svetikya Chapter 371 Organization
Chapter 371 Organization
"Captain, the target location has been confirmed. Reconnaissance has identified this rogue ninja group as the target of this 'cleanup' operation."
A ninja wearing an animal mask unfolds a simple yet detailed topographical sketch, his fingertip pointing to the core area of the diagram.
"The group's leader, codenamed 'Rust,' real name Kakuzo. Formerly a Jonin of the Kirigakure Torture Department. He is not from a bloodline limit family. His signature fighting style is manipulating specially made high-strength chakra threads, and he excels at binding, cutting, and performing... 'precision manipulation' while torturing his targets."
"Oh?"
A peculiar voice took over the conversation. Kisame Hoshigaki, dressed in a long black robe, had a ferocious, bandaged creature on his back, and a hint of playful confusion on his fish-like face.
"From Kirigakure? And a Jonin in the interrogation department... That's interesting. Since he's not one of those troublesome bloodline clans..."
"Shouldn't they be living a relatively peaceful life in the village? How did they end up defecting?"
The ANBU ninja immediately replied, "The target defected during the turbulent period following the Fourth Mizukage's resignation and the transfer of power in the village."
"The immediate cause was that his abnormal behavior within the torture department was noticed by the new administrator—he repeatedly and arbitrarily subjected prisoners who were no longer of intelligence value to torture and murder far beyond necessary limits, with a clear sense of enjoyment. Further in-depth investigations revealed that during the Fourth Mizukage's tenure, he used his position to repeatedly arrest ninjas and even civilians who posed no real threat on fabricated charges, solely to satisfy his twisted sadistic desires."
A chilling disdain emanated from the ANBU's tone. "Based on comprehensive assessment, the target, 'Rust' Kakuzo, is a psychologically abnormal criminal. His actions are not simply driven by the pursuit of money or political gain; his core motivation lies in deriving a perverse psychological satisfaction from inflicting pain and controlling others."
"As a result, its danger rating has been raised. Even Kirigakure, which is currently in a recovery period and facing resource shortages, has issued a bounty of up to ten million ryo, regardless of whether the person is alive or dead."
"As for the gang's main crimes and sources of income, they operate in the border areas, specializing in kidnapping villagers from scattered villages or small settlements. The ransom they demand is usually the reward for a standard B-level mission, in order to reduce the victims' willingness to seek help from the Great Ninja Village and increase the likelihood of payment."
"However... according to our intelligence, none of the kidnapped villagers have been released to date."
"I see..." Kisame Hoshigaki grinned, revealing his row of sharp teeth, seemingly quite satisfied with this target for elimination.
"Thank you for your hard work, the intelligence is very thorough." He waved his hand casually, then slammed Samehada on his shoulder with a thud, the bandage loosening slightly to reveal its rough, barbed blade.
He turned his head and glanced at the dozen or so figures standing solemnly behind him. They were all dressed in the standard uniform of the Dark Guard.
"Well then," Kisame's gravelly voice echoed at the mine entrance, filled with undisguised anticipation, "time's over. Now, let's begin... the 'Cleanup' mission."
------
"Who goes there?!"
"Enemy attack—!!"
What was originally intended as a temporary stronghold and mountain stronghold was transformed into a chaotic battlefield after the first shot was fired. This bandit gang, consisting of about fifty wandering rogue ninjas of varying backgrounds and abilities, was as fragile as paper in the face of a sudden and precise attack by ten enemies.
The dull thuds of metal clashing and sharp blades tearing flesh echoed continuously.
"clang!"
A rogue ninja swung his sword at the dark figure in front of him, but the figure easily blocked the attack at an unbelievable angle.
Immediately afterwards, there was a soft "thud"—the ninja sword had precisely pierced his heart. He hadn't even seen the other's movements clearly, only catching a glimpse of a chilling crimson light flashing beneath the eye holes of the animal mask.
"Water Release·Water Crush Wave!"
In a panic, a rogue ninja formed hand seals, attempting to use the surging water to slow the enemy's advance. However, an attacker dressed similarly in ANBU attire completed his hand seals almost simultaneously.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
The blazing flames rapidly expanded into a massive fireball. Water should normally be the element that controls fire, but when there is an overwhelming difference in the quantity and quality of chakra, common sense is overturned.
The fireball, carrying a terrifying heat wave, actually evaporated the considerable water jet, and its remaining force engulfed the caster and several people around him.
"Waaaaaahh ...
The agonizing screams were instantly drowned out by the roar of the exploding flames.
Amidst the desperate resistance and frantic escape of the rogue ninja, someone finally caught a glimpse of the true face of the red light beneath the mask during a fleeting moment of confrontation.
A rogue ninja, his chest pierced by a blade, trembled in horror in the final moments of his rapidly passing life.
"The Sharingan...?! How is this possible...? The Uchiha clan has already..." The unfinished words were forever frozen in his throat, dissipating as his heart stopped beating.
"Leader! Where is Leader Kakuzo? Help us!!"
Desperate cries spread among the survivors. Only then did they realize with horror that their leader, "Iron Rust" Kakuzo, who possessed Jonin-level strength and should have been a core fighting force, had not shown up since the start of the attack.
------
Meanwhile, in a dense forest several miles away from the mountain stronghold.
A tall, thin figure with pale skin, deep-set eyes, and heavy dark circles under his eyes was darting through the trees at a frantic pace.
At this moment, Kakuzo's face showed no trace of the dignity of a leader, only the panic and ruthlessness of someone desperate to escape. His face, which should have appeared lifeless due to long-term mental distortion, now appeared unusually "vivid" due to the intense emotional fluctuations.
From the moment he sensed the aura of the attackers—a well-trained force that was clearly not that of ordinary bandits or bounty hunters—Kakuzo did not hesitate to abandon his men and flee alone.
Guilt? He had never felt that. Those who gathered around him were nothing more than tools for convenience and cannon fodder to distract him; once they were all gone, he could find more.
However, he underestimated the determination and efficiency of his pursuers.
"Found you. We can't let you get away like this."
A voice with a distinctly playful tone suddenly rang out from his side. Immediately following was a terrifying gust of wind that tore through the air—a massive, grotesque blade wrapped in bandages slashed down towards him!
Kakuzo was terrified and instinctively activated his Body Flicker Technique, his figure scrambling to the side in a disheveled manner.
"boom!!"
The giant blade slammed down on the spot where he had just been standing, creating a deep crater in the ground, with dirt and wood flying everywhere.
Kisame, carrying Samehada, calmly observed the still-shaken Kakuzo, showing no surprise on his face, simply waiting for the other to recognize him. Sure enough, astonishment quickly spread across Kakuzo's pale face.
"You...you are...Kisame Hoshigaki?!"
"Oh? So you do recognize me. We were colleagues once, after all. Before the battle begins, do you have any last words? Or... any final questions?"
"Wait! Senior!" Kakuzo's forehead was covered in cold sweat. Faced with the fearsome reputation of the "Tailless Tailed Beast," he couldn't muster the slightest courage to fight back.
But intense confusion overwhelmed her fear. "Senior...didn't you also betray Kirigakure a long time ago? Why are you chasing me? Those Anbu...aren't they Kirigakure's people? Which organization do you belong to now?!"
"Well... compared to you, I'm much luckier. Thanks to that person's acceptance, I've found my own... 'home' again. Therefore, what I now represent is called—"
He clearly uttered the name that was either feared or coveted within certain circles.
"【ember】."
Kakuzo's pupils suddenly contracted to pinpoints, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably. That top organization that had rapidly risen in the shadows of the ninja world in recent years, renowned for its extreme mystery and unparalleled strength, inspiring both fear and longing in countless rogue ninjas! He had actually been targeted by such an entity?
"No! Please, please wait a moment!" Driven by the will to survive, Kakuzo shouted rapidly, forcing what he thought was the most sincere expression on his face. "There's no need for us to fight, right, Senpai? You're chasing me just because of the bounty on Kirigakure, aren't you?"
"Give me a chance! Let me become your subordinate! I know this area very well, and I know a lot of hidden resources and connections. I'm sure I can bring more benefits to Lord Menma! I'm very useful!"
Faced with Kakuzo's eager declaration of loyalty, Kisame simply looked at him calmly. After a few seconds of silence, Kisame casually posed a question.
"...Alright then. Before the battle begins, I'll ask you a question."
"According to the intelligence we have, when you were still in Kirigakure, you had a record of framing a comrade who trusted you and personally torturing him to death."
"Back then, what was your reason for doing that?"
------
(This is about explaining things to the organization. Before entering Shippuden, I need to finish writing down what I need to explain.)