Outside a village called Ishizuru Village in the west of the Land of Fire, three figures appeared.
All three wore high-collared trench coats and sunglasses, with enormous jars strapped to their backs.
Their outfits were identical, differing only slightly in height and build.
These three were Aburame Shibi and two other Aburame Clan jonin.
The three wore the same poker faces as they walked expressionlessly toward Ishizuru Village.
The most common surname in Ishizuru Village was Ishizuru, which was also how the village got its name.
Within the Land of Fire, besides Konoha Village, there were many ninja clans and ninja factions.
They either cooperated with Konoha or with the Feudal Lord's Mansion, gaining permission to reside in the Land of Fire through such partnerships.
One such ninja clan lived in Ishizuru Village.
"Who are you people?"
The approach of Aburame Shibi's group alerted Ishizuru Village. Three men and one woman appeared, stopping some distance away and warily watching the three.
"By Lord Danzō's order, the Ishizuru Clan must send five young clan members to join Root!"
Aburame Shibi said coldly.
"Impossible! We will never send any more clan members to Root!"
One sturdy middle-aged man suddenly grew agitated.
Years ago, Konoha Advisor Shimura Danzō had sent someone to demand that the Ishizuru Clan send five young clan members to join Root.
Intimidated by Shimura Danzō's status as a Konoha Advisor, the Ishizuru Clan had sent five of their members.
Yet after those five joined Root, they had cut off all contact with the Ishizuru Clan, vanishing without a trace.
Only recently had a Root ninja arrived to inform them that the five clan members had died, while also demanding that the Ishizuru Clan send another five members to Root.
Having seen what had happened to the first five, the