Is this the place?" Pakura murmured, unaware of the danger awaiting her.
She had been sent on a secret mission to the Hidden Mist Village by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, Gaara's father. This was where the meeting was to take place.
After checking the mission scroll on her waist, Pakura gave the secret signal.
A short while later, a ninja from the Hidden Mist Village appeared—a man with a kind face that exuded a deceptive air, resembling a benevolent elder. He greeted her with a smile.
"Scorch Release Master Pakura, I am the Kirigakure messenger sent to greet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Due to the dense fog in the Land of Water, Elder Yuanshi ordered me to wait for you here."
As was customary, both parties exchanged proof of identity.
Once confirmed, Pakura had no reason to doubt him and followed the Mist ninja into the mountain path.
"Go to hell."
Suddenly, as they walked deeper into the path, the seemingly kind Mist ninja's expression changed. He hurled several kunai at her.
Pakura, one of the strongest warriors from the Sand Village, reacted swiftly, narrowly dodging the kunai. She glared at him and barked, "What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to sabotage the peace treaty between the Sand and Mist Villages?"
Her mission had been to finalize the details of the peace treaty with the Elder of the Hidden Mist Village.
The Mist ninja sneered, looking at her with disdain as if she were a fool. "Idiot. The peace treaty between Sand and Mist was already finalized. The condition? Your death."
"Pakura of the Scorch Release, you killed many of our comrades from the Mist during the Third Great Ninja War. Now, it's time to pay with your life."
"You can't escape this time."
As soon as he finished speaking, hundreds of Mist Village ninjas emerged from the high ground on both sides of the mountain path.
They glared at Pakura with a mixture of amusement and hatred.
"Bastards..." Pakura muttered. It dawned on her that she had been betrayed by the leadership of Sunagakure.
She quickly formed hand seals, intending to use her Scorch Release, but the kunai from the Mist ninja forced her back.
"Pakura, we know all about you, and we won't give you a chance to use Scorch Release. Get ready," the Mist ninja taunted as he distanced himself using the Body Flicker Technique.
At that moment, the Mist ninjas, brimming with hatred from the war, launched a barrage of shuriken and kunai at Pakura simultaneously.
In an instant, the sky darkened as countless blades rained down toward Pakura.
"Damn it!" Realizing there was no escape, Pakura let out a roar of frustration and anger.
Her heart sank. She couldn't comprehend why the village she had given her life to protect had betrayed her.
Just as despair gripped her, a shadow appeared before her, like a divine figure descending from the heavens. In her astonished gaze, the figure raised his right hand and projected an invisible shield of light around them both.
Kunai and shuriken clashed against the shield, sparking as they made contact, creating sharp metallic sounds. Yet, none of the projectiles penetrated. Instead, they all bounced harmlessly away.
Pakura stared in disbelief at the young man who had appeared so suddenly, rescuing her from certain death.
"Looks like I made it just in time," Kirito said calmly as he flashed behind the Mist ninja. He quickly struck the ninja's pressure points, subduing him, and then kicked him to the ground before Pakura.
At last, Pakura saw her savior's face clearly.
He wore a black robe adorned with red clouds, a ring with the kanji for "Blue" on his right index finger, and a wide-brimmed hat with wind chimes. Beneath the bamboo hat, she glimpsed a handsome, youthful face.
In an instant, Pakura recognized him and gasped, "Kirito of the Uchiha."
It was impossible not to recognize him—Kirito's reputation had spread across the entire ninja world. Whether in the underground or the major ninja villages, the mention of Kirito's name struck fear into the hearts of all.
This was the man known for slaughtering the Third Hokage and dismantling powerful clans.
"Haha, it seems I don't need to introduce myself," Kirito said, removing his wind chime hat to reveal his medium-length black hair and a Konoha forehead protector with a slash mark across it. His face was undeniably striking, both handsome and intimidating.
As they exchanged words, the sound of explosions, clashing metal, and the screams of Mist ninjas filled the air.
Pakura, on high alert, activated her Scorch Release. Four fiery orbs materialized around her, orbiting her body, prepared to fend off any attack.
Kirito noticed her caution and chuckled. "Relax. The noise around us is from my comrades. One of them is an old acquaintance of yours. You're safe now."
Pakura, still wary, hesitated. "Why did you save me?" she asked.
Kirito smiled and replied, "It's simple. Our leader recognizes your strength and wants to recruit you to join our organization."
"Join… the organization?" Pakura echoed, confused.
Kirito nodded. "Yes. And by now, I'm sure you realize that you've been betrayed by the leaders of the Sand Village."
He then calmly explained the conspiracy between Sunagakure and Kirigakure to eliminate her.
"Those bastards. How could they do this to me?" Pakura growled, her brows furrowing as her anger boiled over.
She had bled and fought for her village.
She had dedicated her life to it.
And now, she found herself betrayed by the very people she had sworn to protect.
Enraged, Pakura grabbed the neck of the Mist ninja that Kirito had paralyzed with a single hand. Without bothering to ask any questions, she snapped his neck.
As if that weren't enough to satisfy her fury, she used her Scorch Release to reduce the ninja to a charred husk.
Kirito shrugged slightly and continued, "Actually, this sort of thing is fairly common."
"Think about it. You and Rasa were both strong contenders for the Fourth Kazekage position. Even though you gave up, you still posed a threat in Rasa's eyes."
"And because you voluntarily stepped aside, the Sunagakure officials who once supported you completely shifted their allegiance to Rasa."
"Even without this situation with the Mist, Rasa would have eventually killed you."
"He's similar to the Third Hokage—outwardly composed, but ruthless inside. In some ways, Rasa's methods are even more cruel."
"At least Sarutobi Hiruzen had to maintain his public image and left the dirty work to Danzo."
"But Rasa is different. If I'm not mistaken, the mission scroll he gave you is completely blank."
"If you don't believe me, check for yourself."
Pakura, skeptical but curious, opened the scroll as instructed.
It was indeed blank.
Enraged, she tore the scroll into pieces.
(End of the Chapter).
🖤John_smith| Patreon🖤
Let's celebrate November by reading one chapter each day instead of taking two days for each chapter, special offer!! available only this month! Don't forget to check out the additional chapters on Patreon! :)
Visit our Patreon for more:
https://www.patreon.com/john_smith_
Pakura didn't know whether to feel disappointed or furious.
At this moment, she stood there trembling in anger. After a long while, she finally calmed herself and asked the question burning in her mind: "Then why are you and your companions here?"
"It's simple," Kirito replied, his voice calm. "We've known about the plans of Kirigakure and Sunagakure for a while now, and we waited for this moment. Only when you've been completely betrayed will you sever all ties with the village. What do you think? Since you've been betrayed by the higher-ups of your own village, I believe you can relate." Kirito spoke with frankness.
Pakura was stunned. "You were also betrayed by your village?"
"Of course. Do you think I slaughtered the Sarutobi and Shimura clans for no reason?" Kirito nodded.
At that moment, Deidara and Sasori approached, having dealt with the Mist Ninjas on both sides of the mountain path.
Deidara casually said, "Brother Kirito, the Mist Ninjas have been handled, and Sasori's collected some decent materials."
Sasori glanced at Pakura before turning to Kirito, "How's it going on your side?"
"It's nearly done," Kirito replied with a slight smile, turning to Pakura. "So, what's your answer?"
Pakura frowned and asked, "What happens if I refuse?"
Kirito shook his head. "It won't end well. Our organization has invested a lot of time in you. If you refuse, the two beside me won't let you leave. And even if you escape, where will you go? Back to Sunagakure? You'd likely die even faster there. The high-ranking members, led by the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, won't tolerate a threat like you remaining alive."
"Those bastards," Pakura growled, clenching her fists so tightly her knuckles cracked.
Her rage made her body tremble, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.
After a long moment, she exhaled deeply and said seriously, "Fine, I agree to join you, but I have a condition."
"Speak freely. As long as you complete the tasks assigned by the organization and don't betray us, we won't interfere with your other activities," Kirito replied nonchalantly.
"I'm going to kill Rasa and those traitors in the Sunagakure leadership," Pakura said through gritted teeth.
"Don't worry, you'll have the opportunity. You're not the only one who wants Rasa dead. Others are already working on it," Kirito replied, tilting his head towards Sasori with a knowing smile.
Pakura's eyes widened as she recognized Sasori. "Is that…?"
"This is Sasori of the Red Sand, a puppet master once hailed as a genius in your Sand Village," Kirito explained with a smile.
"Tch!" Sasori clicked his tongue in annoyance and turned away arrogantly.
"I never imagined even you would join this organization. It seems this group is more formidable than I thought," Pakura said with a deep breath, still in shock. She then added, "Granny Chiyo is always thinking about you, Sasori."
Since Chiyo and her brother Ebizo retired shortly after Sasori's defection and did not participate in the Kirigakure incident, Pakura didn't harbor much resentment toward Chiyo.
"Alright, enough talking. This place is close to the Hidden Mist Village, and after all the commotion we've caused, it won't be long before more Mist Ninjas show up," Sasori said impatiently, sensing the urgency of the situation.
Kirito smiled again. "They won't just show up soon—they're already here."
As soon as Kirito finished speaking, a large plant-like structure emerged from the ground beside him.
"Kirito, the Mist Ninjas have arrived, and they're being led by the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi," White Zetsu said with a gleeful tone, clearly enjoying the situation.
"What will you do?" Black Zetsu asked Kirito.
At that moment, a system notification rang in Kirito's mind:
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for triggering the system options.]
1. Meet Mei Terumi and receive a Senzu Bean as a reward.
2. Meet Mei Terumi and flirt with her in front of the Mist Ninjas. You will be rewarded with three Senzu Beans.
3. Meet Mei Terumi and defeat her in front of the Mist Ninjas. You will be rewarded with Armament Haki.
4. Turn a blind eye, flee, and receive Viagra 9999.
[Rewards can be stacked. Please choose.]
"Mei Terumi, huh?" Kirito smiled. "Since we're here, how can we not properly greet the new Mizukage? Sasori, Deidara, the Hidden Mist Jutsu can obscure vision, and since you two lack sensory abilities, take Pakura and leave first. I'll catch up."
Deidara and Sasori exchanged glances. "We'll wait for you up ahead, Brother Kirito," Deidara said before summoning two giant clay birds.
With that, Deidara, Sasori, and Pakura took off.
Before leaving, Pakura hesitated for a moment, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. "Thank you for saving me earlier. Please be careful."
After they departed, Black Zetsu spoke, "We'll retreat as well."
With that, the large plant structure sank back into the ground.
Shortly after, the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, arrived with a squad of Mist Ninjas.
She had emerald green eyes, long curly reddish-brown hair that partially covered her right eye, and pink lips. Her blue tube-top dress hugged her body, accentuated by a white belt around her waist. Though she was in her twenties, not quite as mature as in later years, she had already grown into a stunningly beautiful woman.
"What happened here?" Mei Terumi asked in disbelief, staring at the corpses of Mist Ninjas strewn across the mountain path. It was clear she hadn't been informed of the plot to ambush Pakura.
Then her eyes landed on Kirito standing at the end of the path. She murmured, "Red clouds and black robes… You're with the Akatsuki."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for earning a Senzu Bean.]
Hearing the system prompt, Kirito shrugged with a playful smile. "I'm just passing by. I didn't kill these people. Do you believe me?"
Before Mei Terumi could respond, the 'White-Eyed Killer,' Ao, stepped forward and addressed her solemnly.
"Mizukage-sama, this is Kirito Uchiha, one of the most dangerous criminals from Konoha since Uchiha Madara. He single-handedly slaughtered the Third Hokage and the elites of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans."
"He is a master of genjutsu and is known as the 'Phantom God of Konoha.' It's said that his illusion techniques rival those of Uchiha Itachi."
Mei Terumi raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "So the rumors are true. Not only are you still alive, but you've also joined the Akatsuki. Our Mist Village has a long-standing enmity with your group. If that's the case, we can't let you leave."
With a sly smile, she raised her hand and pointed at Kirito. "At the very least, let me give you a taste of my Melting Kiss."
(End of chapter)
🖤John_smith| Patreon🖤
Let's celebrate November by reading one chapter each day instead of taking two days for each chapter, special offer!! available only this month! Don't forget to check out the additional chapters on Patreon! :)
Visit our Patreon for more:
https://www.patreon.com/john_smith_
Komentar Paragraf
Fitur komentar paragraf sekarang ada di Web! Arahkan kursor ke atas paragraf apa pun dan klik ikon untuk menambahkan komentar Anda.
Selain itu, Anda selalu dapat menonaktifkannya atau mengaktifkannya di Pengaturan.
MENGERTI