Chapter 153: The Current State of the Nin-Village

Since the Public Security Bureau began a citywide manhunt, the Nin-Village had relocated its headquarters to a remote district on the outskirts of New Eridu.

This location was close to Hollow Zero and rarely visited by anyone. It was still home to a few stubborn residents who refused to move, making the place undesirable even for the Public Security Bureau to investigate.

Ironically, it was Zhao Anmen who had selected this "feng shui haven" for them. The only downside was its distance from the city center, which meant few opportunities to interact with elites or those in power.

At this moment, in an underground chamber of the Nin-Village headquarters, the remaining six Shadows—excluding Zhao Anmen—were holding a small meeting.

The discussion focused on members who had recently deserted the organization. Since the Bureau declared them fugitives, their financial sources had dried up. Over time, some could no longer hold on and began to abandon the cause.

Some were captured and executed. Others managed to escape back into New Eridu. But none revealed the location of the headquarters—mainly because they themselves were on the Bureau's most-wanted list.

"The organization's numbers have dropped from three hundred to just a few dozen. At this rate, we'll be done for before the Bureau even lifts a finger," said the Shadow ranked Nine—the lowest among them.

He was the newest of the group, but still held some sway. Especially after Ao and Murasaki were killed, the status of every remaining Shadow had risen.

Unfortunately, none of their subordinates had yet passed the trials to become a new Shadow. Otherwise, there would've been more than six attending this meeting.

"What about Aka? He said ages ago he'd help us return to the old base. What's the delay? Don't tell me he got promoted in the Bureau and sold us out?"

Midori sneered. The other Shadows shot him irritated looks.

They all knew that without Zhao Anmen covering for them, they'd have been wiped out by the Public Security Bureau long ago. They wouldn't be here holding meetings.

As for why his promises kept getting delayed—it was probably due to upper-level Bureau officials refusing to loosen their grip. Otherwise, they'd have returned already.

"Forget about Aka. He has his reasons. You all know he joined the Bureau before he joined us. He'd never betray us."

Kuro spoke up. Though he appeared to be just a cat lover, he was the highest-ranking Shadow after Zhao Anmen in terms of respect and authority within the organization.

"I heard that Uchiha killed a colossal Ethereal in Hollow Zero... Aren't any of you afraid he might come knocking?" Chairo said calmly—the same man who had lost an arm to Zhong Yan.

His severed arm had since been replaced with a prosthetic. Though it wasn't as nimble, the device could store ether energy, and he was arguably stronger now than before.

Realizing the vast gulf between himself and Uchiha, Chairo didn't feel urgency—but he did worry the man would show up.

As soon as the name "Uchiha" was spoken, a heavy silence fell over the room.

Everyone knew—he was the reason they were in this dire situation to begin with.

But there was nothing they could do. His strength was terrifying. Even if all nine Shadows had been in peak condition and joined forces, they likely still wouldn't have stood a chance.

"Some things are beyond our control. That guy Uchiha—he's strong to the point of not even seeming human. Losing to him wasn't shameful."

The six Shadows began to console one another, trying to find comfort in unity.

"Hmph. The fact I didn't kill you all is already my greatest mercy."

Suddenly, with a spatial vortex swirling to life, a voice filled the room—a voice that struck fear into their hearts.

Zhong Yan, appearing in his Uchiha persona, stepped calmly out of the vortex, standing silently before them.

The moment he appeared, everyone froze. Only after a second passed did they react, faces sharpening as they slipped into battle-ready stances.

But none dared act recklessly. After what happened last time, they knew better. No one wanted to be the next example of what happened to the overconfident.

"Uchiha... I don't care what your goal is, but I'll warn you—we're not so easily bullied!" Kuro said, locking eyes with Zhong Yan. At this point, all he could do was try to intimidate him with words.

Zhong Yan didn't even bother responding seriously—he just laughed.

"I could wipe you all out with a single look. Tell me—what makes you think you're qualified to speak to me like that?"

It wasn't an exaggeration. With one genjutsu, Zhong Yan could subjugate all six of them. That wasn't far off from a one-shot kill.

Unfortunately for the Shadows, every person who reached their rank in the Nin-Village was a proud and formidable warrior. Any one of them would be considered a powerhouse in New Eridu.

Too bad their opponent... was Zhong Yan.

Watching the six fall silent, Zhong Yan no longer felt like wasting words. He got straight to the point.

"Nin-Village members—let's make a deal. I need your help. And in return, I'll do something for you in exchange... Oh, and by the way—this deal is mandatory. You don't have a choice."

The commanding tone made all six Shadows scowl. A mandatory deal? Did he think they had no pride?

Midori stepped forward, pointing a finger at Zhong Yan. "Uchiha, I'll admit you're strong. But don't think just because you're above us in power, you can toy with us like we're nothing—"

Before he could finish, Zhong Yan responded.

Deep blue energy surged around him. Though he hadn't yet formed Susanoo, the pressure it generated was already making several of them gulp.

"Seems you still don't understand the situation," he said coldly. "So let me spell it out for you."

"Make the deal... or die."