Not Worthy of It

He had not wasted his time coming here out of consideration for Chong Chunyi, nor because he had any intention of helping. He was here for money.

Would he have come without sufficient compensation?

Yang Ming took in the entire scene and sneered inwardly.

Chong Chunyi had probably called him over merely to make up the numbers.

He had never considered Yang Ming at all. It was only because of the orphanage that, now that trouble had arisen, he had dragged Yang Ming in no matter what, refusing to let him stay out of it.

After all, one more person meant one more pair of hands.

Yang Ming did not particularly mind. Although he had already cut ties with the orphanage, he would still help when he could.

Besides, he was curious about the Water Release expert Chong Chunyi had mentioned.

To this day, he had never seen a real battle between ninjas.

The countless strange and dazzling ninjutsu from his memories—he had not seen a single one.

All he had encountered were the basic Three Body Techniques.

Those were not difficult for him.

With Master Huo Xuan present, Chong Chunyi was clearly much more at ease. He perfunctorily dealt with Yang Ming along the way as the group soon arrived at a patch of woods near the orphanage.

"Even with Master Huo Xuan here, we should still prepare in advance and hide ourselves."

Chong Chunyi gave the order.

"Yes."

The accompanying ninjas immediately scattered and concealed themselves.

Though Master Huo Xuan was disdainful, he had taken the money and could not say much.

"Yuexia, please hide as well."

At last, Chong Chunyi turned to Yang Ming.

"There's no need."

Yang Ming waved a hand. Ninjas themselves were experts in assassination and concealment. Using such tactics against a powerful ninja was simply childish.

Besides, he did not take a mere genin—even a special jonin—seriously.

Only someone at the jonin level would earn even a little of his attention.

"I suggest you hide anyway. Although such tactics are practically useless against a ninja, once the battle begins, the aftershocks may reach you. At least then you'll have a slight chance to escape. Staying here will only get you killed."

Master Huo Xuan shot Yang Ming a disdainful glance.

"Is that so? A mere special jonin is hardly worth mentioning. If you want me to hide, then at least bring out a jonin or a Kage-level expert. He isn't worthy of it."

Yang Ming spoke calmly.

"Idiot!"

Hearing this, Master Huo Xuan turned away, too lazy to pay him any further attention.

He had clearly taken Yang Ming for an ignorant fool who did not know his place.

"This..."

Chong Chunyi was stunned as well. He looked awkwardly at Master Huo Xuan, then at Yang Ming. In the end, he sighed but said nothing.

However, he no longer paid Yang Ming any attention or spoke to him again.

Like Master Huo Xuan, he had clearly decided Yang Ming was an idiot.

"What an idiot. He actually doesn't even take jonin seriously, saying only a jonin is worthy of making him hide. Does he not know his own limits? How dare he compare himself to a jonin!"

"Forget it. He's only five years old, so it's normal for him to be a little stupid. Don't take it to heart. Hurry and hide properly—the enemy could arrive at any moment."

"Yeah. It's just that this is the first time I've ever met someone like this. I'm speechless."

The people hiding around them all sneered disdainfully when they heard this.

They did not have Master Huo Xuan and Chong Chunyi's patience. They openly mocked him.

They looked at Yang Ming as though he were insane.

Yang Ming did not care about any of it.

How could these people possibly understand his strength?

If he had not wanted to witness a ninja's methods and protect the orphanage while he was at it, he would not have bothered coming at all.