The "Half-Day Leisure" Tavern, located on the Yuexi Peninsula, was modest in size, with only five or six tables and a bar counter. However, its simple yet elegant decor made it a perfect place to sip some sake and unwind.
Aotutaro took a sip of sake and picked up a golden-brown peanut, tossing it into his mouth with a satisfied expression.
"Alright, that's enough. You're acting like that peanut is some sort of gourmet delicacy," the bartender muttered impatiently while wiping down the bar.
The bartender was a strikingly beautiful woman with fair skin, her natural beauty shining even without makeup. Her appearance was further accentuated by the subtle reveal of her snow-white cleavage at the neckline—an alluring sight.
"Yui, do you know what I'm savoring? It's not just the peanut; it's this rare moment of relaxation, the feeling of enjoying life's simple pleasures. For three years, I've been stuck dealing with those scumbags and parasites. It's been nothing but disgust and nausea. Only here, in your tavern, can I feel at ease. And now, at last, it's all over."
Aotutaro took another sip of sake and handed over a small scroll, his expression full of relief.
"You're just glad you avoided becoming Rifutian's brother-in-law, aren't you?" Yui teased as she discreetly accepted the scroll.
"I won't deny that," Aotutaro admitted with a nod.
"I heard that the Snow Velvet girl is quite the beauty in Sunagakure. Isn't it a shame to pass up such an opportunity?"
Yui teased further.
"Alas, my 100-plus kilos have long been pledged to the village. Besides, what beauty could compare to you?" Aotutaro joked, his tone resembling that of a seasoned flirt.
"You're shameless!" Yui blushed slightly.
"But I need to tell you something… Brace yourself. Your mission isn't over; in fact, it's just beginning. You're about to face some hardships," the bartender warned seriously.
"Go ahead, I'm ready. Where to?" Aotutaro asked, unfazed, popping another peanut into his mouth.
"To the Abyss Prison!"
A warship marked "001" sailed swiftly through the desert, its clover-shaped sails taut like a drawn bow, fluttering in the wind. The green flag bearing the word "Wind" flapped vigorously atop the mast. The sound of "sand waves" being split and the friction against the hull created a harmonious melody.
This sandship was now the exclusive vehicle of the Kazekage, having undergone extensive upgrades. Its propulsion system had been entirely revamped, allowing for single-person operation without the need for shouting commands. The ship's defensive capabilities had been significantly enhanced, and its interior was now luxuriously furnished. The crew consisted of an operator, a flagman, three engineers, and a chef.
Gone were the days of crossing the desert in the "Thunder Kai."
"Speed is of the essence for this operation. I'll handle Rifutian; the other three commanders are your responsibility. As long as we capture them, with me, the Kazekage, present, the regimental leaders and soldiers won't dare cause any trouble," Jinghang instructed, pointing at the map. He was confident in his influence within the military.
Yakura, Sasori, and Guren nodded in agreement.
Yakura was Jinghang's personal secretary, Sasori held the "Earthly Branches" position of Chen, and Guren held the position of You.
The combat power aboard this ship was formidable enough to annihilate a small nation.
"One last thing: they're still our village's shinobi. Minimize bloodshed as much as possible. If they refuse to cooperate, breaking their limbs is acceptable," Jinghang emphasized.
"Understood!" the four replied in unison.
"Report! We've spotted a large camp ahead, bearing the insignia of the Fourth Division of the Regular Army," the operator reported through the transmitter.
"Sound the horn and signal them. Let them know I'm coming!" Jinghang said, grabbing his hat and heading to the deck, followed closely by Yakura, Sasori, and Guren.
"Please surrender your weapon," Sasori said calmly.
Without hesitation, Rifutian handed over his three-section staff to Sasori.
"Isn't this the boy from the Kaimoku family? You've grown up and become a bodyguard for the Kazekage. Quite impressive," Rifutian remarked, eyeing Sasori.
Sasori smiled politely. "It's all thanks to the Kazekage's guidance. Please proceed; the Kazekage wishes to speak with you."
"Hmm," Rifutian adjusted his attire and entered the tent. The other three commanders attempted to follow but were stopped by Guren.
"The Kazekage has private matters to discuss with Rifutian. Please wait in the side tent," Yakura said politely, guiding the three commanders away while Sasori and Guren kept a watchful eye.
As soon as Rifutian entered the tent, he noticed a faint metallic scent in the air. Jinghang was manipulating iron sand, creating a 3D holographic map.
"You're here. Sit down," Jinghang said without looking up, continuing to refine the holographic map of Yuexi Peninsula.
"Yes, sir," Rifutian replied, sitting upright.
"How's life here? Have you been doing well these past few years?" Jinghang asked, eyes still on the map.
"Heh, thanks to your care, not too bad," Rifutian replied with a smile.
"Indeed. Among the four divisions of the Regular Army, the First Division guards Dragonfly City, the Second Division eats sand in the desert, the Third Division tends crops in Moon Lake New District, and your Fourth Division has the best station, watching over Sunagakure's treasury. I've treated you well, haven't I?" Jinghang said, finally looking at Rifutian.
"I deeply appreciate your kindness, Kazekage-sama," Rifutian said.
"Oh, really? Then why repay my kindness like this?" Jinghang's tone turned stern as he tossed a document at Rifutian.
Rifutian picked it up and froze, his face pale.
"Sir…" he stammered.
"Don't even try to claim you're being framed. You know me well enough to know I wouldn't confront you without solid evidence. We're all men here; let's be straightforward. Did you do it or not?" Jinghang interrupted.
Rifutian hesitated, his face changing multiple times. Realizing he couldn't escape, he gritted his teeth and said, "Yes."
"Good! At least you're honest. Now, the choice is simple: surrender or…" Jinghang began.
"Hahaha!" Rifutian interrupted with a laugh.
"Since you've torn off the pretense, I have nothing to say. Surrender? Ridiculous! I've served Sunagakure for over twenty years. What's wrong with taking some money?" Rifutian said, his tone turning manic.
"I've never shortchanged my brothers when it comes to money," Jinghang said, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Rifutian fell silent as his skin began to darken, activating his Steel Release kekkei genkai.
"Heh, so you've chosen to defy me. Bold move," Jinghang said.
"I know I'm no match for you, Kazekage-sama, but at this point, I have no choice. Let's see if your iron sand is stronger than my steel," Rifutian said, preparing to charge. Suddenly, he froze, feeling a sharp pain in his chest.
"Magnet Release: Ink Mist Technique!" Jinghang said, forming a single seal to control the iron sand inside Rifutian's body.
"I recall your Steel Release only strengthens your skin, not your internal organs," Jinghang said.
"You!" Rifutian gasped, pointing at Jinghang.
"Did you think I was wasting words with you for no reason? Hmph! Out of respect for your years of service to the village, I'll grant you a whole corpse. In your next life, remember not to let greed blind you," Jinghang said, clenching his fist. Rifutian collapsed to the ground.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Discover 10 Amazing Fanfics on My Patreon!Unlock 400+ Advance Chapters and Dive into the Story Early! 👉 [patreon.com/DarkGolds]