The Caravan Escort Mission!

Several lines of tiny characters were engraved on the ribs of the folding fan—the family motto: "A heart still as water, a blade swift as wind."

Aoba reached out and picked up the folding fan, gently stroking its ribs. His mother's words seemed to echo by his ear once more: "Aoba, the path of a ninja has never been smooth. But as long as you keep your heart calm, you will find your own direction."

He took a deep breath, set the folding fan back on the table, and forced himself to close his eyes.

No matter what he faced tomorrow, he had to remain in peak condition.

The morning sun shone through the thin mist onto Tuyuan City's streets, bringing a trace of warmth.

Aoba got up early. After washing up, he changed into ordinary clothes, slung an inconspicuous cloth bag over his back, and prepared to head out to gather information.

Asuma had already left the inn ahead of him to meet with an informant, leaving Aoba to act alone.

Tuyuan City was livelier in the morning than at night. Street vendors had already begun setting up their stalls, their cries rising one after another.

Aoba kept his head lowered, doing his best to blend into the crowd.

He wore a gray cloak with its hood pulled low, concealing most of his face. He looked like an ordinary traveler.

His destination was the market in the western part of the city, the best-informed place in Tuyuan City, where all kinds of rumors could always be traced back to their source.

The market was packed with people. The air was filled with the aroma of grilled fish and fried pancakes, mingled with the clamor of the crowd.

Aoba stopped before a stall selling sundries, pretending to browse the