140 Freedom Fighter Organization, Conqueror Infusion

The fire marked the end of the former noble's reign.

But the battle was far from over.

"Simu-sama."

Yuanichi Toshiro knelt before Simu, his hands trembling with excitement.

Simu quickly lifted him up. "Alright, alright. I've told you before—men shouldn't kneel so easily."

"Yes!" Toshiro grinned, wiping the dust off his face.

Hyuga Tokumitsu, standing beside him, patted the young man's shoulder. "This kid is strong. He's one of the best in [Freedom Fighter] and now serves as a team leader."

[Freedom Fighter] was a combat force established by the Aster Flower Chamber of Commerce. 

It gathered skilled ninjas from across the world, many trained in Marine Six Styles.

Most members were refugees displaced by war or impoverished wanderers with nowhere to go. 

After rigorous selection, they joined [Freedom Fighter], forming the backbone of the Aster Flower Chamber of Commerce's military strength.

"I never expected that the kid we saved by chance back then would grow into a revolutionary hero," 

Simu said with a satisfied nod. Then he added, "But our goal is much bigger than this. Don't push yourself too hard."

"Yes! I swear to fulfill my mission!" Toshiro placed his fist over his heart, a symbol of his dedication to the revolutionary cause.

Shikaku entered the room, holding a document—the report on today's battle.

"The casualties have been count"

"One [Freedom Fighter] member was killed, seven seriously injured, and eleven with minor wounds. The injured have been sent to the medical team for treatment.

"As for the civilians who joined the uprising, nineteen were killed, and many others wounded. The Wandering Miko is tending to the injured."

Simu nodded slightly.

After all, these people were just farmers and miners. They had no real combat training.

Even though today's battle was one-sided, the chaos still led to many casualties.

Kushina hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Simu glanced at her, smiled, and said, "Just say it."

"We could have stepped in earlier and prevented so many losses," Kushina said, confused.

After all, if she, Simu, Shikaku, and the others had acted sooner, neither the civilians nor [Freedom Fighter] would have had to suffer.

"You're right," Simu admitted, looking at the ninja map hanging in the center of the room. His deep gaze seemed to take in the entire world.

"But the ninja world is huge. We can't do everything for them."

"If they want to survive in this chaotic world—if they want to build their own future—they have to fight for it themselves."

"Only what you earn through your own struggle truly has meaning."

Simu's words made Kushina and the others fall into deep thought.

His vision for [Freedom Fighter] was clear—it would be a battle-hardened army. Sacrifice and injury were inevitable.

In the dim light, Yuanichi Toshiro's eyes were firm.

"Simu-sama is right. We can't always live under the protection of our predecessors. Only through blood and struggle can we grow."

Simu looked at him with satisfaction.

Shikaku checked his pocket watch.

"By now, the operations in other locations should be wrapping up."

The Aster Flower Chamber of Commerce's efforts weren't limited to just one place—far from it.

Hyuga Lindy, Namikaze Minato, and even Kakashi and Rin had been assigned missions by Simu.

Reaching into the coat of justice, Simu pulled out a Den Den Mushi.

"Lindy, how's the situation on your end?"

Lindy's soft voice came through the Den Den Mushi.

"Don't worry, Simu-kun, everything is under control."

"Good."

After confirming Lindy's success, Simu contacted Minato, Kakashi, and the others.

As expected, all seven towns had been secured.

This outcome wasn't surprising. The locations had been carefully chosen based on Anbu intelligence. 

Each target had weak defenses, incompetent leadership, and a population already on the verge of rebellion.

Getting an initial win is perfectly normal.

"Although the first step is successful, the next action is the most important.

After witnessing the miserable life of the common people, and the corruption of the nobles.

Shikaku has completely devoted himself to the position of the Freedom Fighter action staff officer.

Simu marked seven points on the map and connected them into a circle.

"We've taken seven towns, but the daimyo won't stay silent. There will be a response."

"They'll send samurai forces and possibly the newly formed guardian ninja unit to suppress us."

He tapped on the mountains within the circle.

"Before they arrive, we must gather our forces and move into the Liangshan Mountains. Guerrilla warfare will be our best strategy."

"Our goal is to drain the daimyo's resources, forcing Konoha to stay neutral or limit its involvement."

"We also need to keep our abilities hidden. If we stand out too much, it could trigger a full-scale conflict between the daimyo and Konoha. Worse, the great powers might unite against us."

Shikaku nodded but hesitated, a troubled expression crossing his face.

"But if you don't step in, won't it be difficult for [Freedom Fighter] to handle the guardian ninja troops with their current strength?"

Though not as strong as Konoha, the guardian ninja unit had been formed with significant resources and couldn't be underestimated. Relying solely on [Freedom Fighter] might not be enough to hold them off.

Simu, however, remained unfazed.

"We have top-tier fighters on our side as well."

Just then, a dark figure entered the room, draped in a black cloak. Half of his face was concealed by a mask, and his presence was sharp and menacing.

Kakashi immediately recognized him.

The green pupils gleamed in the dim light.

"Boss, why did you call me here?"

It was Kakuzu.

Kakuzu was one of the strongest fighters in [Freedom Fighter].

Shikaku recognized him immediately.

"Kakuzu, the infamous bounty hunter… the strongest mercenary?"

Konoha's Anbu had long kept records on major underground figures, and Kakuzu's activities had been well-documented. That was why Shikaku identified him at a glance.

He turned back to Simu, his expression questioning.

After all, Kakuzu had just called Simu… leader.

Seeing the doubt in Shikaku's eyes, Simu simply smiled.

"That's right. Kakuzu is under my command now. His code name is [Drought Disaster]."

Kakuzu, as usual, remained expressionless, his face devoid of emotion.

He didn't know why Simu had chosen that name for him, but he had to admit—it sounded pretty good.

"What's the mission this time?" he asked, cracking his knuckles.

Simu raised an eyebrow.

"Actually, this mission is exactly the kind you like, Kakuzu."

"Oh?"

If there was one thing Kakuzu loved, it was making money.

"Our goal is to wipe out the nobles. And tell me, do you really think those leech-like nobles don't have money?"

Kakuzu's eyes lit up.

Simu had a point.

After spending decades in the underground bounty exchange, Kakuzu knew the financial landscape of the ninja world better than most.

The nobles were the wealthiest figures in existence, and nearly every high-value bounty on the market had been issued by them.

A gleam of interest flickered in his eyes.

"Nobles, huh? Sounds like profitable prey."

Shikaku, listening to Simu's words, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

This shameless boss was making empty promises again.

That said, he wasn't wrong. Their ultimate goal was to eliminate the nobles.

But what did that have to do with this mission?

Wasn't their current objective to fend off the daimyo's counterattack?

Noticing Shikaku's skeptical gaze, Simu coughed lightly.

"Ahem. Well then, the next phase is up to you, Shikaku."

The upcoming operation in the next town would be fully under Shikaku's command.

A perfect way to tie him even more firmly to their cause.

Shikaku sighed.

"This is such a hassle… but fine, I'll handle it."

There was no denying it—this mission had significantly shifted Shikaku's perspective.

"But what about the village?"

As a Konoha ninja, Shikaku was technically bound to the village.

Without an official assignment, he couldn't stay away for too long.

"I'll handle the village problem," Simu said casually, putting Shikaku's concerns to rest with just one sentence.

Under the pressure of military spending, even the Third Hokage had no choice but to silently allow their actions.

"Also, we need to accelerate operations in other towns. The daimyo can't afford to focus solely on us."

If more uprisings occurred, the daimyo's forces would be spread thin, creating the perfect opportunity for their next move.

"Understood." Shikaku nodded.

"Kakashi and the others should be arriving tomorrow."

Besides Kakuzu, Simu planned to leave his disciples here to gain experience in real combat.

He had high expectations for Kakashi—ideally, he would become a trusted right-hand man in the future.

As the battles across all towns came to an end, a sudden voice echoed in Simu's mind:

[Kaido's imitation value has reached 40%. Ability extraction in progress…]

[Congratulations! You have acquired [Conqueror's Haki Infusion].]

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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