Hearing Obito's complaint, Feng Bai scratched his head: "According to the intelligence, a chūnin squad spotted him last month but didn't pursue due to insufficient strength—proving he at least doesn't maintain the Transformation Technique for extended periods to conceal his tracks."
"Besides, we've only investigated the casino, not other entertainment venues. Starting tomorrow, we'll split up. I'll continue monitoring this casino while Asuma, you take Obito to stake out that dance hall we spotted a few days ago."
"Let Obito stay with you instead." Asuma shook his head, declining Feng Bai's proposal.
This wasn't because he looked down on Obito, but rather...
Actually, he absolutely was looking down on Obito.
If this guy spotted the target and charged in recklessly, Asuma couldn't restrain him.
Only Feng Bai and Rin could control this hothead.
"Fair enough."
Seeing Asuma's refusal, Feng Bai understood the reasoning and didn't press further.
Asuma's luck proved exceptional. The very next evening after they split up, he returned with excellent news.
"I spotted that guy's trail at the dance hall on the west side of town."
The three had barely settled cross-legged when Asuma eagerly announced his discovery.
"Really? Fantastic! Finally, we can end this endless surveillance nightmare." Obito cheered, rolling up his sleeves, ready to confront their target immediately.
"But he never stepped outside the dance hall's entrance—I only glimpsed him through a second-floor window. To truly confirm his movement patterns, we need continued observation."
Asuma's words instantly deflated Obito.
"So what do we do? Call Captain Ryōma? But he didn't leave us any contact method."
"Stupid Obito, this is obviously Captain Ryōma's test for us—he's evaluating our capabilities. We continue observing, looking for openings. If we truly can't handle it, Captain Ryōma will intervene."
Feng Bai felt absolutely certain that Ryōma, that cunning fox, was currently crouched in some unknown corner, quietly observing their performance.
Naturally, he couldn't state this so bluntly—who knew how many years he'd serve under Ryōma in the future? What if the man held grudges?
Time to show Ryōma our passionate teamwork combo!
...
"Um, I think we could employ alternative methods—like the Transformation Technique for approach. No need for such extreme measures. If necessary, we could summon Captain Ryōma..."
Feng Bai's voice cracked with panic as he watched the two advance toward him brandishing women's clothing.
"But he's a special jōnin—using the Transformation Technique for close approach carries significant risk."
Asuma righteously rejected Feng Bai's suggestion: "Moreover, you said it yourself—Captain Ryōma intends to test us through this mission. Disguise infiltration is fundamental ninja coursework, isn't it?"
Obito: "Exactly, exactly!"
Through several days of observation, they'd discovered Yamashita Yūji habitually stared at young women passing beneath his window—inspiring Asuma's audacious idea.
This guy apparently harbored twisted desires toward underage girls.
Therefore, disguising as a young woman should enable infiltration of the dance hall and close approach.
"Regarding cross-dressing, you two could also—"
Feng Bai attempted one final struggle.
"Forget Obito's dopey face—as for me, do you honestly think he'd show interest?" Asuma pointed at his own features, cutting off Feng Bai's resistance.
Obito: "Right, right—wait, no, well... actually, yes."
"Besides, look—you've always maintained long hair. We won't even need to purchase a wig. In conclusion, Feng Bai, abandon your struggles!"
Indicating Feng Bai's shoulder-length hair, Asuma ignored any protests and, together with Obito, pounced forward.
...
"Is... is this really me?"
Gazing at his mirror reflection, not only were Asuma and Obito stunned—even Feng Bai himself felt momentarily disoriented.
Feng Bai wore a pale blue sleeveless yukata, devoid of excessive decorative patterns yet rendering his entire appearance fresh and ethereal. His fair, slender arms conveyed an impression of delicate fragility.
"Is it my imagination, or does Feng Bai look even cuter than Rin right now? Damn, what am I thinking?" Obito frantically shook his head, attempting to banish such immature thoughts: "My heart belongs to Rin—always will."
"Ahem, see? I told you so. Disguise yourself as a flower-selling girl and infiltrate the dance hall—you'll definitely capture his attention." Asuma also recovered his composure, clearing his throat while explaining the subsequent plan to Feng Bai.
Close call—I nearly blurted out that Feng Bai looks even cuter than Kurenai.
"Ah, oh, right, mm-hmm, let's proceed." Feng Bai flushed crimson, uncertain what to say.
So mortifying—why is this garment's hem so short? My calves are completely exposed!
No way, absolutely never again—I'll never cross-dress again, even if it kills me!
Night descended. Yamashita Yūji observed the swaying forms within the dance hall, feeling utterly uninterested.
Since absconding with those millions of ryō worth of valuables and hiding in this border town, two and a half years had elapsed.
Despite possessing substantial wealth, knowing the village would certainly dispatch ninja to hunt him, he dared not flaunt his riches—only hiding daily in this dance hall, watching monotonous performances.
"Hmph, these debauched bodies prove utterly boring. What truly interests me are young, vibrant, energetic maidens!" Raising his wine cup, he consumed liquor worth an ordinary citizen's annual living expenses, finding his existence thoroughly tedious.
The town indeed contained numerous young women, but he dared not act, fearing Konoha ninja investigations—thus limiting himself to daily window-watching for visual satisfaction.
"Sigh, at this hour, hoping for eye candy is futile..." Shaking his head as he approached the window, lamenting the absence of girls to observe during this time period, Yamashita Yūji spotted a graceful silhouette.
A black-haired maiden carrying a flower basket crouched outside the dance hall, apparently awaiting customer patronage.
Whenever couples passed, the girl would approach with her basket, only to return dejectedly.
"What an absolute treasure..." Yamashita Yūji couldn't suppress his admiration.
His extensive life experience immediately conjured a scenario: a girl forced by family hardship to supplement income through flower sales, enduring countless rejections before his rescue, ultimately falling into love...
"I can't wait any longer!"
After approximately thirty minutes of observation, Yamashita Yūji confirmed she was merely a "harmless" young girl.
Dominated by base desires, Yamashita Yūji immediately summoned a server, instructing him to inform the girl that he would purchase her entire flower inventory—provided she brought them inside personally.
"Once you enter, leaving won't be your decision..." Gazing at that delicate, beautiful figure, Yamashita Yūji's lips curved into a malevolent smile.
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