C79 Black Soil!

"Not bad, they're all ninjas. By their attire, they must be Rock Ninja," the old man known as Kazuma observed, nodding in agreement.

"Rock Ninja have really come, then?" Kawabata Nozomu couldn't help but glance at Yang Ming, his face etched with concern.

"This area is supposed to be within the borders of my Cao Country. If Rock Ninja cross it without permission, it's tantamount to a declaration of war."

Once the old man had departed, Yang Ming turned to Kawabata Nozomu.

"When a country is weak, it has no diplomacy. Earth Country is a major power, dozens of times stronger than Cao Country. Even though this is our border, the magnate is powerless to stop the Rock Ninja from crossing."

Kawabata Nozomu let out a sigh.

"No diplomacy for a weak country, huh? Hmph!" Yang Ming couldn't help but snort internally.

"Mr. Gekka, please, don't be angry. Cao Country is no match for Earth Country. They must be after the Flame Warm Herb as well. We can't confront them directly, but we can move in the shadows. If we can stealthily snatch a herb and slip away unnoticed, that would be ideal," Kawabata Nozomu proposed.

"That's pure fantasy, Kawabata. You're thinking too wishfully!" Just then, a cold rebuke erupted from outside the door.

"Who's there?" Kawabata Nozomu exclaimed, leaping to the doorway in alarm.

A group of about a dozen ninjas dressed as Rock Ninja emerged, swiftly encircling the room.

The presence of these Rock Ninja was formidable, including three Elite Ninja and six Journeyman Ninja, a testament to Earth Country's might.

However, they were all following the lead of a girl, about eleven or twelve years old.

She was clad in the standard Rock Ninja uniform. Her features may not have been particularly delicate, but her tall, slender frame made her quite attractive.

Yet her demeanor was one of prideful arrogance as she regarded Kawabata Nozomu and his companions with scorn.

The voice that had spoken belonged to an Elite Ninja standing behind the girl.

This Elite Ninja, a stout figure with a Rock Ninja headband and unarmed, appeared amiable at first glance. But Kawabata Nozomu sensed a formidable opponent in him, one that put him on high alert.

His eyes quickly scanned the group, lingering on the three Elite Ninja with a look as somber as the depths of a still lake.

"Unexpectedly, here in our presence is the granddaughter of the current Tsuchikage, Miss Blacksand, along with Rock Hidden Village's three renowned masters: Akatsuchi, Wenya, and Kazuma!"

Kawabata Nozomu clearly recognized them, his face souring further with each name he uttered.

By the end, he seemed almost in despair.

"Could it really be these three?"

Yang Ming felt a stir within him.

These were the formidable generals of Rock Hidden Village, destined to distinguish themselves in the future's four great wars, especially Blacksand, the future Tsuchikage.

Already, they possessed the strength of Elite Ninja.

With such an abundance of talent among the Rock Ninja and the Tsuchikage's strategic foresight, it's no surprise that Earth Country holds such a pivotal role among the five great nations.

Truly, their reputation precedes them!

"Haha, if Mr. Kawabata has graced us with his presence, how could we not be here? But I'm afraid your plans are doomed to fail, Mr. Kawabata. With us here, that prize can only belong to us. Perhaps it's best you leave now, to avoid any ill will between our nations."

Akatsuchi let out a sly chuckle, his eyes briefly passing over Yang Ming and Karin before settling on Kawabata Nozomu, offering a friendly but firm piece of advice.

To urge someone to leave on their own turf was a blatant challenge, but with no strong diplomatic standing, Kawabata Nozomu had no choice but to swallow his pride.

"Since you're all here, we shall take our leave."

Kawabata Nozomu conceded with a reluctant tone, signaling Yang Ming with a knowing glance.

They were ready to depart.

"Hold on!"

Just then, Blacksand called out, halting Kawabata Nozomu in his tracks!