Without any shade, the sun was blazing hot, but the group seemed oblivious. Their faces, covered by blue cloaks, were completely dry. Apart from a slender, masked girl, the other four were dressed in matching blue outfits of average build, but their faces were all blurry and difficult to discern even with the light of their spiritual energy fields.
After a moment, the tallest man spoke in a low voice: "Is it confirmed? If it is, we must leave here as quickly as possible. The Americans react quickly, and I don't want anyone to be caught red-handed."
The man in blue standing beside him extended his finger, drawing a circle of light the size of a plate in front of him. He then gently touched the circle, and a small, crimson light, resembling blood, immediately bloomed within it. The man in blue casually wiped the circle away, and then an aged voice rang out—it was the voice of an old woman: "It's confirmed. He's dead. There's no evidence left behind."
The other two men in blue remained silent. The tallest man grinned maliciously, "Very good. It seems the Americans are badly injured. It's a pity about that neutrino bomb. If it had hit the barrier directly, the Bureau of Superpowers might not exist anymore, and we could have replaced them."
The old woman sneered, "Stop dreaming. We're just tools. They went to such great lengths with the neutrino bombs just to achieve this situation. If you destroy the Bureau of Superpowers, we'll be killed immediately."
The man grinned maliciously at the old woman: "Kurihara, if you're scared, then don't get involved in these matters. Your water-based families are essentially dispensable. If it weren't for the fact that decisions were made by the elders of the four major families, do you think I, Kitazawahara, would respect you pitiful women?"
The old woman trembled with rage, pointing at the man and shouting, "Kitazawa, are you trying to kick me while I'm down? Why didn't you say these things when you needed my and Nami's magic to cooperate? Now you're showing your true colors. Do you think I'm afraid of you?"
"Hmph!" Kitazawa Hara snorted heavily, his gloomy eyes flashing with a chilling light. Pointing at the masked girl, he gritted his teeth and said, "Don't mention your good student. If it weren't for her, how could Matsumoto Tomoki and the others have died so tragically in Hong Kong? Don't think that just because our Wind Sect elders weren't there, we don't know what happened. I haven't settled accounts with you because we still need your cooperation for the mission. Now that we don't need you anymore, Kurihara Ayako, just wait for our revenge."
"You dare, Kitazawa! If you dare to start a clan war, we dare to use the ninja clan alliance to jointly punish you. What kind of time is this to start a civil war?" Kurihara Ayako said angrily.
Kitazawa Hara sneered disdainfully, "That's all ancient history from decades ago. Anyway, you have to give me an explanation for Matsumoto and the others' deaths, otherwise, you, my prized student and successor of the Blood Sacrifice Technique, might not be able to keep your life, hehe."
"Oh?" The veiled girl suddenly chuckled softly. "Elder Kitazawa seems to be preparing to use Nami as a scapegoat? Nami is just a junior, and originally wouldn't dare to compete with her elders. Do with her as you please, but before Elder Kitazawa makes his move, I'd still like to have a chat with my senior brothers and sisters in the wind element. They've always wanted to properly cultivate my Crimson Blood Sacrifice Technique..."
This girl was none other than Mochizuki Nami, who had parted ways with Ling Yun in Hong Kong.
Kitazawa's face suddenly turned ashen, and his pupils shrank instantly: "Mochizuki Nami, are you threatening me? Even your teacher Kurihara Ayako wouldn't dare to be so presumptuous in front of me. Don't think that just because you have the blood sacrifice talent you can be so arrogant. If I want to destroy you, you won't even be left with ashes."
Mochizuki Nami remained unmoved by his threatening words, still smiling gently: "Elder Kitazawa, I don't like being threatened either, even by a super strong person. Although you are an elder, can you guarantee that you can evade the Blood Sacrifice Technique? My power has reached the top level of the middle stage, only one step away from yours. I think even you, in a fight against me, probably wouldn't have a sure chance of victory."
Kitazawa stared fiercely at Mochizuki Nami's face, as if he wanted to kill her with his gaze. The overwhelming pressure of a super strong person spread out and forcefully pressed down on the seemingly delicate and fragile girl.
The two men in blue robes, one an elder of the fire element and the other of the earth element, remained silent and indifferent, observing the power struggle between the water and wind element families. They didn't care who won or lost; in fact, they gloated. They hoped the fight would end in a fight to the death so they could profit from it. Therefore, instead of intervening, they both stepped back and silently watched the situation unfold.
Kurihara Ayako took a step forward, her mental energy field ready to protect her most beloved student at any moment. Although she had great confidence in Mochizuki Nami, Kitazawa was, after all, a renowned super strongman, while Mochizuki Nami was only extremely talented, but had not trained for long enough, and was probably powerless to fight against the elders.
However, Kurihara Ayako was immediately taken aback. Mochizuki Nami was simply smiling and calmly confronting Kitazawa Hara. The boundless pressure that surged towards the girl was suddenly cut apart by a mysterious force, and then separated along both sides of Mochizuki Nami's shoulders. Mochizuki Nami, who was facing the pressure, looked extremely relaxed, without the slightest hint of heaviness. Even if Kurihara Ayako herself were facing Kitazawa Hara, she probably wouldn't be able to sit so relaxed.
She was shocked, and the other three were even more shocked. Kitazawa Hara's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he stared in disbelief at the stunningly beautiful young girl. A deep sense of shock welled up in his heart. When did Mochizuki Nami become so powerful? Although she did not directly confront him, the fact that she did not show any signs of weakness in the face of his pressure was enough to show that her strength was similar to his, and she had even stepped into the ranks of super strong people. In addition, with her blood sacrifice talent, she was already enough to pose a threat to him.
"Ahem..." The two were locked in a stalemate, with Kurihara Ayako glaring menacingly. Seeing that Kitazawa was about to suffer a loss, the Fire Elder, Masuda Yo, finally coughed and spoke up, "Elder Kitazawa, Elder Kurihara, Nami, let's each take a step back. Our ninja clans have been torn apart in recent years because of incessant internal strife. If we continue to fight, we will only suffer. Only by uniting as one can our four great ninja clans truly fight against powerful enemies. Otherwise, if we continue to fight amongst ourselves, we will only become tools for others to use. Please stop."
Although he spoke sincerely, his tone lacked seriousness. He was clearly only saying a few words because a conflict was imminent, otherwise he would have been worse than a bystander.
The Earth Elder also feigned agreement, saying, "Yes, yes, elders, Nami, we haven't left the sphere of influence of the Superpower Bureau yet. Their strongmen could catch up at any time. Let's leave this place first. Any disputes are just internal issues. We must not start fighting at this time."
Kitazawa was already in a difficult position. He thought that Mochizuki Nami, a delicate little girl, no matter how strong or talented she was, could never possibly contend with a super strong person like him. With the elder's authority and the pressure of a super strong person, wouldn't she be afraid of begging for mercy? But the result was far beyond his expectations. He didn't expect Mochizuki Nami's strength to have grown to this extent, which even made Kitazawa feel a little scared.
With Kurihara Ayako watching him intently from the side, seemingly ready to attack together as master and apprentice, Kitazawa Hara's initial intention to intimidate these two reckless water-type ninjas vanished. Although Kurihara Ayako was slightly weaker than him, the difference between super-strong individuals was not that great. With the addition of Mochizuki Nami, whose strength was almost equal, Kitazawa Hara had no chance of winning. However, it would be a loss of face to back down now. Just as he was bracing himself to continue, the words of the two ninja clan elders finally gave him a way out.
He immediately withdrew his oppressive aura and said coldly, "If Elder Masuda and Elder Yamamoto don't talk, I'll definitely teach you a lesson today."
Mochizuki Nami simply smiled and didn't reply. She knew perfectly well that this senior was only putting on a brave front; in reality, she had already gained the upper hand in terms of momentum and could stop there. If she continued to pursue the matter, it would be difficult for either of them to save face, and she also had to give face to the other two elders, after all, she was just a junior.
Kurihara Ayako, however, had fewer concerns. She and Kitazawa were sworn enemies from the start, and she had always been resentful of Kitazawa's slightly inferior strength. Now, seeing her beloved student's strength greatly enhanced, her joy was indescribable, and her courage swelled. Her gaze towards Kitazawa changed to disdain and glare: "Teach him a lesson? You're dreaming. Heh heh, it's more like my student will teach you a lesson. Kitazawa, if you want revenge, I welcome it. But watch out for your third-rate ninjas, or you'll end up as a lone commander."
Her words were vicious and sarcastic, turning Kitazawa Hara's face ashen. However, the facts were undeniable, leaving him no room for rebuttal. Moreover, after today's test, apart from him, no other Wind Clan ninja could compare to Mochizuki Nami. Matsumoto Tomoki, who was originally powerful and wealthy, also suffered a defeat in Hong Kong. In short, the Wind Clan ninjas no longer had any advantage against the Water Clan ninjas.
Thinking this, Kitazawa Hara strode away without a word. The other two elders were taken aback, then quickly exchanged a few words with Kurihara Ayako and followed. To ensure the success of this operation, the four ninja elders had practically come out in full force, even bringing along a disciple with blood sacrifice talent. They had finally completed the client's mission. However, Kitazawa Hara was the one who spearheaded the operation, and if the client offered any benefits, they would need Kitazawa Hara to intervene and resolve the issue. Although Kurihara Ayako was also the chief elder of the aquatic tribe, she was clearly inferior to Kitazawa Hara.
“That petty bastard, our righteous ninja clan will be destroyed sooner or later because of his selfishness.” Kurihara Ayako said, glaring at Kitazawa Hara’s back, while comforting her student, “Nami, you don’t need to be afraid of him. With your teacher here, let’s see how arrogant those Kaze clan ninjas can get. As for those bastards Matsumoto Tomoki, it’s better that they’re dead, so they won’t have any more designs on you.”
“Teacher, I’m not afraid of him,” Mochizuki Nami said respectfully. “But we must be careful. Kitazawahara is treacherous and ruthless. Knowing our strength, he might secretly try to harm us.”
"Hmm." Kurihara Ayako nodded in satisfaction, her eyes revealing undisguised admiration and affection for Mochizuki Nami. "This teacher knows. He wants to harm our water-type family, but it won't be so easy. Hehe, Nami, it's you who truly surprises me. When did you grow to this level? You're not inferior to me at all. Given time, you will definitely surpass me. When that time comes, I will hand over the position of chief elder of the wind-type family to you, and you will lead our wind-type family!"
“Teacher!” Mochizuki Nami looked at Kurihara Ayako with some surprise, not expecting her teacher to say such a thing to her face. “You will always be my teacher, my elder and senior. I cannot and should not take this position.”
"Stop talking, Nami, you're qualified." Kurihara Ayako waved her hand, displaying the authority of the chief elder. "I have a premonition that the ninja clan is about to face a life-or-death crisis. This feeling is not good, so I want to hand over affairs and power to you in advance. Among the next generation, only you can shoulder this responsibility. I would not feel at ease handing it over to others. As for those scheming and despicable people, I will deal with them."
"Teacher..." Mochizuki Nami called out hesitantly, her mind unsettled.
“Alright, let’s talk about it when we get back. Staying here any longer might be dangerous. As for the grudges with the Wind Clan, I have my own plans,” Kurihara Ayako said, watching the figures of Masuda Yo and the other two shrink into tiny dots in the distance.
“I know, teacher, but I have a request. I need to stay here for a while. Please go back first.” Mochizuki Nami lowered her snow-white neck and bowed as she spoke.
Ayako Kurihara was taken aback: "You want to stay here for a while? Why?"
"I'm waiting for a friend and want to talk to him for a few minutes. It won't take long, please forgive me, teacher," Mochizuki Nami continued respectfully.
Kurihara Ayako was about to ask what kind of friend it was, but then she thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Alright, you're quite a capable person now. I won't pry into your personal affairs. Just be careful." With that, she turned and ran off without looking back.
Only after her figure disappeared into the distance did Mochizuki Nami straighten her slender waist, gently remove the blue cloth covering her face, revealing a beautiful and exquisite face, and whisper, "My teacher has left, you can come out now."
Chapter 383 Goodbye Mochizuki Nami
A figure slowly appeared in front of Mochizuki Nami. He stared at the female ninja and said in a low voice, "Nami, you have become much stronger in just a few days. My stealth technique can fool the elders in your clan, but it cannot fool you."
Mochizuki Nami smiled slightly, "It's not that you can't hide it from me, but rather that I sensed the aura of the Blood Sacrifice Technique. I have to thank you for this. If we hadn't fought side by side against Tian Yuning last time, I probably wouldn't have been able to break through my bottleneck. It was you who inspired me. My strength has increased, mostly because of you."
"The aura of Blood Sacrifice Technique?" Ling Yun's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nonchalantly, "How could I possibly know your Blood Sacrifice Technique? Isn't that an advanced technique that only those with blood sacrifice talent in your ninja clan can learn?"
"Hehe, Yun, you're not telling me the truth either..." Mochizuki Nami's heartbreakingly beautiful eyes gave Ling Yun a deep look. "I won't ask you anything, but I don't want any misunderstandings between us. Are you blaming me?"
“I want to blame you, but I can’t.” Ling Yun was silent for a long time before slowly saying, “I remember you said that no matter what our relationship is, we always represent the interests of the organization behind us. If the organization is on the opposite side, then I am your enemy. Unfortunately, the Superpower Headquarters behind me and the ninja family behind you have already stood on the opposite side. No matter what, I cannot let you frame the Superpower Headquarters, otherwise I will be a sinner against the country.”
Mochizuki Nami gave him a complicated look: "Do you think the Superpower Bureau is so stupid as to really believe that the Chinese Superpower Headquarters dropped the neutrino bomb? Actually, they know very well that this is just a frame-up. However, without finding any concrete evidence, the Superpower Bureau is under pressure from domestic politics and has to find a scapegoat. Even if the scapegoat is the powerful Superpower Headquarters, they still have to do something."
“I know, but now I know it was your ninja clan that did it, and this is the evidence,” Ling Yun said coldly.
Today, the boy is no longer the novice he once was. He can certainly see through the ninja clan's scheme to frame him. Although he has never experienced the whirlpool of politics, Ling Yun can at least foresee the consequences.