Opening Ceremony (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

Chapter 42: Unveiling Ceremony (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

Qingyu had been meticulously observing everyone's movements, so when someone looked towards the rock face in that direction and let out a surprised sound, his body immediately tensed up. He worried about being discovered and his mind began to race, trying to figure out how to cover his tracks if he was found out.

"What's wrong? Did you find something?"

As expected, that slight sound of surprise had caught the attention of those nearby.

After a moment's hesitation, the person replied, "I thought I saw the rock face over there ripple like water a few times..."

"Huh? Is that even possible? You're not just seeing things because your eyesight's going, are you? How can a rock face move? Let me see..."

"Ah!"

At that critical moment, a scream rang out!

Distracted by the scream, the artisans all turned their heads. They saw that Qingyu, for some unknown reason, had almost fallen off the scaffolding and was now clinging to it with both hands, looking incredibly precarious.

"This is bad, save him!"

"Notify the people below, lower the scaffolding quickly!"

Everyone became tense, including the two who had noticed something unusual.

They couldn't bother to observe the rock face any further. Only after Qingyu was safely rescued did they all let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Let's go, we're heading down too. That brat Qingyu really knows how to stir up trouble, he almost caused a huge mess!"

"But..."

"I took a look just now, the rock face didn't move at all! I think you just drank too much last night and your eyes are playing tricks on you."

"...Maybe I really was seeing things."

The person glanced at the rock face again and saw that there was indeed nothing unusual. He stopped dwelling on it and, along with the person beside him, finished their work and headed down.

Seeing this, Qingyu, who had already landed safely, breathed a huge sigh of relief. He had almost ruined everything; it was a close call!

However, his relief was short-lived!

Just as he was receiving everyone's concerned lectures, Old Man Yamashita, who had heard the commotion, arrived and immediately unleashed a torrent of scolding.

If anything had happened to him, he would have been plagued by guilt for the rest of his life!

Qingyu knew he was in the wrong and that Yamashita's agitation stemmed from genuine concern for him, so he didn't dare say a word, just lowered his head and listened quietly.

As he continued to scold, Yamashita's emotions finally calmed down. "Since you're unharmed, you can go home. You don't need to come in tomorrow; just practice your skills at home."

"Huh?"

Qingyu was stunned. If he wasn't allowed to come tomorrow, how could he keep an eye on these guys? Today, his presence had allowed them to get away with it, but if someone got curious tomorrow, everything would be exposed.

He immediately panicked!

"No, please! I won't go up on the scaffolding anymore, okay? The unveiling is tomorrow, and I just want to watch."

"Hmph, you can only watch from below. Do you hear me?" Yamashita's heart softened, and he reluctantly agreed.

Qingyu felt a bit dejected. The same trick probably wouldn't work again, but he couldn't rest easy doing anything else if he didn't see it with his own eyes.

So, this was the only way.

The next day, Qingyu arrived at the base of the Hokage Rock a little earlier than usual and watched the artisans perform the final checks.

The person who had almost caused his mission to fail yesterday was his primary focus!

Every time someone approached the smoother section of the rock face, his heart would leap into his throat.

Fortunately, yesterday's incident was indeed an anomaly. The spot he had chosen was generally overlooked, with most people's attention focused on the completed statue of the Fourth Hokage.

And the person from yesterday seemed to have truly convinced himself he was mistaken and didn't investigate further.

Thus, good luck replaced bad luck. The final inspection was passed!

Qingyu watched as a large red curtain was draped over the Fourth Hokage's statue from top to bottom. He finally felt at ease.

As for the rest, it would depend on tomorrow's unveiling ceremony!

However... having caused such a big problem, Jonin Yamashita probably wouldn't be able to protect him. It would all depend on the Hokage's mood.

Speaking of which, Minato should be in a pretty good mood lately, right? He was about to become a father; he wouldn't hold a grudge against a child.

As the moment drew closer, Qingyu could only comfort himself with these thoughts.

That day.

The statue of the Fourth Hokage was completed and covered with a red curtain.

Even before the scheduled 10 AM start, many villagers, with beaming smiles, spontaneously headed towards the Hokage Rock, ready to witness this glorious moment.

Although they could see it every day while it was being carved, this was the first time they would see the completed statue in its entirety.

More importantly, it was about the atmosphere, the spiritual symbol!

While the crowd wasn't as large as during Minato's inauguration ceremony, there were easily several hundred people. Some ninjas who weren't on missions and happened to have free time also came to observe.

This included the passionate Might Guy and Jonin Mikawa, who had just returned from a mission yesterday.

Amidst the crowd of civilians, Jonin Mikawa also spotted Qingyu, who was poking their head out and sighing about something.

As if sensing eyes fixed on them, Qingyu couldn't help but look around, and then they saw Jonin Mikawa with a stern expression.

Thinking about the crazy thing they were about to do, Qingyu imagined Jonin Mikawa's darkened expression afterward.

So, after a stiff, dry chuckle, they unhesitatingly shrank back and plunged directly into the crowd, disappearing from sight.

For some reason, Jonin Mikawa suddenly felt a strong premonition.

"That bastard isn't going to cause trouble again, is he?"

This thought suddenly popped into his mind, and it grew stronger and stronger, refusing to leave!

"Don't scare yourself! It won't happen. It's just a dedication ceremony. What could that brat possibly do..."

Jonin Mikawa's sudden tension eased slightly, but he was still surrounded by a sense of unease.

"No! I have to keep an eye on him!"

However, just as Jonin Mikawa had resolved to find Qingyu and watch them the entire time, the dedication ceremony was about to begin.

"Begin!"

With a command from old man Yamashita, he led the team of artisans in a forceful pull downwards!

The large red cloth instantly fluttered down, revealing the Fourth Hokage statue that had been covered within!

It had to be said that the statues of each generation's Hokage were works of art, and absolutely lifelike!

Even Jonin Mikawa, who was about to take action, was drawn to the sight