First Encounter with a True Enemy!

The woman leading the way stood some distance off, speaking in low voices with several ninjas. Every so often, she glanced in their direction, her gaze as cold as a blade.

"Aoba, focus on your work. Stop looking around all the time."

Asuma's voice came from beside him, carrying a hint of teasing.

Aoba hurriedly lowered his head and pretended to concentrate on moving the goods. He muttered under his breath, "Sensei, I keep feeling like that woman is watching us."

Asuma smiled and lowered his voice. "Of course she's watching. What newcomer doesn't get watched? Don't scare yourself. Just act natural."

Aoba nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to make himself look more relaxed.

The caravan's wagons were ready to depart. More than a dozen large carts were tightly covered with canvas, while several ninjas patrolled back and forth around them, their eyes as vigilant as hawks.

Aoba secretly glanced over, trying to see what lay beneath the canvas, but unfortunately, he could make out nothing.

"Hey, newbie!"

A gruff voice suddenly rang out. Startled, Aoba looked up to see the burly, bearded man from last night glaring at him. "Quit dawdling and come help push the cart!"

"Okay, I'm coming!"

Aoba answered quickly and ran over to help.

As he pushed the heavy cart, he covertly studied the burly man. The man's arms were covered in blade scars, and a huge cleaver hung at his waist, making him look thoroughly vicious.

"Kid, what's your name?"

The burly man pushed the cart and cast Aoba a sidelong glance, his tone probing.

"Q-Qingmu."

Aoba hastily gave a false name, his heart pounding like a drum. "I just came over from Iwagakure, trying to make a living."

"Iwagakure?"

The burly man snorted and looked him over from head to toe.