from following. I'm simply asking that whatever you see, you keep it confidential."
"Is that so? Alright, I understand."
Feng called for Feng. "I'm going out for a bit. The dojo is in your care until I return."
Feng nodded in agreement and began to act in Feng's stead. Feng and Mu Zhishui then followed Xia Huanao and Mei, who had departed earlier.
Xia Huanao and Mei had already arrived at the cave by the waterfall. They should have entered by now, but Mei, staring at the dark cave, couldn't bring herself to step forward.
Xia Huanao watched Mei repeatedly extend her foot only to retract it. He frowned. "Mei, you're not afraid of the dark, are you?"
Mei quickly shook her head. "I, I'm not afraid, it's just..."
Xia Huanao understood. "You're afraid of dark, confined spaces, aren't you?"
Mei nodded, remaining outside the cave. Xia Huanao leaned against a rock beside the cave entrance. "You're something else. If you're afraid of the dark, why take on this mission?"
"But Feng has to handle matters at the dojo, so only I could do this."
Seeing Mei's hesitation, Xia Huanao released Guagua. "Guagua, use Water Pulse inside the cave."
A Water Pulse was fired into the cave, but there was no reaction. Xia Huanao pointed inside. "See? It's perfectly safe in there."
Guagua, after using Water Pulse, suddenly looked towards Xia Huanao's side. Xia Huanao's expression flickered, and he pretended to stretch. "How about I go first, and you follow behind me?"
As he spoke, Xia Huanao felt an unusual texture on the rock behind him. He turned and discreetly felt it with his hand. It was a kunai.
Xia Huanao was briefly surprised, then realized. Feng must have followed them. It was clear he was still worried about Mei. Mei, unaware of anything amiss, quickly refused Xia Huanao's offer when she heard him speak. "How can I let Mr. Hu go in front? This is our task, and we must solve it."
Xia Huanao looked at Mei, who still didn't dare to move. "Are you sure you can solve it like this? Perhaps you should go back."
Mei gritted her teeth, spread her legs, bent over, and presented her rear. "Please, give me a kick and send me into the cave."
Xia Huanao looked at Mei's inviting posture. The pose was indeed convenient for Xia Huanao to kick her in the backside, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. For one, Mei was a girl, and for another, her brother was right there.
Seeing Xia Huanao's inaction, Mei wiggled her backside. "Hurry!"
Xia Huanao had no choice but to kick her, sending her into the cave. He then glanced in Feng's direction. *You should know, this was your sister's request.*
Turning back, Xia Huanao sighed. "Some people are just destined to worry."