C12 The Strong Prey on the Weak!

"What! He was personally selected by Master Ma Sheng..."

Upon hearing this revelation, Chu Koichi, already staggered by shock, was struck with even greater disbelief. He pointed at Yang Ming, his face a mask of incredulity.

"You're questioning my words?"

Mizushiro Tsubasa's voice was icy.

"No, no, of course not!"

Chu Koichi hastily knelt, bowing deeply to Yang Ming and pleading for mercy.

"I was blind to your stature, Mr. Gekka. Please, I beg for your forgiveness!"

"He's someone that Lord Ma Sheng has taken an interest in?"

At that moment, the black-clothed teenager and his companions started coming to their senses. Yang Ming hadn't dealt a killing blow, merely knocked them out. As they regained consciousness and witnessed the unfolding scene, they were utterly astounded.

"Mr. Gekka, Chu Koichi has offended you, and he deserves punishment. Whatever you wish to do with him, I'm at your service."

Mizushiro Tsubasa regarded Yang Ming, seeing Chu Koichi as good as dead.

"Lord Gekka, I implore you, spare me!"

Chu Koichi, pale as a ghost, bowed frantically.

To the powerful, the weak are nothing but refuse.

"Fine, but I expect you to never again harass anyone from the orphanage."

Yang Ming frowned, his tone firm.

Chu Koichi might have been worthy of death, but as a fellow Grass Ninja, Yang Ming couldn't bring himself to harm his kin.

"Thank you, Mr. Gekka! Rest assured, I will not trouble them again. Should any issue arise at the orphanage, I will take full responsibility and ensure their well-being."

Chu Koichi, relieved, continued to bow deeply in gratitude.

Satisfied, Yang Ming nodded and turned to leave.

Mizushiro Tsubasa shot Chu Koichi a venomous look before trailing after Yang Ming.

It wasn't until the two figures had vanished from sight that Chu Koichi finally stood up, exhaling a huge sigh of relief, his body soaked with sweat as if he had just skirted death itself.

"Gekka Ming is actually under Lord Ma Sheng's wing?"

The black-clothed teenager and the others rose to their feet, staring after the departed figures, the teenager voicing the question on everyone's mind.

"Lord Shuichi himself has intervened; there's no doubt about it. But who would have thought that our village would be home to such a prodigy? It seems Lord Ma Sheng has recognized his exceptional talent!"

Chu Koichi exclaimed, his spirit revived.

"He's truly formidable. Only five years old and he can send you flying with just one punch. And if he decided to strike, I wouldn't stand a chance to even perform a Ninja Technique. He must be one of those rare individuals with extraordinary gifts. He might just be the beacon of hope for our future!"

"No way!"

At these words, the black-clothed teenager and others were left in stunned silence, struggling to believe what they heard.

"Believe it or not, we simply can't provoke someone of his caliber. Starting now, we'll patrol the orphanage perimeter and serve as protectors. Make sure you understand this task," Chu Koichi instructed, gesturing to the group.

"Yes, sir!"

The group responded, nodding in unison.

...

After Mizushiro Tsubasa and Yang Ming departed, they traveled in silence. Mizushiro Tsubasa broke the quiet, addressing the reticent Yang Ming.

"In the Ninja World, strength is everything. The weak are at the mercy of the strong and must submit without question. Mr. Gekka, these are the realities you'll face. But you, you're truly formidable, rendering a Junior Ninja like Chu Koichi powerless. Lord Ma Sheng sent me to the orphanage to fetch you, but on the way, I ran into Gong Lizi and the others. Gong Lizi informed me you were here, and I rushed over. I never expected to witness such an eye-opening display of talent. Mr. Gekka, your gifts are undeniable!"

"The law of the jungle, survival of the fittest—I grasped that concept when I was three. Yet, I never anticipated facing such trials within our own village," Yang Ming sighed, his tone tinged with resignation.

If they were enemies, he would have dealt with them without hesitation. But these were his fellow Grass Ninjas, and there was no deep-seated vendetta to justify such actions.