A hint of amusement flashed through Mingye's eyes, hidden so deeply that Hozuki Gengetsu, who was talking eloquently, failed to notice it.
"Truly splendid! Why don't we meet them?"
Hozuki Gengetsu smiled, nodded, and rose to his feet. Having spoken, he was about to leave.
"Alright! I'll arrange it for you right away!"
Mingye smiled again, tilting his head as he thanked him.
"Then I really must thank you!"
"It's what I should do, after all. I've taken the benefits!"
Hozuki Gengetsu waved his hand. After casually speaking, he turned and left the two-story pavilion. Since the second floor had been cleared out, Hozuki Gengetsu was the only outsider there. Long after he had left, a ninja suddenly appeared before Mingye, who was holding up a cup and staring blankly at the tea inside, then reported to him.
"My lord, that Hozuki Gengetsu still went to that unidentified courtyard. There's a barrier around it that we cannot break through. It isn't a defensive barrier, but a sensory one!"
Mingye shook his head. He had begun having Hozuki Gengetsu followed the very first time they met, and Hozuki Gengetsu seemed unconcerned by Mingye's discourteous behavior. He casually allowed Mingye to follow and monitor him at will. Mingye had pressed his advantage and kept tracking him without the slightest restraint. Clearly, the other man was flaunting his strength—he was utterly unafraid even if Mingye watched him, unafraid of Mingye learning everything.
"There's no need for defenses at all. But Hozuki Gengetsu didn't return to his own clan and instead went to that place. Just who is being hidden in there?"
As Mingye pondered this, the reporting ninja hesitated briefly before speaking again.
"My lord, from what I've heard outside, Hozuki Gengetsu doesn't seem particularly welcome within the Hozuki clan. He's very arrogant!"