What's wrong with having a large harem if you're the emperor of the ninja world?

The hushed conversation was filled with worry and a bad feeling.

"Captain Samui...she must have betrayed the village, right? Look at her..."

"Karui was left alone and hasn't come back for so long, could she also...?"

"Shut up!"

Omoi gave a irritated growl, interrupting his subordinates' speculations.

But his own heart sank to the bottom.

Two important companions fell into danger one after another.

And all I can do is wait here helplessly.

This feeling tormented him greatly.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.

They were both angry at the empire's tyranny and even more resentful of their own powerlessness.

In this den of dragons and tigers.

He couldn't even see a chance to fight to the death.

at this time.

The palace doors were pushed open, and Uchiha Izumi walked in with a cold face.

She glanced at the tense Cloud Village members, her tone devoid of any emotion:

"His Majesty has ordered that you may leave."

"Remember to relay His Majesty's words back to Raikage verbatim."

Can I leave now?

This sudden pardon took everyone by surprise.

But Omoi immediately realized what was happening, and he took a step forward, asking urgently:

"Wait! Where's Karui? The female ninja who came with us?"

"The one with the dark skin! Why hasn't she come back? Where is she?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Izumi revealed a mocking sneer.

She tilted her head, feigning confusion:

"Karui? Who? I've never heard of him."

A seemingly casual remark struck like a bolt from the blue.

In an instant, Omoi and all the Cloud Village ninjas were frozen in place by the cleavage!

"You...what did you say?!"

Omoi's voice trembled with shock and anger, "Karui! He came with us."

"What did you do to that female ninja that your emperor left behind alone?!"

The sarcasm on Uchiha Izumi's face intensified.

She shrugged, looking like it was none of her business.

"His Majesty only received the delegation from Kumogakure today. As for the Karui you mentioned..."

"Perhaps it got lost on the way? What does it have to do with our empire?"

This blatant denial and blatant cheating left the Cloud Village ninjas dumbfounded.

A chill ran from the bottom of my heart straight to the top of my head.

They understood instantly...

The Fire Empire has no intention of admitting to detaining Karui!

They planned to simply make Karui "disappear"!

"Bastards! How could you..."

A young Yun ninja couldn't help but roar out, but was held back tightly by Omoi.

Omoi was deathly pale and trembling all over.

He stared intently at Uchiha Izumi's cold face, forcing out the words through clenched teeth:

"Very good...very good...we have experienced the Fire Empire's hospitality!"

He knew that any further questioning and anger would be futile here.

It might even mean that none of them will leave alive.

Since the other party dared to do this.

They simply didn't care that Kumogakure knew the truth.

"let's go!"

Omoi let out a low growl from deep in his throat, forcefully pulling his unwilling companion away from the side hall.

Every step felt like stepping on a red-hot iron.

Humiliation, anger, and a deep sense of powerlessness nearly consumed him.

Karui... is probably doomed.

And this is the empire's unbridled behavior.

This is undoubtedly the most blatant provocation against Kumogakure and the entire ninja world.

Omoi had only one thought at that moment:

We must get back to the village as soon as possible and tell them everything that has happened.

This includes Samui's whereabouts and Karui's "disappearance".

Report everything to Lord Raikage!

.......

129 The Immortal Duo; Target: Yukito

The next morning.

A soft light filtered through the delicate curtains into the bedroom.

Di Yan awoke to the gentle yet firm call of Uchiha Izumi.

He moved his arms somewhat lazily...

He gently pushed away Samui, whose skin was as white as snow and who was nestled beside him, and Karui, whose skin was dark and who was curled up on the other side.

After one night, Di Yan's evaluation of the ninjas of Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning rose even higher...

These are ninjas who specialize in taijutsu (physical combat).

Their physical strength and endurance are indeed well-deserved.

Especially Karui.

After the initial resistance, a sense of resilience and strength burst forth from that black pearl-like body.

It really has a unique flavor.

"Quan, what is it?"

Di Yan sat up and rubbed his temples.

His voice still carried a hint of morning hoarseness.

Uchiha Izumi stood respectfully not far from the bed, her gaze lowered to avoid looking directly at the scene on the bed, and reported clearly:

"Your Majesty, an urgent report has come from the border secret service: traces of Akatsuki members have been discovered within the territory of the Fire Empire."

"It was later confirmed that the head priest of the Fire Temple, Riku, had been murdered."

"Land..."

Di Yan's eyes narrowed slightly as he quickly searched his memory for the name.

"Was he one of the original 'Twelve Guardian Ninja'? He became a monk after the group disbanded."

He immediately thought of the original plot...

Jiraiya was killed by Kakuzu and Hidan, the "immortal duo" from the Akatsuki organization.

I never expected it to be on this timeline.

This incident still occurred.

Have you found their whereabouts?

Di Yan asked in a deep voice, his sleepiness completely dissipating.

It was no coincidence that the Akatsuki organization appeared on his territory at this critical juncture.

Uchiha Izumi shook his head: "The other side is very cautious and acts secretly. Our people have lost track of them."

"However, based on sporadic intelligence analysis, they seem to be intentionally trying to find out Your Majesty's whereabouts and information, and their motives are highly suspicious."

"Are you trying to find out where I am?"

Upon hearing this, Di Yan not only showed no sign of nervousness, but instead chuckled, a mocking glint in his eyes:

"Ha, these cowardly rats, could they have accepted some sucker's bounty and are trying to take my head?"

He found the idea quite interesting.

Given his current strength and the infamous reputation he earned for destroying the Land of Wind.

There are actually people, or organizations, who dare to make a move against him.

They are either incredibly stupid or have an extreme overconfidence in their abilities.

"Interesting." Di Yan's lips curled into a cold smile. "Send out the order to send more men and find out the exact location of Kakuzu and Hidan."

"I want to see if these two so-called immortals can truly be 'immortal' under my command."

His tone was calm, yet it contained an undeniable killing intent.

The emergence of the Akatsuki organization might not be a problem for him.

Rather, it was an opportunity for amusement and a chance to establish authority that came knocking on their door.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Uchiha Izumi bowed and accepted the order, then quickly withdrew to make arrangements.

Di Yan lay back down on the bed.

He glanced at Samui, who was still fast asleep beside him, and Karui, whose brows were furrowed as if he were exhausted.

His eyes grew increasingly deep.

The undercurrents in the ninja world are becoming increasingly turbulent.

He was ready to thoroughly muddy the waters.

……

Outside a hidden gold exchange, the sky was overcast.

Kakuzu and Hidan walked out one after the other.

Hidan, swinging his blood-stained three-month scythe, complained nonchalantly:

"Hey, Kakuzu, which unlucky guy is the next target?"

"Get this done quickly, I still need to offer sacrifices to the evil god!"

Kakuzu silently carried a heavy box filled with the banknotes he had just exchanged.

His green, stitched hands gripped the handles firmly.

Hearing Hidan's words, he replied in a muffled voice: