The night breeze was gentle, cool and pleasant.
As they neared the small courtyard where Ye Fan lived, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi both became especially cautious, because they knew Ninja Hounds were highly alert.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
The two of them leaped onto separate towering trees.
Under the moonlight, their shadows were cast onto the ground.
"Asuma, that's where Ye Fan lives," Kurenai Yuhi said in a lowered voice.
"The placement of these trees feels a little abrupt."
It was Asuma's first time here. He felt that the trees around the courtyard echoed the one inside it, as though they had not grown there naturally.
"Ye Fan transplanted these trees later. He said they were just decorations for the courtyard. Is there a problem?" Kurenai asked.
After a brief silence, Asuma Sarutobi said, "No, nothing. I just find it a little strange. Besides, that kid Ye Fan really has unusual taste. He actually transplanted several trees."
"Asuma, now that you mention it, I also think these trees are a little strange." Kurenai Yuhi examined the transplanted trees around the courtyard.
Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, her body instinctively tensed.
"Kurenai, what did you find?" Asuma noticed her reaction and hurriedly asked.
"Asuma, do you think these transplanted trees were deliberately prepared by Ye Fan for any ninja who might come here to watch him?" Kurenai voiced her guess.
She knew Ye Fan had once been monitored by ANBU.
From what she knew of Ye Fan, that kid would never willingly accept being watched. He would definitely do something about it.
Could these transplanted trees be part of some scheme of his?
Looking at them now, they were indeed the best footholds for watching the courtyard. Any ninja would probably choose to observe the courtyard from the trees.