The dismissed Anbu members were left with little choice. Despite their desire to remain in the Anbu, they had been branded as traitors and expelled. Even if Shinki didn't officially record their transgressions, their departure was its own form of stigma—proof that they had breached trust, earning them a tainted reputation.
As the ex-members left, visibly defeated, Shinki addressed the rest of the assembly with an air of finality.
"This is your first and last warning. If anyone repeats this behavior, the consequences will be far more severe. The Anbu will not falter or weaken due to a few departures."
With that, Shinki unfurled a scroll. When he released the seal, dozens of puppets emerged, their eyes glowing an eerie green.
"Equip yourselves," Shinki ordered.
The puppets silently collected the discarded gear and methodically donned it. The sight left the gathered Anbu members astonished. Rumors about Shinki's puppets had circulated, but seeing them now, fully equipped and standing in formation, was jarring. Their green eyes scanned the room, adding an unsettling presence.
Shinki's expression softened as he joked, "I don't mind how many of you remain, but I can't tolerate betrayal. If this life isn't for you, leave now. I won't hold you back or tarnish your record."
"But if you choose to stay, do your job and follow orders. If not, I'll replace you with my puppets."
He gestured at the line of puppets. "These puppets have many advantages. They are only loyal to me, they can relay information across the world in real time, and they serve as my eyes and voice. Best of all, they cost less than a few explosive tags. Convenient, wouldn't you say?"
A wave of disbelief swept through the hall. The idea of being replaced by puppets—simple constructs costing as little as a few detonating tags—was unprecedented.
Nara Shikako, observing from the sidelines, marveled at Shinki's ingenuity. The move was calculated: removing disloyal members, replacing them with puppets, and instilling a palpable sense of urgency among the remaining Anbu. Shinki had ensured the unit's strength remained intact while subtly increasing the pressure on the loyalists.
Shinki turned his attention back to the group. "Now, we begin the special operation. Surround the Shimura compound. No one enters or leaves without my command."
"Yes!" echoed through the hall as the Anbu scattered to carry out their orders. The puppets took up sentry positions around the headquarters, motionless and vigilant, prepared to react at the slightest provocation.
Nara Shikako cleared his throat, stepping back. "Shinki, I'm getting old. This excitement is too much for me. I'll take my leave."
Understanding Shikako's reluctance to be involved when the Third Hokage arrived, Shinki chuckled and nodded. "Of course, senior. Take care and don't forget the recruits."
After Shikako departed, Shinki began preparing for a conversation with Orochimaru.
Deep underground, in a hidden lab, Orochimaru was dissecting and analyzing the chakra from one of Shinki's puppets. The work had already rendered several puppets useless, their broken forms strewn about the lab.
A faint glow emanated from one of the damaged puppets, catching Orochimaru's attention. He smiled slyly.
"Ah, Shinki. Ready to reconsider?"
"How many corpses do you have?" Shinki's voice resonated through the puppet's communication link, cutting straight to the point. The idea of using puppet constructs made from corpses was distasteful before, but he now realized their utility.
Orochimaru's grin widened. "I have hundreds. And if needed, the battlefield at Kawanokuni is full of them."
"Good. Craft more puppets for me, and cover the costs yourself. You can keep a share of the finished puppets, but I want all available materials processed. Also, help with the demigod's body. I have special materials for it, and I think you'll find it fascinating."
"Delightful. The demigod's corpse should yield remarkable insights."
The thought of working on Hanzo of the Salamander's body piqued Orochimaru's scientific curiosity. While Orochimaru would handle that, Shinki would focus on turning the toxic salamander remains into a puppet himself. Handling ninja corpses made him uneasy, but he had no such qualms about animal carcasses.
"Agreed. I'll have the puppets ready and delivered to the Anbu within ten days."
With a new project at hand, Orochimaru set aside his current research, excitement surging. He glanced at the damaged puppets on the table—still salvageable and potentially useful.
Recycling would save resources, and they could still serve as functional, if expendable, operatives.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 310 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS