Chapter 20 Red Clouds on Black Background

'Catch Akatsuki's core members?'

Logan's eyes twitched upon hearing this. Then, many figures immediately appeared in his mind: Obito, Konan, Zetsu, Pain, Kisame, Deidara... Each one was either a monster with unique techniques or an S-rank Missing-nin.

Although the members within the Akatsuki currently might not be as numerous or formidable as they would become later, they are definitely not someone to be trifled with. At this time, Orochimaru is still in Akatsuki, although it was uncertain if he is in Amegakure.

At least for Logan now, he preferred to avoid trouble if possible.

Akatsuki has not started the plan to capture the Tailed Beasts now. Because they're still keeping a low profile, the mission this time is only A-Rank. That's why Itachi has such an idea.

Moreover, the information gathered so far was vague, and they had no clue about the Akatsuki's objectives and core capabilities. Naturally, Itachi didn't want to return to the village just like that.

But Logan didn't think so, with a "No." he immediately disagreed.

Itachi's eyes showed surprise, as if he hadn't expected Logan to respond this way, let alone refusing so decisively. His tone carried confusion as he asked: "Why?"

"…"

Logan hesitated for a few seconds, unsure how to respond. He definitely couldn't reveal the spoiler-filled answer, but how should he handle it from Itachi's perspective? After all, any Ninja would find Logan's attitude towards the mission problematic.

"Directly capturing their core members is too dangerous... For the Akatsuki to be able to replace someone as formidable as Hanzo, who is known as the 'Demigod', they must not be weak." Logan thought for a while and found a somewhat acceptable reason, "For further action, we should wait until the village is better prepared next time."

Itachi's expression softened slightly, but the doubt remained, "Even so, Senpai, leaving now and returning to the village seems too hasty."

Logan struggled for a moment, unable to find convincing evidence. Itachi stared at him, forcing Logan to meet his gaze. Then he saw the pure Ninja determination in Itachi's eyes.

For some reason, Logan's conservative thoughts suddenly weakened.

An excellent ninja, no matter how powerful the opponent, must have unwavering determination and fearless mentality. Itachi's gaze made Logan pause.

This kind of gaze had an impression in his memory. It was the countless ninjas he had encountered - during battles, during training, when blades were drawn without hesitation by certain individuals. Those ninjas, some are companions, some are rivals, some were opponents, rookies, veterans, different yet similar.

This kind of determination couldn't guarantee survival in life and death situations, but it was indispensable for Ninja.

After a few seconds of eye contact, Logan sighed deeply.

"Alright." Logan seemed to have relieved some of his burden. He felt that he might have been affected by the original work, as Ninjas should not be like this.

"Then, we will investigate for another day."

"But the plan is still not to capture the Akatsuki's core members directly. We'll attempt to infiltrate the restricted area within Amegakure and retreat if faced with insurmountable odds." Logan said.

Mindset aside, he knew all too well about the figures within the Akatsuki. Being fearless didn't mean throwing oneself into death.

Upon hearing this, Itachi nodded. Since both sides have compromised, he can't push for more. Moreover, Logan is the leader after all.

…

The night passed without incident, and it was now their sixth day in Amegakure. Since Logan and Itachi didn't plan to waste time in places like taverns or gambling dens, they changed into the Ninja attire they had brought along. After preparing the kunai, Explosive Tags and the like, they put on their raincoats and cloaks, and left the building.

Since this was their final operation here, in order to gather more information, they are not afraid of alerting the enemy.

There is light rain again today. It can be said that the weather in the Land of Rain is very uncomfortable for newcomers.

"Here, here, and here, they seem suspicious." Under the eaves of a street corner, Logan took out a simple map and said to Itachi.

Although Logan had read the original work, but if he were asked for the specific locations of the Akatsuki's bases in Amegakure, he wouldn't be able to answer. However, there were some descriptions of landmarks in the manga that Logan vaguely remembered.

The exploration of the past few days was not in vain, as he took note of everything. After his mindset changed, what Logan said to Itachi might very well be one of the Akatsuki's bases.

After Itachi finished taking note, he nodded. Then the two began to demonstrate the work efficiency expected of ANBU. Soon, they arrived at a courtyard with Amegakure's Ninjas guarding.

This courtyard occupies a piece of land by itself, standing out conspicuously amidst the somewhat chaotic layout of Amegakure. There were quite a few groups of patrolling Ninjas, but judging from their stature, most of them are just Genin.

"Nine of them, in groups of three, plus another group of three hidden in the shadows." Itachi whispered.

Logan gestured to explain a simple attack plan. In fact, it was nothing. The plan is just one person creating a distraction while the other silently took out the guards.

Since the targets are all Genin, it was really not difficult for Logan and Itachi to deal with them.

The process went smoothly, with precise timing, they took out one group at a time and then disguised themselves to infiltrate. They searched quickly but found nothing useful except for some luxurious rooms and decorations. In the innermost room, they found a basement, but it only contained money and useless scrolls, with no information about the Akatsuki.

Logan and Itachi had no choice but to leave, knowing that they had targeted the wrong place.

When they escaped, they were unlucky enough to encounter a Chunin. They worked together to quickly deal with him, but it still caused some commotion.

Several Ninjas ran in from outside, and the scene of the Chunin's death made them exclaim in shock.

"Sato-sama is dead!"

"Hurry up and go after them, those two are over there!"

The group of Genin were in a frenzy, while Logan and Itachi picked up their pace. After climbing over the wall, they immediately found an alley and ran away. As they were not willing to fight, it is unlikely for them to be caught up by the opponents.

But in this way, they are now exposed. Since the Jonin in Amegakure might become alert soon, they needed to speed up their actions.

"Let's move to the next place." Itachi said first, then rushed towards a certain direction.

It is unknown if it was God's will, but the place Itachi chose happened to be the one Logan believed was the most likely where the Akatsuki are.

Sighing, Logan gathered his Chakra and ran parallel to Itachi.

…

The fine rain fell like silk, enveloping the world. The cloak shook off the raindrops as they ran quickly. Logan and Itachi ran at full speed as inconspicuously as possible, and gradually reached a remote location.

"Here?"

As they approached the destination, they stopped on the rooftop of an abandoned building. Itachi looked at the scene in front of him in confusion and said.

"Yeah." Logan just nodded heavily. After coming here for the second time, the familiar feeling he got has become even stronger.

The scene before them seemed like an abandoned area, where rainwater washed over ruins. As far as the eye could see, there were dilapidated buildings. There were occasional high-rise buildings with dilapidated windows.

Itachi followed Logan through the area and walked into a building. The third floor was surprisingly empty. Most of the space was exposed, and the walls seemed to have been wiped clean by something mysterious.

As the two jumped onto another building through the gap, Itachi asked, "Is this the area abandoned after the early establishment of Amegakure?"

"Who knows." Logan didn't feel like thinking about how this place came to be. His vigilance is gradually rising.

"This place seems like a worthless corner, far from the core area of Amegakure, even to the edge, yet there are hidden sentries lurking around." After walking for a while, Logan signaled for Itachi to stop, then started proceeding cautiously, "And they're not rookies, there are at least two Jonin inside."

Itachi's expression also became serious. As they got closer, he, like Logan said, sensed several strong Chakra signatures.

"According to the Amegakure's Ninja we interrogated last night, the core members of the Akatsuki all wear long cloaks with red clouds on black background. When the time comes..."

Before Logan finished speaking, a sudden change occurred.