Chapter 66: Then Kill Them All

Logan followed Terumi Mei through the fog-covered streets of Kirigakure. Nearly every tourist was holding an intelligence booklet. The level of popularity was clearly no accident.

"This part of Yagura's policy too?" Logan asked.

Terumi Mei nodded. "Since taking power, Yagura has implemented a range of policies, but they all boil down to two goals: killing people and making money."

She gestured toward the intelligence book in Logan's hand.

"That's just a small part of it. There's also human trafficking, which you've already seen—and—"

She tilted her chin toward a street ahead.

Due to Kirigakure's constant fog and the overextended rooftops blocking what little sunlight filtered through, the street was dim. Neon signs blinked in the darkness, casting hues of red and violet across the slick cobblestones. Women in revealing outfits strutted beneath the lights, wearing flowered hairpins and heavy makeup, each projecting a unique charm.

The sidewalks were filled with men of all kinds—noble, merchant, shinobi—all eyeing the women as if browsing wares. Among them, a short, fast-talking man with oiled hair darted between groups, expertly soliciting customers.

"Kirigakure's Kabuki Street is probably the most prosperous red-light district in the entire shinobi world," Terumi Mei said with a bitter smile. "Countless men flock here every day, spending fortunes for a night with an oiran. Half the profits go straight into Yagura's pocket."

Logan could guess how such a business operated without resistance. The heavy pressure from the Blood Mist policy created psychological strain for shinobi and civilians alike—no one knew if they would survive tomorrow.

And Yagura's wealth-hoarding methods ensured some of that money trickled back into the pockets of his subordinates.

Where there is money, there is stress.

And where there is stress, there is vice.

"Make money, spend it, and don't expect to bring a single ryo home," Logan muttered.

Terumi Mei smirked and glanced at him sideways. "What, are you tempted to go in and take a look? With your looks, you might not even have to pay—you might make money."

Logan waved dismissively. "I'm not looking at the women. I'm looking at the shinobi."

He pointed toward several Kirigakure ninjas patrolling Kabuki Street, forehead protectors gleaming faintly in the neon lights.

"Now I understand why Yagura maintains the Blood Mist Policy," Logan said. "And why so many shinobi still support him."

From Kabuki Street to the human trafficking base Logan had destroyed earlier, there was serious money involved. So long as Yagura redistributed even a portion of it to his subordinates, he secured fierce loyalty.

"In order to keep that money flowing," Logan continued, "those same loyalists will defend his entire operation. Anyone who tries to topple him becomes a threat to their livelihood."

Terumi Mei nodded solemnly. "Selling out one's conscience for profit… That's the dream for many shinobi. Honestly, outside Kirigakure, there are plenty of others who would sell out—if only they had the chance."

"In that sense, Yagura is their savior," Logan said, disgust lacing his tone.

There were too many ears around for them to talk in detail. The group slipped through the crowd and arrived at a modest hot spring inn.

Once they were upstairs, doors locked and tea poured, Terumi Mei finally spoke again.

"According to your intel, Ao used his Byakugan to inspect Yagura's chakra flow. He confirmed it—Yagura's under genjutsu."

Xiao Tao frowned. "If that's true, why not make it public? Or just dispel the illusion?"

"It's not that easy," Terumi Mei said. "Yagura's personality shift after taking power already raised suspicions. But if we publicly accuse him of being under genjutsu, what do you think will happen?"

Xiao Tao tilted her head, thinking hard but coming up blank.

Sasuke spoke up. "It would trigger retaliation from Yagura's loyalists."

"Exactly," Terumi Mei said. "Those diehards aren't loyal to Yagura—they're loyal to the wealth and power he provides."

If they were to successfully dispel the genjutsu and end the Blood Mist policy, what then? Those same loyalists would be forced to return to a life of poverty and high-risk missions.

"Once we suggest removing the illusion, and fail to do it immediately," she continued, "we'll have to face a Kage-level perfect Jinchūriki, plus all his loyal guards."

She looked down at her teacup. "Even if we win, it'll be a pyrrhic victory."

"So, you're planning to act at the graduation ceremony," Logan said, tapping the intelligence booklet.

It mentioned the presence of the Daimyo of the Land of Water, who would be attending the event in person—and even placing bets on the fights.

Terumi Mei took a sip of tea and smiled faintly. "You're sharper than I expected. Yes. With the Daimyo present, the diehards will have to think twice before acting rashly."

"If all goes well, we break the illusion and end it there," she continued. "And if it doesn't, our only enemy will be Yagura. With you here, our odds improve."

Logan didn't smile. He was considering something far worse.

"What if the Daimyo himself is part of the diehard faction?"

The smile fell from Terumi Mei's face.

Yes. That was a terrifying thought—one she'd wrestled with during many sleepless nights.

The case of Morimura, the corrupt governor who bought his post and abused his power, yet still enjoyed the Daimyo's favor... It said a lot.

"And what if the masked man from Akatsuki—the one who cast the illusion on Yagura—shows up?" Logan pressed. "What then?"

"If that happens…" Terumi Mei slammed her teacup down, eyes fierce with conviction.

"Then we kill them all."

"Yagura, the diehards, the Akatsuki, the Daimyo—anyone who stands in the way of Kirigakure's freedom becomes part of the blood mist."

The fire in her eyes was intense, but when she looked at Sasuke and Xiao Tao, it softened slightly. She folded her hands around her cup again.

"If things really turn out that badly, it will be dangerous. We'll be facing attacks from Yagura, the Daimyo's forces, and the diehards. Logan… if you want out, now's your chance."

"I'll leave, alright," Logan said calmly.

"What?! You're really leaving?" Terumi Mei gawked.

"If you'd said something wishy-washy like, 'We'll see how it goes,' I would've left right away."

Logan met her gaze, steady and unwavering.

"You're leading a revolution—a true one. If you're uncertain, don't pull the trigger. One Sarutobi Hiruzen was enough."

Terumi Mei drew in a long breath, then slowly nodded.

"I understand. I'm ready."

"Good." Logan poured her another cup of tea. "Then it's time to talk payment."

Terumi Mei blinked. "Payment?"

Logan held up three fingers.

"I want three things: land, people, and a promise."

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

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