Chapter 405: The Beach Is About to Bleed

Miona took one look at the wide grassy field ahead and immediately frowned. "Hmm... This place is too open."

Aiko blinked in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Miona gestured toward the enormous training grounds before asking, "Do you know somewhere with water instead? A lake, river, sea... Anything like that would be fine."

Aiko stared at her for a moment before suddenly smiling in understanding. "Ohhh! I see! You want somewhere quieter where you can relax too, right?"

Miona paused briefly before shrugging. "...Something like that."

Aiko’s expression immediately brightened. "Fortunately for you, I know just the place!"

She raised one finger proudly. "It’s called Hikaribe!"

Linsey tilted her head curiously. "Hikaribe? What’s that?"

Aiko nodded enthusiastically. "It’s a beautiful coastal area! The name roughly comes from the way sunlight reflects across the water there."

She raised another finger and continued explaining, "During certain hours of the day, the entire coastline looks like it’s covered in countless tiny pieces of sparkling light!"

Aiko smiled happily as she remembered the scenery. "It’s actually really beautiful! One of my favorite places, honestly."

Hearing her description, Miona became slightly more interested. "Oh? That sounds nice. Is it crowded?"

"Of course not!" Aiko immediately snorted, puffing out her cheeks in mock annoyance.

"Didn’t I just tell you that I know a secret place? What kind of secret place would be crowded with people?"

Miona raised an eyebrow but didn’t bother arguing with her.

Aiko then pointed toward a narrow mountain path in the distance. "There’s actually a hidden section of the coast that almost nobody visits. I discovered it by accident several years ago while exploring the area."

She smiled proudly before adding, "It’s a little difficult to reach, but the scenery is definitely worth it!"

Miona nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased with the suggestion. "Perfect! That’s exactly what I’m looking for. Lead the way."

Aiko happily marched ahead, guiding everyone toward the narrow mountain path.

Meanwhile, several mysterious figures hiding in the distance continued secretly following Miona’s group, carefully maintaining their distance to avoid being discovered.

One of them eventually grew impatient and quietly asked, "Are we seriously just going to keep watching them? How much longer do we have to follow these women?"

Another figure immediately shook his head. "Yes, but don’t forget that our orders weren’t simply to observe them."

His eyes narrowed coldly as he watched Miona and the others disappear along the mountain path. "If we determine that they’re weak enough for us to handle, we’ll make our move. Until then, don’t do anything reckless."

Hearing this, the other figures exchanged cold smiles, clearly understanding what he meant. "Understood."

---

The group continued traveling until the grassy plains gradually gave way to rocky cliffs.

Eventually, Aiko led them through a narrow passage between two hills.

The moment they emerged on the other side, Linsey’s eyes widened in amazement.

A beautiful stretch of crystal-clear blue water spread out before them, with sunlight dancing across its surface like thousands of tiny sparkling stars.

Soft white sand covered the hidden shoreline, while towering cliffs surrounded most of the area, completely shielding it from the outside world.

Even Helena, who rarely showed much excitement over beautiful scenery, couldn’t help looking impressed. "Huh... Not bad. This is actually a pretty nice place."

Aiko proudly placed both hands on her hips and puffed out her chest. "Of course! Didn’t I tell you this place was beautiful?"

Miona slowly looked around, carefully examining the surrounding cliffs, the isolated shoreline, and the enormous stretch of open space.

The place was quiet, secluded, and far enough away from the city that nobody would casually wander into it.

A moment later, a mischievous grin gradually appeared on her face.

"Yeah... This place really is beautiful. What a wonderful place to bury a few people."

Having reached that rather pleasant conclusion, Miona suddenly turned around and called out toward the surrounding cliffs. "Alright, you idiots! You can come out now!"

Aiko blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

She looked around before cautiously asking, "Wait... Are there people following us?"

Miona completely ignored her question, her expression turning cold as she stared toward the nearby rocks. "Don’t think I haven’t noticed you bastards following us since we left the city!"

For several seconds, nothing happened.

The surrounding cliffs remained completely silent, with only the gentle sound of waves washing against the shoreline.

Miona sighed impatiently before glancing toward one of the servants. "Number Three."

The servant immediately understood her intention and quickly flicked her wrist.

SWISH!

A throwing knife shot through the air, heading straight toward a cluster of rocks near the cliff.

CLANG!

However, just before the blade could strike its target, it suddenly stopped in midair.

A dark figure appeared seemingly out of nowhere, casually catching the knife between two fingers.

Aiko’s eyes immediately widened in shock.

The man wore black clothing specifically designed for concealment, with most of his face hidden beneath a dark mask.

Several more figures silently emerged from the surrounding shadows, their movements so quiet that they barely disturbed the sand beneath their feet.

The first masked man chuckled softly. "Interesting. Very interesting."

He casually tossed the throwing knife aside before looking toward Miona. "To think you actually managed to notice our presence."

Miona crossed her arms and gave him an unimpressed look. "Hah! You weren’t exactly subtle, you know."

The masked man’s expression darkened slightly, clearly displeased by her dismissive attitude.

However, before he could introduce himself, Aiko suddenly stepped forward.

Her previously cheerful expression had completely disappeared, replaced by disbelief. "What the hell...?"

She stared at the masked figures before asking sharply, "How are you people here?!"

The leading man slowly turned his attention toward her.

Aiko’s eyes narrowed as she recognized their distinctive clothing and concealment techniques. "Yamikarasu..."

Linsey tilted her head curiously. "Huh? You know these guys, Aiko?"

Aiko nodded slowly, her expression becoming increasingly serious. "Yes. They’re members of one of the best ninja guilds in the Sakura Empire."

The masked man chuckled upon hearing her explanation. "Oh? So even this little girl recognizes us. How flattering."

Aiko frowned even harder. "Of course I recognize you! Everyone knows about your guild’s reputation!"

Hearing this, the masked man’s eyes narrowed with amusement. "Well, if you already know who we are, then surely you understand what happens to people who become our targets, don’t you?"

Aiko’s expression immediately stiffened.

However, before she could respond, Miona casually stepped forward with a confident smile. "Don’t worry, Aiko. We’ll protect you."

She then turned toward the masked figures, her grin widening with obvious excitement. "Alright, you bastards! I’ve been looking for some exercise all day, so you better not disappoint me!"

Miona rolled her shoulders before raising one hand and casually beckoning toward them. "Now, let’s see just how good these so-called ninjas really are!"