Silence.
Absolute silence.
The high-prestige assembly of the Cat Army, coupled with the utterly unfitting, adorably dazed reaction of their "General," created an overwhelmingly jarring contrast.
After a brief lag, the live stream's Bullet Comments section exploded!
[Red-hot chaos! Is the "General" dismantling Aya's platform?!]
[Fat Orange Cat: Who am I? Where am I? What's happening? zzZZ~]
[One second: Cifera Cat Legion, advance! The next: General takes a nap as a salute!]
[Sister Aya's grand entrance was so epic, and Fat Orange Cat's yawn was even louder! I'm dying of laughter!]
[I declare! Fat Orange Cat is tonight's comedic relief!]
[Though... the other cats actually seem to be listening to Sister Aya! How is this even possible?!]
[Confirmed! She's a cat whisperer! No wonder she's named Dongfang Yamiao! Even cats obey her commands!]
[Kawaguchi Tokushi is in danger! He's not facing a single person, but an entire Cifera Cat Legion! (Though their commander is a glutton.)]
[This scene is too beautiful; I can't bear to watch! I'm already anticipating the moment Kawaguchi gets swarmed by cats!]
[Isn't it even funnier that Kawaguchi Tokushi, the "genius ninja" Japan had been hyping up, was immediately detected by Sister Aya the moment he infiltrated?]
[Exactly! Hahaha! Why are the chat so quiet now? Weren't they laughing so hard just moments ago? Keep laughing, then!]
The Japanese audience had indeed fallen silent. Unlike the Chinese viewers, who were immediately captivated by the "Cat Legion," they instantly sensed something was amiss the moment "Aya" mentioned an uninvited guest.
This can't be right!
A genius ninja from Japan, who boasts such unparalleled skills and uses such stylish infiltration techniques, got discovered the instant he made his move?!
And the one who spotted him wasn't even professional Security Personnel, but some weak woman laughing and playing around in a distant room?!
Doesn't this make our genius ninja look like a complete joke?!
Baka! This is infuriating!
The Japanese audience had initially wanted to play dead, but now, faced with the Chinese audience's relentless taunting, they refused to admit defeat, even though their hearts were panicking. Instead, they began "forcefully analyzing" and "saving face":
[Baka! This must be a coincidence! That woman probably just happened to glance out the window at the right moment!]
[That's right! Master Tokushi's stealth is flawless! There's absolutely no way he could have been easily discovered!]
[Hmph! So what if he was discovered? A true ninja excels at adapting to exposure, maneuvering around enemies, and completing the mission! This is where true skill is tested!]
[A mere cat-loving woman? What could she possibly do even if she spotted Master Tokushi? Rely on those cats? Ridiculous!]
[Master Tokushi has faced situations ten times more dangerous than this! He can handle this minor setback with ease!]
[Don't get cocky! Master Tokushi is deliberately feigning weakness to lure them out! You don't understand ninja tactics at all!]
[Exactly! Just wait and see! Once he creates some distance and unleashes his ninjutsu, that woman and her cats won't stand a chance!]
[A bunch of fools, only seeing the surface! How could you possibly comprehend the true extent of Master Tokushi's power?]
[Perhaps... perhaps the Manor's security system is more advanced than we thought, with hidden sensors we don't know about? But even that can't diminish Master Tokushi's unparalleled infiltration skills!]
[Master Tokushi! Show them the power of turning the tables in adversity!]
Chinese viewers reveled in the Japanese audience's stubborn pride, filling the live stream with joyous "air."
On-screen:
Nie Bing and Lu Yue stared at the unreliable "cat helpers" and the even more unreliable "General Fat Orange," unsure how to react.
Even if Aya can actually command these cats, can we really expect them to catch criminals?
But, thinking from another perspective, being chased by so many cats would be terrifying.
The Aya family, meanwhile, struggled to maintain their composure, itching to comment but holding back to play along with Cifera's act. Inwardly, they were utterly shocked and speechless at Cifera's masterful "cat command" stunt.
Cifera! You mischievous cat, you really know how to play!
We haven't even asked how you made our cats obey you so well, and now you're planning to send them to risk their lives for you?!
"Isn't your protagonist complex going a bit too far? You're really not holding back with us, the Cat's Eye Clan!"
Cifera naturally didn't care what others thought. Her actions were all about creating compelling reality show content, prioritizing entertainment above all else.
At that moment, her character "Aya" couldn't help but smile as she watched the large, orange tabby cat yawn widely and then begin licking its paw. She shook her head gently.
Who knew such an interesting little... well, big guy was hiding among the Cat's Eye Clan?
"Alright, it seems my 'General' needs a little motivation..."
With practiced ease, she retrieved a dried fish snack from a special drawer containing cat treats and waved it in front of the large, orange tabby cat, "General."
Instantly, "General's" eyes lit up with a whoosh. The previous lethargy and blankness vanished, replaced by intense focus and undisguised desire.
"Come along, my little helpers."
Aya smiled faintly, holding the dried fish aloft like a queen leading her army. She turned gracefully and strode toward the exit.
Behind her, the cats—as if they truly understood her commands—actually swarmed around her, following her like a loyal guard, their numbers swelling as they marched behind her.
They left the stunned crowd gaping in the living room.
-
Having successfully infiltrated the Manor, Kawaguchi Tokushi was in an exceptionally buoyant mood.
The Cat's Eye Clan's security measures proved utterly ineffective against him. His infiltration was effortlessly smooth—a complete breeze!
He was confident that the demonstration he'd just given—a fusion of top-tier shuriken techniques and the "Hidden Leaf Obscures the Eye" stealth maneuver, specifically designed to evade surveillance cameras—would leave the live stream audience utterly astounded.
The Chinese viewers, witnessing his Ninjutsu for the first time, would surely be left speechless, forced to acknowledge the true worth of this prodigious ninja.
Having finally redeemed himself from a series of earlier failures caused by sheer bad luck, Kawaguchi Tokushi now stood tall and proud, brimming with vigor. He felt more invigorated than ever before.
Using the manor's trees, landscaping, and other environmental features as cover, Kawaguchi Tokushi stealthily advanced toward the brightly lit central complex.
Initially cautious, he moved at a deliberate pace.
However, once he confirmed that the manor's security relied solely on perimeter surveillance cameras, with no night watch personnel or guard dogs in place, he confidently accelerated his advance.
It made sense. Now was an era of peace. While crime still occurred, it was far less prevalent than in the past.
Moreover, China had the highest density of surveillance cameras in the world.
In such a secure environment, even the Cat's Eye Clan—an ancient lineage of detectives—lived like ordinary people. There was simply no need for elaborate security systems; such efforts would be a complete waste of energy.
Realizing this, Kawaguchi Tokushi suddenly wondered if competing in the China Region might be far more rewarding than staying in the Japan Region.
Due to historical tensions between the two nations, he would undoubtedly garner far more attention here than he ever could in Japan, while the challenge would be relatively easier!
If he could conquer the China Region using his "Kawaguchi Style" Ninjutsu, fame and fortune would surely follow in abundance. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment would far surpass anything he could achieve in the Japan Region.
He had previously considered proving himself in the USA Region to gain even greater renown and wealth. However, the competition there was notoriously fierce; even he couldn't guarantee success... After all, everyone knew what the "free" United States of America was like, he could get shot on sight!
Now, looking back, choosing the China Region—with its simple challenges and immense rewards—was far wiser than taking unnecessary risks.
Realizing this, Kawaguchi Tokushi felt he should actually thank Dongfang Miaoya for her impudence. Had she not provoked the Detective Association, he would never have had the opportunity to come to China or experienced this profound epiphany.
"Dongfang Miaoya," he mused, "to repay your kindness, I'll unleash my full power tonight and completely enslave the Cat's Eye Clan as my personal playground!
"Heh heh heh... Huh?"
Suddenly, Kawaguchi Tokushi's peripheral vision caught a glimpse of an orange, round figure waddling across the lawn nearby.
"A fat cat?"
He chuckled inwardly, dismissing it. As a ninja, avoiding all living creatures was basic training.
With a swift, ghost-like movement, he slipped silently into a nearby cluster of lush ornamental shrubs, holding his breath and concentrating, intending to wait for the wandering fat cat to leave on its own.
Foolish fat cat, he thought disdainfully, how could it possibly detect my perfect stealth technique?
The expected departure of the fat cat never materialized. Instead, it strolled leisurely toward the bush where Kawaguchi Tokushi was hiding, as if taking a casual walk.
"Hurry up and leave, you idiot!" Kawaguchi Tokushi cursed inwardly, terrified that the massive feline might cause trouble.
But then a second, a third... within a mere dozen seconds, dozens more cats of varying breeds, sizes, and qualities emerged from all directions!
Though they seemed to be wandering aimlessly, their movements subtly converged, centering on the bush where Kawaguchi Tokushi lay hidden.
? ? ?
Kawaguchi Tokushi was stunned.
His mind erupted in frantic curses:
How many cats does the Cat's Eye Clan even keep?! Are they running a cat shelter or something?!
To his relief, the cats seemed remarkably "dumb." Despite his obvious presence in the bush, none showed any sign of detecting him, maintaining their lazy, nonchalant demeanor.
Thank goodness they're all just stupid cats. As long as I stay still, they probably...
Before the thought could fully form, Kawaguchi Tokushi realized the situation was becoming increasingly bizarre.
The cats didn't leave. Instead, they settled down around the bush where Kawaguchi Tokushi was hiding—some sat, some lay down, others groomed themselves or rolled around seemingly aimlessly. Yet, their positions gradually formed a loose encirclement.
Kawaguchi Tokushi instantly felt uneasy.
With so many cats gathered here, what if one suddenly went crazy, burrowed into the bush, discovered him, and triggered a commotion among the others? The resulting noise would undoubtedly attract the attention of the people inside the house.
Me, a genius ninja, forced to reveal myself by a bunch of cats without even doing anything? This is the height of humiliation!
I need to find a way to lure them away... or wait for them to disperse on their own...
He forced himself to remain perfectly still. As a ninja, restraint was a fundamental virtue!
Just as he was strategizing, the first cat to appear—a large, fat orange tabby—waddled over to the bush where Kawaguchi Tokushi was hiding.
Then, under Kawaguchi Tokushi's dumbfounded gaze—
It lifted its hind leg and began... urinating against the bush!
The stream of urine nearly splashed onto Kawaguchi Tokushi.
What the hell?! You stupid furball! Are you a dog?! Can't you even pee properly like a cat?!
Kawaguchi Tokushi was inwardly cursing like mad, nearly dying of anger at the sight of the massive, fat orange cat before him.
The scene unfolded before the eyes of viewers in the live stream.
China Bullet Comments:
[Hahahaha! General Fat Orange launches the first strike! Biochemical weapon deployed!]
[Territory marking! Basic cat overlord protocol!]
[Kawaguchi Tokushi: I was absolutely terrified!]
[Take notes, peeing squad! Class is in session!]
[Get ready for some drama! This is just the appetizer!]
Japan Bullet Comments:
[Baka! You stupid cat!]
[Master Tokushi, get out of there! It's so unsanitary!]
[Absolutely not! Leaving now would expose him!]
[Wait, could this be Aya's doing?]
[...Impossible, right? But if it is, Contestant Kawaguchi is in serious trouble...]
As soon as "General" launched its attack, as if receiving a signal, the surrounding cats began mimicking his behavior!
A black cat sauntered over and raised its leg on the opposite side.
A Siamese cat found a corner and started digging a hole, clearly preparing to...
Two kittens even nearly came to blows over a prime spot closer to the bushes!
In an instant, the once picturesque corner transformed into an open-air cat toilet!
A faint stench permeated the air, accompanied by a cacophony of indescribable sounds.
Kawaguchi Tokushi was completely numb.
What the hell...?
What sins have I committed to deserve this?!
How could I be so damn unlucky?!
Did I choose the perfect hiding spot... only for it to be these stupid cats' designated public toilet?!
Baka yarō!!!!!
The acrid stench and overwhelming psychological discomfort finally shattered Kawaguchi Tokushi's limits of endurance.
As a proud, nationally recognized genius ninja, he simply couldn't bear to remain in such a "filthy" place!
"Kishō!!!"
He snarled and burst out of the bushes, charging away at top speed, desperate to escape this horrifying place immediately!
But the moment he emerged, the cats that had been relieving themselves seemed to instantly switch modes!
"Meow!"
"Awoo!"
"Hiss!"
They let out a cacophony of cries and reacted with astonishing speed, immediately converging on Kawaguchi Tokushi from all directions!
Some cats even clamped their butts shut mid-poop, abandoning their business without even bothering to bury it!
Their speed was astonishing, especially the big, fat orange cat, which surprisingly moved with impressive agility and ferocious determination!
Watching this unfold, the live stream's Bullet Comments section exploded with activity!