Ran rubbed his stomach and leaned back in his chair with a satisfied look. "Ah, that was delicious. I'd heard of Ichiraku Ramen's reputation back in the Land of Whirlpools. I finally got to fulfill that dream."
Xinyu laughed. "Look at you. Now that we're done eating, let's not keep occupying the table. Where are you planning to go?"
"Lord Torikaze told me not to focus solely on studying. I need to keep my strength up as well, so I'm planning to check out the Trial Tower this afternoon."
Xinyu nodded after hearing that. "I see. The Trial Tower is extremely popular. See this bracelet of mine? It was one of the rewards I got from there."
"It can increase the power of Water Release ninjutsu and reduce Chakra consumption. Try your best to get a good result too."
Ran scratched his head, unclear on what Xinyu meant. Evidently, Torikaze had not explained the Trial Tower to him.
Seeing this, Xinyu patiently explained the Trial Tower's rules to him.
"So there's this much to it?"
"Of course. Otherwise, how could it be so popular? Especially since it's your first time going in, you have to give it everything you've got. Got it?"
Ran hurriedly nodded. "Okay! I understand."
Xinyu emphasized it repeatedly, showing just how important it was. Ran took it to heart.
After the two went their separate ways, Xinyu went home to rest, wishing Ran luck in getting something good before they parted.
Ran, meanwhile, headed straight for the Trial Tower.
It was just after lunch, when everyone should have been resting, yet there was still a long line in front of the Trial Tower.
Even in the freezing winter weather, no one was afraid of the cold.
That was because many ninjas had stopped taking missions and