Chapter 204 : Swift!

In a village, under a modest stall, the rain fell relentlessly, casting a gloomy atmosphere over the wet surroundings. It seemed as if the people here shared the burden of a pervasive melancholy.

Three ninjas, identifiable by their forehead protectors, sat huddled together, eating and conversing in hushed tones.

"Big brother, this year the entire ninja world is in conflict. Surviving as ninjas in this world is no easy feat!"

A slender ninja lifted his head, downing the murky wine in his cup before grabbing a chopstick to partake in the meal.

"Heh, we ninjas have to scrape by, surviving on the scraps left behind by others' battles. Our worth only surfaces when others are in conflict," remarked another ninja, taking a sip of wine with a numb expression.

"It's our nation's weakness that has left us without a proper ninja village. We exist in the shadows of the major nations, confined to performing clandestine activities," the middle-aged ninja spoke, touching the forehead protector on his head while keeping a kunai in hand. In a place like this, vigilance was a necessity.

Though the ninjas were eating, an air of despondency surrounded them, prompting those nearby to maintain a silent distance. The rain persisted, tapping on the canopy with a mournful "ding-dong," as if crying eternally.

"Let's go."

The lead ninja adjusted his raincoat, carelessly scattering a few coins on the table before preparing to step back into the curtain of rain.

However, in that moment, a swift streak of blade light flashed by, resembling lightning in the dark night. It instantly cleaved through the rain curtain, targeting the lead ninja!

"What?!"

The lead ninja's eyes sharpened instantly, two kunai materializing in his hands as if they were extensions of his being, intercepting the incoming attack.

"Ye-!"

Sparks flew as the lead ninja staggered, successfully blocking the assault. However, the blade swiftly veered past him, aiming for the other two ninjas who were slow to react.

"How can it be so fast!"

Terrified, the lead ninja, relying on honed instincts and experience from the brink of life and death, thwarted the attack but failed to capture the assailant's form.

"Be cautious!"

Swiftly turning around, the lead ninja witnessed a human head soaring into the air, accompanied by a splash of blood.

"Sell!"

A ninja, finally coming to his senses, leaped away, attempting to form hand seals. However, a swift stroke of sword light severed one of his arms before his astonished gaze.

"You...!"

Beside a headless corpse stood a young man in a blue robe, brandishing a slender, sharp sword, his gaze icy. Rainwater seeped through the breached shelter, and a lightning flash illuminated the sky as the few remaining diners and shopkeepers fled in panic.

"You scoundrel... do you know who we are? We are Hanzo-sama's subordinates, this is—!"

Before the ninja with the severed arm could finish his threat, a sweep of knife light enlarged his pupils, and he fell lifeless into a pool of blood.

"Pat...pat..."

Rainwater soaked the samurai's robe, unable to wash away the lingering stench. He turned coldly to the last lead ninja.

"You...you also have chakra on you, you are the same as Hanzo-sama, why..."

"Despicable assassins! You scumbags, it's you who ruined this country, ruined everything I have—"

The samurai holding the tachi once again transformed into an indescribable sword light, as if a ghostly figure slid across the throat of the leading ninja, but this time he was not spared.

"Gr...gr..."

The severed throat no longer felt the pain. The cold-faced warrior quietly watched the ninja's pupils slowly dilate and finally lose focus.

"Stupid guy, I finally got my revenge."

The sharp sword was not stained with a trace of blood. I don't know if it was because the sword was too sharp or because the samurai was faster than ordinary people, and he sheathed it again.

Killing, betrayal, hatred, the eternal theme of this country. Looking at this desperate world, the vengeful samurai took a deep breath of the cold, damp air, like smoking tobacco.

"Clap clap clap."

The sudden applause sounded eerie in the gloomy rain curtain, instantly breaking the original atmosphere.

"Who--!"

The samurai, who had closed his eyes in contemplation, looked around in horror, and the sword appeared in his hand again. Just now, he didn't perceive anyone else at all.

"It's really good speed, for someone who originally only had the strength of a Chunin."

Another thunderstorm rang out, and the rain seemed to be a little heavier. Two figures in raincoats quietly followed him.

"Lord Takeshi, what a fast speed, is this ninjutsu?" Another surprised voice sounded, the rain blurred their vision, but they could see that both of them had scarlet eyes.

The wicked gaze scrutinized the samurai with impunity, as if judging a piece of cargo.

"That's right, a kind of Bloodline Limit that is better than nothing. Of course, it still has some value. It's a waste to appear on this guy."

The calmer voice sounded before, and the determined tone made the samurai feel restless and furious for no reason.

"Damn! Who are you, Hanzo's subordinates?"

The samurai looked extremely dreadful; he couldn't see the depth of the two, especially the guy in the lead. The suppressed aura made him panic.

"Don't be nervous, I'm not targeting you..."

Takeshi showed a smile that was neither happy nor sad, "I just need your body."

"Damn, go to hell!"

The samurai was furious, turned into a streamer, and attacked Takeshi again, slashing out with all his strength, as if to vent the depression and hidden fear in his heart!

"Ye-!"

It was also a kunai, but it firmly caught the sword without moving.

"The speed is very good, but the strength is too weak." Takeshi gave a pertinent evaluation.

"You... come again!"

Countless knife lights slashed through again, as if surrounding Takeshi, but Takeshi's eyes were already empty, and the flow of time seemed to be stagnant. He defused all attacks with ease.

"You...how can...!" The samurai exclaimed in horror, involuntarily taking a step back.

"This power is overwhelming. Is this the might of Lord Takeshi? And the elusive escape technique...!"

Hiruko tactfully withdrew, observing the fiery and avaricious gaze of the samurai. "If only you could obtain such materials..."

"Do you understand the consequences of your actions? Why conspire with them? Our nation is already in dire straits. Look at these dishonorable ninjas, and that Hanzo, he's just—"

"No, no, no—"

Takeshi extended a finger, shaking it gently. "These matters have no bearing on me whatsoever. The well-being of this nation and its people is not my concern. In truth, I am not even from here. I am merely here to capture the prey I seek, nothing more."

Takeshi ruthlessly cut him off, his indifferent tone and unwavering gaze leaving the samurai's next words caught in his throat.

"Somebody approaches; it's not wise to linger here for long... Nevertheless, the black market proves to be an excellent source of information."

After Takeshi spoke, numerous serpents transformed into torrents, slithering toward the warriors from beneath his cloak. In the curtain of rain, they appeared ferocious and terrifying, akin to demons seizing their prey!

"What is this—!"

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