Robbery

Whoosh—

On the spacious dock, the sea breeze carried a salty, fishy smell as it drifted by.

Surrounded on all sides, Yan Hong showed no trace of nervousness. He even seemed somewhat delighted that his prey had come to him without any effort.

The pirates who had come to rob him looked at each other. It was their first time seeing someone remain so calm while being robbed. This pretty boy did not look like an expert either. Could he be an idiot?

After a long while, the captain stepped forward and called out, "Hey! Kid, I saw you get off that ship just now. If I'm not mistaken, you're one of its sailors, right? I'll give you a chance to live. Take us aboard, and then you can get lost."

"So you want to loot that ship." Yan Hong finally understood. He looked over the men and slowly said, "You look like ninjas. Do you really need to go through so much trouble just to rob an ordinary cargo ship?"

"Damn it! Brat! Are you telling us how to do things? Believe it or not, I'll chop you down right now!" A burly man impatiently waved the broadsword in his hand, only for the captain to raise a hand and stop him.

At that moment, he suddenly had a bad feeling. He vaguely sensed that they might have kicked an iron plate this time. Cautiously, he said, "Could it be that you're a ninja too, sir? We are ninjas of the Funato Clan from the Water Country. My name is Funato Haiichi. Perhaps we have some connection."

Yan Hong thought for a moment. "The Funato Clan? That pirate family? Not interested."

"You!"

Funato Haiichi's brow furrowed at once, but Yan Hong continued without the slightest concern. "Since you are also a ninja clan from the Water Country, this will be easy. I'll give you a chance to live. Tell me where the Taketori Clan is, and then you can get lost."

Funato Haiichi flew into a rage. Though the Funato Clan could not compare to the great first-rate clans, they were still among the best of the second-rate clans. When had they ever suffered such humiliation? His face darkened. "Kill him!"

Swish—

The burly man who had spoken first could no longer hold himself back. With his broadsword in hand, he charged forward first, raising his blade and slashing at Yan Hong, who stood motionless!

Seeing their companion attack, the others naturally grabbed their weapons and closed in from every direction!

In an instant, murderous intent surged across the dock!

Unfortunately for them, the local bullies had encountered a fierce dragon crossing the river!

As the burly man reached him, Yan Hong could not even be bothered to activate his Sharingan. His fingers curled into claws and shot toward the man's sword-wielding wrist like lightning at terrifying speed!

The instant Yan Hong moved, the burly man's expression changed. How could a mere brat possess such speed? He hurriedly tried to withdraw and retreat, but it was already far too late!

Smack—

Yan Hong accurately seized the man's wrist, then twisted it violently!

Crack—

"Ah!"

With the sound of shattering bones, the burly man let out an anguished scream. His broadsword slipped from his grasp and fell.

Before the sword could hit the ground, Yan Hong suddenly extended a foot, lightly hooking it upward and pulling it back. The falling broadsword instantly became a spinning windmill, tearing through the air with a shrill whistle as it shot backward!

Squelch—

A crisp sound of steel piercing flesh came from behind him. One of the attackers had not even realized what was happening before the whistling broadsword punched straight through him. The entire blade sank into his body, leaving only the hilt outside. He collapsed without even having time to scream!

At the same time, Yan Hong's hand coiled up the burly man's arm like a spirit snake. The man's heart lurched. He knew this was an exceptionally vicious killing move, yet he could not resist at all!

Crack—

Yan Hong clamped onto the burly man's throat like a snake striking with its tongue. His five fingers tightened, instantly crushing the man's windpipe. Then he lifted the muscular body with force and slammed it into the ground. With a dull bang, the huge man moved no more!

Funato Haiichi had only run about ten meters when he saw two of his men die in an instant. Indescribable terror filled his eyes. This brat looked young, but his skills were even sharper than his own clan head's. He was very likely from some powerful clan. This was not merely kicking an iron plate—it was like striking a keg of explosives!

With that thought, he no longer had any intention of fighting. He stopped without hesitation and roared, "Retreat!"

In truth, he did not need to remind them. The others had already realized what was happening at the first opportunity, and upon hearing their captain's order, they immediately turned and fled!

Thud, thud, thud—

The pirate band, so imposing moments ago, now scattered like startled birds in a forest. Yet before they could take more than a few steps, a whistle tore through the air behind them. A kunai sank into one man's back, blood spraying as he immediately crashed to the ground!

"One person is enough to lead the way."

"Run!"

Swish—

Yan Hong lightly pushed off with one foot, moving like a ghost. He snatched up the broadsword lodged in the corpse midway and instantly chased after the fastest-running young man!

"Gasp!" Hearing the terrifying sound behind him, the young man nearly wet himself. His entire body trembled uncontrollably. Realizing that he could not escape, he immediately formed hand seals and pressed both hands to the ground!

Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!

Boom—

An earthen wall surged from the ground, stretching between the two men. With the wall protecting him, the young man relaxed and turned to continue fleeing!

"Heh." Yan Hong sneered disdainfully. His left hand swiftly brushed over the blade, and crimson flames instantly ignited along its edge. He swung horizontally at the earthen wall before him!

Uchiha Blazing Flame Slash!

Boom—

With an explosive crash, the earthen wall split apart, along with the figure behind it, who was severed at the waist in a burst of bloody mist!

Crash—

Amid the rumble of the collapsing wall, Yan Hong stepped on its base and used the recoil to change direction. As he slid sideways to the right, he casually swung his blade again!

Crack—

In the blink of an eye, a head flew into the sky. The spurting blood was vaporized by the flames, leaving no trace behind. After killing those remaining small fry, Yan Hong instantly rushed toward the last one—Funato Haiichi!

Nothing but fear remained in Funato Haiichi's eyes. He had never heard of any ninja in the Water Country with such terrifying strength. "What kind of monster is this?!"

Whoosh—

The sound of wind tearing through the air behind him grew ever closer. Years of ninja experience told him that continuing to run would only make him die faster. Gritting his teeth, he turned around to make one last desperate stand, but the moment he turned, a heavy kick slammed into his abdomen!

Bang—

Funato Haiichi was sent flying at once, tumbling several times before barely coming to a stop. He spat out a mouthful of blood. Just as he tried to rise again, a blade tip pressed against his throat!

At that moment, time suddenly seemed to stretch endlessly. Funato Haiichi's mind went blank. He swallowed, wanting to say something, but though his mouth opened, not a single sound came out. He could only stare blankly at the terrifying monster before him.

As though an entire century had passed, the young man finally spoke slowly. "Congratulations. You're the last one. This is your final chance. Take me to the Taketori Clan."

Funato Haiichi breathed heavily and took a long time to recover. "Th-this lord, the Taketori Clan has no territory. I..."

"Looks like you're useless too."

"But I know where to find them!"

Swish—

Yan Hong withdrew the broadsword that had nearly come down and waved a hand. "Lead the way."