If the ninjas are from small ninja villages or even just low-ranking wandering ninjas, there's no need to worry. The latter goes without saying, and even for the former, the probability of finding Chunin is extremely low, so the mission's risk level is not a concern. However, if the ninjas are from the other four great nations, the mission's risk needs to be reassessed.
Qi himself had almost zero experience in this area, and his awareness was also very lacking. Everything he knew was still just theoretical knowledge on paper, making it difficult to make a correct judgment. He could only follow his captain and do some investigation to see if he could find some more accurate and in-depth information.
The same applies to Mei Terumi and Kisame Hoshigaki on the other side. Even geniuses can only accumulate knowledge step by step through practice, and it is impossible to achieve it in one leap.
"Lord Qing, what is your opinion? Is this murder truly related to ninjas?"
A near-total search was launched, but still yielded no results, and Captain Saemon's expression became extremely grave.
That was the figure that subconsciously approached.
Shinji Akita looked at Ao with a questioning expression and asked in a low voice.
"Based on initial assessment, it's highly likely the work of a ninja. The movements were too clean and swift, leaving the victim with virtually no chance to resist. From this perspective, only a ninja could have acted. However, there are still many suspicious points, especially regarding the traces of intrusion. Ordinary ninjas wouldn't leave such obvious marks. This is either a signal of provocation or represents..."
"There are others present, aren't there? Lord Qing!"
Before Qing could finish speaking...
Shinji Akita, sitting opposite him, spoke with a cold expression.
"Hmm, another possibility is that the deceased and the murderer had a special relationship. During my subordinates' investigation, they found traces left by others at the main entrance and in the reception hall. It's clearly not a stealth intrusion; it's more like the owner of the mansion inviting them in. If that's the case, it doesn't necessarily mean it was a ninja. If the plan was well-executed, it's entirely possible that the victim was easily killed by someone else without any warning!"
Qing nodded slightly and continued.
From a first-person perspective, Qing still leans towards the idea that this was the result of a ninja attack. However, given the existence of other possibilities, Qing cannot be too hasty in his judgment, as this is not a matter that can be directly determined by the probability of an attack.
This is, after all, a major issue involving the stability of an island region, the deaths of nearly a hundred people, and an official from the Land of Water.
As a ninja from Kirigakure that relies heavily on the resources of the Land of Water, Ao certainly needs to take this national mission seriously, not to mention that he has also sensed a hint of danger.
This mission seems to be a little different from the 'ordinary murder case' I had previously anticipated.
In fact, Ao's guess was close to the truth: the Yamamoto family was wiped out by one of Matou's subordinates. He did have several other wandering ninjas under his command, but these ninjas were far inferior to the orthodox ninjas from the ninja village, and their Chakra refining and usage were also very crude.
Having never had the opportunity to learn and train as a formal ninja, they are truly weak. However, when facing ordinary people, their ability to use Chakra makes them incredibly powerful and terrifying!
The speed and strength enhancements brought by Chakra alone are enough to allow these people to easily crush ordinary people even if they don't know any Ninjutsu.
Only the most elite troops, when in formation, can deal with these wandering ninjas.
On Kujiraai Island today, there are fewer than a hundred ordinary security patrol soldiers, making Matou's wandering ninjas virtually invincible.
The reason why the Yamamoto family was wiped out.
It is because they, as former high-ranking officials of the Land of Whales, have now betrayed the Land of Whales and even plan to secretly leak information about Matou's plan to restore the country to the high-ranking officials of the Land of Water.
The death of that former detective officer was related to this. He had learned some information from the Yamamoto family, but it was discovered by one of Matou's subordinates, who then silenced him beforehand.
The Yamamoto family thought they had done something very discreet, but unfortunately, nothing escaped the notice of one of Matou's subordinates!
The entire Yamamoto family was thus slaughtered!
"Is that so? Then we definitely need to be more careful. The death of the former reconnaissance officer must have been because he discovered something that led to his assassination!"
This is almost an obvious fact, and Shinji Akita could easily connect the two.
"Therefore, Your Excellency Qing, I hope to receive your full assistance. If the other side truly has some kind of conspiracy, then we certainly don't have much time left. I hope we can seize every opportunity!"
The series of deaths, now reaching 20 in one go, may seem insignificant compared to the total population of Kujiraai Island, but the situation is far too dire. Almost all the island's inhabitants are gripped by fear, terrified that they will be next, not to mention the conspiracy lurking behind it all.
To stabilize the situation on the island, they must find out the truth and bring the murderer to justice as quickly as possible.
"Yes, this is part of the mission plan. Akita, please feel free to give your orders!"
Qing nodded and said.
"I hope we can split into several groups. One group will investigate the traces of the former investigator's death, another will investigate the traces of the people who died in succession, and yet another will contact some important figures on the island. It seems this case cannot be investigated secretly; it's best to mobilize the entire island's resources. I will also immediately send someone back to contact the city lord and ask him to send more personnel to provide support!"
Shinji Akita said with a solemn expression.
Before they arrived on the island, Akita had not heard about the complete extermination of the Yamamoto family, and he still felt that the situation was under his control.
But now it seems things aren't so simple. Even with the assistance of Ao, a Jonin ninja, and his team, Akita still feels he needs more power!
For example, you could have your own city lord send elite city defense troops to assist you!
I don't ask for too much.
It would be necessary to send at least several hundred people!
Captain Saemon felt a sense of impending doom deep within his heart.
If we don't act quickly, the situation could very well spiral completely out of control.
"Yes, that's no problem. I'll accompany Akita to investigate the death of the former investigator."