"Crow!!!!!!"
After a burst of commotion, the green sphere of energy was startled. Birds took flight through the Forest, and animals hid away. Matai, standing within the green aura, became even more furious and terrifying.
Moreover, after using the body technique known as the forbidden technique, the Eight Gates, the first mate's speed had increased dramatically. This was no mere one- or twofold increase, but an overwhelming boost that surpassed normal speed by dozens of times.
Whoosh—
A golden flash streaked through the jungle. The animals in the Forest felt a sudden brightness. Just as they wondered what had happened, the gecko had vanished.
After sending the signal, Juzo hid himself and rested for a while. Soon, his body no longer felt as numb as before. Just as Genma had guessed, Juzo truly had six hidden companions—and these six were also among the legendary Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Blood Mist.
"Hey, Juzo! How many people were there? You were in such a mess that you actually had to use a distress signal..." one of them mocked.
"Cut the crap! If I hadn't captured a ninja from the Land of Merchants and forced him to reveal the location of the Nine-Seed Lotus, you'd still be wandering around the great Forest. Hurry up—the Nine-Seed Lotus was stolen by three little brats..."
"Stolen? More like you let them steal it, Juzo. How pathetic. You couldn't even handle three kids. I already told you, that rusty broken sword of yours is nothing but decoration, yet you still treasure it like a baby. Hahahaha..."
"Hmph! Say one more word of nonsense and I'll kill you! I don't care if we're comrades... I could use some nourishment for my Decapitating Carving Knife too."
Just as Juzo was arguing with his companions, a tall man with