C124 He Saw Cloud Ninja!

In the Ninja World, strength commands respect, particularly in smaller nations like the Grass Country, where the law of the jungle prevails.

A single formidable expert could dominate an entire country. Yang Ming's victory over Chidzuru Koichi marked a significant elevation in his status!

The gravity of the situation was palpable not only in the Grass Kage Room but also within the Daming Mansion, where Hiraga Kodai regarded Chidzuru Koichi with a grave countenance.

"Is it true? Did you not simply concede, or were you genuinely unable to withstand a punch from Mr. Gekka?"

"Yes, Mr. Gekka is indeed formidable. His power is overwhelming, akin to a mountain collapsing into the sea. As a ninja, one might counter with ninja techniques, but for a warrior, he's a natural nemesis. His strength may not sustain continuous bursts, but even so, it's still terrifying."

Chidzuru Koichi nodded, effectively conceding defeat.

"It seems that, ultimately, this world belongs to the ninja. The golden age of the warrior has truly come to an end."

Upon hearing this, Hiraga Kodai sighed and nodded in acknowledgment of this harsh truth.

"Moving forward, we must reassess our stance towards the Grass Ninja."

As the Elite Ninja Ritual concluded, the Ninja World rang in the new year.

Grass Village was aglow with festive lights and decorations, buzzing with excitement.

Children, elders, and ninjas alike joined in the New Year's celebrations.

Meanwhile, Yang Ming and Karin celebrated quietly at home, where Yang Ming continued mentoring Karin in her training.

Karin had honed her Strange Strength to a remarkable degree, able to shatter boulders weighing a hundred kilograms with a single punch. Her sensory range had also expanded from thirty to fifty meters and would continue to grow with age.

Then there was Karin's unique Immortal Body, which allowed anyone who bit her to heal from even the gravest of injuries instantly.

An ability surpassing any medical ninja technique, Yang Ming instructed Karin to keep this power concealed. Until she could defend herself, she must never reveal it, lest she become a lightning rod for hostility.

For an entire week, Karin immersed herself in training, while Grass Village buzzed with laughter and cheer. Yang Ming issued some instructions before departing. With a mix of reluctance and unwavering resolve in her gaze, Karin watched him leave the village to embark on a solo journey to the Fire Country.

As the new year loomed, Yang Ming's next objective was the Fire Country, where he would tackle the mission assigned by the system and undertake the first official task of his ninja career.

With the Mid Level Ninja Test two months away and the proximity of the Grass Country to the Fire Country, Yang Ming felt no rush. He took his time, soaking in the scenery and drifting from place to place, acquainting himself with the local culture and customs as he made his way toward Konoha.

The festive season was in full swing, and the Fire Country's grandeur far surpassed that of the Grass Country. As the foremost of the five great nations, its economic prowess was nothing short of impressive.

In contrast to the Grass Country's turmoil, the Fire Country's citizens lived in harmony and prosperity, making it seem like an entirely different world.

"The Fire Country truly is the Ninja World's crown jewel of prosperity," Yang Ming reflected as he drew closer to Konoha. That day, he found respite on the renowned Short Book Street, a place he remembered well from his past life.

Short Book Street, while not the capital, was the bustling heart of the Fire Country, a haven for people from all walks of life. Here, money could buy any luxury imaginable.

In comparison, the special city of the Grass Country seemed like a quaint rural outpost.

"It's no surprise Tsunade chose to indulge in this place; it's truly worthwhile," Yang Ming mused, as the legendary Hokage's image from his memories began to blend with the present.

He settled into a hotel for the night. After dinner, his attention was caught by a group of Cloud Ninja rushing past, apparently on an urgent mission.