In the garage behind the video store, the sudden appearance of Uchiha shattered any thoughts the criminals had of continuing their mission.
"Run!"
At the shout, the group scattered like startled birds, fleeing in all directions.
What they didn't realize was that the moment Zhong Yan appeared, they had already fallen into an inescapable illusion.
Only the team leader had been spared from the genjutsu—and for that reason, he was the most terrified of all.
He watched, helpless, as his companions turned their weapons on each other. And when only one remained, that man drove his own blade into his throat.
Bathed in moonlight, the scene was gruesomely vivid—viscerally terrifying.
The most chilling part?
Zhong Yan hadn't moved an inch. He simply stood there, his gaze fixed coldly on the leader.
It was as if any hint of escape in his eyes would immediately earn him the same fate.
Even so, the fear was too much. The leader turned and fled.
As he ran, he hurled his weapon backward, hoping to at least stall Zhong Yan for a moment.
But Zhong Yan, in his intangible state, wasn't even touched. The blade passed harmlessly through him.
He made no move to give chase.
Instead, he raised his head slightly. Beneath the white mask, a glimpse of violet shimmered in the shadows—his eye, shaped like a vortex, adorned with six tomoe.
It was unlike any normal human eye.
But those who knew the truth understood the terrifying power behind it.
Zhong Yan raised a hand, palm facing the fleeing man.
His thoughts activated a single word:
"Banshō Ten'in."
In an instant, the man felt a massive force pulling at him from behind. Before he could react, his body was yanked backward.
His vision hadn't even caught up when he found himself frozen in place—Zhong Yan's powerful hand clamped tightly around his throat.
"You really had the nerve to go after them?" Zhong Yan's voice was low and cold, his eyes narrowed.
He wanted to know what kind of fools had dared to make such a move.
In the next moment, he cast a genjutsu—diving into the man's mind and extracting every memory.
Location, hideout, names—everything.
Without hesitation, Zhong Yan crushed the man's throat and tossed the corpse aside like trash.
Just then, the back door of the video store swung open.
Zhong Yan turned to see Wise step out, broom in hand.
He'd heard the commotion and came to check it out, warning Ling to lock the doors and windows just in case.
He hadn't expected to find Zhong Yan amidst a scene of blood and bodies.
"Zhong Yan... what happened here?" Wise asked, eyes wide at the carnage—and at Zhong Yan, still stained with blood.
"These guys noticed Public Security officers were frequenting your video store," Zhong Yan explained calmly. "They thought they'd hit you to send a message—and intimidate the authorities. Luckily, I caught them. Otherwise…"
He didn't need to finish the sentence.
Wise drew a sharp breath. He'd been just about to go to bed, never once suspecting anyone would target them at this hour.
If Zhong Yan hadn't intervened—God knows what kind of tragedy might've unfolded tonight.
Inside that store were Ling and Zhong Lan.
"I'll send a clone to clean up the scene later. You head back inside," Zhong Yan added. "From now on, I'm assigning someone to guard you both 24/7. You won't need to worry about anything like this again."
It was only now that Zhong Yan realized the fundamental difference between Zhong Lan and his other children—he had no protection.
Zhong Ling had the Cunning Hares—an elite squad of capable fighters.
Zhong Xi had Victoria Housekeeping's estate—practically impenetrable to all but the most powerful foes.
But Zhong Lan… only had Wise and Belle.
Two siblings with no combat ability. Possibly weaker than their mascot, Eous.
If an attack succeeded there, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Zhong Yan had made up his mind. He would ensure someone guarded them at all times.
As for the people who dared to target those close to him—he would wipe them out completely.
By the end of tonight, that organization would be erased from New Eridu.
...
After Wise returned inside, Zhong Yan activated Kamui and vanished—but he didn't go after the criminals right away.
First, he headed to Blazewood Town in the outer ring.
Most of the town's residents were already asleep. Those still awake were primarily members of the Sons of Calydon on night patrol.
Among the patrol team tonight was one of Caesar's inner circle—Lighter.
Zhong Yan didn't know much about Lighter and paid him no mind. He wasn't here for the Sons of Calydon.
Waiting quietly atop a rooftop, he stood in silence.
Moments later, a figure appeared before him and dropped to one knee.
It was Chi.
Most of the Akatsuki Organization now resided in Blazewood Town. The people here didn't care about your past—only about your actions.
As long as you had a good heart, you would be accepted.
"I have a mission for you," Zhong Yan said. "It's not about the Exaltists or the Hollow. It's a personal matter. Are you willing to help me?"
Chi hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "If the order comes from you, I'll see it through—no matter what it is."
"Good." Zhong Yan nodded.
He activated Kamui again, drawing Chi and himself into the Kamui Dimension.
There, he explained the mission in detail: protect Wise and Belle from the shadows, eliminate any threats to their safety.
With that, Zhong Yan finally felt a bit more at ease.
Chi's strength… was something he could trust.