Future Leg Shadow! Did you drop these black stockings? Or these white stockings?

Watching that Iwagakure ninja flee, Natsume finally walked over to Kitsuchi's side.

He confirmed that this thick-skinned fellow wouldn't be kicking the bucket anytime soon.

In fact, Natsume hadn't beaten Kitsuchi to a pulp because he had nothing better to do.

Primarily, it was for two reasons.

First: he wanted to stretch his limbs, gauge his current strength, and test the power of the Kunwu Blade.

Second: if he didn't beat the underling into the dirt, how could he lure that old geezer, Ōnoki of Iwagakure, out of hiding?

If he didn't lure that old man out, how would he find a convenient opportunity to take a stroll through the village's Vault?

To put it bluntly, this was nothing more than "luring the tiger away from the mountain."

Moreover, it was both a conspiracy and an open plot.

Even if Ōnoki saw through it, he would have no choice but to come.

A powerhouse like Kitsuchi, capable of suppressing Tailed Beasts, was of vital importance to Iwagakure.

On top of that, he was the man's own son; there was no way he wouldn't take the bait.

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

"Poof--"

White mist exploded as Natsume created a shadow clone, leaving it in place.

Then, his main body glanced back at the area behind him.

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

He immediately set off, sneaking toward the direction of Iwagakure.

As for the spot Natsume had just glanced at, a small, pure white snake was hiding in a crevice, trembling as it secretly spied on him.

Clearly, that old schemer Orochimaru wouldn't miss a battle that was both incredibly spectacular and capable of revealing Natsume's true strength.

That was why he had left a white snake clone hidden there long ago.

Natsume didn't care about this.

At this stage, the stronger he appeared, the more wary Orochimaru would be of him.

This would only be more beneficial for the cooperation between his Flame Hidden Village and Otogakure.

After all, to forge iron, one must be strong oneself!

On the other side, the Iwagakure ninja who had fled for his life made it back to the village in less than ten minutes.

He delivered the explosive news: "The enemy has invaded, Kitsuchi has been defeated, and his life is hanging by a thread," to the current Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki.

Hearing that his own son had been defeated and that his life was in the hands of another, Ōnoki panicked.

He knew the extent of Kitsuchi's strength.

Looking across all of Iwagakure, aside from himself, almost no one was his match.

How could he have been so easily defeated by a rogue ninja from Akatsuki?

And why did an Akatsuki member happen to appear here and rescue that spy?

Countless doubts arose in Ōnoki's heart.

However, this was not the time to ponder such questions.

Kitsuchi's life was in imminent danger.

Kurotsuchi was still young; he couldn't let that girl lose her father right now!

Thinking of this, Ōnoki didn't dare hesitate.

He hurriedly led his personal guard, rushed out of the village, and headed toward the scene of the incident.

Soon, only a few minutes after Ōnoki and his group had left, another short figure took advantage of the night to sneak into the village.

He bypassed the guards all the way, heading toward the village Vault located behind the Tsuchikage's office building.

The Vault was not heavily guarded, with only two Chūnin standing watch as a mere formality.

After all, this was the heart of Iwagakure, situated right next to the Tsuchikage Building.

If someone were truly capable of defeating the Tsuchikage and launching a surprise attack this deep, then the entire Iwagakure would likely be on the verge of destruction anyway.

At this moment.

The figure lurking here seemed quite familiar with the surrounding architecture and terrain.

He was hiding behind a dark corner, carefully observing the guards at the Vault attic.

Within seconds, he had a plan in mind and prepared to make his move.

However, just then.

A slender, delicate hand suddenly emerged from behind and slammed onto his shoulder.

It scared him half to death.

"Brother, what are you doing here?"

Deidara spun around abruptly, and upon seeing that it was his junior sister Kurotsuchi behind him, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Ku-Kurotsuchi! You scared the life out of me!"

"Why have you snuck into the village again? If Grandpa finds out, he's going to lose his temper again."

At only eight years old, Kurotsuchi already possessed quite a strong personality.

She stood there with her arms crossed, lecturing her senior brother—who was always causing trouble—with a serious expression.

In fact, it was because he frequently caused trouble in the village and tested various clay explosives, resulting in significant damage, that he had been forced to move out last year.

At nine years old, Deidara had been forced to move to the outskirts of the village.

Without an order from Ōnoki, he was not allowed to enter the village at will.

"Couldn't sleep, so I came into the village for a stroll..."

Deidara gave an awkward smile.

He certainly wouldn't admit that he had discovered the old man Ōnoki had suddenly left the village, and had seized the opportunity to sneak in and make a haul.

After all, he was currently researching a new ninjutsu and was a bit short on funds...

"Pah! Brother, can't you come up with a more convincing lie?"

"It's obvious you're up to no good again!"

Kurotsuchi scolded him irritably, wishing she could strangle this troublemaking senior brother of hers.

It was a pity that, although this guy was never serious, his talent and attainments in ninjutsu were truly high.

Even Grandpa often praised him.

He would frequently compare him to her, which made Kurotsuchi want to punch someone!

"Shh! Keep it down..."

"And you, why are you here?"

Deidara covered Kurotsuchi's mouth and whispered.

"Dad was called out by Grandpa this evening and hasn't come back yet. Mom told me to come to the Tsuchikage Building to ask Grandpa, so Dad could come home early."

Kurotsuchi explained.

She had no idea where her dad had run off to.

Not coming home this late.

If he went back tonight, her angry mom would probably make him kneel on a washboard again...

"Brother! Be honest, are you eyeing the Vault?"

"Shh! You can't just say things like that!"

Deidara panicked and hurriedly tried to defend himself.

"Split it with me fifty-fifty!"

"Huh?"

"If you don't give me half, I'll scream right now, and you won't get a single cent!"

The young Kurotsuchi revealed a "pure" and wicked smile, threatening him without mercy.

Although her talent and attainments in ninjutsu were not as good as her senior brother's, she had still learned a thing or two about the negotiation and intimidation tactics of her grandfather, Ōnoki.

"Kurotsuchi, you..."

"Are you doing it or not? If not, I'm calling for help!"

"I'm doing it!"

Deidara gritted his teeth and agreed to the partnership.

Next.

The two of them poked their heads out once more, scouting the defenses of the Vault.

"Kurotsuchi, I'll break through first and knock out those two guards."

"You climb up to the edge of the loft behind the Vault and keep watch for me!"

"If anyone comes, notify me immediately!"

Deidara began to coordinate the tactics.

"Got it!"

"Ready, three, two, one, move!"

Deidara darted out first, utilizing the blind spots of the night to close in on the two guards rapidly.

Simultaneously, he flipped his hands.

Several small clay spiders coated in paralytic toxin shot out abruptly, pouncing toward the guards.

Just like that, relying on a surprise assault.

The highly capable Deidara easily knocked the two guards unconscious.

He quickly pushed open the heavy doors and slipped into the Vault with an excited expression.

Behind him.

The petite Kurotsuchi also hurriedly moved her nimble, long legs, scurrying along to catch up.

She leaped into the air.

Grabbing the railing of the second-floor loft, she prepared to vault over.

If she didn't hurry, that idiot senior brother of hers would probably embezzle most of her share!

However, just as she climbed onto the second-floor loft, the small shoe on her right foot was accidentally knocked off.

With no other choice, Kurotsuchi had to jump back down to the first floor, puffing out her cheeks in a huff.

She fumbled around on the dim ground, searching for her shoe.

After finally finding it, she looked up.

Only to suddenly discover.

A strange figure had appeared before her at some point.

The person wore a mask, was not very tall, and possessed a restrained aura, making it impossible to tell if they were friend or foe.

Yet, their hands were strangely holding several pairs of silky stockings.

With a seductive tone, they smiled and asked her:

"Oh, future Leg Shadow! Did you drop this pair of black silk stockings? Or this pair of white silk stockings? Or perhaps this pair of fishnet stockings?"

Kurotsuchi: o(ﾟДﾟ)っ???