MTLNOVEL Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Traitor
The two sides stood locked in confrontation at the destroyed high wall, where Sakumo was quickly analyzing Tachiyama Shinsaburo's next move.
Since the enemy already knew he was in the Hidden Hot Spring Village and were aware of the Shelter's location, it was certain there was a traitor among the village's leadership.
From their brief interaction, Sakumo could tell that Fuu Akimoto wasn't an incompetent leader. He probably had his own thoughts on this matter too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stationed his two most trusted men inside the Shelter as guards.
Tachiyama Shinsaburo's ultimate goal was the Bloodthirsty Sickle of Three Moons. Had he already discovered its exact location? Was his attack on the Shelter merely a way to buy himself time?
Sakumo couldn't think of any other possibilities.
Yet he couldn't leave either—Fuu Akimoto had entrusted him with the safety of both the villagers and his own family.
No matter what Tachiyama's purpose was in stalling for time, Sakumo would never let him succeed.
Swish!
Suddenly, his eyes sharpened. The white Chakra Blade in his hand radiated light as one Evil Cultist fell dead.
Sakumo moved even faster than Ryo Yagura. Among this group of over a hundred Evil Cultists, none could possibly keep up with the speed of his strikes.
As his companion dropped beside them, Sakumo noticed no panic whatsoever on the faces of the recovering Cultists—only fierce expressions.
"Fight to the death to protect the Divine Messenger, Long live the Evil God!"
The fanatic roared with burning eyes, but before his voice even faded, Sakumo's tanto had sliced through his throat.
Seeing Sakumo strike, the dozen or so remaining Hot Spring Village Ninja followed suit.
Their skills weren't particularly impressive though—the elites of the Hidden Hot Spring Village had all been taken by Fuu Akimoto to guard the main gate of the village per Sakumo's insistence.
Without ninjas of Ryo Yagura's caliber present, these hundreds of Evil Cultists were nothing more than lambs awaiting slaughter in his eyes.
He wasn't someone who enjoyed killing wantonly, but toward these villains whose hands were stained with innocent blood, Sakumo felt no compassion whatsoever.
The Evil Cultists clung tightly together, surrounding and shielding Tachiyama Shinsaburo even as their comrades fell one by one.
Sakumo couldn't understand why that man showed not the slightest trace of fear. What exactly was he relying upon?
At this rate, within two or three minutes maximum, all the Evil Cultists around him would be dead.
...
Inside the Shelter, the Hidden Hot Spring Village civilians felt uneasy from the earlier explosion and ground tremors.
Most commoners wore unhappy expressions, muttering complaints about the Hot Spring Ninja and the Five Great Ninja Nations.
To them, they just wanted to live simple, peaceful lives without having to hide in this dark underground shelter.
"What a bunch of jerks!"
Oshima Reina, holding a katana with both arms, started looking grim as she heard these complaints.
"They didn't really mean it," someone said, trying to calm her down.
Beside her, Kato Miyone sat with a sweet smile, trying to comfort her.
At the center between the two women, on a bamboo chair, sat a lady of about forty years old with her eyes closed.
Even in her forties, her skin was still flawless—rosy and fair. She was undeniably beautiful.
This woman was naturally Fuu Akimoto's mother. His father passed away very early, and she raised him by herself.
"Milady, this shelter doesn't seem particularly safe either. We should transfer elsewhere as soon as possible," At that moment, an elderly man whose hair had already turned white approached the woman respectfully.
He was one of the Village Elders of the Hidden Hot Spring Village. Named Sosuke Sasaki, he was one of the original elders who followed the first leader to build the Hidden Hot Spring Village. He held high status and even Fuu Akimoto himself respected him greatly.
Fuu Akimoto's mother was Kato Eirei, and her father was exactly the first leader of the Hidden Hot Spring Village. Therefore, Sosuke Sasaki's respect for her did not come from her son but rather her late father.
Kato Eirei remained seated with her eyes closed. To show respect, she stood before responding to Sosuke Sasaki: "From the sounds outside, the area has already been occupied by ninjas. If we leave the shelter recklessly, it would only bring greater danger."
"But you also heard that explosion just now. If there were several more like that, this shelter might collapse entirely, and then none of us could escape," Sosuke Sasaki still tried to persuade.
"After all, this is merely an exercise. I believe Fuu and others will know their limits; otherwise, they wouldn't have gathered all of us here," replied Kato Eirei.
"But..." Sosuke Sasaki's expression became difficult to watch.
Beside them, Kato Miyone smiled lightly and said, "Elder Sosuke, your reaction seems unusually intense—are you hiding something perhaps?"
Upon hearing this, Sosuke Sasaki's face darkened, scolding her: "Mind your place—even though you're part of the Kato clan and an aide to our leader, you don't have the right to speak to me like that!"
However, without another word, Kato Miyone drew a katana and pressed it to his neck.
"What are you doing, Kato Miyone?" roared Sosuke Sasaki angrily.
His angry voice drew the attention of nearby Hidden Hot Spring ninjas, who stared in shock that Kato Miyone would dare attack a Village Elder directly.
"Uncle Sosuke, you really disappoint me," at that time, beside them, Kato Eirei sighed softly and spoke: "Genji originally wanted to acknowledge your contributions to the village and didn't intend to punish you publicly, yet you... leaked news of our hiding spot here to outsiders."
Sosuke Sasaki's pupils shrank, though he still attempted to argue: "What are you talking about? I don't understand."
Standing before him, Kato Miyone pulled out another scroll from her other hand and placed it before Sosuke Sasaki.
It was the Village Elders' official decision regarding Sosuke Sasaki, bearing both the signature of the leader Fuu Akimoto and the Hot Water Daimyo.
"You traitor, do you have anything else to say?"
Kato Miyone's lovely face also showed anger. The respected elder, revered by countless people in the Hidden Hot Spring Village, had actually become a follower of the Evil Cult.
This scene left the civilians of the Hidden Hot Spring Village somewhat bewildered. Weren't we told this was just a drill?
Then what were they actually witnessing right now?
Seeing that order, Sosuke Sasaki's aged face also twisted into a menacing glare. However, he said nothing, only glaring at Kato Miyone with dark, stormy eyes.
"If you've got nothing to say, I'll proceed with carrying out the Daimyo and Leader's orders," said Kato Miyone. Yet just as she was about to take action, a voice came from behind her.
"Drop your sword."
Hearing this voice, Kato Miyone turned around, only to see Oshima Reina had unsheathed her katana and pressed it against Kato Eirei's neck.
At this moment, the latter's face also showed complete disbelief.
...
...
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>