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Hideki and I crept slowly forward, straining to see through the dense undergrowth at the clearing ahead of us. It was imperative that we reached this clearing as quickly as possible because the Emperor's life now hung in the balance. However, rushing forward carelessly could easily result in us being discovered and more than likely killed by the Yin Clan. After several minutes of painstaking work, we finally reached a position where we could look out at the opening in the jungle.
“Well, it isn't what I expected,” I said, quietly.
“I agree, but it could still pose a threat to us. We should proceed with caution.”
I had simply assumed that we were approaching a hidden camp used by the Yin Clan. This camp would undoubtedly have been where Emperor Yangtze was being held. What I saw instead, took me by total surprise. Nestled deep into these mountains was a tiny village. There were several houses dotting the grassy plain, each with its own small garden. It was clearly a very remote area, with little to no contact with the rest of the Robojama server. But these people were not lacking in culture. The houses were all very neatly built and well maintained. The gardens were all blooming with large, well-tended crops, and there were even a few cows grazing peacefully behind the town. A small well was erected in the town square, and there was also a large central building that I assumed was some sort of restaurant and community meeting place.
“What do you think?” I asked my partner.
“Well, the path clearly led us this direction. But I am certain that this is not where the Yin Clan is hiding out. However, the people here may be able to provide us with some valuable information regarding their location.”
“But what if these people are working with the Yin Clan?” I offered. “They might send us the wrong way, or even sell us out.”
“I know that, Raz. But we are short on time and even shorter on options. We will just have to take a chance.”
So, with the decision made, the two of us moved carefully out into the clearing and made our way towards the center of the small village. As we walked I noticed several people busy tending their gardens. As we passed by they stopped their work to watch us. Their faces showed that they were very calm, and not hostile, but I also sensed a certain level of fear in their eyes too. Not wanting to fall into another trap, I remained vigilant.
Hideki and I walked into the large building in the center of the town. It was a restaurant of sorts, as I had suspected. The place was almost entirely empty, except for a small group of old men who sat together at a small table. They looked at us intently as we approached them.
“Excuse us please, but my friend and I had a few questions.” Hideki began. “We are looking for a party of men who we think came through here recently.”
“You are looking for the Yin Clan.” one of the old men said simply.
The comment caught Hideki off guard, but he maintained his composure. “Yes, that is true. Could you tell us where they went?”
“You should not have come here.” the old man replied simply.
“Why is that?”
“Because. The Yin Clan has been expecting you.” Came the answer. Once the man had spoken these words he and his companions looked away from us and went back to their own conversation.
“Come on, Raz. We need to get out of here quickly.” Hideki said, and we both turned and hurried towards the exit.
We stepped back out into the bright sunshine and were greeted by a horde of ninjas, all dressed in black. The Yin Clan had been expecting us after all.