Injecting Maki with the Will of Fire
The girl standing before him was surprisingly smaller and seemed even more delicate than Nohara Rin.
Her chestnut hair was also a lighter shade compared to Rin's.
Born in Sunagakure, she possessed a remarkably tough spirit.
In a way, she resembled a Sunagakure version of Nohara Rin.
Just as Nohara Rin was a student of Namikaze Minato, Maki was a student of Pakura, creating a similar parallel.
"A substitute... that could actually work..."
Sarutobi Ryo muttered so quietly that Maki couldn't hear him.
She was currently frozen in shock by the unique Summoning Weapon of the Sarutobi Clan that Sarutobi Ryo had just called forth.
As a ninja, she understood the basics.
Seeing the weapon with her own eyes, she instantly knew what was about to happen.
Before she could speak, Sarutobi Ryo's gaze hardened: "Interrogation... begin!"
Instantly, Sarutobi Ryo launched a brutal attack, unleashing a storm of physical blows.
Sizzle!
The fierce assault sent shivers down Maki's small frame.
"Ugh..." Maki stared blankly at the ceiling, enduring unimaginable pain from the sudden onslaught.
Crimson blood trickled down, drop by drop.
Sarutobi Ryo intentionally avoided using his Steel Release Kekkei Genkai to amplify his blows.
The reason was simple: Maki was too fragile, and using Steel Release would likely kill her instantly.
He needed to tailor his methods to the individual.
Different people required different levels of... persuasion.
So, Sarutobi Ryo continued his assault, relying solely on his physical prowess.
Even without the Steel Release Kekkei Genkai, the inherent strength of the Sarutobi Clan's bloodline was enough to keep her on the edge of death.
The night deepened.
The Third Shinobi World War had just begun, with ninjas from every country clashing in battle.
And Sarutobi Ryo... was also working hard.
In the decadent Crescent Moon Oasis, far from the reach of Sunagakure Ninja, Sarutobi Ryo was safely conducting his interrogation.
Bang! Bang!
Sarutobi Ryo relentlessly unleashed his blows.
Maki's body convulsed with each hit.
It took her a while to realize what was happening.
And when she did, she couldn't help but scream, a sound that echoed through the room: "Aaaaaah!"
The sound was deafening.
Her terror and despair were palpable.
The cold-blooded interrogator relentlessly beat the young girl with his summoned weapon.
Their plans had backfired spectacularly.
The Sunagakure Elders had created such a corrupt zone, making it impossible for Sunagakure Ninja to properly oversee it.
In other words...
"Even if you scream your lungs out, no one will come to save you..."
That was the harsh truth.
Sarutobi Ryo said, staring at the tearful, screaming girl before him.
"Ugh~!"
In the next instant, Sarutobi Ryo intensified the interrogation, his physical attacks becoming even more exaggerated and rapid.
Staying calm when a mountain collapses before you is only possible if you've never actually seen a mountain collapse.
Now, Maki would learn what true fear was.
It wasn't just having your mind probed by secret techniques that was terrifying.
Humanity's deepest malice and darkness were the true face of fear.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The interrogation continued, Sarutobi Ryo using various physical techniques; the terrifying methods completely overwhelmed the Sunagakure girl...
...
...
...
Time passed, he didn't know how long.
Outside, the stars filled the sky, and Sarutobi Ryo's interrogation was reaching its final stage.
Under constant torture, Maki, who had never experienced such methods before, and coupled with Sarutobi Ryo's relentless verbal attacks, finally broke down completely.
Trembling and stammering, she tearfully revealed some secrets.
But she stubbornly refused to say the rest, no matter what.
Sarutobi Ryo knew that this was probably the limit of the interrogation.
Unsurprisingly, he had obtained information about Magnet Release.
According to Maki, her Teacher... Pakura's house contained a collection of scrolls with information on Magnet Release.
It was easy to guess that the Kazekage had given it to her.
Pakura had earned many merits and made great contributions to Sunagakure.
The Kazekage's Magnet Release would eventually need someone to inherit it. In other words, there would be a wide search for successors.
Although Pakura didn't have Magnet Release, she could at least gain some experience from studying the techniques to enhance her own abilities.
Sarutobi Ryo filled in the blanks himself, then used his final interrogation method.
"Ice Release..."
Freezing cold air shot out from the Summoning Weapon.
This technique could be considered Ninja Body Techniques.
Sarutobi Ryo had a sudden inspiration, which proved perfect for Maki.
Sizzle sizzle sizzle~!
"Ugh~!"
The terrifying cold caused Maki to freeze momentarily, then her eyes rolled back, and in an instant, her thoughts and some of her bodily functions were frozen.
She maintained the posture of performing Ninja Body Techniques, for a long time... a long time...
Poof~.
Sarutobi Ryo stepped back.
System notifications appeared.
But the progress was somewhat interesting.
[Maki: 30%]
In fact, many individuals didn't need to reach 100% to receive rewards.
As for the remaining progress, it probably related to things like her favor and obedience.
"In any case, Magnet Release is within reach."
Confirming that Ice Release would slow down Maki's bodily functions, meaning... even if she didn't eat or drink for a few days, she would remain in a state of low consumption, Sarutobi Ryo left the suite.
After locking it with his key, Sarutobi Ryo left the hotel completely.
He had rented it for several days, and no one would disturb him during that time.
The corruption of the Sunagakure Elders had instead become the best cover for his actions. Wouldn't that be considered shooting themselves in the foot? Heh...
...
Before dawn arrived, Sarutobi Ryo arrived at the entrance to Sunagakure.
Infiltrating Sunagakure was relatively difficult.
But through interrogating Maki, Sarutobi Ryo learned of the gaps in several guard posts.
Sunagakure was surrounded by mountains on all sides, but this was not a problem.
Using Earth Release Ninjutsu to sneak in, Sarutobi Ryo successfully entered Sunagakure under cover of darkness, taking advantage of the guards' lack of preparation.
There were few pedestrians on the dark streets.
Following the shadows, he found Pakura's house according to the address Maki provided.
Upon entering, he found only simple furnishings, showing Pakura's simple life.
Deep inside the room, he spotted a Storage Room with a Sealing Technique.
The barrier was set by Maki herself, showing Pakura's trust in her student, and Maki's skill in Sealing Techniques.
Having the "key" already, Sarutobi Ryo easily broke open the barrier, took out the scroll, glanced at it to confirm it was genuine, stuffed it into his chest, and left directly.
From infiltration to departure, Sarutobi Ryo didn't alarm anyone.
Because he didn't do anything extra, only aiming to steal something, his actions were very smooth.
After Sarutobi Ryo left, the sun began to rise.
The residents of Sunagakure took to the streets, and a new day... began.
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 229 (Vol 2 Ch 171)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 109 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
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Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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]