Dan Katō did not leave until dawn. After a night of practice, both felt they had gained a great deal. Of course, Anyo had gained the most. He basically understood the Spirit Transformation Technique now, but he still did not know how to attack or heal with it. That would take long-term practice. Even Dan Katō admired his ability to learn and grasp things, and the two agreed to get together often to exchange insights.
Just as Anyo was inwardly rejoicing, White Fang finally stepped out of the shadows.
Anyo was surprised to see White Fang, because he noticed the dew on him. Clearly, he had not just arrived, but had been watching for a while.
With a solemn expression, White Fang warned him, "Don't use this ninjutsu on the battlefield in the future, and don't let anyone know you know it."
"?" Anyo was puzzled. "Why?"
White Fang explained, "Because this ninjutsu has a fatal weakness: your physical body. It's a double-edged sword. If I were your enemy, I would devise a tactic specifically for you. The moment you used the Spirit Transformation Technique would be the moment you died."
White Fang's words exploded like thunder in Anyo's mind. Anyo, who had just been absorbed in the power of the ninjutsu, instantly came to his senses. That's right. This ninjutsu is powerful, but its flaws are clear too. If I really used it recklessly on the battlefield, I'd probably die without even knowing how.
Anyo took a deep breath, quickly settling his earlier joy and regaining his composure. He said sincerely, "Thank you, teacher."
White Fang hesitated for a while before continuing, "Actually, I don't recommend learning ninjutsu before you've fully mastered your swordsmanship, so I've never taught you any. If you have any complaints about that, feel free to say so."
"Of course not," Anyo said frankly. "You've always been the teacher I respect most."
White Fang nodded, took out a pouch, and handed it over. "Good. This is your payment for this mission. You can get some proper rest over the next few days. I expect missions will become very frequent after this."
"All right."
After White Fang left, Anyo left the training ground alone too. He tossed the pouch in his hand up a couple of times. Pretty heavy. Looks like I've made quite a bit of money.
In that case, I should have a good look around. After all, it's wartime now. Who knows when I might die? There'd be no point keeping the money then.
Walking down the street, he could clearly feel the oppressive atmosphere. News of the Second War had already reached the village. When White Fang and Anyo had set out, large numbers of ninja from the village had also been deployed. Fighting had broken out in many places at once, which was why there were so many wounded in the hospital.
Dawn was only just breaking, and the shops looked deserted. Anyo had yet to find anywhere to eat breakfast when he suddenly stopped as he brushed past an ordinary middle-aged man wearing glasses.
Anyo's gaze deepened as he took a careful look at the man. His appearance was plain, his clothes simple, and a pair of old-fashioned glasses sat beneath his forehead. His eyes looked around curiously. He was the sort who would disappear into a crowd.
Yet Anyo detected something familiar about this very man: the air of someone in the same line of work.
This man is most likely a master thief. Anyo was almost instantly certain of his identity. And this fellow was definitely a top expert at concealing himself. The fact that he dared walk so casually through Konoha's streets said as much.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Anyo's mouth. It really was rare to meet someone in the same trade.
"Hello, mister." Anyo went straight up and greeted him.
Faced with the sudden greeting, the middle-aged man first froze in surprise, then reacted with a kindly smile. "Hello, little fellow. Can I help you?"
Quite a convincing act. Anyo acknowledged his acting skills. Since you want to act, I'll play along.
Anyo also put on a smile and asked, "Well, I'd like some breakfast, but I've been walking around for ages and haven't found anywhere. Mister, do you know a place that serves breakfast?"
"Oh, somewhere for breakfast!" The man pointed toward the corner. "If I remember right, there's one just around that corner."
"Really? Thank you so much." Anyo warmly invited him, "Why don't I treat you to breakfast?"
The man shook his head. "I couldn't possibly. I still have work to do, so I'll pass."
"Ah, what a shame," Anyo said regretfully. "All right, I'll be going, then."
"Mm." The man nodded and prepared to leave.
Anyo suddenly called out, "Oh, how about this? Where do you work? I'll bring you some after I've had breakfast, as thanks for giving me directions."
The man, who had just turned around, frowned slightly. He felt that the child before him was very difficult to shake off, with something strange about him. Could I have been exposed? But it doesn't seem like it...
The man turned back with a broad smile. "I couldn't possibly impose. Never mind, let me treat you to breakfast."
"Thank you," Anyo said, accepting the offer.
Not far around the corner, there was indeed a noodle shop open. They each ordered a bowl of noodles and began eating. Anyo assessed them as he ate. Not as good as Ichiraku Ramen, but the flavor is decent. Fairly light, suitable for breakfast. Looks like this man knows Konoha inside out. He's no ordinary fellow.
After they finished their noodles, Anyo paid before the man could. The man asked in surprise, "Little fellow, didn't I say it was my treat?"
Anyo stepped outside, a wicked smile curling his lips. "It's fine. How about doing something for me to return the favor?"
Noticing Anyo's smile, the man felt a surge of unease, but showed nothing as he asked, "Have you run into some difficulty, little fellow?"
"Something very difficult. I want you to help me steal something."
Anyo's words were like a boulder plunging to the bottom of a lake, throwing the man's thoughts into turmoil. He backed away two steps in alarm. "Little fellow, you mustn't talk nonsense. Stealing is wrong."
Anyo pressed his advantage. "Then is it right to infiltrate someone else's village and pretend to be an ordinary laborer?"
Cold sweat broke out across the man's back, and he stammered, "L-little fellow, y-you mustn't talk nonsense. I'm just an ordinary worker."
"Enough. Stop pretending, and put away the weapon behind your back. Believe me, you can't beat me. Even if you could, this is Konoha. With all the commotion you'd cause, you wouldn't get away." Anyo's words pierced his heart like a needle.
Now the eyes behind his glasses sharpened, and his formerly hunched body straightened. In a voice full of calm, he asked, "How did you see through me? I don't believe I gave anything away."
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