Aaron bought both the D and C-grade illusion jutsu. As soon as he did, the knowledge was instantly transferred into his mind, clear and complete.
He learned that using the illusion jutsu wasn't just about the chakra, it also needed strong mental power.
Luckily, Aaron had an advantage. He had unlocked the Sharingan, and his soul had fused into this body after transmigration. Because of this, his mental strength was much higher than others at the same level.
For most, illusion techniques were hard to master. But for Aaron, they came naturally.
At that moment, Aaron noticed Auriel and Fiona standing in front of him. He hadn't seen them arrive, it was like they'd appeared out of nowhere.
Surprised, he asked, "You two… what are you doing here?"
Fiona stepped forward, her voice sharp with frustration.
"Idiot. We're a team. We face enemies together."
Auriel stood calmly beside her, but his eyes were cold.
"Or do you think we're not strong enough to help you?"
Aaron felt warmth rise in his chest. He hadn't meant to push them away, he just didn't want anyone else to get hurt because of him.
But their words reminded him: he wasn't alone.
Aaron nodded. "Alright, you two can help. But for now… let's wait for the enemies to show themselves."
He paused, then added with a small grin, "In the meantime, how about we eat something?"
He reached into his inventory and pulled out grilled meat, perfectly cooked and glazed with rich sauce. The scent was warm and smoky, comforting against the tension in the air.
After taking a bite, he handed two skewers to Auriel and Fiona.
Auriel and Fiona glanced at the skewers in their hands, ready to say more, but the smell was too tempting.
Without another word, they began to eat, the taste silencing whatever thoughts had been lingering.
Whatever they were going to say… was forgotten for now.
The atmosphere in Blueish City had suddenly changed.
Today, people could feel it, something was different. A large number of adventurers were gathering at the city gate. Their numbers had already reached a hundred, and more kept arriving by the minute.
Onlookers nearby began whispering in low voices, curiosity and unease spreading through the crowd.
"Why are so many Bounty Hunter Team members here all of a sudden?"
"I've never seen this many of them together before."
"I heard they're here to hunt down a boy named Aaron."
"What? Where did you hear that?"
Several heads turned toward the man standing quietly beside them. Eyes widened as they waited for his answer.
With a proud smirk, he said, "I'm part of the Bounty Hunter Team myself."
Gasps followed, along with wide-eyed stares.
He stood taller, enjoying their shock. "That boy, Aaron, killed one of our core members. It wasn't a small thing. So now, Master Jimmy has gathered almost the entire team. We're going to surround him and finish the job."
His voice carried a strange mix of pride and anger. The crowd fell silent, the tension rising like mist over the city. People whispered again, but this time, their voices held fear.
Aaron's name had become a storm. And the storm was coming fast.
The chaos stirred by the Bounty Hunter Team quickly caught the attention of every important figure in Blueish City.
City Lord Juliet stood at his window, watching the crowd gather at the gates. He was shocked by the size of the group, but not upset. As long as they didn't start a fight inside the city, it wasn't his problem.
Still, he was curious. Who was this Aaron? What had he done to make Jimmy take charge personally?
Juliet put on a dark cloak, pulled up the hood, and quietly slipped out. He didn't want to miss the action, scenes like this were rare and worth watching.
Kola, the Adventurer Guild Master, also heard the news. In her twenties and known for her sharp instincts, she immediately sensed something serious was going on. Without wasting time, she sent a quick message to her secretary and headed out herself. Whatever was about to happen, she wanted to see it with her own eyes.
Kael Goldvien, the true mastermind behind the scenes, sat calmly in his private chamber. His expression was cold, calculating.
He turned to his butler and said quietly,
"Go. Watch the fight. When it's over… bring me Aaron's head."
The city buzzed with whispers, rumors, and the uneasy feeling that something big was about to happen. Eyes were watching. The storm was gathering.
Half an hour later, Jimmy stood before his team. All 300 professionals were ready, lined up in formation. The pressure in the air was intense, just being near them made the onlookers feel heavy, like something dangerous was about to happen.
Jimmy glanced at Cara. "Where's the target?" he asked firmly.
Cara looked at the powerful fighters around her. She felt like Jimmy was being too cautious, bringing such a large force. Still, she answered calmly,
"He's about a kilometer away. One of our scouts saw him… just sitting on a tree."
Jimmy's eyes narrowed. He was stunned for a moment, then his expression turned cold and serious.
Sitting casually while an army came for him? That felt like an insult.
"He's underestimating us," Jimmy growled. "Fine. Everyone, move out!"
His voice echoed like thunder.
"We're going to take him down and show the world that the Bounty Hunter Team is not to be messed with!"
Aaron glanced down at the scout's lifeless body, someone who had tried to track him.
He didn't feel guilty. This was war now.
With a calm breath, he formed a hand sign. Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Two identical clones appeared beside him, sharp and silent.
He turned to the first clone and said,
"Transform into the scout. Don't attack. Just lead Jimmy toward us. Keep the act believable."
The clone nodded and began shifting its form, copying the scout's appearance perfectly.
Aaron faced the second clone next.
"You'll act as bait. You can fight, but before that, try to find out who put the bounty on me. Ask Jimmy. If he doesn't tell you, no need to push."
Finally, he looked at the clone disguised as the scout. His voice dropped into a cold whisper.
"Once you're near Jimmy... slowly. Not fast. But when the moment's right, kill him."
The wind rustled through the trees as the three Aarons stood together. His plan was dangerous, bold, and layered in deception.
But Aaron wasn't just fighting back, he was making a statement.
Let the Bounty Hunter Team come. He was ready.