Inquiring for Intelligence

The tattered clothes for disguises, rations, and a few common accessories from the Land of Rain—everything was ready."

He pulled a necklace of wooden beads strung on hemp rope from his pack and handed it to Kawaki Aoba. "Xiao Shuo, this is for you. Wear it, and you'll look more like a local."

Kawaki Aoba accepted the necklace. It felt heavy in his hand, and the wooden beads were carved with crude patterns that looked handmade.

He hung the necklace around his neck, and its icy touch made him shiver slightly. "This thing... doesn't have some special background, does it?"

"Haha, don't worry. It's just an ordinary handmade trinket."

Yamashiro Aoba waved a hand. "I bought it at the market. Lots of people in the Land of Rain wear these, especially wandering young people.

"Put it on, and people will only think you're a local."

Sarutobi Asuma looked at the necklace around Kawaki Aoba's neck and could not help teasing him. "Yo, Xiao Shuo, now you really do look like some down-and-out vagrant.

"Next, are you going to learn how to beg for food?"

Kawaki Aoba rolled his eyes at him, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. "Senior Daisuke, you're not much better.

"When we get to the market, remember not to keep putting on that young master act. Otherwise, people will know at a glance that you're not an orphan."

"Hey, you brat!"

Asuma pretended he was about to rap Kawaki Aoba on the head, but the latter nimbly dodged. The two exchanged a look and burst out laughing at the same time.

"Alright, stop fooling around."

Yuhi Shinku cut off their laughter, his gaze steady. "Dawn is almost here. We need to get moving.

"Aoba, you'll handle logistical support and stay in contact at all times.

"Asuma,