C102 How Could This be Possible?

"Hmph, people just can't stand comparison. Once you start comparing, pride gets in the way, and that's when you see all sorts of bizarre behavior and tall tales that show a complete disregard for reality. Remember, lies always have a way of catching up with you!"

Guan Shang let out a cold laugh upon witnessing this.

"Hmph, I'm curious to see this house he's bragging about. Let's go!"

Jin Cou promptly followed him.

Jin Mengzi tried to call out with large strides, but her voice failed to stop them.

"We're going too!"

Guan Shang let out another sneer and set off after them.

Seeing this, the rest of the group shrugged in resignation and tagged along.

"Alas, Gekka Ming, oh Gekka Ming, you just can't kick that bad habit of yours, always needing to save face. In the Ninja World, strength is honored, and as someone weaker, you need to get your mind right. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for disgrace."

Gong Lizi sighed deeply before following the others.

To the west of Grass Village lay a partially developed forest, named for its resemblance to a large, round wooden barrel.

The area was adjacent to the Grass Kage's quarters, with a roaring white river at its back, enveloping the land with a misty vitality.

Despite the chill of winter, this place remained remarkably warm, a natural haven.

Yang Ming had chosen this location not only for its environment but also for its suitability for practicing his Wood Escape technique.

To master the Wood Escape Ninja Technique, one needs a peaceful place free from disturbances, and with its lush vegetation, this was an ideal spot for him.

Regrettably, the Grass Kage had already set eyes on the area, planning to develop it to boost the Grass Ninja's revenue—a fact well-known to all.

So when Jin Cou and the others heard Yang Ming claim he had built a house here, they were naturally skeptical.

"This place is truly a sanctuary, warm in winter, cool in summer, and with such beautiful scenery. Honestly, having a house here to refine Chakra would be incredibly efficient!"

Upon entering the forest to the west of the village, Guan Shang couldn't help but express his delight.

Despite the deep darkness of the night, the group of ninjas, trained for such conditions and equipped with lighting tools, were unaffected.

As they took in the serene surroundings, Guan Shang and his companions couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility and delight.

"Lord Grass Kage is a visionary leader," they mused. "He's bound to transform this place into something remarkable. Before, we lacked the funds and faced constant obstacles from the magnate. But now, after Yuejun's victory over Kawabata Nozomu, the magnate wouldn't dare show any disrespect."

Gong Lizi nodded in agreement, following along and admiring the setting while pondering the situation.

Just then, Yang Ming halted before a wooden house, its lights casting a warm glow.

"Is there actually a house here?" they wondered aloud.

The rest of the group quickly caught up, equally surprised by the sight.

"Something's not right. I've been here before and there was no house," Gong Lizi said, confused.

She had been here on Grass Kage's orders just three days prior and had seen no such structure.

"Could this person have been telling the truth?" Guan Shang and the others exchanged glances, a sense of disbelief creeping into their thoughts.

"It's impossible," Jin Cou asserted, shaking his head in denial. "Lord Grass Kage must have commissioned the construction of this house. It's likely meant to be a temporary resting place for workers on a soon-to-be construction site. It couldn't possibly belong to Gekka Ming."

"That must be it," they concluded. "With the village's newfound funds, Lord Grass Kage is finally in a position to enact his revenge."