C22 He Is Not Worthy!

He wasn't here for Chu Koichi's sake, nor out of any desire to help; it was the money that motivated him.

Why else would he bother showing up if the pay wasn't right?

Yang Ming witnessed the whole thing and couldn't help but scoff to himself.

Chu Koichi had summoned him merely to fill a quota.

He hadn't given Yang Ming a second thought. But now, with trouble at the orphanage, Chu Koichi was desperate to involve Yang Ming, determined not to let him stay on the sidelines.

After all, every extra person counts.

Yang Ming was indifferent. He might have severed ties with the orphanage, but he was willing to lend a hand when possible.

And he was intrigued by the Water Escape expert Chu Koichi had mentioned.

He had yet to witness an authentic ninja duel.

The myriad of vibrant ninja techniques he remembered had eluded him thus far.

The only thing he'd encountered were the basic Body Replacement skills.

Child's play for him.

With Master Huo Xuan on board, Chu Koichi seemed much more relaxed, giving Yang Ming the brush-off as they approached a forest near the orphanage.

"Even with Master Huo Xuan here, we should still prepare and take cover early on," Chu Koichi commanded.

"Understood."

The ninjas who had come with him quickly concealed themselves.

Master Huo Xuan, though dismissive, kept his opinions to himself after being paid.

"Mr. Gekka, you should hide as well," Chu Koichi finally said to Yang Ming.

"I don't need to."

Yang Ming dismissed the suggestion with a wave of his hand. Ninjas are adept at stealth and assassination; such tactics against a formidable ninja were naive.

Besides, Yang Ming wasn't concerned about a mere Junior Ninja, not even a special one.

Only an Elite Ninja would merit his attention.

"I'd advise you to take cover. Such tactics might seem pointless for a ninja, but once the battle starts, you'll want to avoid the collateral damage. At least in hiding, you'll have a slim chance to escape. Staying out in the open is tantamount to suicide," Master Huo Xuan said, looking at Yang Ming with a hint of contempt.

"Really? A special Journeyman Ninja is hardly a threat. I'd only consider hiding for an Elite Ninja or a Shadow Level master. He's not even close to being a concern."

Upon hearing the remark, Yang Ming responded with a nonchalant tone.

"Idiot!"

Master Huo Xuan, upon hearing this, simply turned his back, too indifferent to bother with a response.

Clearly, he regarded Yang Ming as a fool who couldn't recognize his own good fortune.

"This..."

Chu Koichi was taken aback, glancing awkwardly between Master Huo Xuan and Yang Ming before finally letting out a sigh, choosing to remain silent.

He, too, had dismissed Yang Ming from further consideration.

Just like Master Huo Xuan, he pegged Yang Ming as a fool.

"What a fool, not even considering an Elite Ninja a threat. Claiming only an Elite Ninja would warrant his evasion, yet he's oblivious to his own capabilities. How dare he equate himself with an Elite Ninja!"

"Let it go. He's merely five years old, after all. A bit of foolishness is to be expected. Don't dwell on it. Get into hiding; the enemy could arrive at any moment."

"Yeah, it's just that it's my first time encountering someone like this, and I'm at a loss for words."

Those concealed nearby overheard the exchange and sneered with contempt.

Unlike Master Huo Xuan and Chu Koichi, they didn't hold back their scornful laughter.

They regarded Yang Ming as if he were insane.

Yang Ming, for his part, remained unfazed by their reactions.

How could they possibly understand his true power?

If he hadn't been curious to witness the ninja's techniques firsthand and to offer some protection to the orphanage, he wouldn't have bothered showing up at all.