Kazekage Ninja-Chapter 43: The Prison Break (Part 3)

"Who else could claim they're as exhausted from being in prison as I am? Probably no one in the entire world."

Lying on his bed with his legs crossed, Aotu Tailuo muttered to himself in a low voice.

Indeed, ever since Yahiko left, Aotu Tailuo's prison break plan had officially kicked off, leaving him constantly on the move, never catching a moment's rest.

Fortunately, much of the groundwork had already been laid. He had spent time building his authority and leadership among the inmates of the Abyss Prison. He had established a connection with and gained the trust of Kazama Xu in the Black Prison. He had incited riots to observe the guards' response patterns and the prison's defensive arrangements.

And now, after a year had passed, the effects of the fake chakra-weakening drug were gradually wearing off. Just as Lord Rasa had said, Aotu Tailuo noticed a significant improvement in his overall chakra reserves and a marked enhancement in his strength. He was now at the peak of quasi-Kage level, just a step away from true Kage-level power. It was time to act.

Through coded correspondence with Yahiko, Aotu Tailuo outlined his prison break plan. The assistance he required was straightforward: three doses of the antidote to the chakra-weakening drug and a sand ship for extraction.

Upon receiving Aotu Tailuo's letter, Yahiko didn't hesitate. Despite Amegakure's meager finances, he spent a fortune on the black market to procure three doses of the antidote and a second-hand semi-automated warship decommissioned by Sunagakure's standing army. The antidotes cost 1.2 million ryo, and the ship a staggering 38 million ryo. Yahiko was willing to pay any price to secure Aotu Tailuo's allegiance.

The antidotes were smuggled into the prison via mail, though not in an obvious manner. The liquid antidote was extracted and sealed inside the hollow shaft of a calligraphy brush. Of course, this operation was carried out with the tacit consent of certain members of the Abyss Prison's management.

Obtaining syringes, however, was trickier. The only place in the entire prison where syringes could be found was the infirmary. Yet, for someone like Aotu Tailuo, who had established himself as the "big boss," this was hardly a challenge. After issuing the order, his subordinates quickly procured two clean syringes within a day. How they managed it didn't concern him; he simply rewarded them with two packs of cigarettes, then used the syringe to pierce the brush shaft and extract the antidote. Two doses were ready.

For the next five months, Aotu Tailuo was a whirlwind of activity, utilizing his unique position to coordinate every detail. This was a grand chess game, and no mistakes could be afforded. Today marked a critical step in the plan.

"Stop standing there like a fool. Come over and massage my legs. Have some sense, will you?"

Aotu Tailuo barked at Yamada Shuji.

Without hesitation, Yamada Shuji scurried over, carefully placing Aotu Tailuo's legs on his shoulders and diligently massaging them. His attentiveness surpassed that of a son caring for his father.

At this point, Yamada Shuji no longer carried the demeanor of the once-dominant second-in-command of the Yamada Group. The reason was simple: his backing, the Yamada Group, had been dismantled by Sunagakure.

Not long after the failed prison riot, the First Division of Sunagakure's standing army stationed in Dragonfly City launched a surprise attack on the Yamada Group. Ninja versus organized crime? It was a one-sided slaughter. The group's assets were seized, its leader Yamada Ryosuke killed on the spot, and most of its key members captured. The remaining lackeys scattered like rats.

Moreover, Sunagakure didn't stop there. They took the opportunity to sweep up several other gangs in Dragonfly City, confiscating substantial illegal funds and significantly improving public safety. Decades of entrenched problems were eradicated in one fell swoop. Many local merchants even presented banners to the Sunagakure troops, inscribed with phrases like "Champions of Justice" and "Nemesis of Crime." The prestige of Sunagakure's ninja in Dragonfly City soared to unprecedented heights.

Upon hearing the news, Yamada Shuji was like a rooster whose comb had been cut off, completely losing his former arrogance. His only hope now was to escape with Aotu Tailuo, return to Dragonfly City, and activate the Yamada Group's secret funds. Whether to rebuild the group or flee overseas, anything was better than languishing hopelessly in the Abyss.

"I know what you're planning," Aotu Tailuo remarked casually.

Yamada Shuji's head shot up, startled.

"The Yamada Group has been entrenched in Dragonfly City for three generations, nearly a century. Its history rivals that of Sunagakure itself. How could it not have left some contingency plans?"

Yamada Shuji remained silent, but his hands noticeably faltered in their movements.

"But it doesn't matter. I'm not interested in your underworld dealings. As long as we successfully escape on the 16th, you can go back to Dragonfly City, and I'll head to Yugakure. We'll never cross paths again."

"Understood," Yamada Shuji replied in a low voice.

"Alright, that's enough. Your technique is terrible. How's the preparation of provisions going?" Aotu Tailuo asked.

"Almost done. Each person has two bags of rations, made by connecting socks together. They're lightweight and don't hinder movement. Water pouches are also—"

"Fine, as long as they're ready. Don't overdo it; we don't want to get stuck during the escape."

"Yes, yes."

Yamada Shuji nodded hastily.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Prisoner 006040, step out!" a guard called.

"Coming!" Aotu Tailuo grumbled as he reluctantly got up. "What now?"

"Lucky you. The warden wants to see you," the guard replied.

Aotu Tailuo sighed and lazily walked out of the cell.

As soon as he left, the cell door was locked again.

Immediately, a group of inmates surrounded Yamada Shuji.

"Well, Second Boss, how's it going?" one of them asked.

Gone was Yamada Shuji's earlier servility. His face darkened with malice.

"Hmph! Aotu Tailuo thinks he can just waltz out with us? Not a chance."

"So… what's the plan?" another inmate asked.

"He's planning to act on the 16th, right? We'll move a day earlier. Let him rot here doing laundry," Yamada Shuji sneered.

"Got it. I've been itching to see him take a fall."

"Exactly! How dare he bully our Second Boss!"

"If we were back in Dragonfly City, we'd have—"

"Quiet!" Yamada Shuji cut them off.

"This has to be handled carefully. No leaks. If we succeed, you'll all be founding members of the new Yamada Group. I won't forget your loyalty. But if anyone spills the beans…" His voice turned icy. "Don't blame me for being ruthless."

What they didn't know was that Aotu Tailuo and the "guard" were eavesdropping just outside the cell.

"Just as I thought," Aotu Tailuo whispered with a smirk. "Those bastards plan to ditch me."

"Isn't that exactly what you wanted?" the "guard" said, rubbing his face before peeling off a hyper-realistic mask to reveal the face of Zhenshan Bao, the warden himself.

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