Setting Out for the Land of Water

In Ayako's bedroom, Ayako continued speaking to Qiancao. "Arashi thinks that if we can get in touch with Uchiha Hiri, we should be able to learn their true purpose."

She glanced at the pensive Qiancao. "But several elite Uchiha ninjas are accompanying Hiri this time. If you contact her, you could be exposed and put in danger."

The meaning behind Ayako's words was clear. Senju Arashi wanted Qiancao to go, using his relationship with Hiri to learn the latest about the Uchiha Clan.

Qiancao looked up and smiled. "I've wanted to see Sister Hiri again for a long time. This is a good opportunity."

Qiancao was no longer the novice who could be bullied at will. Three years had passed, and he now had enough confidence to settle things with the Uchiha Clan.

Though Ayako worried for her disciple's safety, she was even more pleased by his courage and confidence. If he were so concerned for his own safety that he refused to see the person who had once saved him, she would have been disappointed.

Ayako turned around and got down on all fours, sticking her bottom up as she searched beneath the bed. The exaggerated curves sent Qiancao's imagination running wild. He silently recited a few lines of Buddhist scripture before he could calm himself.

With some difficulty, she pulled a small box from under the bed and handed it to Qiancao. Brushing the dust from her hands, Ayako said, "These are all kinds of ninjutsu I sealed away years ago."

"Their effects are written on the covers. Take them with you when you leave. If you're in danger, just undo the seals on the scrolls."

Qiancao looked at the scrolls in the box, his heart stirred. These techniques had been sealed by Ayako years ago, after battles with powerful enemies. They were precious and rare, yet she was handing them over to him just like that.

He reached over and wiped the dust from Ayako's nose. Smiling, he said, "When I get back, I'll help you clean your room, Master. Just look at how filthy it is under your bed."

Ayako gave a little snort. She understood that he was promising to return safely. To hide what she was thinking, she put on a mildly reproachful tone.

"Since when did you dare tease even your master? Go home and get ready. Tomorrow we'll remove the last of your and Wuming's seals. Once the seals are completely gone, you can set out."

"You two?" Qiancao repeated in confusion.

"You and Wuming are going to the Land of Water together. The last few times you went out, you didn't take her with you. She gave me the cold shoulder for days because of it."

"And this mission is dangerous. Having you look out for each other will put my mind at ease."

Qiancao didn't refuse. He nodded and said goodbye to his master. He still had some preparations to make before setting out.

The next day, in Uzumaki Ayako's room.

Holding his stomach, Qiancao sat cross-legged on the floor, watching Wuming and Ayako nearby.

Wuming lay to one side, lifting her shirt to expose the seal on her stomach.

Kneeling beside her, Ayako did as she had three years ago. She dipped her fingers into the medicinal liquid nearby and placed her hand on Wuming's abdomen.

Even while relaxed, Wuming's well-trained body still showed the outline of her abs and a sexy V-line, leaving Qiancao staring in fascination.

After a faint sizzling sound, the barely visible seal on Wuming's stomach finally disappeared completely, leaving only slightly reddened skin.

Having finished removing the seal, Ayako picked up a towel and wiped her hands. She said to Wuming, "It might hurt a little today, but you'll be back to normal by tomorrow."

Wuming got up and bowed to her master. "Thank you, Master."

Ayako patted Wuming on the head and smiled. "I should be thanking you. You've taken care of so much work for me. You've worked hard these past few years."

Qiancao leaned over and rubbed Wuming's stomach. It tickled so much that she shivered.

Seeing that she was fine, Qiancao turned to his master. "In that case, we'll set off now. Don't worry, Master. I'll bring Wuming back safely."

Ayako flicked Qiancao on the forehead and smiled. "You should be saying that to Wuming. Take good care of Qiancao, and make sure you both come back safely."

The two of them escorted their master back to the Sealing Tower. They watched the heavy doors close once more. Now that Wuming was leaving, Ayako would have to face her responsibilities again.

"How are we going to get to the Land of Water?"

"Don't worry. I've already arranged everything," Qiancao said with a confident smile.

At a port east of the Land of Whirlpools, Qiancao and Wuming stood shoulder to shoulder beside a luxurious ship.

Behind them stood Yamada Yosuke, whom Qiancao had captured a few days earlier.

Yamada had changed back into his samurai uniform. With his slight bow, he looked as though he had returned to the days when he served the daimyo.

Qiancao turned and asked him, "Do you remember our identities?"

Yamada nodded repeatedly. "You're the young master of the Kaneda Clan of the Land of Fire. You've come to the Land of Water to meet the daimyo of the Shimazu House and discuss a deal for iron ore."

Qiancao nodded in satisfaction. The Uchiha Clan had close ties with the Shimazu House of the Land of Water. Their trip was likely connected to some secret plan to cooperate with the Shimazu House.

The former samurai of the Land of Water, Yamada Yosuke, whom Qiancao had captured a few days earlier, had come in handy. He could serve as their guide.

Besides, several iron mine owners from the Land of Fire were planning to negotiate a deal for iron ore with the Shimazu House. Qiancao had made arrangements with the Kaneda Clan to represent them in the negotiations.

During his time as a scavenger, roaming the seas and fighting pirates, Qiancao had once saved the young master of the Kaneda Clan. The two had become good friends.

The Kaneda Clan hadn't been very interested in doing business with the Shimazu Clan in the first place, so when Qiancao offered to go in their stead, Kaneda was more than happy to agree.

"Come along, my dear sister." Qiancao gestured for Wuming to board the ship.

Wuming's forged identity was Kaneda Yanagi. Though the real Kaneda Yanagi was an exceptionally curvy woman, hardly anyone knew what the young master and young lady of the Kaneda Clan looked like, so there was no need for much of a disguise.

Wuming placed her hand in Qiancao's. She was delighted to be with him again after four whole days apart. With Yamada escorting them, the two boarded the Kaneda Clan's ship.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye. Having lived on islands for years, Qiancao and Wuming were used to the sea. They spent the whole voyage cooped up in their room, whispering to each other.

Away from their master and the Three-Tails, Qiancao finally let loose, pawing at Wuming and taking full advantage of her.

When they reached the Land of Water, Qiancao disembarked with Wuming and Yamada, who was carrying samples of the ore. An envoy from the Shimazu House was already waiting at the port.

"Are you the young master of the Kaneda Clan? You must be tired after such a long journey. I'll arrange your accommodations right away."

The speaker was a mustached man wearing the crest of the Shimazu House. Seeing Qiancao and Wuming disembark from a ship flying the Kaneda Clan's flag, he had assumed they were the people he was expecting.

"Sorry for the trouble. We ran into rough seas and arrived half a day late."

The mustached man replied respectfully, "There's no need to worry, Young Master Kaneda. The negotiations don't begin until tomorrow. You arrived at just the right time."