"Then first... we must deal with Code, before he can utilize the Ten-Tails," the Seventh Hokage stated.
"That's the only way." The others nodded in agreement.
"Boruto and the others, I'll leave them to you," the Seventh Hokage said, looking at Naruto Shadow Clone Ichimei.
"No problem." Shadow Clone Ichimei nodded. "If you need help, you can come find me."
"Um..." Amado interrupted them. "Your thinking is not wrong, but there's one point you need to be aware of." He took a deep drag from his cigarette. "Don't consider Code to be on the same level as Delta. He is a [Special Case]."
"What do you mean?" Nara Shikamaru looked at him.
"I've mentioned before that Kara members, in order to enhance their strength, basically all undergo some degree of physical modification," Amado explained. "Done by me."
"But Code is different. To control his overly powerful strength, we even installed a [Limiter] on him."
"What was the reason?" Uchiha Sasuke asked.
"To consolidate the authority of Jigen, the de facto leader," Amado said, exhaling a puff of smoke.
Everyone: "..."
Jigen's power was well known. To install a limiter to protect Jigen, just how terrifying was Code's strength...?
"Just who is this guy?" Nara Shikamaru couldn't help but ask. He had thought that with Jigen's death, the Kara organization's problem was basically solved. Who would have thought there was an even bigger fish beneath the ice?
"Actually, among the artificial humans I modified, there were many whose strength surpassed Jigen's." Amado's words sent a further chill down their spines. "But under Jigen's orders, they were all disposed of."
The group let out a slight sigh of relief; this was a silver lining amidst the misfortune.
"You don't need to worry. The limiter on Code can only be removed by me," Amado added, offering them another reassurance. "However..." Suddenly, his tone shifted. "If I were to be kidnapped by Code, then that would be a different story. I'm not like you professionals, who have undergone relevant training. Without even resorting to torture, just a few simple threats, and I would confess very easily. After all, as a 'traitor' to Kara, I would definitely be on his kill list."
Stating his value, ensuring his own safety... Shadow Clone Ichimei observed the expressions of the group and thought to himself. Compared to the Konoha members, who would receive the full protection of the Seventh Hokage and Uchiha Sasuke, Amado was just an "untrusted" outsider. He himself clearly understood this, which was why he had said those words.
"Understood. I will strengthen the security detail," Nara Shikamaru naturally grasped the meaning he wanted to convey. Playing hard to get, the other party has the qualifications to do so.
"Current phase of the mission: prioritize dealing with Kara's Code. Shikamaru, share the currently obtained intelligence with the other villages, and also, make relevant preparations..." the Seventh Hokage made the final decision.
"Understood!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A fierce wind whipped the falling snow, carving sharp gashes in the air.
In the vast white expanse, a black-robed figure struggled onward.
"Hiss~" A cold gust of wind seeped through a gap in his clothing, and Code couldn't help but shiver.
"So cold... But, finally here."
Ahead, a snow-covered mountain range abruptly blocked his path. At the foot of the mountain, a massive stone gate, carved with intricate patterns, came into his view. On either side of the stone gate stood two guards clad in heavy, cold-weather attire.
"Boro is dead, yet there are still cult members guarding this place..." A trace of surprise flashed in Code's eyes.
"Who are you?" one of the guards shouted sharply.
"Inner Circle, Code. Boro's comrade." Code removed his hood, revealing his face.
"Before Mr. Boro left, he ordered that no one is allowed entry without his permission." The two guards exchanged a glance but still refused him entry.
"It's always like this..." Code sighed helplessly. Although he was primarily responsible for the Inner Circle's external communications, those he usually liaised with were the various leaders of the Outer Circle. Guards of this level simply wouldn't know of his existence. They might not even know about Lord Isshiki.
Time was pressing. Code couldn't be bothered to waste words with them. Activating his White Karma, a large number of white markings appeared on his left arm and left cheek, and his hands transformed into sharp claws. Six studded leather bands, identical to those on his headdress, shot out towards the steps, appearing behind the guards.
His figure suddenly vanished from his original spot.
Pfft!
The pale snow was stained with two striking splashes of crimson.
When he reappeared, it was behind the two corpses.
"Honestly, having to work so hard in such a cold place." Code sighed faintly and flicked the bloodstains from his claws. He then pushed open the stone gate and entered the base. A long-forgotten sense of warmth washed over him. "Nice."
Following the guidance of his memory, he arrived at an office.
"Long time no see, Bagues," Code greeted the white-haired old man in the room.
"Isn't this Code? Does Lord Jigen have new instructions?" Bagues recognized him at a glance and greeted him warmly.
"Where is Eida?"
"You, what are you saying?" Bagues chuckled dryly. "Those artificial humans were all scrapped long ago under Lord Jigen's orders."
"If that were truly the case, why would I be here?" Code retorted.
"..." Bagues forced a difficult smile.
"Boro is dead. Jigen is also dead. Telling me the location of the artificial humans Boro hid will benefit both of us," Code said, stepping closer, lightly hooking an arm around Bagues's neck, and whispering in his ear.
"N-no problem." Bagues's peripheral vision caught sight of the sharp claws near his neck, and he swallowed hard.
The two arrived at a laboratory filled with sophisticated equipment.
In the center of the lab was a pod, two meters tall and about three meters wide.
"The thing you're looking for is inside," Bagues said, pointing to the pod in the center of the lab.
Code released him and walked up the steps to the pod. Through the glass, he observed the artificial human inside. Within the pod, a young woman with delicate features and exquisite beauty lay quietly in slumber.
"That fellow Boro really did defy Jigen's orders and keep this one." Code clicked his tongue. "But it's just as well. If Boro hadn't made these little moves, I really wouldn't have known how to deal with the [Limiter]."
To know everything... With such a terrifying ability, it would have been an accident if Jigen hadn't ordered her destruction.
BOOM!
A terrifying attack destroyed the stasis pod, awakening the slumbering woman.
Amidst the crackling of electronic instruments, a blue-haired woman of stunning beauty and a captivating figure slowly walked out.
"Hello, Eida. I am Code. I apologize for waking you so suddenly," Code said.
But Eida completely ignored his statement. She walked past the two of them, about to leave the laboratory.
Shink!
A studded band appeared around her, its sharp claws resting lightly against her smooth neck.
"If you want to die, feel free to take another step forward."
"Try me?" Eida turned back, looking at him calmly.
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