"The food is ready!" shouted one of the women with an enthusiastic voice.
Aoki heard the call, and his face transformed into a wide smile full of happiness.
Aoki then looked towards the women who were cleaning themselves after a long day of work; their bodies were tired, but their eyes sparkled with energy.
"You all have done an amazing job! You deserve to celebrate this effort!"
"Now, quickly wash your hands and get ready for dinner!" Aoki directed his command, his tone firm yet full of affection.
The atmosphere around them instantly turned lively, as all the women hurried to wash their hands in the small stream created by Earth Ninjutsu.
They gathered on the flattened ground, the hard earth glistening under the dimming sunlight.
Everyone sat cross-legged, their eyes shining as they gazed at the simple plates filled with warm, savory food.
The food may not have been abundant, but its aroma made every stomach growl with hunger.
"Attention, everyone!" Aoki's voice echoed, flowing like a gentle night breeze.
"Today may have felt heavy and exhausting, but you all have done something extraordinary."
"This is a new beginning, a first step towards better days."
"With this, I declare, dinner has begun!" Aoki sat in the middle of the circle and began to eat heartily, a satisfied smile gracing his face.
The sound of spoons and forks clinking against plates, along with soft laughter and whispers of joyful conversation, filled the air.
Everyone ate with enthusiasm, the energy lost throughout the day now replenished, as if each bite was a reward for their tireless hard work.
That night unfolded with an indescribable warmth.
After the meal, they cleaned up, washing the plates and bowls in the gently flowing stream.
The night sky outside sparkled with stars, as if celebrating their small victory.
"Now, about the sleeping arrangements," Aoki stood up, his voice turning serious again, but there was a softness that couldn't be hidden.
"There is currently only one house, and it is only enough for 14 people."
"Those who are not ninjas and have weaker bodies are expected to go inside."
"Meanwhile, the rest of you will sleep outside, keeping watch for safety."
"Ten or fifteen people will take turns on night watch, every three hours, so for three hours, ten or fifteen people must keep watch, then they will switch every three hours, continuing until morning greets us."
"Some of you who feel strong and capable, I ask you to take a turn."
"Starting from nine until midnight, the next team will take over from midnight until three in the morning, and the last team will watch from three until six in the morning."
Aoki explained, his calm voice carrying authority that made everyone stop their activities and pay attention.
Aoki lifted his head and scanned the faces in front of him. "Now, for those willing to keep watch, raise your hands!"
Without hesitation, more than fifty hands shot up into the air, each filled with enthusiasm and determination.
Aoki looked at them for a moment, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
Then Aoki nodded, acknowledging their bravery.
"We only need forty-five people," Aoki said, his voice deeper and more serious. "For those who truly want to stay on watch, raise your hands again."
The hands were raised once more, but now only forty-five hands remained raised.
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[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
Marvel: The Sorcerer in America
Lance White is not an ordinary human. His body is a manifestation of the power of a Super Saiyan, while his soul is an unexpected combination of a Shinigami and a mutated Arrancar, granting him unparalleled spiritual strength. With Poseidon Scale Armor protecting Lance's body and The God Killer Sword and Trident of Neptune in his hands, Lance fulfills his destiny as a hunter of darkness.
In a world filled with heroes and supernatural threats, Lance hunts the most sinful villains on earth—creatures too evil to be forgiven—and navigates the realms of hell to defeat the unimaginable terrifying monsters.]
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