The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was now under martial law, and all the palace maids and servants in the area had been evacuated, leaving the area to the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
At this moment, they are the hope of the entire Daming Prefecture!
"That area seems to have once been the residence of the Soga Clan..."
Chiriku said somewhat uncertainly, because his background was the cleanest, so he often had to act as the daimyo's envoy and carry out some respectable tasks, so he didn't spend much time in the daimyo's residence, and he wasn't present that night.
However, he had performed a ritual to pray for the Soga Clan after the tragedy that night. Although there were many traces of blood and Ninjutsu battle left at the scene, not a single Soga Clan was found. Even though the remains had been collected, were they not to be buried?
That was the most bizarre of the hundreds of rituals he had performed, but the lord was very tight-lipped about it and unwilling to reveal anything, so he didn't press the matter further.
Surprisingly, the members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja who remained at the Daimyo's residence were unwilling to discuss what exactly happened that night.
The Soga Clan, located near the Daimyo's capital, was wiped out overnight by ninjas, but all those in the know pretended nothing had happened, not even bothering to announce a charge of treason to cover it up...
What was initially thought to be a brutal political struggle now appears to have deeper underlying factors.
However, Chiriku did not notice that when he mentioned the ' Soga Clan,' several of the Twelve Warriors had solemn expressions, furrowed brows, and some even showed expressions of fear, and Kazuma was one of them.
The Soga Clan? Asuma vaguely felt a sense of familiarity, but couldn't quite place it. However, he didn't dwell on it. The most important thing now was to deal with the strange forest that posed a threat to the Daimyo's capital.
" Kitane, can your Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar Technique directly destroy this forest?"
The Lightning Release Four-Man Squad exchanged glances, shook their heads in perfect unison, and then, with Kitane speaking as their representative:
"No, this is the capital of the Land of Fire, and it's too close to the Daimyo's residence. We can't estimate the destructive power of Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar Technique."
Asuma couldn't find any flaws in this reason, but only the Lightning Release Four-Man Squad knew the real reason—it was simply because the price of using the Lightning Illusion Flash of Lightning Pillar Technique was too high. At best, it would severely deplete their Chakra, cause mental confusion, and leave them bedridden for several months; at worst, it would cost them their lives. Therefore, they would never use it unless absolutely necessary.
"In that case, let's split into two groups. One group will search for the caster outside to protect the Daimyo's residence, while the other group will enter the forest to find the caster or a way to undo the Ninjutsu."
Asuma and Chiriku simultaneously glanced at Kazuma. Such a foolish plan—did he really think they didn't know his little scheme?
"Splitting up without knowing the enemy's exact location is the most foolish thing to do. I suggest we explore the forest together; if I'm not mistaken, the caster should be waiting for us inside."
After a moment's thought, Chiriku nodded. " Asuma's plan is good. The caster deliberately created this forest, but it's just a symbolic attack on the Daimyo's residence. The only possibility is that it's to lure us there. In that case, let's go with the flow and take down the caster."
The others echoed their sentiments, their fighting spirit soaring, except for the few who remained at the Daimyo's residence on the night of the Soga Clan's annihilation...
"What if this is just bait? What about the daimyo's safety?" Kazuma retorted unwillingly.
However, this time, before Asuma could retaliate, Chiriku transformed into an angry Vajra and sternly rebuked him:
" Kazuma, that's enough! The Daimyo's safety is naturally not in danger. Eliminating the enemy ninja whose identity and strength are unknown is what we, the Twelve Guardian Ninja, should do for the Daimyo!"
Faced with Chiriku's sharp gaze, Kazuma reluctantly lowered his head. There was no other way; Chiriku, the high priest of the Fire Temple, was the daimyo's most trusted person and the nominal captain of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
"I see."
After subduing the troublemaker Kazuma, Chiriku looked solemnly at the forest before him. He had a premonition that this time would be very dangerous...
In the lush forest, the Twelve Guardian Ninja carefully moved forward little by little, constantly watching for any movement around them.
The sensory ninja closed his eyes, positioned himself at the center of everyone's protection, and focused all his senses on the mysterious forest that had suddenly grown.
"That's incredible, this forest wasn't even here this morning."
Tou, one of the Lightning Release Four-Man Squad and the only female ninja among the Twelve Guardian Ninja, curiously stroked the thick tree trunk.
"Don't touch it! This isn't some natural wonder; it's very likely Wood Release Ninjutsu, and it could be dangerous." Asuma grabbed Tou's wrist and pulled her away from the trees.
Apart from Asuma, the others did not have a clear understanding of Wood Release Wood Release, only knowing that it was the Kekkei Genkai of the Senju Clan, and that the Senju Clan was a ninja clan of Konoha.
Therefore, most people have no idea what they are about to face...
After walking a while longer, the sensory ninja standing in the crowd looked delighted and excitedly exclaimed:
"Found them! The caster has been found, and there's only one person! They're behind a big tree 110 meters to the southeast."
Everyone perked up. Their biggest fear was that this was a premeditated gang crime. Now that they had confirmed that the other party was only one person, things became much easier.
Apart from the Kage of each village, the Twelve Guardian Ninja fear no other ninja.
"Everyone, stay calm. Anyone who can use Ninjutsu with this range, even if it's not Wood Release, shouldn't be underestimated. Understand?"
"Yes!"
The group responded in unison, then quickly divided into several groups, advancing in an orderly fashion, preparing to surround the arrogant ninja who dared to attack the daimyo's mansion.
Behind the Twelve Guardian Ninja, Naoki Senju's Wood Clone separated from the tree trunk, glanced at the cautious Twelve Guardian Ninja, sneered disdainfully, and then Wood Clone.
"One team is in place."
"Group Two is in position."
"Three teams in position, commence operations."
At Chiriku's command, the three action teams simultaneously began Hand Seals, carrying out a coordinated operation that had been practiced countless times before.
Lightning Release: Earth Flow.
Lightning Release: Lightning Flash Bullet.
" Lightning Release: Lightning Binding."
The Lightning Release technique, which has the fastest release speed, strikes first. Earth Flow Movement restricts the enemy's movement, Lightning Flash Bullet deprives the enemy of their sight, and Lightning Binding completely deprives the enemy of the opportunity to use Substitution Technique to escape.
" Water Release: Snake's Mouth."
" Water Release · Water Shockwave."
A continuous stream of water poured into the triangular barrier of Lightning Binding, and electric currents jumped in the water. The combination of Lightning Release Ninjutsu and Water Release Ninjutsu was a very basic application of combined Ninjutsu, but the effect was remarkable.
The Twelve Guardian Ninja relaxed considerably, surprised that their opponent was only superficially strong! Asuma, however, remained uneasy, a sense of unease creeping in. Everything... seemed to have gone too smoothly...