The last light of sunset spilled across the land outside Black Wind Valley.
Chikage listened to the crisp system notification in his head, his spirits soaring.
Two hundred points were safely in the bank.
He turned to look at Uchiha Itachi behind him.
Itachi was struggling to drag the four unconscious Root ninja together.
The black chains scraped across the ground with an ear-piercing screech.
"That's enough. Just tie them up."
"They're vital proof for getting my travel expenses reimbursed when we return to the village. Don't go leaving them short an arm or a leg."
Chikage walked over and helped throw the prisoners onto the wagon the Rogue Ninja had left nearby.
The stones originally loaded on the wagon had already been cleared away.
Now it was just right for carrying their spoils.
Itachi sealed the last poisoned short sword into a sealing scroll and handed it to Chikage.
"Deputy Captain, this blade has Root's special mark on it."
"Together with these living prisoners, it makes for some very important evidence."
Chikage took the scroll and casually stuffed it into his bulging backpack.
"Good work."
"Let's go. We'll spend the night in Hot Water Town and head back to the village first thing tomorrow."
Chikage vaulted onto the wagon, settled into the driver's seat, and picked up the reins.
Itachi jumped aboard as well and sat beside him.
The wagon rolled slowly along the rutted dirt road.
Its wheels creaked and groaned.
Itachi sat on the swaying wagon bed, his gaze fixed on Chikage.
The battle in Black Wind Valley kept replaying in his mind.
That brutally powerful Lightning Release cloak.
And the way Deputy Captain Chikage had been trapped by Root's elite, only to force his way out and turn the tables.
Itachi could no longer hold back