Chapter 78: Clues (Seeking Follows!)
Slice!
The sharp sound of a blade cutting through flesh broke the tense silence.
Everyone turned their eyes toward Daira Kaito, who had just pushed away the Cloud ninja supporting him. Without hesitation, he swung his blade and severed his own right arm.
Baishi initially thought Kaito was preparing for a suicidal fight. But then, Kaito said calmly, "We're leaving."
Without looking back, he led his men toward Moon Island, leaving the severed limb behind.
The remaining Cloud ninja quickly followed suit, leaving Baishi to observe the scene in silence.
He examined the amputated arm, noting the deep Flying Thunder God seal still glowing on it. Smirking, he murmured, "Cloud ninjas really are something else."
"But no matter how bold they are, they still ended up doing exactly what I wanted."
Baishi understood Kaito's decision. Alone, Kaito might have chosen to fight to the death, but as a leader, he bore responsibility for his subordinates.
Cloud ninja weren't afraid to die, but they wouldn't throw away their lives needlessly. To Kaito, continuing to fight Baishi was a pointless sacrifice.
As Kaito and his team disappeared into the distance, Baishi muttered, "They're probably already plotting how to kill me."
With a smirk, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished.
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Moon Island - Deep in the Forest
A group of scruffy-looking ninjas escorted a captured pirate toward a Konoha jonin named Matsudaira Susumu.
"Captain, we've caught a strange one," one of them reported.
The lower ranks of Konoha's amphibious unit—those referred to as "Half-Fishmen"—were mostly converted civilians and criminals. Only the "Fishmen," the unit's leaders, were actual Konoha shinobi who had undergone modifications.
Matsudaira Susumu approached the trembling captive, tearing open the pirate's shirt to reveal the glowing green mark on his chest.
"What is this?" Matsudaira asked, pointing at the luminescent spot.
The pirate, Yamano Kippei, stammered, "It's the... the Seed of Life."
"Seed of Life?" Matsudaira repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of nonsense is that?"
"It's a... it's a tree seed," Kippei replied nervously.
"A tree seed? And what does it do?"
"Well, it... um..."
Kippei's hesitation was palpable. He was clearly reluctant to reveal anything about the Seed of Life, as if fearing someone might take it away.
Frustrated, Matsudaira pressed the edge of his kunai against Kippei's throat. "Answer me!"
Terrified, Kippei broke down and spilled everything he knew. He explained how the Seed of Life sustained his body without food or water and even enhanced his physical abilities.
"Improved strength and speed?" Matsudaira muttered thoughtfully.
Glancing at his subordinates, he asked, "Is this true?"
One of them replied, "Yes, Captain. His strength and speed are noticeably greater than an average person's."
Matsudaira turned back to Kippei. "Who gave this to you?"
"I... I can't say," Kippei stammered, his voice trembling.
"Say it!" Matsudaira barked, pressing the kunai harder.
"Please, Captain! I can't! Just let me go!" Kippei pleaded, tears streaming down his face.
Before Matsudaira could decide on a more aggressive approach, a figure suddenly appeared behind Kippei.
It was Baishi.
"Who are you?" Matsudaira demanded, startled by the intruder.
His shock deepened when he got a better look at Baishi's face. "Wait... you're Number 36?"
Baishi's eyes narrowed at the mention of that identifier. "You're working for Orochimaru, aren't you?"
It was Orochimaru who had assigned him the designation "36." Danzo's operatives typically referred to him as "Alpha," while Sarutobi Hiruzen had ambiguously called him "Tree."
Hearing Matsudaira call him "36" confirmed his suspicions: this man was either one of Orochimaru's people or connected to Danzo.
Realizing his identity had been exposed, Matsudaira immediately turned and bolted toward the island's edge.
"Running? Not a chance," Baishi muttered.
He flung a volley of kunai at the fleeing ninja, precisely targeting their vitals. Though two managed to avoid fatal hits, Baishi teleported twice in rapid succession, finishing them off with brutal efficiency.
Ignoring the trembling Kippei, Baishi launched himself after Matsudaira. His speed turned him into a blur, rapidly closing the gap.
Desperate, Matsudaira formed a series of hand seals and created three shadow clones to confuse his pursuer.
Baishi smirked, acknowledging Matsudaira's attempt to escape. Summoning three Wood Clones of his own, he dispatched them after the fleeing clones.
It didn't take long for Baishi to catch up to one of the figures. A tendril of wood lashed out, binding the target. However, the captive clone burst into smoke—just a decoy.
Unperturbed, Baishi teleported to another mark. His reflexes pinpointed Matsudaira's real location, allowing him to land a devastating kick that shattered the man's arm.
As Matsudaira crumpled in pain, Baishi's Wood Clone immobilized him with Wood Release: Silent Strangle Jutsu, turning him into a helpless captive.
"Wait! Thirty-Six, I have information—" Matsudaira began to plead.
"I don't care," Baishi interrupted coldly, his hand pressing against Matsudaira's head.
He activated the Yamanaka Clan's Mind Reading Technique, forcefully delving into Matsudaira's memories.
Matsudaira's body convulsed as his consciousness faded, unable to withstand the brutal mental intrusion.
Baishi remained focused, scouring the ninja's mind for valuable information.
(End of Chapter)
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