As the sun rose, casting its golden rays upon the town, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Many people gathered along the streets, their faces beaming with excitement and curiosity. Vibrant banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, displaying the emblem of the town and symbols of its proud heritage. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of admiration and reverence.
At the center of the commotion stood Kagawa Noriyuki, adorned in regal attire, radiating an aura of authority. Accompanying him were a retinue of influential nobles and skilled ninjas, each exuding a sense of confidence and purpose. Their presence commanded attention and respect.
The townsfolk lined the streets, their eager eyes fixed upon the procession as it made its way through the heart of the town. Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, echoing through the bustling thoroughfares.
Among the crowd stood Fujin and his team who had disguised themselves. It had been over three days since they arrived in the town. Fujin observed the procession and thought, 'Not bad. He converted this meeting into some sort of festival. This will increase his prestige and reputation. And all he had to do was put up a display while leaving the town instead of just leaving silently.'
Fujin was impressed by Noriyuki's intelligence and methods. Standing next to him, Yugao said, "The ninjas wearing those fancy vests are the 8 Jounins protecting this town. Even the leader is supposed to be at Jounin level."
Fumito commented, "Only 3 of them can barely be considered at the Jounin level. The rest, including the leader, are at the Chunin level."
Fujin nodded and said, "Still, it's impressive considering that it is just a town in the Land of Grass."
Not long ago, Fujin had raided the Western cities in the Land of Wind. Of the five cities he attacked, 4 didn't have any Jounin protecting them.
Yugao observed properly and said, "The man standing next to Noriyuki is Hoshino Ryoichi. He is hiding his chakra but is quite strong. He is said to be among the 3 strongest ninjas in Kusagakure. In the Third Great Ninja War, he held back a division of Iwagakure to save a city."
Fujin nodded. He already knew about him. After recruiting Kasai Shigeki, Fujin began looking for information on talented ninjas outside the five major villages. Hoshino Ryoichi was among those ninjas. Fujin was wondering how he could recruit him. Unfortunately, Fujin didn't have any means of recruiting or controlling him. He was hoping to get some additional intel on Ryoichi during the mission.
After passing through the main streets in the town, the entourage left the city and slowly disappeared in the distance. In the mansion, 5 people stood on the balcony and saw the entourage leaving with worry in their eyes. They were the family of Noriyuki.
Considering the danger during this trip, Noriyuki hadn't taken any close family members with him. Instead, he had made all preparations to ensure that his son would succeed him if something happened to him. The ones who could pose a threat to his son were all made to accompany him to the meeting.
Team Fujin followed the entourage from a distance. Bunjiro sighed and said, "They are moving slower than even the trade caravans!"
Fumito nodded and said, "It's because they have many civilian Nobles. Those bunch are the slowest when it comes to moving long distances. But learn to be patient. As an Anbu, you may have to spend weeks or even months doing nothing but keeping a watch."
Bunjiro nodded. They followed Kagawa and his group for over a day until they reached the banks of a magnificent river! Across the river was Mizukoshi, the Westernmost town in the Land of Grass and the town where the Ide family held power.
The river, teeming with turbulent waters, surged with a forceful current. A normal civilian wouldn't be able to swim in the river. Fortunately, a sturdy bridge spanning the width of the river was built by the Ide family.
The Kagawa family entourage crossed the bridge and was immediately welcomed by the people arranged by the Ide family to greet and welcome the Kagawa family.
Observing them from a long distance, Yugao said, "That bridge looks like the perfect ambushing spot. Other than ninjas, everyone would die immediately."
Fujin nodded and said, "Well, our task is just to ensure that Kagawa Noriyuki stays alive. So if they are ambushed here, focus on killing the ambushers rather than defending."
Yugao and Fumito understood Fujin's intentions and nodded. However, Bunjiro was shocked! He looked at Fujin once again and thought, 'But wouldn't that mean that every civilian will be dead? There are over 30 people in that group who can't use their chakra. Do we have to be so heartless?'
Despite his doubts, Bunjiro didn't question Fujin. As an Anbu, obeying the instructions of his superior without any question was the basic requirement. Otherwise, the success rate of Anbu missions would drop drastically. If he had any questions, he could ask them after the mission was completed.
Team Fujin infiltrated Mizukoshi and stayed there for the next week while keeping an eye on Kagawa Noriyuki. However, not a single incident happened during that week and no one tried to attack Noriyuki. Finally, after completing all meetings and discussions, the Kagawa family entourage left Mizukoshi.
Bunjiro saw them leaving and muttered softly, "Looks like Shikaku-sama's analysis was wrong."
However, the eyes of Fujin, Yugao and Fumito were glued to the water around the bridge. Yugao muttered, "He is right once again."
Fumito asked, "Should we make a move?"
Fujin replied, "No. We don't know whether they are enemies or not. We would create trouble if they have any other purpose. But stay ready. We will make a move as soon as they do."
Though they could see the chakras, they couldn't see to whom the ninjas belonged as they were hiding underwater. If they weren't Iwa ninjas and instead were from the Ide Family, then Fujin would have to reassess how to make a move. After all, it would then be an internal conflict rather than a hidden conflict between Konoha and Iwa.
Though Fujin had killed various forces from the minor villages, all had been done with utmost secrecy. If he openly killed them in front of an entire town, then it would be disadvantageous for Konoha diplomatically. The loss would far exceed the gains made by saving the Kagawa family. Even if he used disguises, it wouldn't take a genius to figure out who the external forces protecting the Kagawa family were.
Bunjiro heard their conversation and was confused. He asked softly, "What do you mean?"
Fujin replied, "16 ninjas are hiding in the river. Be ready to flicker."
Bunjiro immediately became serious and mentally prepared himself for a fight.
The group watched as the entourage began crossing the bridge. Despite walking on it, none of the Kagawa family ninjas detected the ones hiding underwater in the strong water current.
Without leaking any chakra, everyone in the group underwater grabbed a kunai with an explosive tag attached and threw it at the entourage. At the same time, one ninja made the confrontation hand sign. Immediately, the explosive tags attached to the bridge began glowing.
Since no incident had happened, most of the people in the entourage had become lax. However, Hoshino Ryoichi was on guard and noticed the kunais. He threw a couple of shurikens to intercept them and shouted, "Watch out!"
Immediately all ninjas became alert. However, it was too late. Other than the kunai Ryoichi deflected, the remaining explosive tags all went off at the same time!
The people from Mizukoshi, who were watching the entourage leave, watched in horror as the bridge that connected them with the rest of the Land of Grass blew up! Many immediately began screaming in horror. A few ran away as chaos spread in the town!
At the same time, a smile crept on the face of Ide Tomoki, the leader of the Ide family. However, he soon hid it and shouted, "We are under attack. Everyone prepare immediately! We will save our fellow countrymen!"
Ide Tomoki looked at the explosion with ecstasy in his eyes. He thought, 'Great! I was getting worried by how rapidly the Kagawa family was spreading their influence in recent years. Even my interests were being compromised. But with them out of the way, we will no longer have any threat. And by showing how quickly I decided to help them, my prestige will increase uncontrollably.'
Team Fujin didn't move and just observed the smoke. Soon, 15 figures jumped out of the smoke and stood on top of the river. They were Kagawa Noriyuki, Hoshino Ryoichi, 8 Jounins and 5 Chunins. Fear and horror could be seen on their faces. Apart from them, everyone was dead! Even Ryoichi had a grim expression.
Bunjiro thought, '6 chunins died to such a lame attack? These guys aren't worthy of being called Chunins.'
Immediately, the ninjas hidden in the water came out and assaulted them. Fujin saw their headbands and said, "Rogue ninjas. Kill them all!"
Since they weren't wearing the headband belonging to Kusagakure, Fujin could just kill them and claim that the Kagawa family had issued a mission to Konoha to ensure their protection. Since the attackers had disguised themselves as rogue ninjas, no one could question them. All four flickered at the same time.
