From what we knew so far, this bandit gang was hiding deep in the mountains, and they might even have informants in the city and the town...
Mm, forget it. Just thinking about it gave me a headache.
They were only a bunch of bandits. Why waste brain cells on them?
Houka went straight to the townspeople and called out, "I'm going to wipe out the bandits. I need a guide. Who's willing to come with me?"
The townspeople looked at one another, then all took a step back. Fear, worry, and suspicion showed on their faces.
Even though they'd confirmed Houka was a ninja from Konoha, their fear of the bandits kept them from risking their necks.
Just then, the goateed man's eyes darted around before he stepped forward with righteous resolve. "Honored Lord Houka, I'm willing to be your guide!"
He turned to the townspeople behind him. "As long as I can help wipe out those bandits, I'm willing to do anything!"
He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, spittle flying, his eyes full of theatrics.
Deceived by his appearance, the townspeople immediately cheered. A few kindhearted locals couldn't help throwing ten taels' worth of paper money at him.
The goateed man's eye twitched. He could barely stand the humiliation.
"Good. Then let's set off now."
Houka smiled.
He'd only just suspected the goateed man was a bandit informant. Now the man was so eager to help. If there wasn't something fishy going on, Houka would eat his hat.
"Be careful, Lord Ninja!"
"Please, make sure you wipe out the bandits!"
The townspeople parted to let Houka and the goateed man leave through the middle.
The mayor had already sent someone to bring over two old horses for them to ride.
Houka didn't refuse. The goateed man was just an