April 25th, morning.
Two teams each from Konoha and Sunagakure, along with six teams from Yugakure, assembled in the dense forest outside Yugakure.
Konoha had deployed Akaseki's team, as well as a temporary team made up of Caozhen, Fuyouwen, and a Hyuga clansman, Hyuga Fengyi.
Both Zong Xuan and Zhen Sha had come from Sunagakure. As for Yugakure... they were just there to make up the numbers.
"Hmm? Jonin Kato isn't coming?" Zong Xuan looked toward Konoha's side. It really seemed that Akaseki, a Chunin, was in charge, making him frown.
"Jonin Kato will cooperate with us from the shadows," Akaseki said calmly.
Dan Katō had set out in spirit form, while his physical body had already been hidden away.
Hearing this, Zong Xuan said nothing more. He had originally wanted to take the chance to observe what methods Dan Katō possessed, but it seemed Konoha would not give him the opportunity.
"Captain Akaseki, how do you think we should proceed?" Zong Xuan asked tentatively. Though Konoha had a Jonin present, it looked as if Akaseki was the one directing them.
Akaseki answered bluntly, "That cave has entrances to the east and south. You enter from the east, and we'll enter from the south. We'll trap them in the belly of the mountain and grant their wish!"
Right, those Jashin Cult followers were inside "repenting for why they had not embraced death"...
Repentance was meant to erase guilt. So... Akaseki could erase their guilt faster than Jashin could!
After they split up, Akaseki specifically told the ninjas of the joint team, "Stay behind me from here on. If we need to attack the followers, let me do it whenever possible. Before I summon Rashomon, do not directly kill any Jashin Cult followers."
After seeing the mural earlier, Akaseki was now