Over the next three days, Aoha seemed to genuinely pour his heart and soul into learning stone carving.
Each morning, he trained hard. Afternoons, he visited Yamashita-jisan for guidance. Whenever possible, he followed other craftsmen ascending Hokage Rock, personally observing how they conducted inspections and finishing work. After returning home each evening, he personally carved two stones to practice; after all, the damn system had completion requirements. He reckoned that meeting passing standards meant, at a minimum, carving something resembling a person.
Naturally, when a child suddenly appeared among the craftsmen, people specifically came inquiring.
At the time, he felt genuinely nervous. Fortunately, Yamashita-jisan came through brilliantly, simply explaining a couple of sentences before dismissing the person. This meant his presence was no longer conspicuous. As long as he didn't act strangely, most people would simply ignore him even if they saw him.
Then he learned from Yamashita-jisan that after two more days, the finishing work would be completely concluded. They'd hold a simple unveiling ceremony, and apparently quite a few people would come to observe.
Favourable timing, geographic advantage, and human support, all present at once!
So Aoha decided not to delay further. He'd complete his death-courting deed using these final two days!
The night deepened.
Aoha, carrying tools and stones, arrived at the base of Hokage Rock, then skillfully borrowed the craftsmen's equipment. Stepping on the hanging platform, he reached toward a blank rock wall beside the Fourth.
Through three days of observation, he'd confirmed the optimal carving location.
As long as he wasn't monumentally unlucky, he shouldn't be discovered early, thus surviving until the unveiling ceremony.
So he hesitated no longer, setting down his belongings. Taking out chisels and tools, he carefully began tapping.
Though tinkling sounds occasionally rang through the night sky, firstly, this location was far enough from residential areas. Secondly, he was extremely careful. Tapping a while then stopping, ready to implement Plan B if anything seemed amiss.
This way, even if faint sounds were occasionally heard, nobody would mind.
Plus, tonight was the craftsmen's celebration banquet. Most were sleeping deeply. Combined with distance, if Aoha detected anyone approaching, he'd instantly react.
One hour passed.
Watching the rock wall gradually reveal its outline before him, Aoha gradually relaxed. His hands accelerated, yet never relaxed vigilance.
Doing bad things sneakily was genuinely thrilling!
Aoha felt his adrenaline rapidly spiking, constantly risking himself!
Five hours passed. Dawn approached!
Simultaneously, Aoha set down his tools, somewhat sentimentally viewing his masterpiece.
Well, truly hideous!
Crooked and twisted, absolutely eyesearing!
Yet could barely make out that it was a figure statue, with a nose and eyes. That sufficed!
Plus, time didn't permit further modifications. Could only manage like this, hoping to pass.
Aoha sighed, then unhesitatingly took out pre-prepared paint and brushes, swiftly writing a line of large characters on the statue.
Next, without hesitation, he retrieved a large cloth. Deftly applying strong adhesive to several corners on the cloth's reverse, he directly pasted it onto the rock wall, completely concealing his masterpiece.
Leaving a thin strip of cloth extending downward, also pasting that, is convenient for later operation.
Completing everything, Aoha gazed at the somewhat 'smooth' rock wall before him with a satisfied expression.
Must know, trying to apply cloth paint-matched perfectly with Hokage Rock, he nearly got thrown out by the shop owner.
Helplessly, he deployed financial assault, using triple pricing to convince the shop owner to mix and match colours, purchasing them.
Right, his brilliant deception method was using the same-colored cloth covering his statue.
As long as the place does not encounter rain or craftsmen specifically noticing here, it shouldn't cause major problems.
The location he selected was determined through these days' observation as the optimal spot. Almost nobody would specifically inspect here.
It could be said he minimised risks!
Everything possible was done. Remaining relied on luck.
So Aoha immediately began cleaning the scene. Detail determines success; dropping something meant complete failure!
Moreover, he cleared Hokage Rock's base debris once more. Triple-confirming no oversights, only exhaustedly returning home before dawn.
As for post-crime tool destruction, he didn't bother, because pointless!
He'd make major news at the unveiling ceremony two days hence. Then even ghosts knew what he did. Zero need to conceal. Just speak honestly.
Morning, Aoha barely slept. Waking, he didn't even eat, directly rushing toward Hokage Rock.
The plan was ninety percent complete. Remaining: avoid discovery these two days and ensure sufficient people attended the unveiling.
Though surface-level engineering definitely would attract many witnessing this moment. One hundred people should definitely be present.
So, currently, he needed to monitor these craftsmen, preventing them from discovering this minor flaw on Hokage Rock.
"Is that Aoha? We said finishing work was tedious. Don't know why you insisted on suffering with us."
Upon appearing, a familiar craftsman cheerfully greeted him.
"Right, use this time finding friends for drinks. Absolutely heavenly~"
"Haha, dead drunkard, don't corrupt the child."
Aoha competently greeted everyone, following behind them as before, inspecting everywhere.
This work only needed one daily inspection. Meaning, if today and tomorrow's routine check proceeded without problems, successfully deceived!
Actually, the completion has now been finished, discoverable small issues were already found and resolved.
These final two days basically involved thorough checking: whether already-carved statues experienced weather-induced cracking or peeling.
Work completed under Yamashita-jisan's supervision generally wouldn't encounter such accidents. Everyone displayed relaxed attitudes.
However, exactly then, unexpected events occurred.
They say fear what comes. With a gentle breeze, one craftsman suddenly exclaimed softly, then, doubting his eyes, rubbed them.
Did that smooth rock wall just move?