In the dilapidated underground chapel, Hidan listened to Rōshi's mutterings with a reserved expression. However, the moment the man spoke of killing Ren Uchiha, a thick surge of killing intent flickered deep within Hidan's eyes.
Two days ago, Hidan had been under Terumī Mei's protection—a situation that was effectively house arrest for his own safety. However, after the second failed assassination attempt, the enraged Daimyo of the Land of Lightning had unleashed waves of Cloud ninjas, including the Raikage's own son, A.
One by one, members of the Immortal Cult fell before Hidan's eyes. With his comrades arrested and facing execution, a desperate Hidan had reached out to any power that would listen through elder hot-spring ninjas: Konoha, Kiri, Suna, and Iwa.
His plea to Suna had inadvertently exposed his location to Sasori.
His plea to Konoha had vanished like a stone in the ocean, receiving no response (as Minato did not know Hidan and was preoccupied with diplomatic channels).
His plea to Kiri eventually landed in Mei's hands.
However, before Mei could act, another force reached out to him first: Iwagakure.
The chips and the future they promised gave Hidan a sliver of hope—hope that the Land of Hot Water might finally be spared from the flames of war. Thus, a day ago, with Iwa's help, Hidan had vanished from under the Mist's watchful eye.
It was a cold transaction: Iwa needed Hidan's power, and Hidan needed the peace Iwa promised.
Clutching his black spear, Hidan remained silent. Even hearing Rōshi talk about killing his "Big Bro" Ren, Hidan suppressed the urge to strike. He was still a child, but he could no longer just be a child. He carried the weight of his nation.
He wanted to trust Ren unconditionally, just as he had in the Jashin basement. But the reality was harsh: after the flood that devastated the capital, Iwa and Kiri had turned his homeland into a slaughterhouse. Ren, the one who made the promise, had fled and left no word.
Ren Uchiha... you're just too late!
Hidan looked up, hiding his violent gaze, and spoke dully, "Don't forget what you promised me."
Rōshi turned his head, a ghost of a cruel smile appearing. "Of course. The Land of Hot Water will have its peace. The sacrifice of your cult will have meaning. And the Cloud and Mist who brutalized you will pay a steep price."
He stared at Hidan with bloodshot eyes, fueled by the grief of Kitsuchi's death. "After all, you are our secret weapon. The weapon that will pierce the Raikage's 'Strongest Shield'—the Spear of Death!"
On the other side, Ren had finished sealing the Eight-Tails' horn into the scroll provided by Orochimaru. He also raided the lab's pantry for supplies: clothes, ninja tools, food, and soldier pills.
After a hearty meal, Ren cleaned himself up. He trimmed his messy hair to shoulder length so it wouldn't interfere with combat. He donned a grey undershirt, a high-collared black short-sleeved shirt, and a purple rope belt similar to Orochimaru's, paired with loose hakama pants and black ninja boots.
Missing the Uchiha crest, but it'll do, he thought.
Donning his black cloak and bamboo hat, Ren walked out of the lab, heading for the coast. Turtle Island was currently drifting on a secret route. Since Unming was inland, he needed to reach the sea first—a task that would take him less than two hours at his speed.
The real problem was crossing the water. Walking across the ocean to find a drifting island wasn't practical. He needed a boat. But Kumo had locked down the east coast after losing their "Future Perfect Jinchuriki" training ground.
Taking a boat through Kumo territory was risky. While he could use the Sharingan to hijack one, seeking help from Terumī Mei seemed like a more professional route.
He returned to the barbican and bumped into Mei, who was already looking for him.
"Borrow a boat? You're... going out to sea?" Mei stared at the "refurbished" Ren, her eyes lingering on his new look. "The boat isn't a problem, but..."
She frowned. "The east coast is under strict Kumo lockdown. Every vessel is being searched. If you want to leave, you have to depart from a pier in the Land of Frost. However..."
"However what?" Ren asked.
"Five days from now, the other faction from Kirigakure—the ones officially attending the summit—will arrive from that direction." Mei gripped her hands nervously. "Do you have to leave today? Can't you wait twenty-four hours?"
Ren shook his head. He needed time to master the "Eight-Tails DLC," verify his Human Sage Art, and get back in time to kill the Daimyo. Time was of the essence.
"Alright," Mei exhaled, looking him in the eye. "Then you must avoid certain people. Specifically, the Third Mizukage's direct enforcement unit: The Mist Hunter-Nin."
"Aside from Hōzuki Mangetsu, that team contains some... truly terrifying monsters."
Note: Support me and get early access to chapters on Pat reon.com/XareonMTL