265. Ruins of Rōran

The next day, Izumi gathered with the other members and there was one person who wasn't a member among them. That person is none other than Ariel.

Ariel accompanied them since Izumi and the others were leaving soon. In addition, Izumi also asked Ariel to take care of the kids before Kumoko completed her apotheosis.

Since Ariel got his help, it would be rude to refuse. So Ariel promised him.

Besides, Izumi already had a plan for them. So, it would be better if the babies grow before being brought back to Earth.

The normal time in this world was 10 times slower than on Earth. Izumi planned to build his own company, and he needed someone like them who knew the existence of another world.

Putting that matter aside, after talking to Ariel for a while, they disappeared.

— — — —

As Izumi, Tabane, Kisame, Hiiro, Rory, Ruri, Warrod, and Kakashi arrived at the Kaiyōgakure village in the Naruto world, they were shocked to find the once serene village now reduced to a desolate and scorched landscape. The destruction was extensive, and powerful jutsu had clearly been used to devastate the area. The trees were charred, and the ground was scarred with the remnants of battles long past.

Upon seeing this devastation, the group exchanged worried glances. It was evident that something terrible had happened here. The signs of destruction were not something that could have been caused by natural disasters or rogue ninjas. The group quickly surmised that the Akatsuki organization, with their nefarious goals and immense power, was the likely culprit behind this destruction.

Izumi, known for his sharp observation skills, examined the area closely, noting the remnants of various elemental jutsu that had been used. Tabane, with her tech expertise, tried to gather any data that might reveal more about the attack.

Kisame, ever vigilant, readied his Samehada and glanced around, expecting any potential threats. Hiiro, with his Word Magic, cast a protective barrier to ensure their safety. Rory and Ruri discussed potential strategies to deal with the Akatsuki while Warrod and Kakashi assessed the level of damage and how to begin the reconstruction process.

Rory's grin widened at the mention of the Akatsuki, embracing the challenge that lay ahead. "Akatsuki are already eyeing us. Well, that's a good thing," she said with confidence.

Warrod, always the contemplative one, observed the surroundings and raised the question, "Do we need to rebuild this place?" He was genuinely concerned about the fate of their former village.

Izumi, however, shook his head, expressing a different perspective. "No need," he responded with conviction. "I think we won't use this place anymore." His decision was clear, and he had a good reason behind it.

Izumi then turned to Tabane with a smile, his focus shifting to a more positive topic. "First and foremost, Tabane-chan, let's welcome our new member!"

Tabane nodded enthusiastically. "Leave it to me!" she exclaimed, ready to handle the task of welcoming the new member to their group.

Tabane's use of the phone to bring in new members was nothing short of impressive. She reappeared after a brief absence, accompanied by Uzumaki Karin, who possessed the Sharingan.

Some of the members already recognized Karin, having worked with her in the past, while others were introduced to her for the first time. In a formal manner, Karin introduced herself to the group, "I'm Uzumaki Karin, and I'm here to assist you all. It's a pleasure to meet those of you I haven't worked with before."

Izumi's question brought a moment of contemplation among the group. The prospect of Karin joining the mission midway had raised an important concern – would she be eligible for the same rewards that the rest of them had come for? The nature of these rewards, determined by the Chat Group System, was still a mystery to them.

As the group exchanged glances, they were caught in a dilemma. They had all committed to this mission with the hope of gaining rewards, but the circumstances had now changed with Karin's arrival.

To address this question, they would need to consider the rules and parameters set by the Chat Group System and, more importantly, come to a consensus as a team on how to handle this situation.

Rory broke the silence by saying,

"Well, let's try it first. If she gets the reward, that would be wonderful. If not–" She glanced at Karin.

Rory's suggestion to give it a try first received nods of agreement from the group. They decided to proceed with the mission, keeping in mind the potential reward for Karin.

"Reward or not, it doesn't matter. I just want to help big bro Izumi." Karin declared.

Her heartfelt declaration of wanting to help Izumi, regardless of any rewards, touched everyone.

Izumi, who had initially transplanted the Sharingan to Karin with certain expectations, was surprised by her unwavering loyalty and willingness to support him. Her selflessness had a profound impact on him, warming his heart.

Kisame's praise of Karin as a "good girl" resonated with everyone, and they expressed their approval and admiration.

With their emotions now harmonized, the group delved into discussing the mission plan.

— — — — —

Kisame's observation of their choice of attire, the black cloaks with red clouds - the unmistakable Akatsuki robe - brought a wry smile to the group's faces. They were well aware of the symbolism behind the outfit, and it was a strategic choice made by Izumi.

However, not everyone was pleased with the fashion sense of the Akatsuki. Hiiro expressed his distaste for the robe, describing it as ugly, a sentiment that Rory wholeheartedly agreed with.

Tabane, with her more carefree attitude, found humor in the situation and commented that she couldn't blame the Akatsuki considering the world they were in. Her practicality shone through, showing that the robe's appearance was of little consequence compared to the mission at hand.

Izumi, addressing the group, broke the silence, "The Akatsuki attire will help us move discreetly in this world. It's a necessary disguise."

Kisame, with a chuckle, added, "And it might just make us look the part."

Hiiro couldn't hide his distaste for the outfit, "This robe is so ugly. The Akatsuki has no sense of fashion at all."

Rory agreed, nodding in affirmation, "Yeah, it's not exactly stylish."

Tabane chimed in with a light-hearted tone, "Well, I can't blame them since this world is too backward."

They might not have liked the fashion choice, but they understood the importance of blending in while working on their mission in the Naruto world.

Izumi and Tabane, with their enhanced speed and the IS technology at their disposal, set off on their own to locate the ruins of Rōran in the Land of Wind. They were confident in their ability to reach the destination quickly and scout the area before returning to bring the rest of the group with teleportation.

The ruins of Rōran held a deep historical significance in the Naruto world. It was a kingdom surrounded by a desert in the Land of Wind, known for its gardens, palace, and the mystical Ryūmyaku vein. Izumi and Tabane, guided by their mission, sought to explore the remnants of this once-thriving kingdom.

As Izumi and Tabane arrived at Rōran, they found themselves standing within the ruins of a once-thriving kingdom surrounded by the vast expanse of a desert in the Land of Wind. The sight before them was both haunting and awe-inspiring.

The remnants of the city bore the marks of time and destruction. Crumbling buildings, partially buried in the shifting sands, stood as silent witnesses to the city's storied past. Weathered stone walls, adorned with intricate designs and carvings, hinted at the grandeur that had once defined Rōran.

The Garden of Ryūmyaku, a place once vibrant and lush, now lay in disarray, with overgrown plants and vegetation struggling to survive amidst the arid environment. The Rōran Palace, a symbol of power and authority, was now in a state of decay, its majesty fading into history.

The Source of the Ryūmyaku, the epicenter of the city's power, held an air of mystique as it lay dormant and sealed, no longer pulsating with chakra.

The vast desert surrounded Rōran, stretching as far as the eye could see, giving the impression that the city was an oasis lost in time. The winds carried the whispers of the city's past, and the stillness of the surroundings was punctuated only by the occasional gusts of sand.

As Izumi and Tabane stood amidst the ruins of Rōran, they exchanged glances, the shared history between them intensifying their connection.

Izumi, with a thoughtful expression, remarked, "This place has seen its share of triumph and tragedy. The power of the Ryūmyaku, once a source of hope, became a destructive force."

Tabane, appreciating the gravity of the situation, responded, "It's a testament to the consequences of wielding such immense power."