Under the curious gaze of four pairs of bright eyes, Hokuto took out a small jade bottle from his Qiankun Ring and said to them:
"This is honey I brewed myself — Hundred-Flower Honey. It's made from the essence of countless blossoms. Its fragrance can help clear the mind and refresh the spirit."
"Wow, Senior Brother, you can even make honey yourself?"
"Senior Brother, can I see what it looks like?"
"Senior Brother, can I taste some?"
Seeing the three Yu sisters leaning in with their eager faces, Hokuto coughed loudly and swept them with a sharp look.
"Mm…" Realizing they had overstepped, the three sisters quickly pulled back into their seats.
With a nod, Hokuto uncorked the little bottle of Hundred-Flower Honey and addressed his five junior sisters:
"This honey contains the essence of plants such as Frost-Locked Plum, Golden Cherry Seed, Velvet Grass Blossom, and Fire Birch. It replenishes blood and energy, nourishes the skin, and preserves beauty."
At the mention of those last words, the Yu sisters and Yanagi Kojin's eyes lit up instantly, while even Hō Akiyo, who had been stubbornly turning her head away, couldn't help but prick up her ears.
Seeing this, Hokuto's lips curled slightly.
"It seems all of you are quite interested in this bottle of honey. Very well — whoever performs best in this mission shall receive it as a gift."
The three Yu sisters immediately cheered. Even if they weren't sure whether Hokuto's claims were true, it didn't matter — it cost them nothing to believe, and the fragrance really was wonderful, far better than any cosmetics they had ever bought.
Putting the honey back into his Qiankun Ring, Hokuto looked at the five and asked,
"So? Do the shoes fit? This time, no need for reports — just answer directly."
"Mine… feels a bit tight," said Yu Kisui.
Glancing quickly at her feet to estimate the size, Hokuto said, "I see. Take them off and give them to me. I'll adjust them."
"Then I'll trouble you, Senior Brother," she said, removing the straw sandals and handing them over.
Taking the sandals, Hokuto pulled a length of black Ura Grass from his ring and began weaving.
As the sandals visibly grew larger before their eyes, Yu Kisui blinked in amazement.
"Senior Brother, your hands are so skillful!"
Her sister Yu Mizumi leaned closer, exclaiming:
"That's not just skillful hands! What kind of weaving technique is that? How can you add to sandals that are already finished?"
But Hokuto didn't answer. He worked in silence, then handed the finished sandals back.
"All done. Try them now."
Yu Kisui received them with disbelief, then carefully put them on.
"Wow! They really fit! Senior Brother, you're amazing!"
Seeing her other two sisters about to erupt with excitement again, Hokuto quickly cut them off:
"Enough, no more noise. Do any of the rest of you have problems with your sandals?"
The remaining four shook their heads.
So they're all the same size…
He had made all the sandals in a small, uniform size so he could easily adjust them later if needed. But now it seemed there wasn't much need.
"Since everything is fine, let's head to the Administrative Hall to take on a trial mission."
"Yes!"
With five junior sisters beside him, no longer drawing as much attention as before, Hokuto felt much less pressure. At least now, passing fellow disciples weren't constantly turning their heads to stare.
Familiar with the way, he entered the hall — and immediately heard someone call his name.
"Hokuto, junior brother?"
Recognizing the voice, Hokuto turned and bowed respectfully.
"Senior Brother Hayashi Mokugen, greetings."
Returning the bow with a smile, Hayashi said, "Here again to fulfill your duties as an Iron Seal?"
"Yes," Hokuto nodded, then introduced his companions:
"This is Senior Brother Hayashi Mokugen, a Hanakanmuri — one of the crown-bearers of the hall, responsible for assigning trial missions and ensuring fair evaluations afterward."
The five junior sisters saluted in unison:
"Greetings, Senior Brother Hayashi."
For a moment, Hayashi froze, looking surprised.
Were there really five junior sisters standing behind Hokuto just now?
Not wanting to lose composure, he quickly returned the gesture.
"Hayashi Mokugen of Man-ken Hall greets you all."
Once introductions were done, Hokuto bowed again.
"Senior Brother Hayashi, I am serving as Iron Seal for these five junior sisters. Please grant us a trial mission."
Hayashi was taken aback again, his eyes widening in disbelief. He had known Hokuto for years, and in all that time, Hokuto had never once taken female disciples down the mountain for training. Yet now, suddenly, he brought five?
Seeing Hayashi's astonishment, Hokuto sighed inwardly. He wanted to explain, but knew complaining was pointless, so he simply bowed again.
"I must trouble you, Senior Brother."
Hayashi finally gathered himself and nodded.
"Very well, follow me."
After completing the familiar procedures, Hayashi handed Hokuto their assignment.
"In Ryūzan Town, the village of Shūfu has suffered several recent child abductions. The villagers are deeply troubled. Your task is to set out immediately and investigate the matter."
He placed a document on the table.
"I accept," Hokuto said, taking out the Iron Seal engraved with his name and pressing it firmly onto the paper. This meant he was officially responsible for the mission.
"Safe travels, Hokuto," said Hayashi. Then he paused, realizing something, and quickly added:
"And the same to you, junior sisters."
Strange… Why do I keep overlooking them? Could it be they've trained in some sort of concealment technique? If so, that's truly impressive at their age.
"Thank you, Senior Brother," the five girls bowed together.
"Remember," Hayashi added, "listen well to Hokuto on the road. He is one of our sect's finest Iron Seals. You will learn much from him."
"Yes," they all answered at once — though their thoughts were anything but uniform.
Yanagi Kojin wasn't surprised at all. She had sought out Hokuto precisely because she already knew of his hidden strength.
Hō Akiyo, however, remained dismissive. She thought Hokuto's praise was undeserved — that he was merely cautious to the point of cowardice, not truly capable.
The Yu sisters, on the other hand, only grew more curious. At first, when Protector Yu had said he would assign them a formidable Iron Seal, they hadn't cared much. After all, weren't all Iron Seals the same? They simply escorted new disciples on easy trial missions — how strong could they really be?
But after meeting Hokuto, they found him like a bottomless treasure pouch — always producing something new, his hands more skillful than they could imagine.
And now, even a Hanakanmuri like Hayashi Mokugen praised him so highly.
Could it be… this Senior Brother is truly someone remarkable?