"Ho ho, you're begging for mercy now? That's disrespectful to the Jashin Cult," a distorted face emerged from beneath the hood. Ink-black markings spread across his body, covering his exposed skin with intricate patterns. His feet moved, forming the Jashin Cult symbol—an inner triangle within an outer circle.
The Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water paled, begging frantically. "No, please don't kill me! I'll make the Jashin Cult part of the Land of Hot Water!"
"No, I'll give you my position! Please don't kill me!"
His desperate pleas echoed through the ruined hall.
A cruel smile played on Hidan's lips. He gripped the scythe, walked to the center of the altar, and laughed maniacally.
"Too late. Disrespecting the Jashin god means experiencing the agony of death. In the next life, may the god grant you immortality."
No!
The Daimyo roared in despair. His words were futile.
A sharp spear pierced Hidan's chest, blood spraying. The Daimyo's eyes widened in disbelief. His throat convulsed before he collapsed, lifeless.
A heavy silence descended upon the ruins.
"Saint Hidan, the elders request your presence," a cloaked figure appeared, rushing towards the altar. Seeing Hidan's impaled heart, fear flickered across his face.
"What? Are you afraid of me?" Hidan's black and red markings faded as he pulled out the spear, a cruel grin spreading across his face.
"Damn it, this ritual is always so painful! I'll die of pain one day!"
The attendant's face twitched. Hidan was a cursed being, created with immense effort. Though unskilled in ninjutsu, his immortality and potent curses terrified the shinobi world. He was the only successful example of their project. Others gained partial immortality, but compared to Hidan, they were insignificant.
"Hmph, those old geezers called me back to be experimented on," Hidan scoffed, standing up. "I'll kill them and offer their souls to the god."
"Those old geezers, almost dead, should serve the god."
The attendant's face twitched, but he dared not rebuke him. They were used to Hidan's erratic behavior and threats. Hidan saw it as revenge for the elders' control. The elders tolerated his actions, unconcerned about the deaths of a few ordinary people.
"Let's go. Hurry up," Hidan, donning a new robe, urged impatiently. "After seeing those old geezers, I'll wait for more fun."
The devotee, relieved, led the way.
Meanwhile, the fifty-million-ryō bounty attracted bounty hunters and various factions to the Land of Hot Water. Five figures in crimson robes burst through the town gates.
"The streets are empty. Everyone's in the Jashin Cult," Kuraki said grimly. "Hopefully, the Daimyo is safe. Otherwise, this mission will be difficult."
They'd already encountered several attacked towns. This deserted town was the cult's base. They'd learned that the cult was kidnapping young adults, supposedly for religious purposes, but many never returned. The Land of Hot Water was terrified. The Daimyo, unable to get help from the Land of Earth, turned to the black market.
"They're following us," a sensor alerted.
Dozens of figures landed behind them, led by a man carrying a giant kunai.
"Ho ho, my dear, won't you consider my proposal? I'm the young master of the Fūma clan," the man said.
Konan frowned, showing disgust. "Fūma young master, Akatsuki works independently. Please don't bother us. I appreciate your offer."
The Fūma clan hadn't been in the black market. They arrived later, hoping to ally with Akatsuki to eliminate the cult.
"Ho ho, my dear, you're too hasty. The Jashin Cult has considerable influence. My proposal is for your safety," the Fūma young master chuckled, approaching.
Kuraki stepped in front of him.
"Fūma young master, please respect yourself. That's the Jashin Cult's headquarters. Focus on the mission to avoid conflict."
You!
The Fūma young master's anger was quickly replaced by a sneer.
"I'm a jōnin. I won't stoop to fighting with trash."
Kuraki's expression darkened, but two figures silently appeared at the gate, making his face change.
"Ho ho, Fūma young master, I agree and disagree with your statement," Kai said warmly, looking at Konan.
"If Kuraki is trash, I agree. But everyone here is trash. Don't die. Go home and sleep."
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