Kakuzu, momentarily stunned by the unexpected bounty of wealth and potions, quickly snapped back to reality. He was now the first member of the Jue Organization, a prestigious position that came with responsibility. Reiki's trust in him to complete the first mission perfectly lit a fire of determination within him. Without wasting time, Kakuzu vanished into the night, determined to fulfill his new role.
Meanwhile, Namikaze Minato and his team approached the border of the Land of Wind as the sun began to set. Minato paused and addressed the group. "Ahead lies the Land of Wind. If we face no interruptions, we should reach Loulan by tomorrow evening."
Turning to Reiki, Minato asked, "Any updates from the Sanada Chamber of Commerce?"
Reiki shook his head. "No new information. The last intel provided by Prime Minister Sanada indicated that the man trying to dominate the ninja world using puppetry is named An Lushan. He appeared in Loulan a few years ago and has since manipulated its internal affairs. Loulan's situation may be different from what we know."
Reiki's tone turned serious as he explained, "An Lushan, also known as *Centipede*, is from the future. He possesses knowledge of the ninja world's development and a deep familiarity with Loulan. This advantage allowed him to take control with ease."
Minato's eyes narrowed. "Understood. Everyone, remember: when we locate An Lushan, don't engage immediately. Reiki mentioned Loulan's powerful energy source, the Dragon Vein. We need to dismantle An Lushan's plans and seal the Dragon Vein to prevent future incidents."
Aburame Shibi stepped forward. "There may be a delay. There are at least 28 ninjas converging on our location," he said, irritation flickering in his usually composed voice. Missions with Minato always seemed to attract trouble.
Rin, using her sensory abilities, corrected him. "Actually, there are 31."
Reiki, who had already scanned the area with his system, added calmly, "It's 35, to be precise."
Minato glanced at Reiki. "Reiki, can your group handle four of them?"
Reiki's smile widened. "Should be—"
"Never mind. That was a pointless question," Minato interrupted with a chuckle. "Alright, let's engage. Don't kill them all; Reiki might need them for practice later. Be careful."
Before the words were fully out of his mouth, Minato tossed several marked kunai and vanished, teleporting into action. Shibi dispersed into a cloud of insects, while Choza charged forward with raw power.
Obito watched the scene, excitement bubbling up. "Are we just going to wait here? I'm itching to fight!"
Kakashi, ever composed, shook his head. "We should stay put. Sensei and the others will likely handle this. We need to be ready in case someone slips through."
Rin, with a worried expression, looked at Reiki. "Someone is approaching."
Reiki met her eyes calmly. "As ninjas, our first task is to ensure our own safety unless it conflicts with the mission. Hide."
In an instant, Reiki and the team vanished, blending into their surroundings.
Two masked ninjas appeared in the clearing.
"Strange, their chakra signatures disappeared," one muttered, glancing around suspiciously.
"They can't have gone far. They must be—"
The ninja's sentence was cut short as he vanished with a muffled *thud*, replaced by a large stone.
The second ninja's eyes widened. "Chiyue? Where did you—?"
Panic seeped into his voice. They had worked together on countless missions, and Chiyue's sudden disappearance left him rattled. Was she taken? Or had she fled? Neither option boded well.
Chiyue had no time to process what had happened. In a heartbeat, she found herself surrounded by Reiki and his team. Before she could react, a flurry of ninjutsu hit her from all sides. In mere seconds, she was incapacitated.
Reiki leaned over her unconscious form. "Alright, stop. I said not to kill them," he instructed, checking her pulse. "Good, she's alive. I'll treat her injuries. Get your ninjutsu scrolls ready. When I say 'go,' start releasing them."
He glanced at Chiyue, a slight smile on his face. "You're a Jonin-level mercenary, aren't you? I hope you enjoy the company of the Jue Organization," he said softly, ready to begin his work.
>>>>>
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