klisemfg Chapter 825 Smile
Chapter 825 Smile
A meaningful smile appeared on Master Yuan's wrinkled face, a smile that looked particularly sinister in the dim light.
"Frontline combat is the choice of reckless fools. What we need to do is crush the enemy's heart or cut off their hope."
Master Yuan tapped his fingers heavily twice on a point on the map where Konoha and Iwagakure met, his voice low and resolute.
"Your target is here. A special squad from Konoha is active in this area, and their presence will have a significant impact on the battle. Moreover... according to intelligence, this will be an excellent hunting ground. Take your swords and go, let the name of the Blood Mist resound throughout the ninja world once again."
"As ordered!"
The seven figures instantly unleashed astonishing fighting spirit, then vanished from the secret chamber like ghosts, leaving behind only the lingering intense killing intent in the air.
Yuan Shi stared at the red circle on the map, muttering to himself, "Konoha, Konoha, just when you thought you had escaped the wolves, you didn't know that the sharks in the deep sea had already smelled the blood..."
"We have only one goal."
The air in the sealed room seemed to be sliced apart by a sharp aura, and seven pairs of eyes, filled with wildness and killing intent, gleamed in the darkness. Faced with their master's final confirmation of "who to choose as prey," the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, almost without hesitation, uttered that name in unison:
"Konoha."
This answer did not surprise Master Yuan, but he still raised his eyebrows with interest: "Oh? Compared to Iwagakure, which has just experienced a great battle and whose defenses are now riddled with holes, or Kumogakure, which has lost its Kage, why are you so determined to take on Konoha, the toughest nut to crack?"
"Because of shame."
Juzo Biwa slammed his Executioner's Blade into the ground, shattering the stone slab instantly. His usually arrogant face was now clouded with gloom as he gritted his teeth and said, "A few years ago, that brat from the Uchiha clan... that guy named 'Uub.' With just himself and a sword, he toyed with the seven of us proud Ninja Swordsmen like monkeys."
"That's the biggest stain on our lives." Raiga Kurosuki stared intently into the void, as if the boy's figure was right in front of him. "These past few years, we've practiced swordsmanship day and night, not to kill those weaklings, but to tear that Uchiha brat to pieces and wash away this shame with his blood!"
"Very good." Master Yuan nodded in satisfaction, slamming his cane heavily on the ground. "Hatred is the best whetstone. Since you have this determination, then I will grant your wish."
The old man slowly stood up, walked to the huge map of the ninja world, and pressed his withered fingers heavily on the map of the Land of Fire.
"Although Konoha may seem to be having a last gasp, it is actually weak inside. Sunagakure even once invaded their heartland, which was absolutely unimaginable before. Now, they are surrounded on three sides. Although the death of the Raikage has provided some relief, their forces are already stretched thin and their internal defenses are extremely weak."
Master Yuan turned around, his cloudy old eyes flashing with unprecedented ambition: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, heed my command!"
"exist!"
"You seven will form the vanguard and depart immediately! Infiltrate the border of the Land of Fire, establish secret outposts in the forests surrounding Konoha, sever their scouting network, and pave the way for the main force. This time, our goal is not just to take a share, but to completely annihilate Konoha!"
"I will obey the orders of Master Yuan!"
Seven figures instantly obeyed the order, carrying the pent-up flames of revenge, and shot out of the secret chamber like arrows, disappearing into the thick night and fog.
With the departure of the vanguard, the long-dormant war machine of Kirigakure began to run at full speed.
Instead of returning to his seat to rest, Master Yuan immediately summoned all the village's high-ranking officials and department heads. Orders were issued from the secret room, efficient and ruthless.
"All members of the secret service are on standby, responsible for intelligence blocking and counter-reconnaissance."
"Logistics Department, you must prepare enough explosive tags and ration pills for two thousand people within three days."
"The medical team formed a field unit and set off with the second batch of troops."
The entire Hidden Mist Village seemed like a giant beast awakening from its slumber. Countless ninjas moved through the thick fog, the sounds of clashing weapons and hurried footsteps intertwining, heralding the prelude to war.
Amidst this tense and busy atmosphere, a slightly flustered figure quickly entered the secret room.
That was Ao, a sensory ninja with a Byakugan.
"Master Yuan, there is an emergency to report." Qing's face was somewhat unpleasant, even showing a hint of embarrassment at not being able to speak.
"Speak." Master Yuan didn't even look up, still reviewing the list of supplies in his hands.
“A few days ago, a member of the ANBU responsible for perimeter security mysteriously disappeared. Just now, we found him in an abandoned warehouse.” Qing paused, then continued, “He was knocked unconscious and hidden, and… he was subjected to a powerful sealing spell, which he only managed to break free of just now.”
Master Yuan paused, his brow furrowing slightly. "Attacked? By enemy spies? Are they dead?"
“No.” Qing shook his head, his expression even more strange. “Not only is he unharmed, but he doesn’t even have a scratch on his body. It’s just that… when he woke up, he found that his ANBU uniform, mask, and his ninja sword were all gone.”
"Just stealing equipment without killing anyone?" Master Yuan raised his head, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. "If they were enemy spies, killing them to silence them would be the safest option for infiltration or escape. This behavior seems more like a prank, or..."
Master Yuan's gaze suddenly sharpened as he stared intently at Qing: "Or perhaps someone is trying to use the identity of the Dark Guard to sneak out of the village. Qing, your expression tells me that you've already guessed who it is."
Ao shuddered. Under the all-seeing gaze of the master, he could not hide anything and could only lower his head, saying in a strained voice, "It was... Mei Terumi. When I was investigating the scene, I found some subtle traces of Water Release chakra. That special chakra fluctuation was very similar to the precursor to Mei Terumi's 'Lava Release'. Moreover... I went to her residence, but she was no longer there."
"Snapped!"
The calligraphy brush in his hand was broken by Master Yuan.
"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!" Master Yuan was so angry that his beard trembled. "That girl dared to attack her colleague and leave the village without permission! What does she think war is? Is it some kind of children's game?!"
Ao quickly explained, "Master, please calm down. Mei Terumi... she's been inquiring about that person named 'Orb' lately. I suspect she heard that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist are going to seek revenge on 'Orb,' so she..."