"Konan, you mean those closed gates might indicate an ambush?" Yahiko frowned, his gaze fixed on the town in the distance. Every prosperous
"Konan, you mean those closed gates might indicate an ambush?" Yahiko frowned, his gaze fixed on the town in the distance.
Every prosperous town, in every nation, employed ninja for protection—either from a village or a clan. Northwest region, though it had experienced a period of decline, should still have made efforts to bolster its defenses. In these turbulent times, self-preservation was paramount. Amegakure would certainly have provided some level of security.
"Yahiko, are you underestimating Amegakure?" The Amegakure ANBU captain arrived, landing beside Yahiko, his voice sharp.
"Don't forget, your mission is to replace our ninjas, to garrison this town. This is Hanzo's gift to Akatsuki's growth."
He surveyed the surroundings. "Or are you saying that hundreds of Akatsuki members are afraid of a few stragglers like Danzo? If so, Akatsuki doesn't deserve to guard Northwest Mountain Region."
His words hung heavy in the air, causing a palpable shift in the atmosphere.
The blatant disrespect was jarring. Were they not beholden to Hanzo, many would have retorted sharply, perhaps even resorting to violence.
Nagato's expression tightened. "Lie, you're exaggerating. We're merely exercising caution."
"As you said, we have three hundred members. We can easily handle a small village, let alone Danzo's scattered remnants," Nagato countered, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.
The bet with Kai hung over him like a sword. He needed to confirm the situation in Northwest Mountain Region quickly, silencing the ANBU captain and proving himself to Kai.
Yahiko opened his mouth to speak, but Nagato subtly cut him off with a gesture.
"Yahiko, we have three hundred people, and you and I are here. We can handle anything. Instead of wasting time, let's go in and check," Nagato suggested smoothly.
Yahiko hesitated, but the expectant gazes of his subordinates and the ANBU captain's scorn pushed him to agree. Despite the million ryō Konan had received from Kai, the mission had come unexpectedly.
Most Akatsuki members were unaware of Kai's extravagant gesture. They were hungry and desperate, and this mission represented a golden opportunity—a chance to alleviate their immediate needs.
Nagato's logic resonated with them. Even Danzo, they believed, was no match for three hundred ninjas.
"Alright," Yahiko sighed, forcing a cheerful tone.
"Everyone, be vigilant. We don't know what awaits us in Northwest Mountain Region."
"If there are no objections, let's move out."
A palpable wave of eagerness swept through the ranks.
Kosuke Maruboshi nudged Kai. "Kid, aren't you going to stop them again? Another chance to win a beautiful woman's heart. A great opportunity to show off."
Kai scoffed. "Single guys are so shallow. Don't you understand subtlety?"
"And if a warning is ignored, it's time for a heroic rescue."
"You're right! That's how I won over Guy's mom," Might Dai grinned, giving a thumbs-up.
"But let's discuss the Eight Gates later. We only have two days left…"
Kosuke gritted his teeth, glaring at his golden arm. All this trouble because of his… ahem… hobbies.
"Move out!" Yahiko shouted, bringing the troops into formation.
Nagato was the first to charge forward. The rest of Akatsuki, driven by hunger and ambition, followed closely. Yahiko remained towards the rear, ready to support Nagato and provide tactical flexibility.
"Yahiko, shouldn't we be more cautious?" Konan whispered, her anxiety palpable. Her time with Kai had instilled a deep sense of security, making her overly cautious.
"Konan, relax. Nagato's right. Three hundred of us can handle anything. Besides, don't forget our bet with Kai. He'd love to see us fail and be humiliated," Yahiko said, a hint of irritation in his tone.
Konan started to protest, but Nagato's voice cut her off.
"Yahiko, there are people in the town. They've opened the gates." Nagato stood before the town gates, his expression a mixture of relief and suspicion.
Seeing the gates slowly opening and three villagers emerging, a collective sigh of relief went through the Akatsuki ranks.
"Esteemed guests, you've arrived!" The leading villager said, his gaze darting around nervously.
"Those thugs just left, but many Amegakure ninjas and civilians are injured. Please help them!"
He stepped aside, opening the gates wider. Injured ninjas and civilians lay along the road, at least forty or fifty of them.
"Nagato, what do you think?" Yahiko asked, his relief tempered by caution. The injuries were significant, but the presence of people suggested it wasn't a trap.
"Esteemed guests, please enter quickly! Those thugs might return," the villager urged, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
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