266-270

Chapter 266: Asuma Sarutobi's Anger

When they said there was “no way,” it wasn’t that they truly had no options; some things were left unsaid, but everyone knew the truth. The so-called Twelve Guardian Ninja might sound impressive, but they weren’t significant enough for the Hokage to bother with.

In fact, Choza Akimichi’s real concern wasn’t the Twelve Guardian Ninja.

It was the Daimyo of the Land of Fire!

Though all intelligence gathered so far showed no evidence that the Daimyo was pulling the strings, the trouble seemed to stem from just a handful of individuals led by Kazuma. The Daimyo himself appeared oblivious. But anyone who genuinely believed the Daimyo was in the dark had to be either incredibly naive or downright foolish—or perhaps feigning ignorance.

As the Fifth Hokage, Choza Akimichi didn’t buy into the idea that the Daimyo was some pure-hearted saint.

This possible involvement of the Daimyo had turned what seemed a minor issue into a serious matter requiring a discussion among Konoha’s higher-ups, resulting in a decision to simply “wait and see.”

The Daimyo, after all, is the nominal head of the Land of Fire.

Even the Hokage, in principle, is technically below the Daimyo. Under these circumstances, Konoha can hardly take preemptive action. Even if they had concrete proof that the Daimyo was acting against Konoha, taking action would have repercussions as long as the Daimyo didn’t make the first move.

The “one country, one village” system is deeply ingrained in people’s minds. While many Konoha ninja see the Hokage as the village’s ultimate leader, they still hold a certain respect for the Daimyo. Moving against him would face substantial opposition.

Of course,

If the Hokage were decisive and held strong enough influence, it wouldn’t be impossible to replace the Daimyo. There are a hundred ways to do it—one of the more direct methods would be to support one of the Daimyo’s many children, who have no chance of inheriting his position, to stage a coup.

But Choza Akimichi wasn’t that type of person.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio has always kept a low profile. Unlike the Uchiha or Hyuga, they’re known for staying out of the limelight. Expecting Choza to make such an extreme choice would be unrealistic, so no one even brought up those measures to eliminate all future problems at the source.

Anyway, he wasn’t worried about it at all.

After all, what kind of trouble could a ragtag group of foot soldiers stir up? Even if they somehow caused a disturbance, he wouldn’t care. If water comes, it’s blocked with earth; if soldiers arrive, the general stands firm. He feared no challenge.

---

At the Daimyo’s Palace.

A note: The Daimyo’s palace isn’t merely his residence; it’s the capital of the Land of Fire, a bustling city comparable to Konoha. While Konoha still refers to itself as a “village,” it’s merely semantics; the Daimyo’s palace is truly a royal estate, akin to a king’s palace.

The Twelve Guardian Ninja work at the Daimyo’s palace, responsible for his personal security.

On this particular day, Asuma Sarutobi had just finished his shift and was about to head out for a drink after handing over duties to his colleague. Just as he returned to his room to change, someone came knocking. “Asuma, are you heading out?” The visitor was a bald man with a handsome face, dressed in gray and white monk robes.

“Yo, Chiriku! You’re here! I didn’t see you earlier and thought you were out. How about it? Want to join me for a drink?”

Asuma smiled as he invited his friend.

“You’re in the mood for a drink?”

Chiriku frowned, questioning sternly, “Do you know what Kazuma’s been up to lately?”

“What Kazuma chooses to do is his own business. I have no right to interfere.”

This response only fueled Chiriku’s anger further. His face twisted into an expression like that of a wrathful deity carved into the Temple of Fire. Through clenched teeth, he said, “Asuma, what’s gotten into you? Are you really just going to stand by and watch Kazuma do as he pleases? Don’t you care if Konoha ends up under attack because of it?”

Chiriku’s frustration was rooted in Kazuma’s actions of late—and in Asuma’s inaction.

He was bewildered.

He couldn’t understand Asuma’s sudden indifference toward Kazuma’s behavior. While Asuma still worked seriously, he rarely socialized with his colleagues anymore, instead spending his off-hours drinking alone at various taverns around the Daimyo’s palace.

“Care?”

Asuma looked at Chiriku, who blocked the door, knowing he wouldn’t be leaving until he explained himself. After a few seconds of staring, Asuma scoffed, “Why should I care?”

Chiriku’s eyes widened in disbelief. He never imagined such words would come from Asuma. “Do you even know what you’re saying, Asuma? Why should you care? Isn’t that obvious? You’re a Konoha shinobi!”

This was bizarre.

The Twelve Guardian Ninja come from diverse backgrounds.

Kazuma was a member of the Daimyo’s elite personal guard; Chiriku hailed from the renowned Temple of Fire in the Land of Fire; some others, like Kitane, came from the prestigious White Peak Village. Asuma Sarutobi was the only one of the Twelve who came from Konoha.

By all rights,

Asuma should be the one most concerned about the situation.

Yet he seemed entirely unconcerned.

“When I joined the Twelve Guardian Ninja, I was officially stripped of my Konoha shinobi status—that’s what the Fifth Hokage told me the last time I returned to the village.” Asuma’s expression was cold as he looked at Chiriku. “According to your logic, as a Konoha shinobi, I should dedicate myself to Konoha. But I’m no longer a Konoha shinobi. So, can you let me through? I’m tired and need a drink to relax.”

“You... Asuma, are you still hung up on your father’s death?”

Chiriku couldn’t help voicing his suspicion.

“Yes, I’ve never forgotten. The idea that a mere Zabuza Momochi managed to kill the Third Hokage is absurd! Do they take me for a fool?” Asuma erupted, a deep rage in his voice. Chiriku was furious, but so was Asuma.

Chiriku opened his mouth to say something but found himself speechless. He suspected there was more to the Third Hokage’s death as well, yet the Fifth Hokage and Konoha’s leadership had accepted it. As a humble monk, he knew it wasn’t his place to interfere with Konoha’s internal affairs.

Having reached this point, Chiriku realized Asuma wasn’t going to intervene in Kazuma’s schemes. Feeling disheartened, he stepped aside in silence. Asuma, without another word, exited the room with determined steps, fading into the distance.

Chiriku returned to his quarters, feeling conflicted.

As soon as he entered, someone asked, “So, what did Asuma say? Is he going to talk to Kazuma? Why didn’t he come with you?” Clearly, the questioner assumed Chiriku would bring Asuma along.

“Asuma’s not going to get involved.”

Chiriku answered succinctly.

He walked into his small, three-tatami room. As a monk, Chiriku had little need for material possessions, so even with two visitors, the small space didn’t feel crowded.

“What do you mean, Asuma’s not getting involved?”

As Daido took a seat on the tatami mat, one of the guests finally spoke up.

"It's exactly what it sounds like. Asuma's father was the Third Hokage, and he still hasn't emerged from the shadow of his father's death. Beigen, Seima, we can't count on Asuma to act with us right now. We’re on our own."

Beigen was a man with notably thick eyebrows, making an otherwise ordinary face unforgettable. His expression grew complex as he listened to Daido’s explanation. Though he wanted to say something, he only managed a helpless sigh. "Ah… Asuma, he... ah!"

The assassination of the Third Hokage wasn’t exactly a secret in the Land of Fire.

And as personal guards to the daimyo, they knew the situation was more complicated than it seemed. Honestly, if it weren't for their companion Sarutobi Asuma, they wouldn’t have been too invested in it. After all, they weren't Konoha shinobi, so why should Konoha's internal strife concern them?

"But without Asuma's support, it'll be tough to go up against Hema and his group."

Another guest joined in. Seima's face was a bit more refined than Beigen's, with a cross-shaped scar on the edge of his right cheek. He gave a wry smile and said, "There are only five of us, and Hema’s group has six... If things come to a clash, we’ll be outmatched."

The Twelve Guardian Ninja, as the name implies, consisted of twelve members.

Due to ideological differences, they had split into two factions: the radical and the moderate. Conveniently, each faction had six members, with Hema leading the radicals and Sarutobi Asuma the moderates. The balance in numbers helped maintain a certain peace since neither side could overpower the other.

But now, things had changed.

For some reason, Hema had recently become increasingly bold and aggressive, openly promoting his theory that the Hokage was obsolete and that Konoha should fall under the daimyo’s direct rule. Being the capital of the Land of Fire, the daimyo’s city attracted numerous elites and, consequently, ninja from all over the country.

To clarify a bit,

The Land of Fire has only one official ninja village: Konoha, established by the First Hokage and the Fire Daimyo as part of a one-nation, one-village system. However, beyond Konoha, there are many ninja clans and "Ninja Hamlets."

Ninja clans are straightforward—groups of shinobi bound by bloodlines.

But not all ninja clans could sustain themselves. Back in the Warring States era, ninja clans began gathering into communities known as "Ninja Hamlets," the predecessors of today's ninja villages. These hamlets consisted exclusively of ninja, with no civilians, so the concept of civilian ninja didn’t emerge there.

This situation isn't unique to the Land of Fire; other nations have similar structures. The most obvious example is the Land of Water, where the Mist Village constantly has clashes with various Ninja Hamlets and families within the Land of Water.

At the moment,

Hema has been actively contacting and trying to persuade these Ninja Hamlets and clans, and it seems he’s made some progress. After all, not everyone is fond of Konoha. Some of these hamlets and clans are self-sufficient, while others rely on missions from nobles and merchants to make a living. Konoha, as a strong competitor, isn't exactly popular.

Of course, there are also hamlets and clans that maintain friendly ties with Konoha. For example, Beigen's White Peak Hamlet has close ties with Konoha, which influences their stance against Hema. The same goes for Daido; the Fire Temple has even stronger connections with Konoha.

“Do you think Hema and his followers would actually dare to strike?”

Beigen found Seima’s words a bit exaggerated.

The conflict between radicals and moderates wasn’t new; it had existed since shortly after the formation of the Twelve Guardian Ninja. The two factions had been at odds for years, but things had always remained at the level of training and practice matches.

"Why wouldn't they? Hema's group isn’t afraid to go against Konoha, so why wouldn’t they dare strike at us?" Seima's retort left Beigen silent. It was a good point; Hema's increasingly bold actions were bound to draw Konoha's attention eventually, yet they continued. It wasn’t hard to imagine that Hema had likely already made up his mind.

A decision that could finally shatter the stalemate they’d had for so long. Worse still, the moderate faction had lost its leader. Before, even if a real conflict broke out, it would have been a fair fight, but now the balance had shifted. Losing Asuma wasn’t just a matter of one less number; his absence left a significant impact.

Once balance is broken,

Things tend to swing heavily in one direction.

“Daido, do you have any ideas?”

Beigen turned to Daido.

In the moderate faction of six, if Asuma was their leader, then Daido was the second in command. Now that Asuma had chosen to stay out of it, Daido was their only hope.

“I’m thinking of making a trip to Konoha.”

“To Konoha?”

Seima raised a brow, surprised. “Are you planning to ask Konoha for help against Hema?”

“Not sure of the exact approach yet, but we can’t just let Hema run wild. If we let him go unchecked, I fear it could lead to irreversible consequences. Since we alone can’t stop him, we may need Konoha’s support.”

Daido spoke seriously.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 267: The Radical Faction of the Twelve Guardian Ninja*

Asuma Sarutobi forced himself to ignore Dairoku and Kitake, who were muttering nearby. Were they blaming him for running away? Or maybe they were discussing how to counter Kohma and his group… Asuma didn’t want to think about it. He refocused on the drink in front of him, letting its dulling effect quiet his mind and shut out any thoughts.

With a thunk, a large beer mug slammed down in front of him.

It took Asuma a couple of seconds to realize what was happening. His dulled mind reacted slowly, and he looked up along the arm holding the beer mug to see Kohma's face, which only deepened his irritation. But he didn’t lash out. He simply asked in a cold tone, "Kohma, what do you want? You here to drink with me? Or to start something? If it’s for drinks, cover your own tab—I’m not paying. If you want to start trouble, pick another day; I’m not in the mood to deal with you right now."

"Neither."

Kohma stood beside him, looking down at the man who had once been a persistent thorn in his side. A flood of memories came over him. When the Twelve Guardian Ninja first formed, he’d looked down on Asuma, assuming he was just some privileged punk coasting on his father, the Hokage’s, reputation.

But eventually, Asuma proved his worth with his own fists, showing he was no pampered fool. Over the years, Asuma had caused Kohma plenty of trouble.

But that was all in the past.

Now, Asuma Sarutobi was no longer the obstacle he’d once been. This stumbling block had been neatly moved out of Kohma’s path by Konoha itself.

"Asuma, how about joining us?" Kohma invited sincerely.

"Join you?"

Asuma let out a mocking laugh, looking at Kohma as if he were a fool. "Get lost. If you’re bent on throwing your life away, go ahead. But don’t drag me down with you—I have no interest in a suicide mission."

Kohma wasn’t fazed by Asuma’s retort. This response was expected. If Asuma had agreed right away, Kohma would have been surprised.

He looked at Asuma intently. "I know you’re fed up with Konoha as it is. So why not join us? Together, we could cleanse Konoha. And if you’re willing to follow Lord Daimyo’s orders, it wouldn’t be impossible for you to take the title of Sixth Hokage."

Truthfully, Asuma felt a flash of temptation for a few seconds.

To become Hokage!

It was the dream of many Konoha shinobi, and Asuma himself had harbored it as a child, dreaming of becoming a great Hokage like his father. But as their relationship soured, a rebellious Asuma chose to leave Konoha, eventually joining the Twelve Guardian Ninja under the Daimyo.

Later, after his father’s unexplained death and the severe impact on their clan, his dream of becoming Hokage felt further out of reach than ever.

"Kohma, stop pestering me. Go die if you want, but don’t involve me." Asuma turned down Kohma’s invitation again, his moment of temptation gone in seconds. To him, Kohma’s group was simply courting death.

Even though they might have some understanding of Konoha’s strength from afar, they couldn’t comprehend why Konoha had consistently emerged victorious, achieving miracles despite being outnumbered.

As a boy raised in Konoha and as the son of a Hokage, Asuma understood just how strong Konoha was.

Even with the heavy losses from the Third Shinobi War and the Nine-Tails’ attack, Konoha remained the most powerful force in the shinobi world. Going against Konoha… even dying whole was a luxury, and Asuma had no intention of dying with the stigma of betraying his village.

No matter his resentment over his father’s death, Konoha was still the village he grew up in.

It was home to his friends, family, and many familiar faces.

"I’ll say this one last time, Kohma—don’t bother me. I won’t get in the way of whatever you’re planning, but don’t drag me into it. Otherwise... I’ll join forces with Dairoku and the others and take you all down."

Asuma’s tone was resolute, signaling his firm rejection.

He slid a hand into his ninja pouch.

If Kohma continued to press, he was ready to settle things with force.

"Alright then."

Kohma sighed regretfully. "In that case... I won’t disturb you anymore. Have a good evening, Asuma." Turning to leave, Kohma felt a tinge of regret at failing to recruit Asuma, though it was within his expectations. He’d only come on the chance it might work. If it had, it would’ve been a pleasant surprise. But it wasn’t a loss.

Outside the bar, a companion waited for him at the door.

"Didn’t work out?"

Seeing Kohma walk out alone, the man carrying a sword greeted him.

"Half-success. He refused my offer, but he promised not to interfere, so it wasn’t a wasted trip," Kohma replied.

"You think he’s bluffing? Maybe he just doesn’t want to get surrounded alone by us, so he’s agreeing now only to change sides later. Just to be safe, we should kill him now." The white-haired, fox-faced man with the sword was radiating bloodlust.

"Little Fox, settle down."

Kohma cast a stern look at his notoriously impulsive comrade.

"Don’t stir up trouble. Asuma Sarutobi isn’t an issue for us anymore. Attacking him now would bring more problems than it’s worth. Lord Daimyo holds him in high regard recently. He’s never going back to Konoha—Lord Daimyo’s court is his final home. He might not see it yet, but sooner or later, he’ll be one of us."

"Tch, boring."

The man known as Little Fox, despite his cute-sounding name, reined in his bloodlust, though his fox-like face still showed clear displeasure.

"Can’t touch him, can’t mess with anyone else. I swear, Kohma, when do we finally get to cut loose in a real fight? I’ve had it with this dull life. If we keep dragging things out, I’m afraid my blade’s gonna get rusty."

"Soon. Very soon."

Kohma leaped onto the rooftop across from the bar, gazing over the bustling city and muttering, "Not much longer. The action… will start soon, once we get the right opportunity."

---

Dairoku had made the decision to head to Konoha. This wasn’t some impulsive choice but a final conclusion after much thought and consultation with his companions. Honestly, they didn’t think Kohma’s group alone could truly threaten Konoha; if Konoha were that easy to take down, it would have happened long ago.

Their real concern was the influence Kohma’s ideas might have on Lord Daimyo.

There was no denying Kohma’s rhetoric was highly tempting, especially for Lord Daimyo, who would gain tremendous power by holding full control over the ninja, rather than maintaining a partnership with Konoha.

But for Dairoku and his companions, Kohma’s ideals were too much to accept.

They firmly believed that the "one country, one village" system was correct and suited for the present era. Concentrating too much power in the hands of a single person, in their view, was not a good thing.

If the Daimyo truly became influenced by Homa and his followers, the ensuing trouble would be more than just internal strife among the Guardian Ninja Twelve; it would be a massive disruption affecting the entire Land of Fire and even the whole ninja world.

If the "one country, one village" system were to collapse, the ninja world might regress to the Warring States era, back to that dark, blood-soaked time.

First, Dilu requested leave from the Daimyo, then parted ways with Kitane and Seima. He set off alone for Konoha. His actions could not be hidden from Homa and the others; in fact, as soon as Dilu took his leave from the Daimyo, Homa’s group had already been informed of this through secret channels.

Then—

Homa realized—

The chance he’d been waiting for had arrived.

"This is it. As soon as that bald guy leaves the Daimyo’s residence, we can take him down together!"

It was Kohamaru speaking, a man with a handsome fox-like face who was known for his extreme, hardline stance within the radical faction. No matter the task, his solution was always to eliminate the target and resolve the problem from the root.

Once, when the Daimyo of the Land of Fire tasked them with escorting a noble to the countryside for recovery, Kohamaru ensured a flawless journey by slaughtering every bandit, thief, and wandering ninja along the way, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.

"The talent of the Senjutsu clan from the Fire Temple is formidable. If we’re serious about taking him down, at least three of us will have to work together. Otherwise, Dilu might escape," said Kamanosuke, a short, stocky man with a sallow complexion, who looked more like a farmer than a ninja. He was standing or sitting with the other five radical faction members in a corridor overlooking the garden, having gathered there because of the news of Dilu’s departure.

Besides Homa and Kohamaru, the other four radicals were all present: Kamanosuke, Tenme, Yungo, and Shiko. Shiko was the only woman among them; the rest were men. It was Kamanosuke, who looked like an ordinary farmer with yellowing teeth, who was currently explaining Dilu’s difficult nature.

"Count me in!" Kohamaru was barely able to contain his excitement.

The killing intent in his eyes was almost overflowing.

"Can I… opt out?" Tenme asked. He was the youngest among them, just seventeen years old, in a group known as the Guardian Ninja Twelve—a team formed by a group of young talents.

"Stop slacking off, Tenme; your sensing abilities are essential," Kamanosuke scolded.

Among the six radicals, Homa was their undisputed leader, with Kamanosuke as his right-hand man. Kamanosuke had engaged Dilu in multiple hidden skirmishes over the years and thus knew Dilu’s abilities well.

"Ahem!" Homa cleared his throat.

That was enough for Tenme to clamp his mouth shut, and Yungo, who had been resting against a pillar with his eyes closed, opened them and looked over.

"I have no intention of going after Dilu."

With this one statement, Kamanosuke and the others were stunned. Kohamaru grew visibly agitated but managed to control his emotions; after all, without that discipline, he wouldn’t have made it into the Guardian Ninja Twelve.

"Homa, are you abandoning our plan?"

After a moment’s silence, Kamanosuke asked.

"No, I’m simply revising it." Homa, unfazed by the questioning stares from his comrades, explained calmly, "Instead of going after Dilu, I think it’s better to take this opportunity to eliminate Kitane, Seima, Hoshito, and Toyu all at once. That forbidden Lightning Technique of theirs is a massive threat—it’s like a sword hanging over us, impossible to ignore."

Of course, if they could claim that forbidden jutsu for themselves, it would be a powerful weapon.

"Not a bad idea… But taking on all four at once won’t be easy," Kamanosuke muttered, scratching his sallow face with a frown. "Are you sure, Homa? Kitane and his group aren’t easy targets, and if they don’t leave the palace, taking action would… be tricky."

Private combat within the palace was forbidden.

If they were to clash with Kitane and the others there, the division and infighting among the Guardian Ninja Twelve would be fully exposed, likely forcing the Daimyo to make a choice: would he retain them to show his desire to consolidate power, or would he abandon them and continue to wait? Either option conflicted with their original plan.

According to their initial plan, they intended to quietly eliminate the more conservative faction, cutting off their obstacles one by one in secret. Even if the opposition suspected their involvement, there would be no proof. Once the conservatives were out of the way, they could gather more allies, amass power, and then strike Konoha with a lightning-fast offensive before it had a chance to react.

If their plan were shown to Shoseng, he’d likely scoff and say, "It’s too crude! And you’re underestimating people." But the radicals were confident their plan was sound.

They felt there was no need for a complex plan; simpler plans left less room for error.

"No problem. Once we take care of Kitane’s group, we can continue our mission as fugitives," Homa stated calmly, stunning his comrades into silence.

Well, not all of them. Kohamaru was on the verge of jumping for joy, while Yungo, as usual, wore a cold expression, making it hard to read his thoughts.

Chapter 268: Internal Conflict Among the Twelve Guardian Ninjas

“Traitors?”

Kama tugged at the short stubble on his chin, the sharp sting reminding him this wasn’t a dream. “Kazuma, this…this isn’t what we agreed on! We never talked about betraying the lord. This…”

“This is necessary.”

Kazuma cut Kama off firmly, his piercing gaze sweeping over his companions, seeming to see right into their hearts. “Everyone knows how strong Konoha is. Strong enough that the lord can’t risk a direct conflict and has to rely on us to act in the shadows. But Konoha isn’t blind; they’re sure to notice us. From what I gather, it’s very likely that Riku is going there to inform them.”

“Then why the hell did you let him go? Was it on purpose?”

Kama glared at Kazuma.

“Not exactly. As I said, Konoha won’t miss our presence, even if we stop Riku now. As our actions become more obvious, Konoha will eventually focus on us anyway. So I’d rather define our relationship with the lord proactively.”

Clearly, the Fire Lord had no intention of formally breaking ties with Konoha. Everything Kazuma and his group did was on their own, unrelated to the Fire Lord. Until they achieved clear success, the lord wouldn’t acknowledge any connection to them.

Everyone understood this. But did they really have to become traitors?

The idea didn’t sit well with them.

There was also another issue: once labeled as traitors, even nominally, they would struggle to gather support from the country’s ninja clans to oppose Konoha.

“The reason we need to embrace the title of traitors,” Kazuma continued, “is that I recently mastered a forbidden jutsu, one that can significantly boost our overall strength and reduce Konoha’s numbers advantage. But the technique is ethically questionable, and remaining at the lord’s manor would only put him in an awkward position before we succeed.”

Earth Style: Ultimate Genesis Technique—Dead Man’s Soil.

Kazuma had successfully mastered this forbidden jutsu, tested it in secret several times, and confirmed its effectiveness. This power, he realized, was more than just for combat; it also had strategic and tactical applications.

He demonstrated the jutsu’s power before his companions.

“So…you want to go after Kitone and his group for the Lightning Release technique?” Kama quickly understood the forbidden jutsu’s potential to appropriate Kitone’s abilities.

“No, not just Kitone. Kazuma, are you planning to target all the ninja clans in the country?”

Kama, the second in command, wasn’t just muscle; he could think strategically, too. Realizing Kazuma’s intentions, he shuddered at the audacious plan. Yet a thrill began to stir in his heart.

“We’ve met plenty of people lately, but no ninja clans or villages have truly committed to helping us against Konoha. They’re all talk with no action,” Kazuma said. “I see it now; hoping for their support is futile. But if they don’t want to cooperate…they can still be of use to me.” Kazuma grinned, a smile tinged with an unsettling bloodlust.

“That’s the plan. Any questions?”

“None! This plan…is flawless!”

Kogamaru also grinned, his smile fierce and bloodthirsty.

“Agreed,” Yungyo said simply.

“I…I don’t have any objections, I guess?” Tenme stammered, lacking confidence.

“Honestly, you’re all making this really difficult for me!” said the only woman in the group, Ziko, with a sigh. But the upward curl of her lips betrayed her true feelings. “Fine, I’ll go big with you guys! I’ve been itching to test a few new toys anyway.”

Each member voiced their support until only Kama remained. Though young, he looked as if he’d lived through countless battles, sighing. Kazuma was putting all their lives on the line. It was all or nothing.

What a bastard.

But maybe he wasn’t much better. He liked the thrill of gambling with his life.

Kama chuckled, looking at his companions. “No wonder they say birds of a feather flock together. Just my luck to be grouped with you crazy lot. Then again, I’m the same. Hahaha!” His laughter echoed through the garden.

In the end, Kazuma had convinced everyone.

With unity established, they immediately set their plan into motion. Riku had already left the manor for Konoha; if they delayed too long, Konoha’s ninjas could arrive anytime. They had to act fast.

The question remained—how?

Their targets, Kitone, Joma, Hoshi, and Toya, were all currently at the manor. And with tensions between the radical and moderate factions now out in the open, the four had abandoned any private pursuits, staying close to each other.

Moreover, fighting at the manor was no simple feat.

As the nominal ruler of the Land of Fire, the Fire Lord had top-tier security, unlike the Hokage. The manor had formidable defenses, with the Guardian Twelve as the prominent face of security. If they didn’t wrap things up quickly or contain the battle, it could draw unwanted interference.

“Ziko, can you use poison?”

Kazuma turned to the lone female ninja.

“Not easily. Kitone and the others aren’t fools; they’ve clearly been wary of us lately. Even if I had the deadliest poison, I wouldn’t have an opportunity to use it. Don’t think I can just stand 300 meters away and throw it at them! Get real! If I had that kind of power, we’d go after the Hokage instead!”

Ziko rolled her eyes.

The scolded Homma chuckled, unfazed, as he rubbed his forehead and muttered, "Looks like... I'll just have to find an opportunity to ambush him! Let's wait for tonight, for when Asuma sneaks out for a drink, and we’ll make our move."

Although he didn’t expect Asuma Sarutobi to interfere, he decided it was wise to prepare just in case, to avoid any surprises.

As evening arrived and the sun set, Asuma Sarutobi left the castle alone, wandering from bar to bar across the Daimyo's city, his lone figure disappearing into the golden glow of the setting sun. On a rooftop nearby, Tenmoku, hands in a seal, slowly opened his eyes.

Watching Homma beside him, Tenmoku said, "He’s gone, but I can't be sure whether it’s the real Asuma Sarutobi or just a shadow clone."

"That's good enough," replied Homma, leaping from the rooftop, signaling to the others who had prepared. "All right, everyone. Let’s begin the operation."

With that, Homma melted into the ground beneath his feet, blending into the earth like liquefied mud.

"That guy moves fast!"

Kama whispered to himself as he did the same, burrowing underground with his Earth Release technique, which he had mastered entirely, unlike Homma, who still split his focus between multiple skills. With Homma and Kama moving into action, the rest quickly followed, though they lacked Earth Release. Instead, they moved cautiously through the shadows, avoiding the Daimyo’s palace guards as they crept toward their destination.

If nothing else, the Daimyo’s palace was vast.

The sprawling complex housed not only the Daimyo and his many noble guests but also the Twelve Guardian Ninja, who lived there to guard the Daimyo's safety.

Recently, though, the Twelve Guardian Ninja’s workload had decreased considerably, passed off to other groups.

This change allowed Asuma to sneak away for drinks, leaving Dari on leave, and allowed Homma and his team to operate without interference. As for the reason behind the shift, the Fire Daimyo claimed it was to give the Twelve Guardian Ninja a break after a busy season.

Whether that was true didn’t matter, as the Twelve Guardian Ninja answered directly to the Fire Daimyo and could be assigned work without explanation.

"By now, Dari should almost be at Konoha, right?"

"Assuming his usual speed, he should be there. And Homma and his team have been sticking around the palace instead of intercepting him. I even left in plain sight disguised as Dari, expecting them to try, but it was all for nothing. Who knows what Homma is up to?"

In a six-mat room, four people—Kitane, Joma, Hoshi, and Fubuki—gathered together.

"Who knows what they’re thinking!" grumbled Hoshi, a brawny man with a rough appearance, scratching his head in frustration. "But whatever it is, it's not good."

Fubuki laughed. "Hoshi, come on, everyone knows Homma’s up to no good. We all assumed they'd intercept Dari when he was alone, but clearly, we guessed wrong."

At this, Fubuki’s pretty face turned serious as she furrowed her brows. "If Dari isn’t their target, are they planning something even bolder? Could they think even Konoha’s ninja can't stop them? Or... do they have other plans?"

They couldn’t figure it out. Without enough information, the four of them couldn’t make sense of what Homma was plotting. The possibility that Homma might target them briefly crossed their minds, but they dismissed it.

After all, this was the Daimyo’s palace.

Unless Homma was planning to abandon the palace entirely, he wouldn’t dare make a move here.

That was until—

Nightfall descended, and a full moon rose in the sky. Its light shone through the open windows, alongside a row of poisoned senbon needles embedding themselves in the small wooden table with sharp "thunks."

“Is this... Zuko?”

Kitane and the others stared in shock and anger at the poisoned senbon embedded in the table, unable to believe it.

Homma’s group was truly launching an attack in the Daimyo’s palace.

Were they really planning to leave the palace? Now wasn’t the time to think about that. Surviving this ambush was the priority—anything else could wait.

"Joma, Hoshi, Fubuki—don’t hold back. Fight with everything you have!"

Kitane roared, warning his allies to give it their all.

He felt a pang of regret; had it not been for the Daimyo’s presence and the nobles nearby, they could have used a powerful forbidden technique that would eliminate Homma’s group and then some. But here, that option was out of the question.

Wait—could Homma have attacked now, knowing that?

No time to ponder this. Homma’s ‘Four-Blade Iron Claw’ weapon emerged from the ground, targeting Kitane’s abdomen. The weapon was similar to Asuma Sarutobi's chakra-imbued knuckles and the black trident Kitane wielded himself, capable of channeling chakra.

"Homma! What are you trying to achieve? What does destroying Konoha accomplish for you?”

Kitane shouted as he parried Homma’s attack with his lightning-imbued trident.

To Kitane’s surprise, Homma answered him mid-battle.

"Simple. A snake doesn’t need two heads, and neither does a country need two rulers. Everything I do is to move this stagnant nation forward."

Kitane immediately understood; their differences were irreconcilable.

Homma’s mad desire to fuel the country's growth through expansion would only lead to larger, more brutal wars—far surpassing any past conflicts.

"Homma, you’re insane!"

Kitane gritted his teeth.

"Insane or not," Homma replied, his eyes full of unwavering resolve. "If I can rewrite these errors and move this nation forward, then I’ll sacrifice anything—even my life!"

For a moment, Kitane hesitated, moved by Homma’s conviction.

That’s when he felt an indescribable pain. Looking down, he saw an iron-gray hand clenching his heart. "Kama? You... both ambushed me?"

Kitane coughed up blood, his eyes closing reluctantly as his life slipped away.

The death of Kitane marked the beginning. Homma’s team, with superior numbers and the element of surprise, decimated their opponents. After Kitane’s death, Hoshi was swiftly defeated by Tenmoku and Komamaru; then came Joma and Fubuki’s turn.

The battle ended even more smoothly than Homma anticipated. Kitane’s group was completely annihilated, with only minor injuries on Homma’s side. Komamaru had a broken forearm and a few cracked ribs, while Tenmoku sustained a hit from Joma’s lightning strike but was otherwise fine.

“Zuko, how are Tenmoku and Komamaru’s injuries? Will they be able to keep moving?” asked Homma, holding a scroll.

The bodies of Kitane, Joma, Hoshi, and Fubuki had been sealed within a scroll. Homma needed fresh corpses for his Dead Soil technique, requiring preservation rituals to summon them in future battles. Unlike Orochimaru, Homma wasn’t a grave robber; decayed bodies held no value to him—he needed fresh, intact corpses.

“Tenmoku is fine, but Komamaru’s injury is serious. I’ve managed to stabilize him for now, but it won’t last long,” replied Zuko after checking on them.

“Getting out of the Daimyo’s palace is all we need.”

Just as Homma spoke, he turned to see figures darting across the rooftops, approaching rapidly.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 269: Leave This to Sōgen*

Dilu arrived in Konoha at dusk.

Upon arrival, he immediately requested an audience with the Hokage, claiming an urgent matter he needed to report. As a ninja monk of the Fire Temple and a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, the Fifth Hokage, Akimichi Torifune, who was about to go home after his shift, readily accepted the sudden request and agreed to meet with the distinguished guest.

Any unrest at the Daimyo's court could hardly be hidden from view.

Just days ago, there had been discussions on how to handle the disruptive elements at the Daimyo's court. However, out of respect for the Fire Daimyo and in the absence of concrete evidence, they decided to wait and observe rather than take action. To Torifune, Dilu's arrival was the very “factor of change” they’d been waiting for.

"Hokage-sama, forgive me for the intrusion."

With hands clasped, Dilu bowed respectfully to Torifune.

"It's no trouble; Konoha and the Fire Temple are steadfast allies. I’ve visited Head Monk Zhongjue there many times, though age and duties have kept me from going in recent years. How is he? If I remember right, he should be around eighty-six by now, isn’t he?"

This is the gift of the elderly: they amass a wealth of connections over a lifetime and know how to find common ground to ease conversations and prevent a stilted atmosphere.

"Over the last few years, his health has declined a bit; he coughs frequently in winter but is better in warmer weather."

Dilu relaxed slightly.

He thought back on his peaceful, untroubled days at the Fire Temple, and a sense of nostalgia arose. His life, clawing through the mire at the Daimyo's court, was mentally and physically exhausting. Perhaps after concluding this business, it would be time to return to the Fire Temple.

However, that would only happen once this matter was fully resolved.

After a bit of small talk, Torifune, seeing the persistent look of worry on Dilu’s face, took the initiative to ask, "Dilu, you mentioned a very urgent matter. What has happened? Is it the Fire Temple or something concerning the Daimyo's court?"

"It’s about the Daimyo’s court."

As he finally broached the main subject, Dilu took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice, "Some of my colleagues in the Twelve Guardian Ninja—Homare and Kamano among them—have been spreading the idea that the Land of Fire doesn't need two powers, that the Daimyo should control the ninja force, and that the Hokage is unnecessary. Their actions have become increasingly brazen.

"In the past, my allies and I could barely keep them in check, but due to some disagreements, even our group is no longer unified. I fear the Daimyo may fall under their influence. To prevent a regrettable incident, I have come to Konoha for assistance. Hokage-sama, I beg for your aid."

Dilu wasn’t sure if Konoha was aware of what had been happening at the Daimyo's court, but he explained the background in detail, assuming they weren’t fully informed.

“Is this true? Are you certain about everything you've just said, Dilu?”

Torifune’s expression became serious after hearing Dilu’s account.

His mood, however, wasn’t as grave as he appeared—quite the opposite, actually. His spirits lifted; they'd previously held back out of respect for the Daimyo and lack of proof, refraining from taking any action.

But now, here stood a witness volunteering testimony.

With a legitimate pretext, they could finally deal with these troublesome schemers.

"I can swear on my own life."

Dilu affirmed firmly.

"There's no need for that. It’s only because this involves the Daimyo. Without concrete evidence, it’s hard for us to act. However, now…" Torifune rose to his feet, perhaps too suddenly, as a dizzy spell struck him. His vision darkened for a moment, likely due to the approaching night.

The sharp headache that followed told him something was wrong.

He could feel a pulse beating sharply at his temple, his skull feeling like an overfilled balloon ready to pop.

“Hokage-sama?”

Dilu sensed the change immediately.

However, he didn't need to do anything. Torifune's assistant, Nara Shiomizu, stepped in, helping him sit back down. She retrieved medicine from a nearby box and administered it, then directed an ANBU to summon a medical ninja.

Thankfully, before the medical team arrived, the medicine took effect, and Torifune stabilized. Though still in poor shape, his face flushed a deep red, and beads of sweat gathered at his temples, glowing orange in the sunset.

“Whew!”

Torifune exhaled, managing a strained smile. "Sorry for the scene, Dilu. Age catches up with the body… But you needn’t worry. Your concerns are important, and we’ll not allow anyone to disrupt the relationship between the Daimyo and Konoha. Shiomizu, take Dilu to… Sōgen. He’ll handle this matter; let him know that it requires utmost priority."

This sudden health episode had soured his mood.

He was forced to delegate this matter, as he couldn't endure handling it himself. For a moment, he ran through possible candidates, settling on the young Uchiha Sōgen. In every aspect, he was the ideal choice.

Personal preferences aside, his decision was based on what he deemed the most logical choice from his Hokage’s perspective.

With one final flash of throbbing pain, he decisively entrusted the matter to Sōgen.

Dilu silently bowed once more to Torifune and held back any additional words. Every household has its struggles, and Konoha evidently had its share of problems. For Dilu, all that mattered was achieving his goal; other matters were none of his concern.

He followed Nara Shiomizu to a clean, vacant office.

He was then informed that Sōgen was not currently at the Hokage Tower and would need to wait for contact. Expressing his gratitude, he quietly hoped that the situation would go smoothly.

---

Tonight, Sōgen’s family was having a barbecue, fulfilling his granddaughter Fujika’s recent wish. Succumbing to her pleas, Uchiha Genji agreed to let the young ones use his beloved courtyard for a do-it-yourself barbecue, which drew a crowd of kids after ninja school.

Uchiha Fujika, Kurama Yakumo, Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Inuzuka Kiba, Akimichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Haruno Sakura, and Hyuga Hinata—all these children almost shook the roof with their noise. Genji, whose ears couldn't stand it, left to play shogi.

Sōgen didn’t mind; a bit of noise was fine now and then. Besides,

Looking at the cheerful faces of these familiar children, Sōgen could feel Konoha's changes. Last year, it was rare to see anyone outside of the Uchiha Clan visit their grounds.

But now,

The Uchiha were no longer a shunned clan, isolated in title as Konoha’s “first family.”

After the recent Police Force reforms, the Uchiha clan’s social network had visibly expanded, all moving in a positive direction—fruit born of Sōgen’s efforts.

After dinner, the children ran off to play, and Sōgen didn’t intervene, knowing someone was watching over them.

He returned to his training room to continue his daily practice, seated cross-legged on a tatami mat with the Banana Leaf Fan resting across his lap. The fan, embodying all five chakra transformations, was a treasure that revealed its potential with time.

If the Flame Fan guided him toward the pinnacle of the Rinnegan,

The Banana Leaf Fan was the bridge to cross that chasm.

Without it, he would need to devote immense time to mastering the five transformations, to lay a solid foundation for unlocking the Rinnegan. Madara Uchiha awakened the Rinnegan only at an advanced age, struggling in the dark.

Fortunately,

Sōgen had a shortcut.

The tools left behind by the Sage of the Six Paths provided paths that saved time and offered quick passage.

The flame-patterned fan helped him clear the fog on the road ahead, showing him the kinds of obstacles and troubles he would encounter along the way, and the preparation required to overcome them. Weapons like the Shark Skin Sword, Banana Leaf Fan, and Amber Purification Bottle were precisely the tools to open paths through mountains and bridge rivers as needed.

As Sōgen immersed himself in his training, a noise from outside made him open his eyes and turn, displeased, toward the tightly shut door. A masked Anbu member was kneeling outside on one knee; it was their arrival that interrupted his training. However, he quickly suppressed his irritation—these Anbu members were simply carrying out orders. Taking his frustration out on them would only make him seem petty.

"Lord Hokage's Assistant, Lord Hokage has a mission for you."

"What is it?"

"The Land of Fire's Twelve Guardian Ninja, Land, has requested an audience with Lord Hokage, reporting that someone at the Daimyo's residence is attempting to manipulate the Daimyo and damage the relationship between him and Konoha. He requests our assistance. However, Lord Hokage is unwell and has passed this matter to you."

The Anbu outside didn’t go into detail, but it was enough for Sōgen to understand the situation.

"Is Lord Hokage unwell?"

Sōgen wasn't too concerned about the Twelve Guardian Ninja or the minor issues at the Daimyo’s palace. What worried him more was the Fifth Hokage's health, as it could affect the potential succession of a Sixth Hokage. If the situation was serious, Konoha might soon need to select a new Hokage.

"Is the condition serious?"

Sōgen put away his Banana Leaf Fan, walked to the door, opened it, and looked at the kneeling Anbu, "Where is Lord Hokage now?"

"The Hokage is not in mortal danger, just experiencing some minor health issues. The medical ninja advised Lord Hokage to rest and avoid excessive strain. This was conveyed to me by Secretary Nara, who also asked me to pass along a message to you..."

Normally, information about the Hokage’s health would be top secret. However, confidentiality is always relative.

As Konoha’s Hokage’s Assistant, Sōgen was undoubtedly the second-most powerful person, answering only to the Hokage. Such secrets were no longer secrets in his presence. What’s more, this was the second time Akimichi Torifu had experienced this issue, suggesting it could happen a third, fourth, or even more times.

Hiding it indefinitely was difficult.

Besides, Land had witnessed Akimichi Torifu's declining health firsthand, and they couldn't just eliminate him for confidentiality’s sake, right? Since they couldn't conceal it, they might as well be open to avoid misunderstandings.

"Work first, huh?"

Sōgen muttered.

That was Akimichi Torifu's message: take care of Land's matter as a priority, then address other issues. This meant, for now, there was no need to worry about succession; the Fifth Hokage could manage a while longer.

"I understand. Where is Land now?" he asked.

"In the Hokage's office."

"Then let's go!"

Soon, Sōgen's figure disappeared into the slowly descending night.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 270: The Traveler Under the Moonlight*

While Akimichi Chouza was receiving treatment from the best medical ninjas in Konoha, Sōgen met with Dairiku. After a brief conversation, he promptly decided to use force, without a shred of hesitation or concern about whether this would anger the daimyo or worsen relations between the daimyo’s estate and Konoha.

If anyone were to bring up such concerns to Sōgen at that moment, he would laugh at them mercilessly.

Since when have Konoha and the daimyo’s estate been like family? Maybe during the time of the First Hokage, everyone appreciated the hard-earned peace, which was a welcome change from the endless wars of the Warring States Period, at least for most people.

But people's desires change as their circumstances change.

During the Warring States Period, many people longed for peace, seeing a stable life as the greatest happiness. But as stability stretched on, people began to desire better food, finer clothes, and… greater power.

From Sōgen’s perspective, the relationship between the daimyo’s estate and Konoha had been distorted from the start. The differences and conflicts between them were irreconcilable. Officially, the Fire Daimyo was the highest leader of the Land of Fire, but he had no real control over Konoha, the most powerful military force in his own country.

It was absurd.

How could the nation’s highest leader not control its strongest military force? He understood some of the Fire Daimyo’s desires.

If he were the Fire Daimyo, he’d try to centralize power too.

But it’s common to see one’s perspective shaped by one’s position, and as the Hokage’s aide with aspirations to become the Sixth Hokage, Sōgen wasn’t about to view the situation from the Fire Daimyo’s angle. He would only look at it from Konoha’s side and consider the future accordingly.

So,

Sōgen decided to act personally.

He set off under the moonlight, taking two guards with him, plus Dairiku, making a total of four people.

The guards were Hayate Gekko and Kurenai Yuhi, whom Sōgen personally selected. He could have chosen people from his own clan, but as the Hokage’s aide, he needed to broaden his perspective beyond his family. When competing for the position of Sixth Hokage, he’d need support from beyond his own clan.

From a long list provided by Shikaku Nara, Sōgen chose these two chunin.

Yes, Hayate Gekko and Kurenai Yuhi were still only chunin. Shikaku Nara’s expression was priceless when he saw the two names Sōgen had selected. Was this a joke?

However, putting that aside, Shikaku did understand this unusual choice.

The Gekko clan was a prominent middle-tier family in Konoha, and Hayate Gekko, being the only son of the current clan head, was the likely future head.

As for Kurenai Yuhi, her family’s history didn’t go far back, only tracing to her grandfather. Her father, Yuhi Shinku, was an exceptional ninja, though his fame was overshadowed by his contemporary, Sakumo Hatake, the renowned “White Fang” of Konoha.

But even though Yuhi Shinku died during the Nine-Tails’ attack, his legacy of high esteem among the common ninjas was passed to his only child, Kurenai Yuhi.

---

“What did you say?”

In the Hokage’s office, Akimichi Chouza reclined in his large chair, tilting his head to look at Shikaku Nara, who stood before his desk. “Sōgen went himself? Does he want to make a big deal out of this? Couldn’t you stop him... Ow!” His intense headache cut his words short.

“There was no way to stop him.”

Shikaku responded helplessly.

He was only the head of the jonin corps and couldn’t interfere with the Hokage’s aide’s decisions. Besides, the Hokage had already entrusted the matter to Uchiha Sōgen, giving him full control. Sōgen had every right to handle it as he saw fit.

“Hokage-sama, I actually think it’s good that the Hokage’s aide is handling this. The daimyo’s estate has indeed been getting bolder lately, and it’s high time to remind them of their place. Fortunately, the Hokage’s aide is willing to play the bad guy, so we don’t have to worry about whom to send.”

“As for concerns that he might take it too far... I don’t think that’s a worry. The Hokage’s aide is young, but he’s not reckless. Your health is more important than this matter, Hokage-sama.”

At another time, Shikaku might not have been so comfortable leaving such an important matter in Uchiha Sōgen’s hands. His words were not a lie; he had observed that Sōgen was indeed a thoughtful young man. However, if Sōgen intended to stir up trouble deliberately, no reasoning could prevent it.

But now, Shikaku’s concern was focused elsewhere. The health of Akimichi Chouza was the top priority. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio shared a deep bond, where each clan’s well-being affected the others.

“My health…”

Akimichi Torifu rubbed his temples, sighed, and said, “The medical ninjas haven’t found any solutions; it’s all the residual effects of old injuries. If a cure existed, I would have been healed long ago. I could suppress it while I was young, but now... Shikaku, Inoichi, Chouza, save your energy. It’s time to think about the future!”

The best medical ninjas in the village had already examined him. His condition wasn’t an uncommon, incurable disease but rather “Chronic Functional Disorder,” a result of extreme strain on the body in his youth. He wasn’t the only older ninja in the village with a similar condition.

All those affected had pushed their bodies too far in their youth, consuming countless chakra pills, restricted pills, and clan secret medicines. The Akimichi clan had the Curry Pill, Vegetable Pill, and Chili Pill, and it was clear Chouza had relied on them often in his youth.

This condition was complex, with varied symptoms among individuals. Some experienced immune system collapse, others muscle weakness and atrophy. Chouza’s symptoms resembled increased blood pressure in his circulatory system.

There was currently no effective treatment, only ways to try to control it.

“If the village’s medical ninjas can’t help, we should find someone who can,” Shikaku responded, unwilling to give up.

“Exactly!”

Inoichi’s eyes lit up.

Sure enough, Shikaku’s mind was sharp as ever.

"You mean… Tsunade?"

Choza Akimichi's face looked as if he were suffering from constipation. It wasn’t easy to stop his mind from working once it got going. Hearing what Shikaku Nara had said, his brain instinctively reacted, understanding what he meant. If anyone in the ninja world could possibly cure this condition, it was likely only Tsunade.

"Exactly, Lord Hokage. Leave this matter to me, and you don’t need to worry about it anymore."

"… Fine, let’s go with that plan," Choza finally agreed, after a brief but agonizing moment of thought.

If there was hope for a cure, he didn’t want to endure this torment any longer. If a person can't think freely, then living is barely better than dying.

Daimyo’s Residence, Palace

Kama and his group were in full retreat. The Oniwaban’s ninjas had investigated and discovered that Kama, Kamonosuke, and their group had killed Kitane and the others. After reporting to the Daimyo, it didn’t take long for the Daimyo to issue an order. Kama, Kamonosuke, and the other four were stripped of their positions as members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja and were ordered to be captured.

Yes, the order was to capture them alive.

The Daimyo wanted to question Kama and his group in person, to understand their motives. But because of this live capture order, the Oniwaban ninjas were forced to hold back and couldn’t fight to their fullest.

In contrast, Kama and his team showed no such restraint. They fought with merciless brutality.

After three members of the pursuit team fell, Kama’s group successfully escaped the palace. With fewer pursuers, only sixteen people in four teams continued the chase, but it was clear that protecting the palace and the Daimyo took priority.

Thinking they could capture Kama with only sixteen men was a fool’s dream.

Among these sixteen, only four were Jonin, with the rest being Chunin. If it weren’t for Kohaku’s severe injuries, they wouldn’t even need to keep running—they could have just turned around and taken down the pursuers. But Kohaku’s condition didn’t allow it, so they had no choice but to use the complex terrain of the Daimyo’s estate to lose their tail.

"Tenme, any sign of them catching up?" Kama glanced back to check on the team’s sensor ninja.

"Hold on, let me check."

Tenme stopped. He couldn’t use his sensory technique while running, so he formed the necessary seals, casting the jutsu to scan their surroundings. "The pursuers aren’t close, but… we’ve got other trouble ahead."

He looked up at a five-story building ahead, where a tall figure emerged from behind the water tower, staring down at Kama and his group from the rooftop railing.

"Asuma!"

Kama looked up, surprised to see the man, but then thought it wasn’t unexpected. Of course, he couldn’t just sit back. But it was too late now; everything had already been set in motion, and nothing could change it.

"Asuma, are you here to join us?" he asked with a smile.

"Kama, why did you kill Kitane and the others?" Sarutobi Asuma ignored Kama’s question and glared, demanding an answer.

Kama’s smile faded as he looked up fearlessly into Asuma’s eyes. "What does it matter to you? You told me before that as long as we didn’t bother you, you wouldn’t get involved… Are you planning to break your word?"

"Kitane was my friend."

Asuma’s expression turned cold.

"Heh."

Kama let out a mocking laugh. "Now you remember he was your friend? If so, why did you abandon him? The moment you chose to leave, you weren’t friends anymore. Or do you think they still consider you a friend?"

"Stop spouting nonsense. We had an agreement. We’d leave you alone, and you wouldn’t interfere with us. Don’t talk to me about friendship. Just tell me what you plan to do. Are you here to fight me? If so, let’s get on with it. If not, then get out of the way."

Kama took a combat stance.

It was mostly a show, though. He didn’t believe Asuma would actually fight him. If he had intended to, he would have been with Kitane and the others from the start, instead of stepping in only now. This was just Asuma’s guilt for abandoning them weighing on his conscience.

"… Next time we meet, I’ll avenge them," Asuma said quietly after a moment’s silence, turning to leave with a heavy heart.

"Next time? Hmph."

Kama watched Asuma’s retreating figure with disdain, shaking his head. He didn’t take Asuma’s threat seriously at all. Who knows when they’d meet again? And what the circumstances would be? Those were just empty words, nothing worth worrying about.

With Asuma gone, the path ahead was clear. Standing on the rooftop, Kama cast one last look back at the palace, his resolve hardening. "Let’s go! Let’s fight for a new era for this country."

Under the moonlight, the six of them set off again.

In the same moonlight, two groups were on the move. However, while Sōgen’s group was rushing toward the Daimyo’s palace, Kama and his men were hurrying away from the place that had become a land of strife.

(End of Chapter)