Chapter 664 : The Raikage Moves! (Patreon)

“We have received a report that Suzuki Fujin left Konoha and is moving towards the Land of Hot Water!”

Ay’s eyes widened. While he wanted to make a move against Fujin, he didn’t think that he would get an opportunity so quickly. He couldn't help but smell something fishy. He asked, “Do we know where exactly he is heading?”

Mabui shook her head and answered, “Unfortunately no. We only know that he is moving towards the Land of Hot Water. We don't even know whether that is his actual target or if he is heading elsewhere. The spy only managed to see a glimpse of him leaving Konoha. He didn't dare to chase him.”

Ay nodded and said, “It doesn't matter. He did very well. From what we know, Fujin rarely left Konoha in the last few years. Since he is on the move, it can only mean one of two things. Either Konoha received an important mission from one of the Nobles in the Land of Hot Water or Konoha wants to eliminate someone.

If it's the first case, then our spies will inform us about his movement. If it is the second, then his actions will attract attention and we'll know his approximate location. However, we can't wait until then.”

With a serious expression, Ay ordered, “Call Bee and the others. I'll be going myself!”

Despite his orders, Mabui didn't move and stood at the same spot. With a complicated expression, she said, “Raikage sama, I have a bad feeling about this… Everything is happening too quickly. I feel like it's a scheme.”

Ay didn't say anything. He had the same feeling as well. Unsure whether he took her words seriously or not, Mabui added, “First, Fujin unexpectedly defeated Orochimaru. Next, the Hokage propagated this news openly instead of trying to keep it hidden. Thirdly, our spies were able to confirm the situation very easily. And soon after, we received this news.

If Konoha noticed the movements of our spies, then this might be a trap set by the Hokage. A trap targeting…”

Mabui didn't complete her words. However, Ay understood that she was referring to him. He snorted and asked, “Do you think I can't sense a scheme? Especially after what the Third Hokage pulled near that mine?

Orochimaru's involvement itself is suspicious. He was a student of the Hokage. Who knows whether he really is a rogue ninja or whether this is another one of Konoha's schemes? Considering the recent movements in the Land of Rice, there is a high chance that this is a scheme of Konoha to take over the Land of Rice. However…”

A confident look appeared on his face as continued, “Even if it is a trap, what of it? Had the Third Hokage been young, I would've had some reservations. However, even if he, Fujin and the Sannin lay a trap for me now, they won't be able to kill me or Bee. Instead, they will have to worry about getting hit.

So, stop worrying and get to work. Summon Bee and the others. Establish a communication network and send a message to our spies. I'll leave in less than an hour.”

Mabui nodded and quickly began working. In less than half an hour, Kumo had set up their communication unit using Chakra Transmission Communication devices just like Konoha. In the Raikage's office, 12 people gathered. They were Ay, Bee, Mabui, Darui, C, Samui and six other Elite Jounins!

C muttered, “So we are finally making a move against Suzuki Fujin.”
Ay replied, “I am. You three will stay in the village and help Mabui.”
He turned his gaze to Darui and said, “If something happens here in my absence, then you'll be responsible for handling it.”

Darui frowned and asked, “Wouldn't it be better if I came with you? If it really is a trap set by the Hokage, then you might need my help to stall one of the Sannins.”

Ay replied, “I can handle them. What I am worried about is if this is a ploy to lure me away. While I don't think Konoha will dare to attack Kumogakure, we shouldn't completely lower our guard. They might try to pull another sneak attack and escape.

Without me and Bee here, you and Yugito will have to handle any major threats. With the help of other Jounins in the village, you should be able to force their rank S ninjas to retreat or stall them long enough for us to return.”

Darui wasn't too sure about Ay's analysis. However, he replied, “Alright.”

Killer Bee looked at him and said, “Darui, don't sweat it, no need to be wary. If it's a trap, I'll show ‘em I'm scary! I'll drop the beat and the Tailed Beast Bomb! They'll face the wrath of my beastly charm!”

The others in the room sighed at Bee's antics. They discussed some more things before Ay looked at Mabui and said, “We'll leave now. Inform us as soon as you receive any update about his location. Whether we can succeed or not will depend on the intel.”

Mabui nodded and said, “Yes, Raikage-sama.”

Wasting no time, Ay left Kumogakure along with Bee and 6 Elite Jounins. They were headed straight to the Land of Hot Water. One of the Elite Jounins was carrying the communication device to receive the message immediately. Once they did, they would immediately make a move towards Fujin.

While Raikage left Kumogakure, Fujin's group left one of the border patrol camps after taking a short break. Minutes after they left, a ‘Kumo spy’ sent a messenger bird to Kumogakure to inform them about some details of ‘Fujin's mission’ which he coincidentally ‘overheard’.

As they crossed into the Land of Hot Water. Tsuyoshi said, “Fujin, we'll split from here onwards.”
Teru said solemnly, “Good luck with your mission. Be careful.”
Considering that their mission was to lure the Raikage, they expected Fujin's mission to be far more dangerous.

Fujin chuckled at their solemn expressions and said, “Don't worry. My mission isn't that dangerous. On the other hand, you guys need to be very careful.”

His expression became serious as he continued, “Under no circumstances must any of you come face to face against them. If you do, you'll have no chance of survival. Give the highest priority to your safety. If it gets too dangerous, don't hesitate to retreat or mix among the civilians. Your mission ends at luring them here. How long they stay here has nothing to do with you.”

All four Anbu Captains nodded. Luckily, the major part of their mission would be over after they visited the Noble they were supposed to meet. After that, they were allowed to retreat whenever they wanted to.

The four of them finally split from Fujin and changed their direction. The town, in which the Noble they were supposed to meet lived, was quite close to the border of the Land of Fire. It was done so that Ay would have to travel more distance while returning to Kumogakure. As they moved, Teru created a Shadow Clone containing 80% of his chakra, who transformed into Fujin and moved alongside them.

Since he had a high amount of chakra and had known Fujin for a long time, Shikaku had given him this important task. This way, no one would suspect that Fujin had split from the group and was moving alone. Shikaku knew that there were a few Kumo spies in the town they were heading in. He wanted them to see 'Fujin' and inform Kumogakure about the same.

This served two purposes. Firstly, Ay and Bee would be lured all the way to the borders of the Land of Fire. They would also have to travel at a very high speed to ensure that 'Fujin' doesn't complete the mission and return to Konoha. In such a state, returning to the Land of Lightning quickly would be tough for them.

Secondly, it also created an alibi for Fujin. If Kumo tried to blame Fujin for the deaths of their elites and turn some hidden villages against Konoha, they would use this to prove that Kumo was lying and convince everyone that this was just Kumo's way of attempting to start the next Great War. This would make everyone wary of Kumo instead.

As for Fujin, his path went straight through the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost into the Land of Lightning! Even though Ay realized the possibility of a scheme, he never imagined that his target was heading straight towards his country!

As he moved, a smile appeared on Fujin's face. He muttered to himself, ‘Now then, I hope that they can put up some fight. I don't want it to be too boring… Otherwise, I really might have to ambush Ay for some entertainment. Anyway, I hope that there are some marks along the path…’