A man commits no crime, yet he is punished for possessing jade.
The Underground World, which had been closely monitoring developments in the Shinobi World, had long learned from the Konoha Daily's consecutive reports that the Shinobi Alliance was preparing to act against the nobles.
If nothing unexpected happened, executioners like them who prowled in the darkness would certainly not be spared.
The assassination plan launched by the nobles of various nations had created a perfect opportunity for them.
Only by disguising themselves as the nobles' operatives and muddying the waters of the Shinobi World could they continue living freely and securely in the Underground World.
After receiving news that Madara was leaving Konoha, their confidence in taking action grew even firmer.
Following careful deliberation, they secretly selected their targets.
This was a shocking gamble, but it was well worth taking a risk on a small hidden village.
For the Tailed Beasts.
And even more so for their future.
But they absolutely could not provoke the major hidden villages. Once their men were captured and their identities exposed—
The thunderous wrath of the God of Shinobi could completely flatten their Underground World.
Disguise. Assassination.
Those were things they knew better than anyone.
No corpses could be left behind during the operation. If anyone died in battle, their body would be destroyed with ninjutsu.
Assassins.
Those in this line of work had to be that ruthless toward themselves.
What was ruthless was not only the assassins, but also the irritating sunlight within Konoha.
Inside the guard post at Konoha's gates, Uchiha Chikaku watched the bustling traffic ahead with considerable curiosity. It was a sight he could never have seen in Hell Valley.
From the materials used for passing carriages, the steadiness of the horses' gait, and the goods they carried, he