"Is that so... The assassination squad failed."
Rando's white brows twitched faintly. He slowly closed his eyes, and only after a long while did he let out a sigh-laden remark.
"Mm... I never expected that even after hiring a ninja of that caliber, they would still..."
Across from him, Iwama nodded, his face twisted with bitterness as he spoke.
"That was inevitable."
Hearing Iwama's sigh, Rando slowly opened his eyes and stated it as if it were only natural.
"Inevitable?"
Iwama froze at that, his brows knitting slightly.
Inevitable? Inevitable that they would fail? Then why did Lord Third Tsuchikage go to such lengths, spend so much of the budget to hire that paper-controlling powerhouse known as the "Angel," and even sign such harsh employment terms? It makes no sense at all!
The question flashed through his mind.
Yet his instinctive question received no answer. All he saw was the slightly dim gaze of the respected elder before him.
"Lord... Lord Rando, did... did I say something wrong?"
Iwama was nearly startled out of his skin. He could sense it clearly: in the eyes of the elder he had always deeply respected was disappointment.
At that moment, this venerable elder was disappointed in him.
Because of what he had just said.
"Haven't you noticed?"
Rando gently set down the teacup he had been using to warm his hands and slowly spoke.
"Noticed? Noticed what?"
Almost reflexively, Iwama blurted out his confused question.
"At this rate, you won't be able to carry out this plan."
Yet that very question earned him words that struck him like a thunderbolt.
Rando shook his head and spoke with obvious disappointment.
I... can't carry out this plan? Can't... carry out... this plan? Wh... why? Did I miss something?
*Did I overlook something I should have