A group of figures hastened through the mist-laden woods, their movements swift and purposeful.
Abruptly, one among them halted, scrutinizing a particular marking with intensity. Simultaneously, he raised his hand in a clenched fist, signaling the others to remain vigilant.
"These are the footprints of our target. They seem to be headed towards the village," remarked the man with a ponytail, his gaze fixed on the faint impressions of ninja boots etched upon the branches.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, casting a disdainful glance in the direction of the village. "He's not even bothering to conceal his trail. It appears he underestimates us."
His words ignited a spark of fury among the assembled group.
Ever since they became the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, no one has dared to underestimate them for so many years!
"Insolent fool! How dare he belittle us so!" exclaimed the youth with blue hair and a ferret-like companion, his voice dripping with contempt. "Once we capture him, he'll regret his arrogance!"
"Hmm, intriguing indeed," chimed in the man bearing a massive sword, a predatory grin stretching across his face. He licked his lips hungrily, his eyes gleaming with a savage glint.
"My Executioner's Blade (Kubikiribōchō) is craving fresh blood to restore its power. This arrogant scoundrel will suffice!"
Their target was not only audacious but also ruthless. Not content with merely dispatching Jinpachi Munashi, he had also absconded with the explosive sword, Shibuki, leaving a trail of his footprints leading straight to Kirigakure Village.
"We mustn't let him slip away," declared the ponytailed man, rising to his feet with a smirk. "The footprints are still fresh; he cannot be far."
As they prepared to resume their pursuit, they were intercepted by an unexpected visitor—a masked individual who bore the insignia of the elite assassination squad under the jurisdiction of the Mizukage.
"ANBU," muttered the blue-haired youth with a scowl, his impatience palpable. "What's the matter? Speak quickly!"
The ANBU of Kirigakure Village were infamous even among their own ranks. Tasked with hunting down traitorous shinobi, they were akin to relentless hyenas, unwavering in their pursuit.
Their methods were brutal and uncompromising, governed by the strict code of secrecy established by the first Mizukage.
Hence, few welcomed the sight of ANBU operatives; they tended to be more trouble than they were worth.
"In compliance with the Mizukage's directive, I relay the mission."
The ANBU's voice rang out, cold and commanding, as he tossed a scroll forward. "Twin-Sword Hiramekarei, Onihei; Needle Sword Nuibari, Kushimaru Kuriarare; Blunt Blade Kabutowari, Jinin Akebino. Your task is to continue the pursuit of the intruders. The remaining shinobi, Fuguki Suikazan, Jūzō Biwa, and Raiga Kurosuki, will accompany me back to Kirigakure Village."
Hold on a moment. Why would the Mizukage suddenly order us to return?
He was the first to voice his discontent, his tone seething with frustration. "We've finally caught up to them, and now we're being ordered back? My blade thirsts for blood already!"
He wasn't alone in his dissatisfaction; the sentiment was shared among the others as well.
Onihei, with his blue hair standing tall like a crest, glared coldly at the ANBU. "Is this the Mizukage's decision or that of the elders council?"
"Onihei-sama, please adhere to the orders."
The ANBU didn't meet his gaze, only emphasizing the word "orders." "There are matters of greater importance within the village."
After a tense silence, Onihei reluctantly acquiesced, his expression darkening. "Very well, we shall comply."
The ANBU's expression remained unchanged as he handed over a scroll stained with blood. "This contains the information regarding the invaders, relayed by Jinpachi Munashi before his demise."
"Konoha's Uchiha Sogetsu, as mentioned by the deceased. Pursue him."
Onihei narrowed his eyes, scanning the scroll before smirking. "So, it seems the Konoha dogs have caught wind of our movements."
"Tsk, he's got a point. Onihei, this one's yours to handle."
Jūzō Biwa suppressed his irritation, arms crossed firmly over his chest.
With that, Fuguki Suikazan, Jūzō Biwa, and Raiga Kurosuki vanished alongside the ANBU.
The remaining trio, Onihei, Kushimaru Kuriarare, and Jinin Akebino, were tasked with continuing their pursuit of Uchiha Sogetsu.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Sogetsu had finally reached a village, though it wasn't Kirigakure Village itself, it was close enough.
Thanks to the policies of the first-generation Mizukage, coupled with its remote location and scarce resources, the civilian populace lived in abject poverty. Daily necessities were rationed out primarily to the shinobi, leaving the civilians with the bare minimum to survive.
Most individuals endure a lifetime in such a state. His countenance bore anguish, his gaze vacant, akin to a wandering specter bereft of all hope.
"Hmm..."
Uchiha Sogetsu stroked his chin in contemplation. "It appears the cloak of psychological invisibility is no longer necessary. These denizens exhibit utter indifference."
Upon each visage, a desolate absence of optimism for the days ahead, as if their spirits had long departed, leaving behind a hollow husk decaying slowly amidst the world.
Observing this tableau, deep within Uchiha Sogetsu's heart, his conviction solidified further: a world governed by shinobi... was flawed.
And flaws demanded correction!
As his thoughts raced, he strolled down a thoroughfare, inadvertently halting before a pharmacy.
"We've arrived."
Gazing at the apothecary, Uchiha Sogetsu proceeded inside without hesitation.
The interior of the pharmacy was modestly adorned, with many areas marred by mold and wear. Only a solitary figure toiled beside the medicine cabinet.
Unrushed, Uchiha Sogetsu sauntered in, casting a casual glance around before settling into a chair. Leaning against his hand, he regarded the industrious figure with a faint smile.
After a considerable span, it seemed she had completed her task. Wiping away perspiration, she released a soft exhale before turning around.
She, a woman in her twenties, possessed a gentle demeanor, sporting short, chestnut hair and circular spectacles framing her face. Perpetually adorned with a serene smile, she exuded an aura of approachability.
Upon pivoting, her pupils abruptly contracted.
In her pharmacy, at one point, a man was seated, his gaze fixed upon her with a smile that wasn't quite a smile. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest, and she almost screamed in terror.
"You... who are you?!" she managed to stammer out.
Suppressing her shock, the woman displayed a fearful expression, her voice trembling as she spoke: "Please... please don't kill me... I have nothing... If you want money, I can give it all to you."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Sogetsu smirked, a hint of malevolence tainting his voice: "I don't want anything... I just want you, Yakushi Nonō!"
Exposed!
That was the first thought that raced through Yakushi Nonō's mind, and in less than a second, she made a snap decision!
She couldn't meet her end here…
Konoha and those children were awaiting her return!
Mm-hmm!
A shuriken sliced through the air with lightning speed.
The woman, who had appeared delicate and gentle just moments before, transformed into a fierce cheetah, lunging towards him with deadly intent!
In the blink of an eye, Yakushi Nonō found herself frozen in place.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, her gaze locked on the man before her, solely captivated by those blood-red eyes.
"Sha... Sharingan!" Yakushi Nonō murmured softly, as if just registering the realization.
"You've been chosen, Yakushi Nonō," Uchiha Sogetsu stated, his eyes narrowing slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.
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