The sudden appearance of the little beggars was nothing more than a minor interlude for Shinichi and the others.
Shinichi did not take the matter to heart either. Although he found it strange that the monk's alms bowl could be exchanged for money, the monk himself had no intention of pursuing it, and Shinichi did not intend to meddle.
When ninjas were away from home, it was always better to avoid trouble whenever possible.
Guided by the monks, the group soon arrived at a temple in the city. The temple was not particularly large. Aside from the Buddha statues, the main hall held several memorial tablets bearing specific names, lending the place an indescribably solemn atmosphere.
Besides the main hall, the side halls on either side enshrined Vajra Arhats. Their lodging had been arranged in the rear courtyard.
There were more than a dozen monks in the entire temple. When Shinichi and the others arrived, the monks were chanting scriptures in the hall.
The middle-aged monk who had received them was respectfully called Wuzhen and was the temple's abbot. After arranging lodging for Shibi Aburame and the others, he left, allowing them to move about freely. The temple truly seemed more like an inn.
Their room was nearly twenty square meters, with one large communal sleeping platform. The air was thick with the scent of incense, soothing the mind.
"That Master Wuzhen doesn't seem ordinary."
Shibi Aburame briefly inspected the area around the room, then silently shut the door and spoke to the others.
"Not ordinary? How so?"
Might Guy had been delighted to have free lodging and had a very favorable impression of the monk. Hearing Shibi say that, he asked with a puzzled expression.
"That monk is very strong. My insects can sense it."
As he spoke, Shibi