Gong Lizi

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Gong Lizi (宫励子)
Gender	Female
Age	Around 25–26 1
Affiliation	Kingdom of Grass orphanage
Occupation/Role	Orphanage director; ninja
First Appearance	1

Background / History

Gong Lizi directed an orphanage in the Kingdom of Grass that housed war orphans until their ninja aptitude could be tested. She declared Yuexia Ming unqualified after he showed no talent for chakra refinement, taijutsu, or genjutsu, and regarded him with contempt after he left the orphanage. She instead elevated Guan Shang and Jin Cou—its only children able to sense chakra—as leaders and prospective academy students. 1 2

Before Yang Ming's failed test, Gong Lizi had praised him for studying hard and possessing strong stamina; this praise had contributed to the jealousy of other orphans. Her attitude shifted sharply once his test results appeared poor. 5 6

She later led the selected children on a celebratory outing. When Chong Chunyi's group attacked Guan Shang, Gong Lizi blocked an incoming punch and invoked the Ninja Three Prohibitions and village rules, revealing that she was a ninja. However, once Chong's identity and standing as the village's foremost young expert became clear, she yielded to his threats and ultimately turned away while he prepared to kill the children. 7 8

When Yang Ming intervened, Gong Lizi condemned him for risking the group and left the scene out of fear. Afterward, she informed Shui Daiyi of Yang Ming's location, enabling him to reach the confrontation. Yang Ming's effortless defeat of Chong's followers left her shocked and regretful that she had overlooked his talent. 9 10 12 15

Following the incident, Gong Lizi repeatedly attempted to restore influence over Yang Ming. She urged him to prioritize ninja training over construction work, but he declared that saving her from Chong had repaid the orphanage for raising him and that they no longer owed one another anything. 18

She later warned Yang Ming against acting alone and encouraged him to accept the opportunity offered by the Grass Shadow. After he rejected her intervention again, Gong Lizi privately admitted that she wanted to secure the allegiance of such a talented child and remained determined to win him over. 38 39

Gong Lizi continued to involve herself in matters at Yang Ming's construction site. She recognized that Yitian Bu's conflict with Yang Ming had been prearranged and later spoke in Yang Ming's defense before Takemura Akira and Kurahashi Rui, though she was unable to prevent the two samurai from issuing life-and-death challenges. 56 59

Despite her growing suspicions about Yang Ming's status, Gong Lizi continued to focus the orphanage's hopes on Guan Shang, Jin Cou, and Jin Mengzi. She regarded Yang Ming's poor academy performance and frequent absences as proof that he had squandered the Grass Shadow's favor, while praising the three children and advising them on their future ninja paths. 99 100

After witnessing Yang Ming's residence in the western restricted area and recalling Shui Daiyi's unusually deferential treatment of him, Gong Lizi began to suspect that his standing was far beyond that of an ordinary academy student. She later accompanied her students to Special City, where she reunited with her former academy classmate Miyamoto Tōru. 102 103 105 106

Miyamoto's deference toward Yang Ming at his arcade, coupled with his confirmation that the Moon Lord was approximately the students' age, led Gong Lizi to connect Yang Ming to the legendary figure. That night, she sought Yang Ming out on the rooftop of the Green Grand Hotel and addressed him as the Moon Lord. Yang Ming confirmed that he was Yuexia Ming, leaving her overwhelmed by the realization that she had failed to recognize his true power and status. 108 110 111

Before Yang Ming's jōnin ceremony, Gong Lizi openly expressed regret for how she had treated him and asked for another chance. Yang Ming accepted her request, granting her an opportunity for reconciliation despite their former estrangement. 113 114

Appearance

Gong Lizi is a woman around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. 1

• Pale hands, used to block Chong Chunyi's punch. 7
• She was seen discussing orphanage repairs with construction leader Takemura Akira. 17
• She wore black nightwear when she secretly met Yang Ming on the rooftop of the Green Grand Hotel in Special City. 110

Personality

Gong Lizi is pragmatic and status-conscious. She gives attention and authority to children with visible ninja potential, while initially dismissing Yang Ming as worthless after his failed aptitude test. 1 2 6

She can be protective when confronting threats directly, as shown by her initial intervention against Chong Chunyi. Yet her resolve falters before someone with greater status and power; she chose not to oppose Chong once she believed the Grass Shadow would favor him. 7 8

Her later concern for Yang Ming is mixed with self-interest. She regrets failing to recognize his potential and openly considers him an asset she should not lose a second time. 15 39

Gong Lizi remains inclined to judge students by their apparent talent and achievement. She encourages Guan Shang, Jin Cou, and Jin Mengzi according to the paths she considers suitable for them, while initially assuming Yang Ming's weak academic record meant that he lacked a future. 99 100

After learning that Yang Ming is the Moon Lord, Gong Lizi becomes markedly humble and remorseful. She recognizes that the gulf between them resulted from her own earlier choices and sincerely seeks an opportunity to make amends. 111 114

Abilities & Skills

Ninja Training

Gong Lizi is identified as a ninja when she intercepts Chong Chunyi's attack on Guan Shang. 7

• Blocked a punch from one of Chong Chunyi's older followers. 7
• Knows the Ninja Three Prohibitions and village rules. 7
• Her willingness to act is limited when confronting Chong Chunyi's superior influence and reputation. 8
• Possesses sufficient experience to recognize the coordinated scheme behind Yitian Bu and his accomplices' attempt to frame Yang Ming. 56
• Attempted to defend Yang Ming against Takemura Akira and Kurahashi Rui by invoking his status as a Grass Ninja Academy student. 59

Orphanage Administration

As director, Gong Lizi oversees the aptitude testing and placement of war orphans in the Kingdom of Grass. 1 2

• Announced the results for 156 children and categorized those who passed or could serve in logistics. 2
• Chose Guan Shang and Jin Cou as leaders after they displayed chakra-sensing talent. 2
• Arranged a feast for successful children and later sought repairs for damaged orphanage facilities. 6 17
• Provides career guidance to her students, encouraging Guan Shang to develop his talent, warning Jin Cou against excessive emotional attachments, and recommending that Jin Mengzi become a medical ninja. 100
• Organized a recreational trip to Special City with Guan Shang, Jin Cou, Jin Mengzi, and other students. 105 106

Relationships

• Yang Ming / Yuexia Ming — Former ward. Gong Lizi dismissed him after his aptitude test, then attempted to rebuild ties after witnessing his strength; Yang Ming repeatedly rejected her authority and declared their debt settled. After discovering that he was the Moon Lord, she expressed remorse and asked for another chance, which Yang Ming granted. 1 15 18 38 39 110 111 114
• Guan Shang — Orphan under her care and one of the children she selected for ninja training; she initially protected him from Chong Chunyi but later failed to continue opposing Chong. She later encouraged him to cultivate his talent at the academy. 2 7 8 100
• Jin Cou — Orphan under her care and one of the two chakra-sensing children appointed as a leader. Gong Lizi later warned him that emotional attachments could hinder his development. 2 100
• Jin Mengzi — Orphan under Gong Lizi's care who joined the celebration for the successful test-takers. Gong Lizi later recommended that she pursue the path of a medical ninja and form a squad with Guan Shang and Jin Cou. 5 6 100
• Chong Chunyi — His threat exposed the limits of Gong Lizi's authority; she yielded because of his standing with the Grass Shadow. 7 8
• Shui Daiyi — Gong Lizi notified him of Yang Ming's location during the confrontation with Chong Chunyi. His treatment of Yang Ming later contributed to her suspicions about Yang Ming's true status. 12 15 62 103
• Takemura Akira — Construction crew leader with whom she discussed repairs to the orphanage. She later unsuccessfully tried to prevent his life-and-death duel with Yang Ming. 17 59
• Kurahashi Rui — Construction foreman involved in the dispute following Yitian Bu's death; Gong Lizi tried to defend Yang Ming before him. 59
• Miyamoto Tōru — Former Ninja Academy classmate and the owner of an arcade in Special City. Their reunion ended awkwardly after Miyamoto recognized Yang Ming's status and prioritized him over Gong Lizi's group. 106 109 110

Trivia

• Gong Lizi once praised Yang Ming's diligence and stamina before his failed aptitude test changed her view of him. 5
• Yang Ming describes her as worldly and sharp-tongued, believing that she sought to bind him to the orphanage after his rise in status. 18
• She was once a classmate of Miyamoto Tōru at the Ninja Academy. 106
• Gong Lizi initially admired the Moon Lord as Kusagakure's most respected figure without realizing that the person was Yang Ming. 99 100 110