30 Arasaka Villa

"Are these your men, Mr. Akechi?"

A Pheasant Faction commander narrowed his eyes and carefully sized up the silent squad behind Akechi.

Every one of them was wrapped up tight. Their heavy Combat Suits blurred their body outlines, while tactical masks and goggles completely concealed their faces, leaving only several cold breathing vents exposed.

Even so, with his seasoned eye, he could still distinguish subtle differences—the person on the far left was broad-shouldered and thick-backed, like a moving wall, with muscular arms that nearly burst the Combat Suit's sleeves;

Beside him stood a well-proportioned samurai. The long blade slung diagonally at his waist swayed slightly as he walked, its sheath striking his tactical belt with soft, rhythmic clicks;

Further away, a sniper silently adjusted her weapon, her fingers gliding nimbly over the gun as though savoring its feel. The last squad member wore standard assault gear, every tactical attachment crammed with magazines. His steps carried a rhythm that was not exactly precise, but skilled enough.

From appearances alone, Akechi had brought only four people. Including himself and the Ninja Hundred members taking part in the operation, there were no more than fifteen people in total.

And these mere fifteen people were going to raid the heavily guarded Arasaka villa and rescue the imprisoned Miss Hanako Arasaka from an iron fortress.

The commander could not help but think to himself: although a covert operation like this truly could not involve too many people, fifteen was still far too few. He had assumed Akechi would at least bring a full combat squad. Instead, the man had selected only his most core and loyal subordinates for the mission.

"What matters is quality, not quantity."

Akechi seemed to see through the doubt in his eyes. His deep voice came from beneath his mask. "Extra