In a dark, damp underground building in Konoha, a ninja wearing a demon mask emerged from the shadows and walked away.
More than two hundred miles from Konoha stood a small city. A town lay nearby, but the mountain roads were rough and the journey difficult. On top of that, a band of bandits had recently appeared, cutting off all contact between the town and the city.
"Don't worry. I've already found a way to ask the Konoha Ninja for help. Everything will be fine soon," the mayor announced loudly.
"Mayor, our mountain goods have been piling up for days. If we don't sell them soon, they'll spoil!"
"That's right! All our hard work these past few months will have been for nothing!"
"Mayor, just let us go! I refuse to believe those bandits are going to guard the road all the time. Even wild beasts take naps, never mind those lazy good-for-nothings! Don't you all agree?" A middle-aged man with a goatee shouted.
"That's right, Mayor. Let us go!"
"If the bandits show up, we'll fight them!"
"Yeah, let's fight them!"
The mayor looked at the fired-up townsfolk, his face turning green. "Everyone, please calm down! These bandits kill without batting an eye. Why risk your lives over a little money? Besides, the Konoha Ninja will be here soon!"
But no matter what the mayor said, the townsfolk had made up their minds to go. They wouldn't listen.
The goateed man stroked his beard smugly, a mocking look on his face.
Soon, the townsfolk gathered together. They loaded their mountain goods onto five horse-drawn carts and were joined by more than a dozen strong young men. Led by the goateed man, they set off with their heads held high.
"Don't be afraid, everyone! Bandits are people too. They'll