Chapter 37: Infiltrating the Sound
The problem was, this new opponent's skill level was truly lacking. Jibachi was one of the three jonin of the Kamizuru clan, a ninja who specialized in insect techniques similar to Kidomaru's, but his swarms were composed of white spiders. His overall ability was inferior, and his chakra consumption was far greater.
Moreover, he didn't know any sealing techniques, making the gap in their power even wider. If Raiga couldn't win, this newcomer's help was useless.
The combined assault of the two caused Takahashi no real trouble, which initially worried him. He'd thought a true powerhouse had arrived, but it was just this.
If he remembered correctly, the entire Kamizuru clan only had three jonin in total. It was a fallen family, desperate to rise again, which was why they had been seduced by Orochimaru.
Takahashi subdued Jibachi quickly. The brief flash of hope Raiga had felt vanished in an instant. Raiga was helpless; if this was the best help he could get, there was nothing more to be done.
He tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. The resentment in his eyes suggested he was preparing for a final, desperate struggle.
Seeing this, Takahashi spoke coldly. "Give it up. Don't think you can 'break the net even if the fish dies.' In this case, the fish will die, but the net will remain intact. I was only using half my strength against you earlier. If you don't believe me, feel free to test me."
Raiga snorted. "Even if that's true, a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen does not surrender."
"Is that so?" Takahashi replied coolly. "Then why is it that when Might Duy fought you all those years ago, he shattered your spirit so completely you fled in despair without even the will to fight back?"
Raiga's face flushed a dark red, his anger stifled. Just as he was about to retort, Takahashi cut him off.
"You don't need to explain anything to me, and I don't want to hear it. But I am offering you an opportunity now. It's up to you to take it."
Raiga looked puzzled. "What kind of scheme is this?"
"I'm giving you a chance to live," Takahashi stated plainly. "The Red Eyes are a rare Kekkei Genkai. It would be a pity for them to vanish from this world with you. While I have no desire to kill the boy, I believe that after you die, he won't want to live on alone. You may be ready to die, but do you want this child to be buried with you?"
This struck Raiga's weakest point. His greatest concern was Ranmaru. If possible, he would die a thousand deaths to ensure the boy came to no harm. Though their relationship had begun as one of convenience, their care for each other was genuine; they saw their own reflections in one another.
Raiga lifted his head, letting the heavy rain wash over his face for a long, silent minute.
Finally, he lowered his gaze and spoke slowly. "Fine. Tell me your terms. If it's within my power, I will cooperate."
A look of satisfaction crossed Takahashi's face. See? Was that so hard?
"Since you've been working with the Kamizuru clan and know their location, take us there. You don't need to worry about what happens after. But you must disappear from my sight afterward. Never return to the Land of Rivers, or I will kill you."
Hinata and Sakura, standing behind him, heard this. Hinata remained quiet, but Sakura was indignant.
"How can you just let him go?" she protested. "He's killed so many people! He's a wanted criminal here! If we don't kill him, our mission is a failure!"
Takahashi looked back at her, then pointed at Raiga. "You're so powerful? You kill him, then. Don't worry, I won't interfere. But if he kills you, that's not my problem."
"You...!" Sakura sputtered.
"Me, what?" Takahashi retorted. "Do you know where this 'Sound Village' of the Kamizuru clan is? It's one of Orochimaru's secret bases. And do you know what that means? It's likely where Sasuke is hiding, you idiot."
Scolded like this, Sakura finally came to her senses, though she was still clearly angry. But hearing Sasuke's name had a noticeable calming effect, and she began to reassess her earlier outburst.
This was exactly why Takahashi disliked Sakura—her blatant double standards.
Hinata, in contrast, trusted Takahashi's judgment completely. He must have his reasons. Takahashi appreciated this kind of unwavering support.
If you were going to be the "bad guy," you had to be prepared for others to question you, but you couldn't let it derail the main objective.
However, Takahashi's goal wasn't really to "save" Sasuke this time. Unless he beat the Uchiha into unconsciousness and dragged him back, it was basically impossible. His primary target was someone else entirely: Kabuto Yakushi, Orochimaru's assistant. Without him, the Fourth Great Ninja War might be delayed significantly, as there were very few who could perform the Impure World Reincarnation. He also wanted to send a clear message to Orochimaru to stop his reckless schemes.
If Orochimaru tried to target Sasuke again, he'd have to weigh the consequences of facing Uchiha Itachi. The Uchiha brothers were now united in purpose, even if they hadn't yet reunited.
Thinking of Orochimaru made him think of the tragic Kimimaro, whose terminal illness he had cured. He wondered if Kimimaro would still be chosen as a vessel now that he was healthy. He had given him a new life; the choice was now Kimimaro's own. As far as Takahashi was concerned, he had done his part.
He finished off Jibachi with a single, precise strike. There was no value in keeping such a man alive. The entire Kamizuru clan was diseased. While their desire to become stronger was understandable, their methods were unacceptable. Rather than trying to reform them, it was better to wipe the slate clean. He had no desire to kill indiscriminately, but if the Kamizuru clan stood between him and his targets—Orochimaru and Kabuto—he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them.
They acquired some disguises along the way, covering their faces to avoid recognition. Raiga led the way. Upon entering the Sound Village, many people recognized him, confirming the close ties between him and the Kamizuru clan.
Raiga whispered over his shoulder, "My contact is only with the Kamizuru clan. I know nothing of their other affairs. Once I bring you to their territory, I can leave, correct?"
Takahashi nodded. "Correct. It would be even better if you could gather all the clan's top members in one place."
Thinking of his impending freedom, Raiga sighed. As a proud warrior, betraying his associates went against his nature. But when it came to survival—his and Ranmaru's—he had a simple philosophy: better you than me.
As for the rest, Takahashi didn't want Hinata and Sakura to witness the brutality that was to come. They weren't ready for that world yet. Not now.
Since he was strong enough to handle it alone, why force them to see the bloody reality he was about to create?
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STONESSS