Moonlight stretched across the sky for thousands of miles. In the clear night, only the vast, bright moon remained, lighting the world as if it were daytime.
The ninjas had changed into fresh clothes and carried lanterns as they streamed up the mountain road. Their lights flickered, casting long shadows behind them.
Rikusei glanced at his white yukata, then at the others around him, who wore the same style. He couldn't help muttering to himself that white robes on a white night could practically be called a "Night Parade of White."
The strongest ninjas of this era led their subordinates through an unknown town in the Land of Hot Water, united in purpose as they launched an all-out assault on one of life's greatest pleasures.
They had accurate intelligence to thank for it, along with the outstanding contribution of some anonymous town mayor.
The mountainside was dotted with hot springs that steamed all year round, perfectly befitting the name of the land they were in: the Land of Hot Water.
The excited crowd split up at a fork in the road. In groups of two and three, they sorted themselves out and headed for their respective destinations.
Wisps of steam curled over the crystal-clear spring. The mist swirled around Naori, who sat by the water's edge. The girl stretched out a foot and lightly tapped the surface. Her rosy, fair toes dipped into the water, sending ripples across it.
The water was gentler than she'd expected.
Naori relaxed her delicate brows and gazed at her toes swaying in the shimmering spring. The reflected light made them look even rosier and fairer.
She suddenly slipped her slender legs into the clear hot spring. The soothing water washed away the fatigue clinging to them, and she stretched leisurely until the spring reached