There were indeed adventurers among the Shiranui Dojo's students—a team of six who had come specifically to trigger the dojo's hidden mission.
Activating this hidden mission was no easy feat; it required skill and intense effort to catch the attention of Hanzo Shiranui, the dojo master. Candidates had to be highly disciplined and demonstrate talent, as well as be unaffiliated with any existing martial school. This combination effectively barred the majority of people from joining the dojo, and only one person could be accepted as Hanzo's direct disciple. Once someone succeeded, others would have no further chance.
So when an unknown figure appeared, bringing along Mary, an important character from the main storyline, and managed to pique Hanzo Shiranui's interest enough for him to offer discipleship, the six adventurers who had been at the dojo for over a month felt their hopes crushed. They'd even used a special item to enter the world a full month ahead of schedule. One had even gone so far as to mimic the Shiranui technique by faking the "Ninpo Bee" skill, which had successfully caught Hanzo's attention.
Their plan was progressing smoothly. With just a bit more effort, one of them would have triggered the hidden mission. But now? They watched as some outsider swooped in at the last second to steal everything. Worse yet, he brought Mary into the dojo as well, complicating things further.
In the courtyard, the six adventurers huddled together, clearly frustrated and at a loss for what to do. After a tense discussion, they came up with a single, brutal solution: take out this new threat. If they could eliminate him, Hanzo would have to start his search for a successor anew, giving them another shot.
As they plotted, Qin Ming had just received his own mission from the dojo master, Hanzo Shiranui.
And that mission? Kill someone.
Indeed, for the descendants of the Shiranui clan, famed assassins, there was nothing gentle about their training. Hanzo's test of worth was simple: Qin Ming was to assassinate a member of the rival clan, the Mochizuki school.
The task was laid out on the paper in front of him, and Qin Ming raised an eyebrow as he read the name.
"The Mochizuki school?"
Kneeling before him, Hanzo's expression darkened as he nodded. "Yes, the Mochizuki. The Shiranui's eternal enemy," he said, gesturing to the long list of Mochizuki disciples on the sheet.
At the top of the list was the name Mochizuki Shosumi, the current head of the Mochizuki clan.
Pointing to the names on the list, Hanzo's tone was grim. "Kill anyone on this list, it doesn't matter who. This will prove your worth, and depending on your success, I'll determine how much I will teach you. If you kill the clan leader, Mochizuki Shosumi, you will be considered a candidate for the next Shiranui master."
Staring at Qin Ming, Hanzo's satisfaction grew. Qin Ming was unaffiliated, possessed unique skills, and displayed ruthlessness and decisiveness—all traits of a perfect Shiranui successor. Hanzo could see in him a talent that could revive the Shiranui clan.
Hanzo had once considered his granddaughter, Mai, as his successor. But Mai, while skilled, was not suited for assassination. Andy, another promising disciple, had the talent and determination but harbored no intentions of staying with the dojo, viewing it merely as a stepping stone. Disappointed, Hanzo had abandoned any thought of passing on the dojo's deepest secrets to him. Now, with the arrival of Qin Ming, Hanzo saw another path.
"Go on," Hanzo said, his gaze intense. "Show me your capabilities, and do not disappoint me."
Qin Ming gave a slight nod, turning to leave without a word as Mary quickly followed, clutching her dog. Alone with his granddaughter, Hanzo remained seated, his face calm.
Watching Qin Ming exit, Mai's lips pursed in frustration as she turned to Hanzo. "Grandfather, are you truly going to accept him as a disciple?"
Hanzo's face tightened as he nodded firmly. "Why not?"
"We hardly know anything about him! Not his background, nothing! And now, suddenly..."
Hanzo glanced at Mai, his tone exasperated yet patient. "Mai, a person's appearance, manner, and even identity can be faked, but their martial style cannot. In critical moments, instinct reveals a fighter's true discipline. This young man, he is truly no more than a military-trained fighter with raw skill. There's no doubt about it."
"It's not his style I question," Mai whispered, still looking at him uneasily. "It's him..."
"Because he injured Andy?" Hanzo chuckled softly. "Mai, I've told you many times, Andy isn't reliable. He's not the one for you."
"But..."
"He joined our dojo only to learn our techniques. Once he's learned all he needs, he'll leave us behind. You know his nature, Mai. Do you truly believe he'd stay by your side and work to restore the Shiranui dojo? To remain here with you?"
Mai's gaze fell to the floor as her grandfather's words sank in, leaving her in silence. Hanzo, seeing her lowered eyes, shook his head and rose to his feet.
"I am old, Mai. I don't have much time left. When I'm gone, the dojo will be yours to lead. You'll need someone strong to support you, but Andy...he won't be that person. Don't be naive, child. Looks can't feed you, nor can they save you. One day, you'll understand this."
With that, Hanzo turned and left, hands clasped behind his back, leaving Mai alone in the quiet room, head bowed as she grappled with her conflicted feelings.