Although Kusagakure was second in size only to the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the unexplained disappearance of over a hundred people was enough to deal a crippling blow to the Grass Flower faction. What was more, the Grass Flower faction was now being thoroughly suppressed by the Grass Fruit faction, making it difficult to replenish its ranks after losing so many people.
For a time, neither the Kusagakure Anbu member the Grass Flower faction had planted in the Grass Fruit faction nor the petite figure knew what to say. They were both at a loss.
The situation was as bad as it could get. There was no hope in sight!
After a long while, the Kusagakure Anbu said, "Ryūsetsuna. You should leave."
The petite figure, whom he had called Ryūsetsuna, looked astonished. "Brother, what are you talking about? I'm a ninja of Kusagakure. This is my home, and my family and friends are here. Why would I leave?"
The Kusagakure Anbu shook his head. "This isn't the Kusagakure it used to be!"
He had watched the village change over the years.
He could still tolerate the village higher-ups' scheme to revive the Grass Country, but he couldn't accept some of their actions over the past few months.
In particular, the village higher-ups had turned a blind eye to the large number of disappearances within the Grass Flower faction. That all but confirmed the Grass Fruit faction's involvement.
Such blatant political infighting had left not only the Grass Flower faction but even some of the village's neutral factions feeling chilled to the bone.
Ryūsetsuna was short, but her gaze was unwavering. "I'm not leaving! I'll stay and help you and Muku. If we hold on, we'll win everyone's support!"
The Kusagakure Anbu gave a bitter smile. "I hope so. Go back