Chapter 27: The Fourth Member and Kaoru Asano

In the rain, a fierce battle erupted.

The attackers, either wearing masks or covering their faces with scarves, all hid their true identities. Their use of ninjutsu was disjointed, including water release, wind release, and weapon techniques. They had no mutual understanding, relying only on instinct to coordinate.

—Like Yuto, they also saw the bounty on Takeda Takeshi's head at the bounty station and were drawn by the huge reward to take on the assassination job.

The Land of Rain, plagued by civil war and divided among various factions, was far from united. The death of a Jonin wouldn't cause a stir, making it a favored hunting ground for assassins.

The killers aimed to eliminate Takeda swiftly. Although the Land of Rain was perpetually in turmoil, the newly risen "Akatsuki" organization was reputedly united. If the battle dragged on, reinforcements for Takeda would place the assassins in a dire situation.

However, Takeda was formidable. He excelled in water release techniques, and his taijutsu was above standard. He wielded two chakra short swords that emitted a dazzling white light when swung, slicing through kunai effortlessly.

The unique hum of the chakra short swords cutting through the rain could be heard as Takeda used the water body flicker technique to swiftly move behind one of the assassins. His blade slashed down, effortlessly slicing the enemy's body in half like cutting through butter.

Bang!

Takeda eliminated one opponent but exposed his back in the process. Another assassin, seizing the opportunity, hardened his arm with rock and struck Takeda's spine, sending him flying into the wall of a steel building, denting the alloy.

Yuto raised an eyebrow, 'He's as strong as a Special Jonin from Konoha... The key point to watch out for is those two chakra weapons. However, it seems Mr. Takeda won't last much longer...'

Observing the battlefield, Yuto noted that under the continuous assault, Takeda's injuries were mounting. Though he had taken down two more assassins, it was evident he couldn't hold out much longer.

No choice but to intervene, Yuto thought, needing the money.

He concentrated his chakra in his eyes, activating his Byakugan, and the gray-black translucent vision reappeared.

"Huh?" Yuto frowned, pausing his movement.

With his Byakugan, he saw a figure hidden underground.

Screech!

A loud friction sound was heard as an assassin blocked Takeda's chakra sword with a web-like substance. Despite its fragile appearance, it was extremely tough, withstanding the first wave of the chakra weapon's impact and then entwining around it, rendering it immobile.

"Haha! A head worth 30 million ryo!" The assassin laughed, reversing his kunai to slit Takeda Takeshi's throat.

Unexpectedly, just as he was about to decapitate his prize, searing pain shot through his leg.

"Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique!"

A fine wind blade struck from below, destroying the muscles in the assassin's leg and severely damaging the bones.

Splat!

Takeda seized the opportunity, driving his chakra blade forward to easily slice the assassin's throat.

A woman emerged from the ground, standing back-to-back with Takeda.

"Kaoru! What are you doing here!" Takeda, having been rescued, was anxious, "You..."

"You're too chatty, Captain. Men are more attractive when they're silent."

"Hmph..." Takeda mumbled something and fell silent.

In the rain, the slaughter resumed.

Takeda Takeshi and Kaoru Asano's coordination was astonishing. Yuto observed that they needed no verbal communication or even eye contact to execute a perfect combination attack.

The hastily assembled assassins were no match for the duo's seamless teamwork.

After losing three more members, the assassins from the bounty station finally lost their resolve and fled using various escape techniques.

Panting heavily, Takeda wiped the sweat and blood from his face, turning to say, "Kaoru, thank you for this... But you're still injured..."

"It's nothing." Kaoru's expression was cold, her words biting, "Captain, if you really want to die, you could just jump into the river yourself. At least that way, you'd leave a whole corpse."

"Kaoru, you... I didn't want to face fifteen to one, but I had to make sure all the civilians were safe before retreating."

"If you had escaped at the start, the assassins would have followed you."

"What if they didn't and started slaughtering the protesters to force me out?"

"Heh..." Kaoru shook her head, her tone indifferent, "Your life is worth more than those civilians'. They die, you live; that's the proper way of things."

"Kaoru." Takeda started to lecture earnestly, "We Akatsuki were established for the greater good. The conflict between people stems from inadequate communication. As our leader says, we must become the bridge of the world..."

Their idle chat was interrupted by approaching footsteps.

They turned, instantly standing ready, cold sweat dripping as they prepared for a new battle.

A figure wearing tinted goggles and a thick black cloak emerged from the shadows.

Veins bulged ominously around his eyes.

Yuto walked towards them silently.

He could see clearly that both opponents were as strong as Special Jonin, highly synchronized in their cooperation. Though they appeared to be idle chatting, they remained on alert. Cornered enemies would be difficult to handle.

Thus, Yuto activated his Byakugan and pressed forward, intending to gain a psychological edge from the start.

Kaoru Asano clasped her hands together, quietly gathering chakra to perform another technique.

At that moment, Takeda spoke first, "Byakugan... You're a Konoha shinobi."

Yuto nodded slightly.

Seeing an opportunity for dialogue, Takeda continued, "I don't know why you're in the Land of Rain, nor do I know if your purpose is to kill me, but as a subordinate, I must convey my leader's will."

"My leader wants to find a Konoha shinobi."

'Yahiko? Seeking a Konoha shinobi?' Yuto was startled.

"My leader says he wants to ask a favor of a Konoha shinobi... As a reassurance, you can choose the place and time."

Takeda shrugged, "He said that in a critical situation, this might save a life. Of course, that's if you're interested in our leader."

"So, what do you say? Unknown Hyuga, fight or parley?"

(End of Chapter)