Raikage A and his group didn't stop.
Nine figures moved swiftly through the forest at astonishing speed.
As they ran, they left behind no traceable marks.
Though the sounds of battle behind them had long faded, the echoes still lingered in their ears.
A ran at the front, fully suppressing all chakra fluctuations.
But Killer B could clearly feel that his older brother was furious.
He himself was angry as well.
But neither of them could stop. More importantly, they couldn't let their anger cloud their judgment.
He quickly adjusted to his optimal state, carrying Mabui as he followed closely behind A.
Mabui bit her lip tightly, not letting a sound escape.
She dared not think of anything. All she could do was turn this sacrifice into unwavering determination to complete the mission.
"Where's the destination, and how much longer?" A finally spoke, his voice low and restrained.
A Kumo shinobi glanced at the map and replied, "We're moving along the centerline between Konoha Village and the Fire Capital."
"Once we pass this area, we'll reach the western part of the Land of Fire."
"At our current speed, we should reach the destination in about a day."
A remained silent, his feet never stopping.
They had landed on the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, then crossed its entire breadth, deliberately creating the illusion of a surprise attack on the Fire Capital.
This was the strategy they had agreed upon before departure, making Konoha believe they were targeting the Daimyo.
Never would Konoha suspect that their true goal was to go into hiding in the western region of the Land of Fire.
"Accelerate. We arrive in half a day."
"Yes."
The nine of them didn't hesitate, immediately quickening their pace...
...
Unlike the grim urgency of A's group, the Fire Capital was brimming with charm.
Deep within the Crimson Moon Pavilion of the Daimyo Manor, steam from the hot springs gently filled the air.
The entire bath was carved from massive stone, drawing steaming hot spring water from the mountains. A faint mist blurred visibility.
Amid the fog, Ragyō's figure appeared and vanished.
Thin, water-soaked gauze clung loosely to her body, barely concealing her most intimate parts.
Her long, wet black hair trailed down her smooth back. Water droplets rolled over her exquisite curves, falling into the pool and forming ripples.
Arashi leaned against the pool wall, eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the hot spring.
Ragyō knelt behind him. Her soft hands gently kneaded his shoulders.
"My Lord, is the pressure to your liking?"
Her breath brushed against Arashi's ear, warm and teasing.
"Mm." Arashi didn't open his eyes, letting out a low sound of satisfaction.
Hearing his response, Ragyō's eyes curved with delight.
Her movements became even more attentive, each stroke of her fingertips easing Arashi's muscles.
A moment later, she swam to his front, her fair arms gently wrapping around his neck.
She lifted a peeled grape to his lips.
Arashi accepted it, then casually took her fingertip into his mouth and sucked gently.
Ragyō trembled instantly, her cheeks flushed red. Her eyes grew moist, a haze of spring emotion swirling within them.
"My Lord… you're teasing me again…"
Her voice was barely above a whisper, seductive and bone-melting.
Only then did Arashi open his eyes, gazing at her stunningly beautiful face, a slight smile playing at his lips.
"How am I teasing you?"
"You..." Ragyō bit her lip lightly.
This man always managed to stir her heart with the most indifferent tone.
He made her fall deeper every time, willingly turning as soft as willow.
Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, a voice interrupted from beyond the screen.
The tone was steady and respectful. It was the Shadow Guard.
"My Lord, urgent report from Konoha."
The sudden voice pierced the air, shattering the ambiguous moment.
Irritation flashed through Ragyō's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. She quietly withdrew from Arashi's arms, preparing to leave.
Arashi, however, grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his embrace.
Without lifting his head, he spoke calmly, "Read it."
"Yes."
From behind the screen, the Shadow Guard continued his report.
"Konoha border report. A Kumo squad of approximately ten to fifteen individuals breached the eastern border last night and infiltrated deep into the Land of Fire."
"Border patrol encountered them and engaged. Four were martyred."
"Currently, Hyūga Hiashi is leading a pursuit squad."
Upon hearing this, Arashi's brows furrowed slightly. "Inform Tanaka. Let him handle this."
"Yes."
"And inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
Arashi paused for a moment, then added, "To fall while defending the border is an honor."
"Give them a grand funeral."
"Also, commission four plaques, inscribed with 'Hero's Home,' and have them personally delivered to the families by the Ministry."
This was not just a condolence gesture. It was a move to solidify his image as a ruler who cherished his people.
The Shadow Guard's gaze flickered, then he bowed even lower. "Yes."
Arashi waved his hand. "You may leave."
"Yes."
The presence behind the screen faded silently.
Ragyō leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "My Lord, was there trouble at the border?"
"Just a few rats sneaking into the granary. Nothing to worry about."
This kind of small-scale infiltration was common during times of conflict.
In his eyes, it wasn't even worth mentioning.
If Konoha couldn't handle this, it would've been destroyed long ago.
After the Shadow Guard left, Arashi lowered his head and gently lifted Ragyō's chin.
A playful glint appeared in his eyes. "Don't let it distract you."
He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her lips.
"Our time together is far more precious."
...
Konoha Village, Hokage Building
The atmosphere was tense.
Minato held the freshly delivered battle report in hand, his expression grim.
The mission had failed.
Even with Hiashi personally leading a team of elite trackers, they had lost the target.
No, not just lost. They were completely outmaneuvered.
The few short lines in the report painted a clear and devastating picture.
The enemy had used the lives of four Jōnin to forcibly break through Konoha's tight encirclement.
Then, they escaped calmly.
"Using four elite Jōnin just to buy a few minutes for retreat?" Koharu's face no longer showed the same disdain as before.
"These lunatics… what exactly are they planning?"
Homura remained silent, brows furrowed, deep in thought.
This wasn't simple infiltration, nor was it provocation.
It was a calculated suicide mission.
Four elite Jōnin, an irreplaceable force for any village, were treated as disposable.
Discarded without hesitation.
Kumogakure's ambition was massive.
There was definitely a larger plot at work.
Minato made a snap decision. "We must report this to the Daimyo Manor immediately."
"Report it?" Homura's eyes widened. "Minato, this is something we should handle internally."
"There's no need to trouble the Daimyo over every little thing."
To him, the Daimyo only needed to remain in the capital.
Military matters were the domain of shinobi.
Too much involvement from the Daimyo reflected poorly on Konoha's competence.
"Elder Homura." Minato stood up suddenly. "Now is not the time to worry about appearances."
"Did you see the enemy's route?"
"The Fire Capital could very well be their target."
That thought sent a chill through his heart.
Homura was visibly shaken. "You're saying the Daimyo-sama is in danger?"
Koharu's expression also turned grave. "Has Kumogakure gone insane? That's a direct violation of the shinobi code. They'll be branded as enemies by the entire world."
"Aren't they being pursued already?"
"This..."
"Besides this possibility, I can't think of any other reason," Minato said with conviction. "Not only must we report it, we must also dispatch shinobi to the capital."
"But..."
"No buts." Minato's voice turned stern. "As Hokage, I am responsible for the safety of every corner of the Land of Fire, including the Daimyo-sama."
"He must know there's a group of desperate infiltrators headed straight for him."
Minato's reasoning left both advisors speechless.
Only now did they grasp the true severity of the situation.
This wasn't just a matter of military failure.
This could be a direct threat to the stability of the Land of Fire.
Though the Daimyo had elite guards, that didn't mean Konoha could stay passive.
They needed to respond, and make a strong statement while doing it.
At last, Homura nodded solemnly. "You are Hokage. It's your call."
Soon, a top-level urgent message, its wording heavy and precise, outlining the battle and the enemy's resolve, was sent directly to the Fire Capital.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
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