Although reading made people wise, ninjas did not need unnecessary thoughts. All sorts of distracting notions would only lower the success rate of a mission. As a ninja, one only needed to understand what to choose and what to discard. For example, Hattori Hanzo, who was being roundly condemned by everyone, understood that very well:
"That foul-smelling guy over there—after being called out like that, aren't you going to say something?" Better a fellow Daoist dies than I die. Why should he face everyone's accusations and suspicions alone?
Hattori was too naive. Did he think Sogo Doma would step forward over something like this? Sogo scoffed inwardly. Stepping forward was impossible. Not in this lifetime...
"Where is the pride of you distinguished family brats? A dignified—"
Despicable, absolutely despicable! Hearing that, Sogo Doma hurriedly altered his appearance at incredible speed before springing out from behind the register. "Bastard, I'm not some distinguished family brat!" Hattori was actually using the Doma Family's reputation to threaten him. If the old man found out, he would lose all face. He'd get mocked, wouldn't he? Mocked mercilessly...
"Uh, I was just saying..." Looking at the person whose face had been subtly adjusted, Hattori Hanzo did not say much. He merely shrugged, then turned toward Kotaro Katsura. "There, the armed man's accomplice is right over there. You bomb expert..."
Kotaro Katsura also gave the suddenly appearing Sogo Doma a grave once-over. Sogo understood why. Although he had slightly altered his features with makeup, to someone familiar with him...
"Who the hell are you?"
Sogo Doma: "..."
Uh... There were exceptions.
"An innocent high school student who got dragged into this!"
"People who call themselves innocent usually aren't innocent. A high school student? Are you trying to muddle your way through? And that stench on you..."