The ninjas lying in ambush froze as they recognized the approaching figures: Kakuzu, Yan, Iron Tower, Kana, Souta, and others. These were not just any ninjas; they were infamous names known throughout the dark underworld. But why were they attacking alongside Namikaze Minato's group?
Before they could react, the battle erupted. The ambush team found themselves overwhelmed by the combined might of these powerhouses. In mere moments, twenty seasoned fighters were defeated and lay scattered on the ground, either unconscious or dead.
A lone man among the fallen looked up weakly at Kakuzu, confusion etched on his battered face. "Why…you were trying to form a team yesterday," he muttered, stunned.
Kakuzu's cold gaze met his. "My team accepts the highest bid. The gold exchange wasn't paying enough, so I took a better offer." Without hesitation, Kakuzu knocked the man out.
Minato observed the scene, his mind racing with questions. He recognized several of the powerful mercenaries who had just sided with Kakuzu. Why would these notorious figures fight alongside him and his students?
Reiki stepped forward, his voice calm. "Well done, Kakuzu," he said, pulling out a collection of potions from a scroll and distributing them. He turned to face the new arrivals, examining them briefly. Kana and Souta—the sibling assassins, Yan the Puppet Master, Iron Tower, and the four with rare bloodline abilities: Taiyi, Zeyi, Zhuyi, and Shangyi. Including Kakuzu, these nine were now part of his organization.
Kakuzu smirked. "Boss Reiki, we've secured the area. What's next?"
Reiki nodded. "We're now deep in the Land of Wind. Ambushes will be fewer, but rumors of our combined strength will spread. Your main task is to recruit new members. Beyond that, act as you see fit. But remember," Reiki's voice hardened, eyes sharp, "you follow my directives without deviation."
A palpable energy surged from Reiki, pressing down on Kakuzu and the others. The aura was intense enough to make even the hardened mercenaries tense. Kakuzu, despite his usual confident demeanor, felt a shiver down his spine.
Reiki's gaze swept over the group. "I am the leader of Jue. The identities I've given you as members come with responsibilities. If anyone wants to quit, this is your chance. But after today, there won't be a next time."
Kakuzu's face turned serious. "Understood, Leader. I won't repeat past mistakes," he said, referencing his questionable decisions that had previously skirted the organization's principles.
Iron Tower, towering over everyone else, stepped forward. His booming voice cut through the silence. "Your potions are valuable, and you seem wealthy. But for me to truly acknowledge you as the leader, you need to prove yourself. Break through my defenses, and I'll accept you as my boss."
The other members watched with interest. It was clear that, despite the superficial camaraderie, respect in this world was earned through strength.
Kakuzu's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. He knew what was coming. The rest, however, were about to get a lesson.
"Break your defenses?" Reiki repeated, tilting his head. "Are you sure?"
Iron Tower stood firm, pride in his voice. "Yes. I always keep my—"
"ROOM!" Reiki's voice rang out as he raised his hand, and in an instant, the world shifted. Iron Tower dropped to his knees, eyes wide as his strength drained away.
"Ahhhh!" he screamed, as Reiki's outstretched hand clenched, pulling an object into view. It was Iron Tower's beating heart, held firmly in Reiki's grasp.
The mercenaries gasped, eyes wide in shock. They hadn't even seen Reiki move. Only a faint chakra ripple gave any indication of his action.
"Is this sufficient to break your defenses?" Reiki asked, a serene smile on his face.
The realization hit all at once. "Time-space ninjutsu!" echoed in the minds of the remaining eight.
Iron Tower's voice quavered. "L-leader…" he whispered before falling silent, defeated and humbled.
One by one, the mercenaries bowed their heads, acknowledging the power before them. They understood now that against Reiki, resistance was futile. He could end them before they even realized what was happening.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 590 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
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