Chương 194: 193- It's the Hope that Kills

Finally, Miki's voice broke the silence. "So they would rather have their operatives die than risk revealing any information about their plans?"

Renjiro nodded slowly. "It seems that way. Whatever we're dealing with, it's far more dangerous and organized than we initially thought."

Akira's Sharingan faded, her eyes returning to their normal state. "What do we do now?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.

Renjiro stood up, his expression resolute. "We first inform the Daimyo's guards then go back to the village. This information needs to be reported to the village immediately."He began,

"Since we have thwarted their plans twice and even managed to catch their spies and one of their leaders, they are less likely to make any more attempts at Akihiko's life. Though the threat is still far from over."

They nodded as Renjiro made his way to Fumio, the head guard of Akihiko's convoy. He needed to inform Fumio of this latest development and discuss their next steps.

Reaching the head guard's quarters, Renjiro knocked firmly on the wooden door. It creaked open to reveal Fumio, his expression tired but alert.

"Renjiro, what news do you bring?" Fumio asked, stepping aside to let him in.

Renjiro entered the room, noting the sparse furnishings that reflected Fumio's pragmatic nature.

"We interrogated Saseki," Renjiro began, his tone grave. "But he died before he could reveal any useful information. It seems he was bound by a curse mark, a Juinjustu, that prevented him from speaking about his organization."

Fumio's brows knitted in concern. "That is indeed troubling. If they were just common bandits, it wouldn't be a huge issue, but this indicates a far more organized and dangerous group."

Renjiro nodded. "Have you informed your superiors about the assassination attempt?"

Fumio sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, I have. And I've already received a response."

Renjiro's eyes widened in surprise.

'Already?? It has just been a few hours. I wonder how he has informed them. He definitely did not use Birds because they would take more time to send the message, let alone get a reply.'

Seeing the look on his face, Fumio immediately recognized it and gave a wry smile. "I know what you are thinking, don't worry, the Daimyo's court has its ways. We utilize a special technique for rapid communication. The response I received was immediate."

Renjiro nodded, absorbing this new information. "What did they say?"

Fumio's expression turned serious. "They are greatly concerned about the assassination attempt and the level of threat we are dealing with. They agree with our assessment that this is no ordinary group of bandits."

Renjiro felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. The swift response indicated the seriousness of the situation, but it also meant that higher authorities were now closely watching their every move.

"That's good to hear. Coordination and support from the Daimyo's court will be crucial."

Fumio hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "There's something else, Renjiro. After speaking with my superiors, I have a request to make of you."

Renjiro raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead. What is it?"

Fumio took a deep breath. "My superiors have been impressed by your dedication and performance over the last few days. They have seen how effectively you handled the threats and protected Young Master Akihiko even after the objective of your mission ended. They are willing to offer you a position in the Daimyo's court."

Renjiro was taken aback. "A position working for the Daimyo?" he repeated, surprise evident in his voice. His mind raced as he thought of how to respond politely yet firmly.

"Yes," Fumio confirmed. "They believe someone with your skills and dedication would be a valuable asset to the court."

Renjiro's thoughts churned. The offer was an honour, but he did not need to think twice about declining it.

He immediately decided to decline the offer not because of his loyalty to Konoha or his position in the police force but because Renjiro had a plan, and the plan did not involve him residing anywhere else, at least for the foreseeable future.

Another issue was that Renjiro could still not wrap his head around the feudal system in place. Shinobi's were powerful but they were still tied down to the feudal system, something he did not subscribe to.

Even if Renjiro decided to change his plans, which he had time to, he still wouldn't feel at peace with it since he would build some sort of Resentment due to his radical views on the systems in place.

This reminded Renjiro how despite being in this world for close to a decade, he still held some of the deep-rooted beliefs from his first life. Something that was weirdly comforting as well as frightening because he knew what was to come and what he needed to do to survive.

"I am truly honoured by the offer," he began carefully. "However, I am currently committed to serving in the Konoha Police Force. My duties there are paramount."

Fumio nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I see. But would you consider the offer if your clan head Daichi or even the Hokage agreed to it?"

When he heard this, Renjiro quickly stopped the smirk that started to form in his mouth.

"If my clan head Daichi or the Hokage were to approve such a request, I would gladly go to the Fire Capital and serve there."

'Yeah right as if either of them will agree to this.' Renjiro immediately thought.

Fumio smiled, accepting Renjiro's response. "Understood. I will convey your sentiments to my superiors."

He was pleased because Renjiro did not outrightly decline, there was still a chance that everything could work out if the Hokage agreed.

'Too bad, he is hopeful. He doesn't know that it is the hope that kills.' Renjiro thought.

With the conversation concluded, Renjiro prepared to leave. Before he could step out, Fumio added, "One more thing. You need to surrender Saseki's body and the guard to us. A team from the Fire Capital will be arriving in a few hours to take them into custody."

Renjiro nodded. "Of course. We will hand them over to you as soon as possible."

With their business concluded, Renjiro returned to his squad, who were waiting patiently. "We're handing over Saseki's body and the guard to Fumio's team," he informed them. "After that, we'll head back to Konoha."

The squad acknowledged the plan and began to prepare for the handover. When the team from the Fire Capital arrived, they conducted the transfer smoothly, ensuring every protocol was followed.

Saseki and the guard were taken away, and Renjiro felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

With nothing left to do in Tanigakure, Renjiro and his squad began their journey back to Konoha.

The trip was uneventful, a stark contrast to the tense days they had just endured going to Tanigakure. The forest that had seemed so menacing before now felt like a protective cocoon as they made their way home.

Once they reached Konoha, Renjiro gathered his squad. "You've all done exceptionally well," he praised. "Take a day off and rest. You'll get your pay later. I'll go and give our mission report to Iwata-sama."

The squad dispersed, eager for some rest and relaxation. Renjiro, however, headed straight to the administrative building to deliver his report.

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