[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Purriah! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
In the Land of Whirlpools, a town.
Inside a luxurious house, Terumi Mei sits behind a folding screen. On the other side of the screen is Suikazan Fuguki, the commander of the Mist ninjas in the Land of Whirlpools.
"The situation has changed. One of the Three Legendary Sannin from Konoha, Tsunade, has entered and disappeared in a gambling town last night. Additionally, Orochimaru's traces have been found in the Land of Whirlpools."
Upon hearing this, Terumi Mei, who is wearing a mask, frowns and says in a deep voice, "Two of the Three Sannin have arrived. It seems that Konoha is determined to get the First Hokage's weapon. Could there be some secret to it?"
It's just a weapon, so it shouldn't warrant the involvement of two Sannin-level figures.
Suikazan Fuguki silently looks at the Mist ninja behind the screen, calculating the pros and cons in his mind. Eventually, he starts pondering deeply.
"Orochimaru may not necessarily be here for the First Hokage's weapon, but there is a mission that the village needs you to carry out."
A photo passes through the screen and is casually held by Terumi Mei. As she looks at the figure in the photo, Suikazan Fuguki begins to speak about the mission.
"This man's real name is Sesshomaru. He comes from a samurai noble family and is a ninja trained by Konoha, skilled in medical ninjutsu and swordsmanship. According to our informants in Konoha, he was involved in Orochimaru's human experiment research and later defected from Konoha when he was going to be dealt with by the Anbu."
"His overall strength is at the level of a Jōnin. The village's goal is simple: extract all the data on Konoha's human experiments from his brain."
Any human experiment that could lead to the potential expulsion from the Land of Fire must not be simple. Whether it's an S-class forbidden jutsu or some top-secret experiment, there is no village that would not want it.
Uchiha Yoru secretly infiltrated posing as Sesshomaru, something that Suikazan Fuguki is not aware of. What he sees is an opportunity—a chance to gain merit and to stir the waters.
After giving the instructions, Suikazan Fuguki's body slowly dissolves into a water clone and disappears. In the empty room, Terumi Mei, wearing a mask, looks at the photo and the intelligence scroll in her hand, revealing a solemn expression between her eyebrows.
"Konoha really is the cradle of geniuses. First, there were the Sannin and the Fourth Hokage, and then came the likes of Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Yoru. Why doesn't heaven bestow such talents upon my Mist Village?"
Thinking about the current policies of the Mist Village, Terumi Mei lets out a bitter smile and sighs softly, "Even geniuses can be heartbroken. When will the Mist Village be able to retain its own geniuses?"
Is the Hidden Mist Village really lacking in geniuses? No! There are also many talented ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village, but they either defect under the iron-blooded policy or become extremely cruel and twisted by such an environment. Countless geniuses die under such policies before they can grow.
"Now, I'm not yet qualified to change all this, but I won't give up."
A hint of determination appears in her green eyes. This is her ninja way; she will not give up on changing the Hidden Mist.
…
In the bustling and lively town, joyful smiles are everywhere, as if it were a utopia. However, it turns into a paradise for the wicked at night.
In the evening, the arrival of Sesshomaru merely lets people know that there is such a medical ninja. The Five Great Nations and even the top mercenary ninja corps don't pay much attention to him.
However, the ninja spies of the Five Great Nations have already received the message. What's important about Sesshomaru's medical ninjutsu is not the skill itself, but the secrets in his mind about Orochimaru's human experiments from the Leaf Village, which has aroused much greed.
"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru."
A respectful voice rings out, and Sesshomaru coldly puts away the payment he's received. Facing the thanking mercenary ninja corps, he merely gives a bland nod.
"It's just a transaction."
The not-so-weak mercenary ninja corps respectfully nod their heads. They don't want to get involved casually, but befriending a high-level medical ninja is extremely important.
Carrying out missions often results in injuries, poisoning, or even physical disabilities, so having a high-level medical ninja at that time is crucial.
No one dares to test Sesshomaru due to his imposing strength, but a high-level medical ninja is extremely important for any ninja, hence a mercenary relationship has formed.
A normal transaction of 'you pay, I cure'.
Looking at the money he's received, Sesshomaru can't help but sigh. No wonder medical ninjas are in demand; healthcare is always a lucrative industry, regardless of the world.
He's simply used some of his own chakra and some herbs, and the return he's gotten is a hundredfold.
The mercenary ninjas who hired the high-level medical ninja are all releasing goodwill. None of them are fools. Forcing a one-off deal is not as good as forming a beneficial relationship for the future.
In the crowd, a pair of green eyes, the same color as banknotes, widen as they watch this scene. Especially when seeing Sesshomaru taking the money, a hint of regret emerges, as if lamenting not learning this medical ninjutsu.
Radiating an aristocratic aura, Sesshomaru finds it easy to earn this reward. Being a medical ninja is the most lucrative job, with no need to face mission risks, just treating people and receiving payment. Of course, this is provided that one can defend oneself or join a certain force.
…
"Lord Sesshomaru, this is our most luxurious hotel, complete with accompanying dancers."
Inside an extremely luxurious and exquisite hotel, a wooden table is set with all kinds of delicacies. Below it, there are singing courtesans and musicians playing music. The benefits that come with power (and money) are indeed something.
"Please enjoy, my Lord."
As the hotel waiter leaves with a look of envy, Sesshomaru calmly enjoys everything around him, revealing a sense of pleasure deep within. Truly, the best comfort is in enjoying these perks himself.
He is a noble, after all, and must fit the role. Even if he's down on his luck, he must not lose the demeanor of a noble in his eating, drinking, living, and traveling.
In a bright room that exudes a faint fragrance, the elegance Sesshomaru exhibits as he picks up his chopsticks seems as if it were made for him.
The courtesans below are even more impressed and envious when they see this. This is what a noble is, a person above others. However, they still remember their roles and dance gracefully to the tune of the musicians.
Different from usual and driven by professional ethics, upon encountering such an ideal target, they even more enthusiastically showcase their dancing skills, hoping to catch the attention of such a noble, even if just to be taken home as a pet.
Just then, a noise suddenly erupts from outside the door, and the wooden sliding door is rudely pushed open. First, a small green figure stumbles in frantically, followed by a group of rogue ninjas carrying katanas.
"Little girl, your sister owes us a large sum of money and ran away. You think you can run too?"
The brutish rogue ninjas speak angrily. Clearly, since the debtor has run off, they can only vent their frustrations on someone related.
The young girl has blonde hair and wears light green clothing. She falls to the ground and panics, retreating step by step. Her bright brown eyes quickly scan the room, imprinting the surroundings into her mind.
She can't help but be slightly surprised. So this is Orochimaru's little demon? He really is full of a noble aura. Her deliberate scheme was not in vain, although avoiding gambling debts was also a reason.
"No, I don’t have a sister, I—"
"Little girl, it’s your problem for resembling that fat sheep. This is on you."
Before the young girl could finish speaking, a boorish rogue ninja burst in, pulling her away. The leader's face turned serious the moment he saw the person whose meal they had interrupted.
"This seems to be the Sesshomaru mentioned in recent rumors, skilled in swordsmanship and medical ninjutsu. Many rogue ninjas and mercenary ninja corps have expressed interest in befriending him. Crossing him would mean making enemies with them," one of the subordinates whispered into the leader's ear. It's undeniable that in just half a month, Sesshomaru had made quite a name for himself. After all, high-level medical ninjas are in high demand.
The panicked girl, who had run in haphazardly, now pitifully hid behind Sesshomaru. When her flustered hands touched his snow-white cloak, she gasped inwardly, realizing this young man must be wealthy.
"Hey, I heard you're pretty good with a sword and also proficient in medical ninjutsu?"
Upon hearing his subordinate, the leader of the rogue ninjas became hesitant, but he had his reputation as a leader to maintain. He couldn't just retreat disgracefully, so he thought of a plan.
Striding forward in a brash manner, he directly said to the still-indifferent Sesshomaru, "I'd like to see your swordsmanship. Today's meal is on me."
As he said this, he patted his chest as if assuring something. Then, he rudely pointed at the girl hiding behind Sesshomaru and shouted, "This girl is quite a beauty, consider her a gift to be your slave."
Clearly, the leader was coarse but cunning. He was seemingly provoked by asking to witness Sesshomaru's sword skills, but then offered to pay for the meal and give a female slave, clearly looking for a face-saving way out.
Meal cost? A slave?
Upon hearing this, Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow and glanced at the five rogue ninjas who had rushed in, each with a samurai sword on their waist. However, after listening to their grand claims, he looked at the almost-finished meal on his table and the woman beside him.
Debt, a ripe target, and the figure—Tsunade! Although he had never met her, and she hadn't even released a bit of chakra, he was certain it was Tsunade.
Her ultimate chakra control ability could completely hide her chakra, even from sensory ninjas, in non-combat situations.
His confident identification wasn't based on a guess but a familiar scent.
In Orochimaru's human experiment lab, the Wood Release plan was real. How could Orochimaru not have Tsunade's blood, one of the Sannin?
Being of the same Senju lineage, it was obvious that Orochimaru had privately researched whether Tsunade's cells could withstand the corrosion of the First Hokage's cells. Although it was just a small amount of blood, that distinctive scent was imprinted in his memory.
Today, this young girl came by, her strong ninja senses having been enhanced countless times, especially this Tsunade who is pretending to be young. To make her disguise more convincing, she even deliberately scraped her arm. The faint smell of blood directly activated a certain dusty memory in his mind.
"Hey hey!"
The leader of the rogue ninjas yelled with a face of savage strength, but there was a sense of being in a tight spot in his eyes. If the other party didn't say anything, he really had no choice but to leave awkwardly.
Offending a powerful medical ninja, all she needs to do is shout outside that killing them could earn someone a free treatment from her, and people would certainly come.
"Our leader!"
One of the underlings, excited about his leader's prestige, stepped forward and pointed, pretending to be righteous. Suddenly, his voice stopped abruptly.
In the brightly lit room, a cold light flashed. Sesshomaru, sitting at the dining table, calmly picked up the teacup and sipped it elegantly.
Tsunade, disguised as a young girl, instinctively narrowed her pupils under that cold light. This kid is not simple!
"Lea... leader!"
As the words fell, the collars of the five men's shirts suddenly ripped open, revealing a smooth cut. At the same time, a faint trace of blood appeared on their chests.
The leading rogue ninja was trembling as he touched his own neck and saw the tiny bloodstains on his fingertips. He swallowed nervously.
"Master!"
Those who could survive here all had their own unique skills. For example, the five rogue ninjas immediately knelt down and begged for mercy.
Swordsmanship, just now it wasn't one cut but five. Otherwise, they wouldn't have easily cut open the collars of the five men without injuring them.
Sesshomaru calmly stood up, and as footsteps sounded, the five men hurriedly knelt to the sides. The leading boss lowered his head, perfectly expressing complete submission.
"We have neglected the Master, deserve to die, deserve to die!"
"Remember to pay the bill." As the footsteps receded, the five men who had lowered their heads to admit their faults had just breathed a sigh of relief when a cold voice suddenly came, making them all tense up again.
However, upon hearing that the other party was picking up the bill, the five people instantly breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had survived a calamity. Tsunade, who was disguised as a young girl and was last in line, quickly exclaimed, "Wait for me."
At that moment, walking down the corridor and seeing the waiter, he spoke coldly: "Someone inside the room is paying the bill."
"Very well, sir." The waiter politely nodded in thanks. Sesshomaru, after saying this sentence, suddenly paused as if thinking of something.
"This restaurant suits my taste. Keep the standards as they are tonight, three meals a day for a month."
Upon hearing these words, the waiter looked astonished and hesitantly asked in a low voice, "Sir, do you mean to book our restaurant for a month, all according to tonight's standards?"
Faced with Sesshomaru's indifferent gaze that seemed to question why there was any doubt, the waiter quickly bowed and apologized, "I understand, sir."
Though it was clearly a chance to fleece the customers, Sesshomaru's aloof and indifferent gaze gave off an air of noble detachment, making it hard to resent him.
"Wait for me."
Tsunade, pretending to be pitiable, hurriedly chased after them. She saw clearly that this little devil was ruthless, planning to eat at the restaurant for an entire month.
Subsequently, the five rogue ninjas who felt like they had survived a great calamity had green faces when paying the bill. Wide-eyed, when the waiter fully explained, their trembling hands pulled out all the money they had hidden away. The five of them supported each other as they walked out, as if they were drained.
They had saved their lives, but the ensuing loss of money left them in tears.
[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Purriah! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
In the Land of Whirlpools, a town.
Inside a luxurious house, Terumi Mei sits behind a folding screen. On the other side of the screen is Suikazan Fuguki, the commander of the Mist ninjas in the Land of Whirlpools.
"The situation has changed. One of the Three Legendary Sannin from Konoha, Tsunade, has entered and disappeared in a gambling town last night. Additionally, Orochimaru's traces have been found in the Land of Whirlpools."
Upon hearing this, Terumi Mei, who is wearing a mask, frowns and says in a deep voice, "Two of the Three Sannin have arrived. It seems that Konoha is determined to get the First Hokage's weapon. Could there be some secret to it?"
It's just a weapon, so it shouldn't warrant the involvement of two Sannin-level figures.
Suikazan Fuguki silently looks at the Mist ninja behind the screen, calculating the pros and cons in his mind. Eventually, he starts pondering deeply.
"Orochimaru may not necessarily be here for the First Hokage's weapon, but there is a mission that the village needs you to carry out."
A photo passes through the screen and is casually held by Terumi Mei. As she looks at the figure in the photo, Suikazan Fuguki begins to speak about the mission.
"This man's real name is Sesshomaru. He comes from a samurai noble family and is a ninja trained by Konoha, skilled in medical ninjutsu and swordsmanship. According to our informants in Konoha, he was involved in Orochimaru's human experiment research and later defected from Konoha when he was going to be dealt with by the Anbu."
"His overall strength is at the level of a Jōnin. The village's goal is simple: extract all the data on Konoha's human experiments from his brain."
Any human experiment that could lead to the potential expulsion from the Land of Fire must not be simple. Whether it's an S-class forbidden jutsu or some top-secret experiment, there is no village that would not want it.
Uchiha Yoru secretly infiltrated posing as Sesshomaru, something that Suikazan Fuguki is not aware of. What he sees is an opportunity—a chance to gain merit and to stir the waters.
After giving the instructions, Suikazan Fuguki's body slowly dissolves into a water clone and disappears. In the empty room, Terumi Mei, wearing a mask, looks at the photo and the intelligence scroll in her hand, revealing a solemn expression between her eyebrows.
"Konoha really is the cradle of geniuses. First, there were the Sannin and the Fourth Hokage, and then came the likes of Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Yoru. Why doesn't heaven bestow such talents upon my Mist Village?"
Thinking about the current policies of the Mist Village, Terumi Mei lets out a bitter smile and sighs softly, "Even geniuses can be heartbroken. When will the Mist Village be able to retain its own geniuses?"
Is the Hidden Mist Village really lacking in geniuses? No! There are also many talented ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village, but they either defect under the iron-blooded policy or become extremely cruel and twisted by such an environment. Countless geniuses die under such policies before they can grow.
"Now, I'm not yet qualified to change all this, but I won't give up."
A hint of determination appears in her green eyes. This is her ninja way; she will not give up on changing the Hidden Mist.
…
In the bustling and lively town, joyful smiles are everywhere, as if it were a utopia. However, it turns into a paradise for the wicked at night.
In the evening, the arrival of Sesshomaru merely lets people know that there is such a medical ninja. The Five Great Nations and even the top mercenary ninja corps don't pay much attention to him.
However, the ninja spies of the Five Great Nations have already received the message. What's important about Sesshomaru's medical ninjutsu is not the skill itself, but the secrets in his mind about Orochimaru's human experiments from the Leaf Village, which has aroused much greed.
"Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru."
A respectful voice rings out, and Sesshomaru coldly puts away the payment he's received. Facing the thanking mercenary ninja corps, he merely gives a bland nod.
"It's just a transaction."
The not-so-weak mercenary ninja corps respectfully nod their heads. They don't want to get involved casually, but befriending a high-level medical ninja is extremely important.
Carrying out missions often results in injuries, poisoning, or even physical disabilities, so having a high-level medical ninja at that time is crucial.
No one dares to test Sesshomaru due to his imposing strength, but a high-level medical ninja is extremely important for any ninja, hence a mercenary relationship has formed.
A normal transaction of 'you pay, I cure'.
Looking at the money he's received, Sesshomaru can't help but sigh. No wonder medical ninjas are in demand; healthcare is always a lucrative industry, regardless of the world.
He's simply used some of his own chakra and some herbs, and the return he's gotten is a hundredfold.
The mercenary ninjas who hired the high-level medical ninja are all releasing goodwill. None of them are fools. Forcing a one-off deal is not as good as forming a beneficial relationship for the future.
In the crowd, a pair of green eyes, the same color as banknotes, widen as they watch this scene. Especially when seeing Sesshomaru taking the money, a hint of regret emerges, as if lamenting not learning this medical ninjutsu.
Radiating an aristocratic aura, Sesshomaru finds it easy to earn this reward. Being a medical ninja is the most lucrative job, with no need to face mission risks, just treating people and receiving payment. Of course, this is provided that one can defend oneself or join a certain force.
…
"Lord Sesshomaru, this is our most luxurious hotel, complete with accompanying dancers."
Inside an extremely luxurious and exquisite hotel, a wooden table is set with all kinds of delicacies. Below it, there are singing courtesans and musicians playing music. The benefits that come with power (and money) are indeed something.
"Please enjoy, my Lord."
As the hotel waiter leaves with a look of envy, Sesshomaru calmly enjoys everything around him, revealing a sense of pleasure deep within. Truly, the best comfort is in enjoying these perks himself.
He is a noble, after all, and must fit the role. Even if he's down on his luck, he must not lose the demeanor of a noble in his eating, drinking, living, and traveling.
In a bright room that exudes a faint fragrance, the elegance Sesshomaru exhibits as he picks up his chopsticks seems as if it were made for him.
The courtesans below are even more impressed and envious when they see this. This is what a noble is, a person above others. However, they still remember their roles and dance gracefully to the tune of the musicians.
Different from usual and driven by professional ethics, upon encountering such an ideal target, they even more enthusiastically showcase their dancing skills, hoping to catch the attention of such a noble, even if just to be taken home as a pet.
Just then, a noise suddenly erupts from outside the door, and the wooden sliding door is rudely pushed open. First, a small green figure stumbles in frantically, followed by a group of rogue ninjas carrying katanas.
"Little girl, your sister owes us a large sum of money and ran away. You think you can run too?"
The brutish rogue ninjas speak angrily. Clearly, since the debtor has run off, they can only vent their frustrations on someone related.
The young girl has blonde hair and wears light green clothing. She falls to the ground and panics, retreating step by step. Her bright brown eyes quickly scan the room, imprinting the surroundings into her mind.
She can't help but be slightly surprised. So this is Orochimaru's little demon? He really is full of a noble aura. Her deliberate scheme was not in vain, although avoiding gambling debts was also a reason.
"No, I don’t have a sister, I—"
"Little girl, it’s your problem for resembling that fat sheep. This is on you."
Before the young girl could finish speaking, a boorish rogue ninja burst in, pulling her away. The leader's face turned serious the moment he saw the person whose meal they had interrupted.
"This seems to be the Sesshomaru mentioned in recent rumors, skilled in swordsmanship and medical ninjutsu. Many rogue ninjas and mercenary ninja corps have expressed interest in befriending him. Crossing him would mean making enemies with them," one of the subordinates whispered into the leader's ear. It's undeniable that in just half a month, Sesshomaru had made quite a name for himself. After all, high-level medical ninjas are in high demand.
The panicked girl, who had run in haphazardly, now pitifully hid behind Sesshomaru. When her flustered hands touched his snow-white cloak, she gasped inwardly, realizing this young man must be wealthy.
"Hey, I heard you're pretty good with a sword and also proficient in medical ninjutsu?"
Upon hearing his subordinate, the leader of the rogue ninjas became hesitant, but he had his reputation as a leader to maintain. He couldn't just retreat disgracefully, so he thought of a plan.
Striding forward in a brash manner, he directly said to the still-indifferent Sesshomaru, "I'd like to see your swordsmanship. Today's meal is on me."
As he said this, he patted his chest as if assuring something. Then, he rudely pointed at the girl hiding behind Sesshomaru and shouted, "This girl is quite a beauty, consider her a gift to be your slave."
Clearly, the leader was coarse but cunning. He was seemingly provoked by asking to witness Sesshomaru's sword skills, but then offered to pay for the meal and give a female slave, clearly looking for a face-saving way out.
Meal cost? A slave?
Upon hearing this, Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow and glanced at the five rogue ninjas who had rushed in, each with a samurai sword on their waist. However, after listening to their grand claims, he looked at the almost-finished meal on his table and the woman beside him.
Debt, a ripe target, and the figure—Tsunade! Although he had never met her, and she hadn't even released a bit of chakra, he was certain it was Tsunade.
Her ultimate chakra control ability could completely hide her chakra, even from sensory ninjas, in non-combat situations.
His confident identification wasn't based on a guess but a familiar scent.
In Orochimaru's human experiment lab, the Wood Release plan was real. How could Orochimaru not have Tsunade's blood, one of the Sannin?
Being of the same Senju lineage, it was obvious that Orochimaru had privately researched whether Tsunade's cells could withstand the corrosion of the First Hokage's cells. Although it was just a small amount of blood, that distinctive scent was imprinted in his memory.
Today, this young girl came by, her strong ninja senses having been enhanced countless times, especially this Tsunade who is pretending to be young. To make her disguise more convincing, she even deliberately scraped her arm. The faint smell of blood directly activated a certain dusty memory in his mind.
"Hey hey!"
The leader of the rogue ninjas yelled with a face of savage strength, but there was a sense of being in a tight spot in his eyes. If the other party didn't say anything, he really had no choice but to leave awkwardly.
Offending a powerful medical ninja, all she needs to do is shout outside that killing them could earn someone a free treatment from her, and people would certainly come.
"Our leader!"
One of the underlings, excited about his leader's prestige, stepped forward and pointed, pretending to be righteous. Suddenly, his voice stopped abruptly.
In the brightly lit room, a cold light flashed. Sesshomaru, sitting at the dining table, calmly picked up the teacup and sipped it elegantly.
Tsunade, disguised as a young girl, instinctively narrowed her pupils under that cold light. This kid is not simple!
"Lea... leader!"
As the words fell, the collars of the five men's shirts suddenly ripped open, revealing a smooth cut. At the same time, a faint trace of blood appeared on their chests.
The leading rogue ninja was trembling as he touched his own neck and saw the tiny bloodstains on his fingertips. He swallowed nervously.
"Master!"
Those who could survive here all had their own unique skills. For example, the five rogue ninjas immediately knelt down and begged for mercy.
Swordsmanship, just now it wasn't one cut but five. Otherwise, they wouldn't have easily cut open the collars of the five men without injuring them.
Sesshomaru calmly stood up, and as footsteps sounded, the five men hurriedly knelt to the sides. The leading boss lowered his head, perfectly expressing complete submission.
"We have neglected the Master, deserve to die, deserve to die!"
"Remember to pay the bill." As the footsteps receded, the five men who had lowered their heads to admit their faults had just breathed a sigh of relief when a cold voice suddenly came, making them all tense up again.
However, upon hearing that the other party was picking up the bill, the five people instantly breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had survived a calamity. Tsunade, who was disguised as a young girl and was last in line, quickly exclaimed, "Wait for me."
At that moment, walking down the corridor and seeing the waiter, he spoke coldly: "Someone inside the room is paying the bill."
"Very well, sir." The waiter politely nodded in thanks. Sesshomaru, after saying this sentence, suddenly paused as if thinking of something.
"This restaurant suits my taste. Keep the standards as they are tonight, three meals a day for a month."
Upon hearing these words, the waiter looked astonished and hesitantly asked in a low voice, "Sir, do you mean to book our restaurant for a month, all according to tonight's standards?"
Faced with Sesshomaru's indifferent gaze that seemed to question why there was any doubt, the waiter quickly bowed and apologized, "I understand, sir."
Though it was clearly a chance to fleece the customers, Sesshomaru's aloof and indifferent gaze gave off an air of noble detachment, making it hard to resent him.
"Wait for me."
Tsunade, pretending to be pitiable, hurriedly chased after them. She saw clearly that this little devil was ruthless, planning to eat at the restaurant for an entire month.
Subsequently, the five rogue ninjas who felt like they had survived a great calamity had green faces when paying the bill. Wide-eyed, when the waiter fully explained, their trembling hands pulled out all the money they had hidden away. The five of them supported each other as they walked out, as if they were drained.
They had saved their lives, but the ensuing loss of money left them in tears.
