Chapter 69

Chapter 69

The speed of the team depended on the slowest person.

Because Obito, Rin, and Kurenai were slower in their travel, the entire team was delayed, and by the time they reached Mizuguchi Town, it was already the third day.

"Black markets are usually hidden underground, in places that people pass by but wouldn't notice," said Sakumo. "Haneda, take Asuma and the others to search, and make sure to keep your identities hidden. As for the Seventh Squad..."

Sakumo's eyes turned toward Minato.

"Shall we split up?"

Minato smiled. "Yes, let's split up. This town has a large crowd, and the risk of danger is relatively low."

"Kakashi, take Rin and Obito with you, and stay safe."

As he finished speaking, Minato threw a kunai to Obito and kindly reminded him, "This is a special kunai, Obito. Make sure you take care of it for your sensei."

"Yes, Minato-sensei!" Obito eagerly grasped the kunai. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary kunai except for the four characters inscribed on it.

But since Minato-sensei had personally entrusted it to him, Obito carefully stored the kunai.

Unlike Obito, Haneda and Kakashi immediately recognized that it was a Flying Thunder God marker. Although neither of them had learned the technique, it didn't stop them from understanding its significance.

Both Haneda and Kakashi thought to themselves, "Minato-sensei really looks out for Obito."

Just then, Sakumo issued further instructions. As the most experienced member of the group, it was natural for him to take charge of the mission.

"I'll go north, Minato, you head south. As for Haneda and Kakashi, take your teams and search the east and west."

As soon as he finished, Obito started complaining.

"Damn it! I have to listen to that idiot Kakashi again? I wish I could team up with Haneda!"

"As if I want to be stuck with you either, loser," Kakashi retorted immediately.

"Let's go," Haneda quickly led his team away, not wanting to wait for Obito and Kakashi to start arguing about him again.

After walking a few steps, Haneda turned back and said, "See you later, Obito, Kakashi."

"Yeah, see you later," Kakashi responded with a smile, then turned to Obito and Rin and said, "Let's move, loser. Haneda's already gone."

…

On the way to the northern street, Asuma sidled up to Haneda and asked, "Haneda-san, how do we go about finding it?"

"Slowly, or by finding the right person to ask," Haneda replied as he removed his headband and said to Asuma and Kurenai, "Let's hide our identities first. Black markets don't openly welcome shinobi from the five great villages."

"Do we need to use a transformation jutsu?" Asuma asked again.

"No need. There's a large crowd here, so it won't make much difference. Besides, we're not exactly famous—no one knows much about us outside the village."

With that, Haneda led the group on their search. He focused on areas like restrooms and taverns, which were typical hiding spots for black markets.

After about two and a half minutes, the three of them found a tavern. Although it wasn't nighttime, the tavern was still fairly busy, with about half the seats occupied.

A drunkard saw the three youngsters walk in and jeered, "Hey kids, didn't your parents tell you? No drinking for little ones, haha!"

Haneda glanced at the man out of the corner of his eye, and the drunkard immediately collapsed. The people around him, thinking he was just drunk, laughed and mocked him.

At the counter sat a young, attractive woman, her smile enticing in a way that could stir desire in men. But Haneda was uninterested.

He walked straight to the counter, sat on a high stool, and quietly asked, "Do you know anything about the black market, miss?"

"Black market? What black market? You're asking strange questions, little boy," the woman said, smiling seductively with her lipstick-stained lips.

"You know where it is. Tell me, or I won't hesitate to use force," Haneda said calmly, his expression unchanged.

"Are you from out of town?"

Haneda didn't deny it, waiting for her to continue.

"Alright, you seem cold and composed—a shinobi, right?" the woman said in a low voice before calling upstairs, "Ichiro, we have a guest."

After a moment, a middle-aged man in a suit descended from upstairs. He glanced at Haneda, then looked curiously at Asuma and Kurenai behind him.

"Who sent you?" the man asked.

"I'm self-recommended. Take me to the market."

Haneda cast a subtle genjutsu on the man, who immediately believed him.

"Ah, Mr. K. Please allow me to guide you," the man said respectfully.

As he spoke, he gestured towards the tavern's entrance.

"The black market isn't in the tavern?" Haneda asked.

"No, sir. It's outside the town," the man replied respectfully.

"Lead the way."

Haneda waved his hand, then led Asuma and Kurenai after him.

As they walked through the crowded northern street, the number of people dwindled, and the buildings grew sparser.

Suddenly, three familiar figures appeared—Obito, Kakashi, and Rin. Leading them was another man, identical to Haneda's guide.

"Looks like everyone's here."

"Three kids: the son of the Third Hokage, the son of the White Fang, and two from the Uchiha clan."

"Your heads are worth a lot, and the girls... they look delicious."

Ichiro licked his lips, making no attempt to hide the animalistic desire in his eyes. He tore off his suit, revealing bulging muscles that ripped through his shirt.

"Asuma, Kurenai, you two go back to the village and find Sakumo-sensei," Haneda instructed.

"Obito, Rin, the same goes for you," Kakashi added.

"I, Uchiha Obito, don't abandon my comrades!" Obito declared, drawing a kunai and preparing for battle.

"Same here," said Asuma, drawing his chakra blade and turning to Kurenai. "I'll protect you, Kurenai. Go find Shomaru-sensei."

"Rin, don't worry about us!" Obito chimed in, hearing Asuma.

At this moment, Ichiro pulled out a long sword, twirling it gracefully. "How touching... too bad none of you will escape!"

He grinned maniacally and moved, his speed incredibly fast, leaving behind only an afterimage.

In an instant, he crossed more than ten meters, knocking out Rin and Kurenai as they tried to run.

His speed shocked everyone present.

"Haneda, can you keep up?" Kakashi gripped his short sword tightly, desperate to save them, but knew it wasn't the rational choice.

"Just barely," Haneda responded, his Sharingan focused intently on Ichiro. However, Ichiro seemed aware of his three-tomoe Sharingan and deliberately avoided direct eye contact.

"Could this be Swift Release?" Kakashi thought, realizing that even Haneda's Sharingan struggled to track him. Swift Release was a rare ability known for extraordinary speed, and it might explain Ichiro's movements.

***

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