"My dear leader, isn't it just infiltrating Amegakure as an undercover agent? I could just walk in directly, couldn't I? Why go through all this trouble? Getting imprisoned is one thing, but now I have to escape too?!"
Outo Tailuo grumbled with visible dissatisfaction.
"The story has to be more dramatic and realistic to be convincing. Given Akatsuki's long-standing hatred for Sunagakure, only by becoming an absolute enemy of Sunagakure can they fully trust and utilize you. This is the fastest route. And what could be more fitting than a fugitive who escaped from prison?"
Rasa replied calmly.
"How long do I have to stay here?"
After a moment of silence, Outo Tailuo asked.
"At least two years. Otherwise, it won't seem credible. We can't have people thinking Sunagakure's prison is made of paper."
Rasa's stoic expression showed no hint of emotion, but his words made Outo Tailuo shudder.
"Actually, this is also an opportunity to test the security of our Abyss Prison and identify any vulnerabilities. Jōnin Outo, we're counting on you."
Zhen Shanbao said with a playful smile.
"Please, Commander Zhen, let's not joke around, okay? This is the Abyss! Even Master Fenfu couldn't escape back then, and you expect me to?"
Outo Tailuo found the whole idea absurd.
"That's because Master Fenfu never intended to escape. Young man, if you put your mind to it, you'll find a way. Consider it your contribution to upgrading the village's prison system.
Don't worry, you don't need to stress too much. As the warden, I'll secretly look out for you. Your days here won't be too hard."
Zhen Shanbao reassured him.
"No! Too much attention will only make me more conspicuous."
Outo Tailuo protested.
"Heh, fair enough. But prison has its own rules. I have ways to make things a bit easier for you."
Zhen Shanbao smiled kindly, but with the scars on his face, the smile only looked more intimidating.
"Alright, let's talk about two things. First, this."
Rasa pulled out a syringe containing a green liquid that shimmered under the sunlight.
"Weakening Serum!"
As a seasoned intelligence operative, Outo Tailuo immediately recognized it. Developed by Lady Tsunade herself, the Chakra Weakening Serum, nicknamed "Energy Dispersal Water," was now in its third generation. This potent substance could reduce a Kage-level ninja to Chūnin-level, a Jōnin to Genin-level, and anyone below Chūnin would essentially become a civilian. Every inmate in Abyss Prison received at least one dose, and exceptionally strong individuals might require two.
"This is a new product: the Pseudo-Weakening Serum."
Rasa said with a mysterious smile.
"Pseudo-Weakening Serum?"
"That's right. This serum is a new product from Silver Sand Pharmaceuticals. Its effects resemble the Weakening Serum but only last for a year and have no side effects. Once the effect wears off, it even enhances the user's total Chakra reserves. It's a good thing!"
"Boss, don't mess with me. Once this stuff is injected, there's no taking it out."
"Relax. The village has invested too many resources in you. You might be willing to die, but I can't afford to bury you. This serum has already passed clinical trials with excellent results. Many rookies are using it, and it significantly boosts long-term strength growth. In a year, your Chakra reserves will reach near-Kage level."
"Alright, bring it on."
Without hesitation, Rasa took out a medical kit, swabbed Outo Tailuo's arm with an alcohol pad, and administered the injection.
"Don't worry; the serum takes 24 hours to activate. Besides, with your unique Swallow Kick Taijutsu, you won't suffer too much in there."
"And the second thing?"
Outo Tailuo asked.
"The second thing concerns a high-profile inmate."
"Who?"
"Kazama Xu."
"Prison is a unique microcosm of society, even more so than the outside world. Don't think you can stay uninvolved and peacefully serve your time. In here, if you're a doormat, a thousand feet will trample you. But if you're a crown, everyone will lift you up. That's the unspoken rule. Inmates don't just labor, eat, and sleep. Life here is far from tranquil."
Zhen Shanbao spoke with a literary flair, while Outo Tailuo continued stuffing roasted meat into his mouth, knowing he wouldn't have such good food for a long time.
"Is our Abyss Prison the same?"
"Are there factions?"
Outo Tailuo mumbled.
"Of course. Broadly speaking, there are three factions."
Zhen Shanbao removed the empty plate and handed over a roasted lamb leg.
"The first faction is the Elder Group, led by Kenji Shigusa. Most of them are spies and sleeper agents captured in recent years. Although small in number, they are highly intelligent and skilled."
"Hmm."
Outo Tailuo slowed his chewing.
"The second faction consists of thugs and hooligans, primarily from the Moon Lake New District, who are criminals and scoundrels. Their combat skills are mediocre, but they have strength in numbers. Their leader is Yamada Akihaya, a former underworld boss from the Land of Wind."
"Yamada Akihaya? That name sounds familiar. Any relation to the Yamada Clan?"
"Oh, he's the younger brother of Yamada Ryosuke, the boss of the Yamada Clan in Dragonfly City."
"A bunch of thugs. Not a big deal."
"Don't underestimate them, and don't provoke them. They're the kind who will trade lives. It's not worth it."
Outo Tailuo nodded and asked, "What about the third faction?"
"The third faction comprises individuals arrested during the recent anti-corruption campaign. They're usually called the Yuexi Group. They've only been here for two months but have already formed a tight-knit group. Oh, you're part of this faction too."
"Great. I already have a group to join."
Outo Tailuo chuckled.
"Who's the leader?"
"You'll definitely know him—Inoue Muramasa, the former deputy commander of the Fourth Division of the regular army."
"Ah, him. My old boss. He led me in the regular army, and now he leads me in prison."
"Life is full of reunions. Oh, here, take this."
Zhen Shanbao pulled out two packs of Yellow Sand Cigarettes produced by Hourglass Group.
"What for? I don't smoke."
Outo Tailuo said.
"These aren't cigarettes; they're currency—hard cash in prison."
Outo Tailuo immediately understood and quickly pocketed the cigarettes.
"Why not give me a few more packs?"
"No way. A new inmate with too many cigarettes will arouse suspicion. Keep a low profile for now."
Outo Tailuo wiped the grease off his face and stopped insisting.
"One last question. Where is Kazama Xu?"
"At the bottom of the Abyss—in the Black Prison."
"Alright. For the next two years, I'll be counting on your care."
Outo Tailuo stood up and bowed to Zhen Shanbao.
(Note: During the Second Kazekage's era, Zhen Shanbao served under Bureau Chief Liangping in the interrogation department, which was part of the ANBU. Hence, Rasa refers to him as an old ANBU operative.)
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