[The Brute Squad] Duo (7K)

As night fell, the campfire crackled in the night wind, its warm orange-yellow light dispelling the surrounding darkness. The smell of burning wood filled the air, mingled with a hint of pine fragrance.

The three hares that Sukama caught in the forest were sizzling and dripping with oil, emitting an enticing aroma.

"First Tier Magic: Spice making"

Lilinet, holding a staff, chanted softly. A verdant magic circle bloomed at the tip of the staff, and the spice plants she had found in the forest instantly turned into spices. She handed the spices to Sukama, who was carefully turning a rabbit to prevent it from burning.

Lilinet then sat down next to Uchiha Takeyasu, her gaze fixed on the direction the thief and the Magic Chanter had gone, her brow furrowed slightly. "They've been gone all afternoon, why haven't they come back yet?"

"They are all Mithril Rank adventurers; they wouldn't be so reckless. Perhaps they've made a new discovery, or something has delayed them."

Upon hearing this, Sukama stopped turning the hare, raised her head, and a hint of worry appeared in her eyes. "But at this time, even if they can't catch up with the carriage, the Magic Chanter or the thief should at least come back to report."

The firelight illuminated her face, making it appear exceptionally soft yet tinged with anxiety. She looked at Uchiha Takeyasu and Lilinet, her voice low, "Young Master Takeyasu, Lilinet, we might be in trouble."

If they haven't returned by now, there are only two possibilities.

A thief and Magic Chanter, unable to find the stolen carriage and fearing repercussions from Uchiha Takeyasu, chose to flee.

The other possibility is that something happens, and there's no chance of coming back.

The former was immediately ruled out by Sukama. Eight fine horses plus a magic carriage would only cost around ten thousand gold coins, no matter how expensive. [Four Weapons] could grit their teeth and sell two or three magic weapons at a low price to raise that amount of money.

The latter could keep Silver Rank Adventurer occupied, and the trouble involved was Sukama's main concern.

"No matter what trouble it is, filling your stomach is the most important thing."

Uchiha Takeyasu clearly understood this as well, and first gently comforted Sukama, saying that the game of riding the cushion and horse this afternoon had truly been a refreshing experience for him, and that he would wait for the real body to come and start the actual riding game next time.

Then he pulled Lilinet, who was leaning against him, into his arms and quietly used his Ascension Points to level up.

Then, he took out a Signal Flare for his personal clone from his pocket and shot it into the sky.

The Signal Flare pierced the night sky, trailing a blinding tail flame, and burst into a ring of orange smoke, exceptionally conspicuous in the darkness, like a burning flower blooming in the air.

Uchiha Takeyasu's movements were swift and decisive, leaving both Lilinet and Sukama stunned for a moment.

"Let's eat the wild rabbit in peace; someone will be here soon."

Uchiha Takeyasu reached out and gently pinched Lilinet's nose, then looked at Sukama with a smile, "I have more than just you guards around me."

Cloning a body doesn't cost many resources, but Uchiha Takeyasu n't easily discard a clone enhanced with Ascension Points.

The strength of the [Four Weapons] is still somewhat insufficient; any Jonin picked from Konoha could easily handle them.

If it weren't for the fact that the Female Warrior and the Goddess Official in the original story aroused Uchiha Takeyasu's special interest, he wouldn't have bothered to travel with the [Four Weapons] and would definitely have made some backup plans.

"But Young Master Takeyasu, such a commotion will attract other people as well."

Sukama's concerns were met with a Uchiha Takeyasu's hand, "It's better if they attract them; it'll save us the trouble of searching for them again."

"My guards are no ordinary people."

The two women relaxed and simultaneously thought of the coachman before they set off. Lilinet hooked her arms around Uchiha Takeyasu's neck, wanting to offer him a kiss, but was stopped by the noble youth who gently patted her back.

"My guards have arrived."

Following his gaze, the Goddess Official saw a two-meter-tall Toad wearing a blue cloak, with a round bead around its neck, and its entire body red, nimbly leaping to the campfire.

Under the tense and taut body of Lilinet and the watchful gaze of Sukama, who hurriedly grabbed his magic axe, the giant red Toad respectfully knelt before Uchiha Takeyasu and spoke in human language.

"Gamakichi greets His Leader!"

His deep, rough voice revealed a childish tone. Although he was larger than a human, among the Toad of Mount Myōboku, especially compared to his father Gama Bunta, Gamakichi was still a minor.

His strength is roughly equivalent to that of Special Jonin. In the Mortal Realm, excluding the seemingly weak but actually powerful Sixth Brother, he is more than capable of dealing with a normal Steel-level adventurer.

The Jonin of Konoha have been extremely busy lately, and Uchiha Takeyasu was too lazy to use a cannon to kill a mosquito. He noticed that the Toad of Mount Myōboku were bored, so he decided to have them serve as guards to keep them occupied.

Since the clone's body lacks Chakra, he can only summon the Toad, who is skilled in Senjutsu, through other means.

The Signal Flare in his arms contained Summoning Jutsu formula and Chakra; it would automatically activate once fired.

The orange Signal Flare summoned the Third Hokage of Mount Myōboku. The Third Toad's strength had been enhanced once by the Great Toad Sage, causing him to grow from a fist-sized Toad to a towering two meters in size.

The red Signal Flare summoned the second generation of Mount Myōboku — Gama Bunta two companions.

The first generation is the Great Toad Sage. If the Great Toad Sage were to appear, he would inevitably have to face the True Dragon Lord, who wields Origin Magic, alongside the main body of Uchiha Takeyasu.

"Your Leader, the Gamarama has arrived too!"

A hurried voice rang out from behind Gamakichi. The three of them immediately turned around and looked over. Compared to Gamakichi's imposing and ferocious appearance, a rather cheerful-looking large yellow Toad jumped over clumsily.

Uchiha Takeyasu raised an eyebrow slightly and turned his gaze to Gamakichi. "Catch Gamarama. Don't let him make a mess of things."

(This clumsy little brother.)

Gamakichi glanced at the three golden-brown rabbits roasting over the campfire, cursed Gamarama inwardly, then turned and leaped up, catching Gamarama precisely in mid-air before landing lightly on the ground and taking small steps back to Uchiha Takeyasu.

Seeing the two kneeling Toad, Lilinet and Sukama exchanged bewildered glances. It turned out that the Uchiha Takeyasu had been talking about wasn't an ordinary person at all.

(Is it a powerful Magic Beast similar to the Wise King of the Forest?)

The two women secretly observed that the giant Toad who called himself Gamakichi had significantly stronger muscles and exuded an aura of power.

The other giant Toad, the Gamarama, was rather weak; it looked like a foolish son from a wealthy family.

"There's an unexpected situation that needs your attention."

After Uchiha Takeyasu briefly explained the situation, Gamakichi nodded knowingly and immediately began making work arrangements.

The steady and meticulous Gamakichi went to find the person and look for possible clues.

Meanwhile, the somewhat unreliable Gamarama, who seemed overprotected at home, stayed behind to serve as a guard.

Seeing this, the two women knew that the two Toad were safe and harmless, and they also sensed that Uchiha Takeyasu recognized their strength, so their hearts, which had been hanging in suspense, were finally at ease.

Lilinet, sitting in Uchiha Takeyasu, gently tugged at his collar, her eyes full of curiosity, "Young Master Takeyasu, why do they call you Leader?"

"You'll understand about this form of address later."

Uchiha Takeyasu answered casually, but in his heart he was thinking about how to get Uchiha Hikari to cover for him.

Unlike the gamer Momonga who uses the identity of "Adventurer Momo" to operate outside, he openly uses his real appearance and identity, which will definitely be discovered by his wives at home in the future.

With Uchiha Hikari as an inside man, Uchiha Takeyasu later honestly confessed that he possessed the Star Fury Power outside, so he wouldn't suffer too much.

Sukama continued to roast the nearly cooked rabbit when she suddenly noticed a large Toad named Gamarama staring at her. Despite the toad's cute appearance, she didn't feel particularly nervous.

(You can't say anything out of turn, and you can't make any demands. If you want to eat something, go back to Mount Myōboku, or go find Lady Minako.)

Smelling the aroma of the wild rabbit, the gluttonous and playful Gamarama, recalling the stern teachings of the Great Toad Sage, reluctantly shifted its gaze from the rabbit.

His gaze shifted to the direction Gamakichi had left, and suddenly his expression tightened. His eyes were fixed on the rustling trees across the way, and he stood up from his crouching position.

The enhanced senses granted by the Senjutsu Chakra that had modified his body allowed Gamarama to detect the anomaly. He reported in a low voice, "Your Leader, someone is approaching!"

Upon hearing this, the three were startled and looked in the direction the Gamarama was pointing, only to see a shadow.

In the Kakkō, shadows distorted on the ground, as if countless eyes were watching from the shadows, sending chills down Lilinet and Sukama's spines.

"Sukama, divide up the roasted rabbit."

"Gamarama, you've forced out this uninvited guest."

Uchiha Takeyasu patted Lilinet's ample buttocks, gesturing for her to get up and fetch the roasted rabbit, while casually instructing, "It'll be a perfect after-dinner entertainment."

"Yes, Your Leader."

The Gamarama opened its mouth and spat out a Water Ball, Water Ball flew into the shadows of the forest at the speed of a cannonball.

"Water Release: Iron Cannon Ball!"

With a shout from the Gamarama, the Water Ball struck the ground, producing a deafening roar.

Damn it!

A hooded figure leaped out of the shadows. The spot where the figure had been standing had been blasted into a deep crater by the Water Ball, and the splashing water scattered like pebbles, causing the figure to cry out in pain.

In the Kakkō, a human figure emerged—pale skin, but a gaunt face and sharp, angry eyes that immediately evoked the image of a sinister vulture, making Sukama tense as they met each other's gaze.

The Female Warrior, who had seen his wanted poster, narrowed her eyes and said, enunciating each word clearly, "The infamous [Eight Fingers] Security Department, one of the strongest [Six Arms], Phantom Demon Sandhillont!"

Sukama dropped the rabbit in her hand, picked up the magic hand axe, and quickly stood in front of Uchiha Takeyasu, speaking urgently.

"Lilinet, quickly take Young Master Takeyasu and escape! The [Six Arms] members are all as strong as adventurers of the Steel rank; we can't possibly fight them!"

Sukama's tone was pessimistic yet resolute, "Young Master Takeyasu, although you are a scoundrel nobleman, I have truly fallen for you. If I survive, I'll be your horse to ride in the future!"

(I think you're addicted to being a horse.)

Lilinet, who was initially nervous, couldn't help but complain inwardly upon hearing this, but her hands didn't slow down. Just as she was about to pull Uchiha Takeyasu away, he pulled her into his arms instead.

"Sukama, I'm glad you like me, but I'm not happy with how you phrased it."

Uchiha Takeyasu first gave Lilinet a look to calm down, then reached out and patted Sukama's back armor, the thumping sounds echoing around them, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"You are now my 'horse,' and there is nothing in the entire Re-Estize Kingdom that you should fear."

"He's just a clown, leave him to Gamarama. You sit down right now, you're blocking my view of the show!"

Sukama, who was being pulled by Uchiha Takeyasu, let out a cry and fell unsteadily at the young man's feet. Before she could make a sound, her mouth was stuffed full of a fragrant rabbit leg.

(That foul-mouthed nobleman!)

Phantom Demon Sand Dune gave the three a cold look, especially at the loud-mouthed noble youth, and decided to tear him to pieces. After assessing their combat strength, he stopped paying attention to them.

His eyes were fixed on the Gamarama that slowly approached him. This large yellow Toad, which he had never seen before, left Phantom Demon Sand Dune somewhat confused.

He thought to himself.

(Neither the torturing thief nor the Magic Chanter mentioned this giant Toad casting Fourth Tier Magic!)

(However, since the feud has already been formed, we'll just have to deal with them both. The two female adventurers are quite attractive; after capturing them and training them a bit, they might fetch a good price.)

Following the intelligence and Signal Flare that led him here, the Phantom Demon Sand Dunelongt glanced warily at the deep pit at his feet, then activated the enchanted boots beneath his feet, and a Magic Item in his hand, the [Energy Amplification Ring], also emitted magical fluctuations.

Phantom Demon Sand Dunelont drew his enchanted mithril sword and charged toward the Gamarama. As he ran, three figures identical to him, flowing with magical energy, appeared.

"Multiple Afterimages!"

(You stinking Toad, die by my unfathomable techniques!)

"Water Release: Iron Cannon Ball!"

The illusion showed no signs of life; the Water Ball spat out by the Gamarama flew straight towards the true form of the Phantom Demon, Sand Dune Lond, causing him to frown—was it luck?

The chainmail armor [Cat's Grace] made of orogen rubies on Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond glowed with magical patterns as he dodged to the side in time.

The three phantom figures beside him changed positions rapidly along with him.

As Magic Chanter combining the traits of a light warrior and Genjutsu, their defense is lower than that of a warrior, and their stamina is also inferior, but their speed is faster and their reactions are sharper.

The light warrior allows him to dodge attacks, while the Genjutsu gives him more ways to get close to the enemy, and finally, with his enchanted mithril sword, he can reap the enemy's life like an elegant dancer!

(That idiot.)

Respecting the idea of others to perform, the Gamarama quietly watched the hooded man's performance. As the man continued to charge forward, another Iron Cannon Ball was fired at his main body.

"Damn it, you stinking Toad, how did you find me?!"

The second hit could not be described as luck. Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond stared at the Gamarama with a grim expression. The killing intent in his heart for it had surpassed that of the three nobles who were eating rabbit meat and watching the show.

"Shining Dark Spot!"

With a flick of his fingers at the mithril enchantment in the hand of the Illusion Demon Sandylont, Genjutsu surged, instantly blurring everyone's vision as they looked at him.

(What kind of Ninjutsu is this?)

The blinded Gamarama panicked when he realized he couldn't see anything, but he still possessed the basic combat skills inherited from Gama Bunta.

"Water Release · Water Wall!"

Chakra gathered in his throat, and he spewed a waterfall of water forward from his mouth, creating a wall of water that rose from the bottom up in the blink of an eye. The Gamarama did not stop moving; relying on his senses, he fired one cannonball after another.

(The Toad's magic is so powerful; this oppressive force is just one step away from reaching the Heroic Domain!)

Unable to break through the Water Wall's defenses, the Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond struggled to dodge the swift iron cannonballs, the ever-increasing pressure forcing him to retreat continuously.

The effect of [Shining Dark Spot] quickly dissipated. Uchiha Takeyasu, who hadn't seen the entire battle, pinched the big white rabbit that Lilinet had raised in dissatisfaction. Under the Goddess Official's coquettish gaze, he waved his hand and unleashed the Second Tier Magic [Multiple Magic Arrows] and [Acid Arrow].

"Young Master Takeyasu, please have some rabbit meat."

With her side in a favorable position, Lilinet felt reassured. She tore off a piece of rabbit meat with her small mouth, then raised her head, blinked her beautiful eyes, and whimpered an invitation.

"You, priest, really know how to have fun."

Under Uchiha Takeyasu's gaze, the smooth lips, glistening with oil, were the perfect seasoning.

As he savored the sweet and tender rabbit meat, he manipulated his magic arrows to force the Phantom Demon Sand Dune to dodge repeatedly. Under the fiery gaze of the other party, he picked up Sukama, who was casting a pleading look at him.

Three people are enjoying a serving of rabbit meat.

"Ugh, you wretched nobleman!"

Never before had the Phantom Demon Sand Dune been provoked like this. He dodged an Acid Arrow and Gamarama's cannonball, and then cleaved off an incoming magic arrow.

Just as he was about to adopt the tactic of capturing the leader first, avoiding the Gamarama's sharp edge, and grabbing the noble youth in his hands, torturing him while threatening the Gamarama, a "whoosh" sounded behind him.

The deep green Acid Arrow pierced the vest, causing the hood attached to the vest to light up instantly. However, it also made the Phantom Demon Sand Dune stagger and almost get hit by the oncoming pyrotechnic ball.

"You've got quite a lot of Magic Item."

Releasing the infatuated Sukama, Uchiha Takeyasu glanced at the Phantom Demon Sand Dune, only to be grabbed by the collar by Lilinet and a piece of rabbit meat was stuffed into his mouth.

"Gamarama, hurry up and capture it alive!"

"Yes, Your Leader."

Sensing the urging tone in Uchiha Takeyasu's words, Gamarama's cute and plump Toad face also darkened.

I don't want to play whack-a-mole with you anymore.

"Celestial Art: Water Cannon!"

Gamarama's eyes narrowed, and he channeled his Senjutsu Chakra, unleashing an extremely powerful sticky Water Release at Phantom Demon Sand Dune.

(We're doomed!)

The massive spray of water cannons left the already exhausted Phantom Demon Sand Dune unable to dodge in time. He could only manage to run his upper body out, while his lower body seemed glued to the ground and unable to move.

"Your Leader, the mission is complete."

Looking at Uchiha Takeyasu, who was surrounded by women on both sides and was almost overwhelmed, Gamarama stretched out his Toad paw and scratched his bald head with some confusion.

It took quite a while before the Leader of state finally gave the order.

"Well done, Gamarama."

Uchiha Takeyasu glanced at Gamarama and said, "Go interrogate that guy and find out his purpose and background."

"Also, how are the [Four Weapons] thieves and Magic Chanter doing?"

When Uchiha Takeyasu said this, Sukama, worried about her teammates, wanted to get up and follow him, but the young man stopped her, saying, "Just leave it to Gamarama."

(But I don't know any interrogation Ninjutsu either.)

The Gamarama thought to himself, but dared not say it aloud. He could only sigh and walk toward the phantom demon, Dunelongt.

Under the terrified gaze of the other party, the Gamarama tried its best to squeeze out a fierce expression on its chubby face.

"If you don't tell the truth, I'll swallow you whole and let you experience the agony of your body being slowly melted by stomach acid!"

In just a few words, the spineless Phantom Demon Sandrunt blurted out everything he knew.

The sheer volume and complexity of information caused the Gamarama, who was already ill-suited for handling complicated situations, to look distressed and Earth Flow in circles in frustration. A slap from the head then forced the Phantom Demon Sand Dune to reorganize its thoughts.

(This dead Toad is really going too far!)

Phantom Demon Sand Dune cursed inwardly.

As the highest-ranking military officer and head of the [Eight Fingers] slave department, Phantom Demon Sandylont had never suffered such humiliation.

(Once we escape and ascend to heaven, we must find a few slaves and vent our anger on them!)

Recalling a female slave with dazzling blonde hair and an extremely strong will to survive from his memories, Phantom Demon Sand Dune planned to torture her to death with the most brutal and cruel methods once he returned.

(Now that we're living under someone else's roof, we can't be impatient or angry.)

Despite his burning rage, Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond managed to force a smile that was more like a grimace to appease the increasingly impatient Gamarama.

"Your Excellency Toad, I am a member of the [Six Arms] Security Department within [Eight Fingers], and I have recently been hired by the [Eight Fingers] Minister of Slavery to handle matters related to the slave trade."

"The stolen carriage and horses of Your Excellency are not far away, but my men accidentally killed the thieves and Magic Chanter hired by Your Excellency. I will hand those men over to Your Excellency later and await your instructions!"

"If Your Excellency requires compensation, I have many, many female slaves to offer you!"

The Phantom Demon Sand Dune, whose hands were stained with the lives of two people, did not hesitate to shift the blame onto his deputy in order to survive.

If necessary, Phantom Demon Sandhillont planned to cut off his head upon returning and give it to the noble youth, hoping to appease his anger.

If that's still not enough, the slave department has plenty of beautiful and docile female slaves; he's sure that lustful young nobleman will be satisfied.

"Why didn't you just do this earlier? Why are you beating around the bush with me?"

"Trying to bribe me? Who cares about your treasures and possessions?"

The Gamarama, dissatisfied, slapped the phantom demon Sand Dunelong across the face again, nearly knocking his brains out of his ear and causing him to faint while seeing stars.

Although the perception enhanced by Senjutsu Chakra is not as clear as that of the Nine-Tails Chakra, which can distinguish between good and evil in people's hearts.

However, the Gamarama truly sensed the lingering, almost solidified, evil intent in the heart of the Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lot, and therefore attacked with all its might each time.

His elders had taught him that when facing bad people, you must not be soft-hearted; if you can't kill them, beat them to death!

"Your Leader, we've obtained the intelligence."

Uchiha Takeyasu patted Lilinet and Sukama, who were snuggled in his arms. The two girls obediently sat down to the side, their gazes towards the man filled with tender affection.

First came the powerful groom, then his own exceptional talent, and finally even the Toad guard he casually summoned was able to defeat the renowned members of the [Six Arms] gang.

The two women were already determined to follow Uchiha Takeyasu.

After Gamarama's brief explanation, and combined with his memories from the original story, Uchiha Takeyasu waved his hand and said, "Kill him; he's just an eyesore."

"Yes, Your Leader."

Under the power of Gamarama's [Water Release: Gun Ball], the unconscious Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond merged into the earth without pain.

Uchiha Takeyasu was comforting the heartbroken Lilinet and Sukama. After all, they had been comrades for seven or eight years, and the four of them had made a name for themselves as the "Four Weapons" in [Ye Nai'ur].

He was about to become a nobleman and marry several beautiful wives, but unfortunately, he died at the hands of the Phantom Demon, Sand Dunelongt.

Then came the sound of hooves, Gamakichi, driving the carriage and reeking of blood, returned to the spot.

"Your Leader, this is the lost carriage, but you said those two men are already dead."

"The Gamarama has already extracted information from the leader of the slave group and told me about this."

Uchiha Takeyasu patted the two women on the waist, gesturing for them to get into the carriage first. Then, looking at Gamakichi, he asked, "Where are the slave traders and the slaves they sold?"

"The slave traders tortured them to extract information and then killed them. The innocent people received a small share of the money and then went home on their own."

Gamakichi's handling of the situation earned Uchiha Takeyasu. After the two toads exchanged information, Uchiha Takeyasu sent the two Toad back to Mount Myōboku.

He then summoned his original body, who was now free in Konoha. The two switched places, Uchiha Takeyasu entered the carriage, ready to quickly experience his [Ox and Horse] duo.