The snowfall grew heavier, and a biting wind swept through the mountainside.
The entire mountain was blanketed in thick white snow, with only faint trails of smoke rising from a nearby village.
Under the orders of Mizukage, the Anbu Fuguki Suikazan, Biwa Juzo, and Raiga Kurosuki led three teams of elite Anbu ninjas.
Using various sensory techniques, they followed the traces deliberately left by Uchiha Sogetsu, tracking him all the way here. However, they hadn't anticipated encountering such a fierce snowstorm.
The heavy snow obscured the once clear tracks, forcing the three ninja swordsmen to split up in their search.
"It's freezing. I hate snow the most," grumbled Fuguki Suikazan, carrying Samehada impatiently. "We shouldn't split up. Let's wait for him in the Hidden Mist Village. That's his target, after all."
He was massive like a bear compared to ordinary ninjas, which perhaps made him despise the cold even more.
"No sign of Uchiha Sogetsu near Fuguki Suikazan," reported a group of four Anbu after a swift search confirmed the absence of any traces.
"With this heavy snow, any footprints he left would be long gone. It'd be a miracle if we find anything," sneered Fuguki Suikazan dismissively. Glancing at the village emitting green smoke in the distance, he scratched his chin.
"Let's head over there. I need a break."
"Fuguki Suikazan, is that wise?" one Anbu questioned cautiously. "The Mizukage ordered us to find Uchiha Sogetsu quickly."
"If we're not finding anything here, why waste time?" Fuguki Suikazan retorted, growing impatient and showing a hint of menace. "I'm tired. Can't I rest?"
The Anbu fell silent, sensing his irritation. Fuguki Suikazan was known for his short fuse; pushing him might lead to dire consequences.
Fuguki Suikazan left the Anbu behind, his stomach growling. Carrying Samehada, he headed towards the village, saying, "Keep searching. I'm hungry and need a break. Let me know if you find any leads."
"What should we do?"
The four Anbu glanced at each other, sharing a bitter smile simultaneously.
"What choice do we have?" sighed the Anbu captain helplessly. "Let him go. We can't stop him."
It wasn't far from the village. With ninja speed, it would only take about ten minutes.
Soon, they approached a dilapidated village.
"Tsk, it's in such bad shape?"
Fuguki Suikazan frowned, unsure if such a poor village could satisfy his needs.
But he had no other option. It was the only village within a radius of more than ten kilometers.
"Hey, is anyone here?"
His voice boomed like thunder, causing snow to fall from nearby houses.
Startled by the sudden noise, the elderly inhabitants cautiously emerged from their homes. They saw the imposing figure of Fuguki Suikazan, resembling a burly brown bear with a large bandaged weapon on his back and a distinctive forehead protector. The sight shocked them.
"Lord Ninja."
An elderly woman tremblingly approached with a cane, her face displaying fear and her palms sweating nervously. "Um, how can we help you?"
Fuguki Suikazan's imposing presence and intense gaze created immense psychological pressure.
The veins on the woman's hand holding the cane bulged unconsciously.
"Hmm?"
As a skilled ninja, Fuguki Suikazan immediately noticed something amiss with the old woman and frowned slightly.
The silence grew more tense. The old woman wiped her forehead nervously, avoiding the piercing gaze and managed a forced smile. "Ninja Lord, it's chilly out here. Why not come inside and warm up by the stove?"
"No rush, no rush."
Fuguki Suikazan narrowed his eyes, finding the old woman increasingly peculiar.
Instinctively avoiding eye contact, she tightened her grip unconsciously, cold sweat beading on her forehead. These signs indicated the old woman was nervous.
But why was she nervous?
Lost in thought, Fuguki Suikazan stepped forward, bypassing the crowd to stand directly before the old woman.
His imposing figure brought a daunting presence, causing the old woman to gasp for air, pupils trembling as she timidly lowered her gaze.
"You, look at me."
Fuguki Suikazan's cold gaze and deep voice, like a growling bear, carried a hint of menace. "Why bow your head when you see me? What makes you so nervous?"
"Please, spare me, Ninja-sama, spare me."
The old woman trembled, kneeling and pressing her head against the cold ground. "I'm just a simple civillian, never seen such a powerful ninja like you before. Your presence is intimidating."
"Hahaha, quite the silver tongue!"
Fuguki Suikazan chuckled heartily, pleased by the flattery.
Relieved by the laughter, the old woman thought she had deceived him.
"Hey, old woman, do you take me for a fool?"
Fuguki Suikazan squatted, gripping the old woman's hair, forcing her to look up with a fierce expression. "Do you think a few compliments will make me drop my guard?!"
Despite his bear-like appearance, Fuguki Suikazan's rough exterior belied a keen perception. He wasn't fooled by the old woman's clumsy act.
Normally, he might not have cared. But recently, trailing Uchiha Sogetsu had led them here.
The old woman's suspicious reaction to the Mist Ninja headband hadn't escaped his notice.
Is there really such a thing as coincidence in this world? Fuguki Suikazan didn't believe in coincidences. With his sharp mind, he had a hunch about something.
Maybe he was wrong, but why not give it a shot? These people were useless anyway, so no harm in trying.
"You're afraid, old woman," he said, noticing something in her eyes and expressions. He scratched his chin. "I'm curious, what's got you so nervous?"
"No, Lord Ninja," the old woman winced as her hair was pulled. "You've got it wrong. There's no secret."
"Heh, don't want to talk? Fine."
A cruel glint appeared in his eyes. Fuguki Suikazan stood up, seized the old woman's hair, and dragged her towards a nearby house. "Torture is my specialty!"
"No! Please, Lord Ninja, no!"
The old woman struggled in pain as she was dragged through the snow, leaving marks behind. "I swear, there's nothing hidden. Please forgive me!"
Onlookers couldn't bear it. "Stop, Lord Ninja, you..."
"Shut up!"
With a fierce look, he pulled Samehada from behind and swiftly struck.
Swish!
The blade, covered in barbs, sliced through several old people.
Blood sprayed, staining the white snow crimson.
Those left behind stared in horror, mouths covered, afraid to make a sound, fearing they'd be next.
"Now it's quieter," he said with satisfaction, dragging the old woman into the room.
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