The Tamed "Caged Bird"

Lie Yang stopped and glanced back at the ninja.

The ropes across the ninja's shoulders had already been soaked through with blood.

The heavy scrolls pressed against his back, keeping him from straightening his waist. Yet he still gripped the ropes tightly, refusing to let go.

"The mission isn't over yet."

The ninja clenched his teeth, his voice already hoarse.

"Lord Hokage ordered me to continue monitoring him."

"I won't abandon the mission."

Lie Yang watched him for a moment, a trace of appreciation appearing in his eyes.

This ninja was not particularly strong.

His endurance was also far inferior to that of Jōnin who specialized in taijutsu.

But he had endured the spiritual pressure formed by the thoughts of countless people along the way and still persisted with his mission. His willpower already surpassed that of most ninja.

"Put it down."

Lie Yang raised a hand and handed over the alms bowl he carried with him.

The ninja froze for a moment.

He did not take it immediately, instead looking first at Lie Yang's empty wrist.

"What is this?"

"Water."

Lie Yang's answer was simple.

The ninja looked into the bowl.

It was completely empty.

Let alone water, there was not even a trace of moisture left inside.

Several nearby Konoha observers also turned their attention over.

They had followed him all the way and knew full well that Lie Yang had not carried a waterskin. There were no streams nearby either, and even the air had been baked dry by the blazing sun.

The next moment, a cool aura spread from the alms bowl.

A layer of clear water appeared out of thin air at the bottom of the empty bowl.

The water level rapidly rose.

In only a few breaths, the entire bowl was filled with clear