This girl...
Chiba's pupils contracted slightly as he looked at He Yin, who had firmly asked to learn medical arts, but he did not answer at once.
Medical arts? From He Yin's expression, Chiba could tell that the girl was serious—more than simply serious. He had seen the resolve on her face before.
But he had only ever seen that look on ninjas about to die. It was the resolve to accomplish something even at the cost of one's life.
In other words, what kind of determination did this little girl, barely eleven or twelve years old, possess? Was it an impulsive decision? Or...
Yet what truly surprised Chiba was not that determination, nor was it why such a young girl possessed it. What surprised him was something else.
"He Yin..."
The six children who had been curiously watching Chiba were also startled by He Yin's sudden, resolute words. They all stared wide-eyed at their He Yin, their little mouths slightly open as though they had witnessed something absolutely impossible.
"I'll do anything you ask. Please... please, you have to teach me medical arts!"
He Yin stared intently at Chiba, her gaze openly revealing an all-or-nothing determination and a hope that was nearly pleading. Seeing that he remained silent for so long, she could not help but plead again. This time, the resolve in her voice was even stronger, as if she would keep begging until he agreed.
If she had not impulsively wanted to learn medical arts because she saw Yu Ze, but had other considerations in mind, then this He Yin...
Perhaps...
Still saying nothing, Chiba instead shifted his gaze away. He looked at the other orphans, who seemed frightened by He Yin's actions and words, while countless thoughts churned through his mind.
And judging from these children's