The night was calm, and once again, they arrived at a city.
The carriage traveled along the main road, and at the end of it stood a city bathed in lights.
"We're close to Kyoto," Ye Zi thought silently as he looked at the city.
They would rest in this city tonight, and with one more day's travel, they would reach Kyoto. This troublesome mission would then be complete.
As the carriage entered the city, the streets were not too crowded but bustling with activity. Most people wore yukata, and the shops on the streets were mostly pubs and inns, with many inns boasting signs indicating hot springs.
The city was called Yushiro, also known as the Onsen (Hot Springs) City.
For ninjas, the world might not be too distant, but besides Ye Zi, the rest of Squad Nine had never been to Yushiro. Gai and Kurenai had gained quite a bit from this mission, in every aspect.
"This place is famous for its hot springs; they have effects for beauty and skin care," Moko's voice suddenly came from the carriage.
Upon hearing this, Kotoe and Kurenai's eyes lit up. Despite their young age, it was a common interest among women.
"However, only the largest inn in Yushiro has such effects."
As Moko continued, the two young women's eager gazes gradually shifted towards Ye Zi's back.
Feeling the intense anticipation from both of them, Ye Zi couldn't help but sigh. He knew Moko's intentions — she wanted to stay at the largest and most expensive inn. He didn't mind; although he was currently covering the costs, they would be reimbursed once he got Moko home. Given that the Kumokawa family was one of the wealthiest in the Land of Fire, he might even get more compensation, though he wasn't in need of money…
The group checked into Yushiro's best inn, and the excited girls immediately headed for the hot springs.
In Yushiro, hot springs were the most sought-after attraction. Strictly speaking, Yushiro existed because of the hot springs. Over the years, the hot spring culture had flourished, attracting many visitors. Local residents almost habitually visited the hot springs every day.
One of the main factors for hot spring formation is the underground heat source, so hot springs are usually found in mountainous areas. However, Yushiro is on flat land, yet they can still find hot springs with a simple excavation.
The inn where Squad Nine stayed was wealthy enough to build a large bamboo grove within the city. The hot spring pools were located within this grove, connected by winding paths leading to the lodgings built beside the bamboo forest.
As soon as they entered the inn, Kotoe and Kurenai eagerly dragged Ye Zi to the hot springs, and the initiator Moko also seemed quite interested.
The group changed into bathrobes and walked down the tranquil path. The stone lanterns on either side cast a soft, warm glow, combined with the moonlight cascading from above, illuminating the faint silhouettes of the bamboo forest.
Looking at the comfortable environment, Kotoe's eyes widened with excitement. Despite knowing it was man-made, she couldn't help but indulge in imagining various future scenarios, like living here with Ye Zi…
Kurenai, also looking around with curiosity, was filled with anticipation for the hot springs. As for Guy, who was usually focused on physical training, he was also somewhat looking forward to it. The reason was Moko's casual comment: "I've heard that soaking in hot springs can relax the muscles, so it's better to train after a soak."
As an observer, Ye Zi could only remain silent and speechless as he watched Moko so easily persuade the members of Squad Nine.
"It's been a while since I've been here," Moko said, glancing at the dark bamboo forest with a hint of nostalgia.
"Please reimburse the expenses for these days," Ye Zi interjected, lacking any romantic sentiment.
Moko gave him a sidelong glance and then suddenly smiled with a flirtatious look, saying, "How about a meat compensation?"
Ye Zi's eyelids twitched, and he silently glanced at Muko, not saying a word.
Kotoe and Kurenai, stunned, looked at Moko in shock, unable to imagine that she would say such a thing, especially in front of them!
Guy, excitedly, said, "Teacher Ye Zi, meat compensation sounds great!"
The atmosphere immediately grew cold.
Kotoe shot a knife-like glare at Guy, who shivered instinctively and looked at Kotoe in confusion.
Kurenai also looked at Guy with a strange expression, as if questioning, "Are you a pervert?"
"Hmph." Moko covered her mouth and chuckled, glancing at Guy before looking at Ye Zi with interest.
Ye Zi felt quite helpless. While others might not understand Guy's meaning, he was well aware that in Guy's mind, "meat compensation" meant a lot of meat, whereas Moko's meaning was quite different.
"So, it seems your student is quite agreeable too," Moko said, knowing that while Kotoe, Guy, and Kurenai might not understand her, she had a good grasp of their personalities. She knew that Guy, who was focused on physical training and loved meat, interpreted "meat compensation" in a literal sense. However, she would not clarify and continued to play along.
"Alright," Ye Zi said, looking at Moko with a calm expression, thinking to himself that if she enjoyed playing this game, he would let her, and see who would end up on the losing side.
Moko blinked a few times, slowly lowering her hand, and smiled, forming a pleasing curve.
Upon hearing Ye Zi agree, Kotoe and Kurenai's gazes immediately turned to him.
"Impossible!" Kurenai thought.
"This must be a joke," Kotoe looked at Ye Zi.
No one spoke further. The only sounds in the corridor were the rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind.
At the reception, the attendant respectfully bowed and then smiled, asking, "Hello, may I…"
Before the attendant could finish, Moko interrupted with a gentle wave of her hand, saying, "Please arrange a private hot spring pool for us, without any outsiders."
There are two types of hot spring pools: separated by gender and mixed baths. Generally, few people prefer mixed baths, and even if they do, they usually book a small private hot spring for their own group.
Moko's request was not explicit, but the attendant understood, showing a slight hint of surprise. They quickly agreed, slightly turned, and gestured toward the direction.
Unaware of the situation, Squad Nine followed Moko, clueless about the implications of a mixed bath.
Moko, facing away from them, had a twinkle of amusement and anticipation in her eyes.
"You cold-hearted man…"
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