"Everyone here is trash?"
The statement stunned the crowd. The Fūma young master was furious. He was the new young master of the Fūma clan. Although his father had died mysteriously on a mission recently, resulting in significant losses to the clan, he was still the clan head. He'd never been so disrespected.
But his anger faltered as he saw Kuraki's reaction to Kai and Kakuzu. Kuraki hesitated for a moment before turning and leaving without hesitation.
Konan glanced back at Kai before quickly following Kuraki.
The entrance to the town was now left with only the Fūma young master and his group, staring at Kai and Kakuzu.
"Young Master, perhaps we should leave?" a fifty-year-old man suggested hesitantly. Since their clan head's death, the Fūma clan's power had significantly diminished, both in manpower and in the number of villages employing them. The fifty-million-ryō bounty offered by the Land of Hot Water Daimyo was a chance to show the world that they hadn't fallen.
"Leave?" The Fūma young master scowled. "He called us trash! I can't just swallow that!"
As the young master of a clan, he had a spoiled and arrogant streak. Their clan often engaged in pillaging and violence, contributing to their volatile temperaments.
But before he could act, the older man grabbed his arm. "Young Master, the mission is paramount. Let's eliminate the Jashin Cult. If that girl gets there first, we lose the fifty million ryō."
"Besides, revenge is a dish best served cold. We'll deal with this after the mission." He lowered his voice, eyeing Kai cautiously.
"Right, revenge is a dish best served cold. I'll wait for you to return and get your revenge. Go ahead and have some fun, offer your heads," Kai said casually, having overheard their conversation.
The older man's face darkened. They outnumbered Kai and Kakuzu nine to two. The Fūma clan was also renowned. The cloaked figure was a young man, clearly less experienced and younger than their group. Yet, he acted so brazenly. He must have some trump card.
"Uncle, get out of my way," the Fūma young master scowled, reaching for the giant kunai on his back. The Fūma clan excelled in using shuriken and kunai. Their Fūma shuriken were particularly renowned. He couldn't tolerate such blatant disrespect.
"Young Master, calm down," Fūma's Uncle said, restraining him, his gaze fixed on Kai with apprehension.
"The mission comes first!"
"Good!"
The Fūma young master clenched his fist, glaring at Kai. "After I complete the mission, I'll get my revenge. I hope you'll be shitting your pants then…"
He turned and left. Fūma Long breathed a sigh of relief, glancing back at Kai before hurrying on. He still couldn't fathom Kai's true strength.
"Boss, why didn't you let me wipe them out?" Kakuzu said coldly. Danzo had once hired him and the Fūma clan to assassinate Kai. Kakuzu survived, but the rest of the Fūma were crushed by the shockwave from Kai's Rasengan. He still had nightmares about it.
"Don't forget why we're here. If he can't handle them, what use is he?" Kai said, looking towards a blood-red tower in the distance. Fighting sounds were coming from it; Akatsuki's advance team had engaged the Jashin Cult.
The Jashin Cult, originally a state religion, had kidnapped many youths for cursed experiments in pursuit of immortality. Hidan's creation, though rare, had made them even more obsessed. Their actions led to a break with the Land of Hot Water.
Five figures descended upon the blood-red courtyard.
"Konan-sama, we need to eliminate the enemy quickly. Otherwise, those two will take all the credit," Kuraki urged. They'd witnessed Kai's power firsthand.
"Hmm," Konan surveyed the area. "But we should be wary of what that man said."
Kuraki snorted. "They're strong, but to assume we'll be killed without even fighting is arrogant."
"We may not be as strong as them, but we won't give up this mission."
"Kuraki's right. Don't worry, Konan-sama. They probably want the reward for themselves," a thirty-year-old man agreed, his face suddenly changing as he looked behind him.
"Ho ho, this mission wouldn't be complete without us," the Fūma young master and his eight men landed.
Konan's expression changed, looking behind them, but Kai wasn't there.
"My dear, what are you looking…" the Fūma young master smirked.
His smile froze.
"Young Master, be careful! Ambush!?"
"Konan-sama, watch out…"
Both sides' sensor ninjas shouted warnings.
"Earth Release: Earth Style Wall!"
"Water Release: Water Style Wall!"
Two walls materialized. A wave of intense heat surged from all directions, massive fireballs bearing down on them.
Boom!
The impact shook the earth, a massive shockwave and water vapor filling the air.
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