In the Land of Waves, within a highly secretive small manor.
A dozen maids brought out plate after plate of sumptuous food, placing them carefully before standing respectfully on either side.
At the large dining table sat only one person, none other than the man Shinsuke and Hidan were searching for—Gato.
Gato, wearing tea-colored round glasses and a white napkin around his neck, was holding a knife and fork, tackling a piece of bloody steak, which he crudely shoved into his mouth, chewing with a revolting display.
But no one present dared to show any sign of disgust; they all lowered their heads.
After a while, when the food on his plate was finished, Gato wiped his hands and downed the glass of red wine next to him in one gulp.
"The meat today is good. Tell the chef that his family's lives are spared. But as punishment, sell them all into slavery. Oh, and allow him one day a month to visit his family."
"Yes, Lord Gato. Your mercy truly illuminates the sky!"
The butler's timely and slightly exaggerated praise appeared.
Gato clearly enjoyed it, sincerely believing himself to be exceedingly 'merciful.' After all, he had been ready to send the entire family to reunite in the afterlife but ended up only making them slaves for life. Did this not showcase his 'mercy'?
Feeling he had done a great good deed, Gato began scanning the maids around him, finally nodding at two newly arrived sisters with his chin.
The two maids trembled, their eyes dull, and immediately crawled over on their knees...
Soon, a look of satisfaction appeared on Gato's disgusting face.
Seeming to sense Gato's good mood today, the butler seized the opportunity to speak: "Captain Okamoto has just sent word that he has captured two ninjas hired by the Mira family. He wants to know your instructions."
Enjoying his service, Gato replied without thinking, "Do you need to ask? Just kill them and return their heads to that old man's front door."
"I'll convey that. However, Captain Okamoto wishes to see you to show his loyalty."
"Loyalty? More like seeking credit... Hmm!"
With a shudder, Gato's thoughts changed, "Let him come, and bring those two with him. I'm a bit bored; some entertainment wouldn't hurt."
"Very well, Gato."
Upon meeting Okamoto, the butler's eyes showed approval, "Perform well, and you'll be highly valued in the future. Then I can rest assured marrying my daughter to you."
Okamoto quickly flattered, "Thank you, father-in-law. Without your support, I wouldn't be here today."
Seeing Okamoto's tact, the butler was even more pleased.
"Are these the fools who attacked the manor in the northern woods?" the butler asked, turning his gaze to the tightly bound Shinsuke and Hidan.
"Yes, many were injured capturing them alive." Okamoto lifted his shirt to reveal blood-stained bandages around his waist.
Seeing this, the butler believed him entirely and whispered, "When you meet Lord Gato, you can make the story more thrilling. Gato is a bit bored and might enjoy some entertainment."
"Understood, and thank you for your guidance, father-in-law."
"That's easy. Just remember, Gato hates being contradicted. No matter how unreasonable his demands, make sure to fulfill them."
"Yes, I will."
After a conversation and reminders, the butler finally led everyone through several hidden 'transfer points,' successfully arriving at Gato's location.
Shinsuke and Hidan remained silent and 'obedient,' letting Okamoto perform.
Fearing for his life, Okamoto dared not play any tricks and cooperated fully.
Finally, Gato, dressed like a mafia boss, appeared before them.
The butler was about to speak when Gato, with a cigar in his mouth, stopped him, "I know you're just hired by that old man, so I'll give you a chance to live."
"But only one of you can have this chance."
"Now, thank me for my mercy."
"Will you choose to live, or let the other live?"
Gato, exhaling smoke, revealed a sinister smile. He loved watching people turn on each other to survive.
After the survivor's initial joy, Gato would have Okamoto kill them, plunging them into despair. The guilt and self-blame of having killed their companion would torment them more than death.
Such scenes always delighted Gato.
"Well? Why haven't you started?" Gato frowned in displeasure.
No one stopped Okamoto from untying Shinsuke and Hidan because they knew what Gato wanted and didn't think the two captives could cause any trouble.
But Gato was displeased that the two didn't follow his script or show any fear. Instead, their eyes were full of undisguised malice and eager anticipation.
Shinsuke took out a photo, comparing it, "You're Gato? Seems like it. Target confirmed..."
For some reason, Gato's heart raced as if he sensed a looming danger.
He shouted, "Kill them!"
At the same time, Shinsuke said, "You can start now, Hidan."
"Hahaha... I'll sacrifice you all to Lord Jashin!"