"Really? I don't believe you!"
Faced with Hiruzen Sarutobi's questioning, Danzo remained utterly unmoved.
"Then you arranged for someone to follow them, didn't you?" Utatane Koharu asked at just the right moment.
"Of course."
"Then let's catch up with them first. I want to see exactly what you're planning," Hiruzen said, immediately deciding to pursue them.
"Sure. Let me contact my people."
Meanwhile, aboard the Iron Fortress...
Mumei had successfully persuaded Ayame, Kurusu, and the others.
"Let me make this clear first. We're only curious about how Kabane are created. We won't take part in anything else." An unusual stubbornness lay hidden within Ayame's frail frame.
Normally, a lord's daughter like her had a bright future ahead of her and no reason to take risks.
Yet after being taken hostage, she had willingly helped her captors, actively making things easier for them. She had personally arranged the train driver, workers, and guards.
Standing nearby, Ikoma watched her with eyes full of infatuation.
The chubby Takeru couldn't help complaining, "You've really screwed me over. We could've risen straight to the top, but now we're finished if they brand us traitors. You know how powerful the Empire is."
His words brought Ikoma back to his senses. His expression returned to normal, and his tone grew solemn. "That's exactly why I have to take a gamble. I... I want to save Mumei."
It turned out he understood the situation perfectly. He simply wanted more.
"I really underestimated you." Takeru's mouth fell open, as though he were seeing Ikoma for the first time.
"What are you two whispering about over there? Get over here and help!" Kurusu snapped at them while firing his gun.
"Coming! Coming!" Ikoma hurriedly raised the Piercing Gun he had invented.
Bang! The powerful recoil nearly knocked it from his