Chapter 246: Chapter 246: The Universe Always Delivers Just When You Want It

Chapter 246: Chapter 246: The Universe Always Delivers Just When You Want It



The squad captain nodded and explained, "According to the intelligence we've received from the outpost near the remains of Uzushio, the attackers are definitely from the Mist Village. The ships were attacked after being shrouded in a thick, heavy mist."

Although Mist Village was nearby, Nawaki couldn't help but speculate, "It might be Cloud Village pulling something sneaky. They're notorious for their dirty tricks."

Cloud Village did have a reputation for underhanded tactics, and they weren't above framing others for their deeds. But the thick mist pointed more towards Mist Village's involvement.

"I understand. Our team will cover the shipping lanes near the Land of Hot Water, and another team can handle the routes to the Land of Craftsmen. Does that sound good?" Takuya asked, looking at the map.

It wasn't practical for one team to guard both routes. They had to choose one, and since most incidents were happening near the Land of Hot Water, that's where they'd focus their efforts. Only by hitting back hard could they make the enemy retreat and pull back their claws.

Given its isolation across the ocean, intel on the Mist Village was limited. As the squad settled aboard their ship, Nawaki flipped through the mission reports over and over before voicing his confusion.

"Why does everyone from the Land of Water look... strange?"

Takuya laughed, "Be more confident. It's not just a feeling-they really do look strange, especially the ninja from the Mist Village."

Much like Konoha, the Mist Village was home to many bloodline clans. Ironically, several of them were originally driven out of the Land of Fire after being beaten by the Uchiha and Senju during the Warring States period. Many fled to the Land of Water.

Despite having a variety of powerful bloodline limits, the Mist Village's brutal regime led to many of these clans wiping themselves out in internal conflicts. So Nawaki wasn't wrong. A lot of the Mist Village's ninjas did look rather... abstract.

For Takuya, they were downright bizarre. You only needed to look at the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to get the idea-sharp fangs, wicked smiles.

Minato, meanwhile, was carefully reading through the intel on Mist Village as well. "The ninjas from that village are known for their assassination skills. If we encounter them, we need to stay on high alert."

The squad's mission wasn't too complicated. All they had to do was accompany and guard the merchant ships for two months. If enemies attacked, they were to handle it. Other than that, there wasn't much for them to worry about.

Without enemies, things were downright relaxing. Takuya even pulled out a fishing rod to pass the time. As for studying enemy intel... he figured he knew more about the Mist Village than Konoha did, anyway.

Minato noticed how laid-back Takuya was, barely even glancing at the reports, and that made him a little uneasy. But with nothing happening at sea, Minato soon found himself joining in with the fishing.

Mist Village had been targeting Konoha's sea routes for some time, but their recent actions had been bolder than usual. That's why the village had assigned elite jonin squads to protect the merchant ships.

Half a month passed since their team started guarding the shipping lanes, and everything remained calm. No incidents. But the mission wasn't over yet.

"The weather doesn't look too good today," Minato remarked, standing on deck. The sea was blanketed in thick mist, far thicker than what Minato had expected from his rare visits to the coast.

himself.

Meanwhile, on one of the Mist Village's warships, Fuguki Suikazan stood at the bow, leading his crew as they drew closer to the Konoha merchant vessels.

Aside from Fuguki, the ship carried two full squads of Mist ninja, all of them eagerly waiting for the signal to attack and destroy the merchant ships.

"If there's anything valuable, take it. Kill everyone else," Fuguki growled, his sharp teeth gleaming as he grinned.

With his already strange appearance, Fuguki's grin was downright terrifying. If he popped out

at night, he'd scare the hell out of anyone.

As for the Konoha escort ships, he didn't even consider them a threat. Compared to Mist Village's warships, Konoha's ships were practically toys. And he wasn't the least bit worried

about Konoha's protective squad.

"Yes, sir!" the Mist ninjas responded eagerly, gearing up for battle.

But just then, a sudden flash of blue light pierced through the thick mist. It shot straight toward Fuguki at the bow like a bolt of lightning.

Blue light?

Not good. Danger!

That's lightning chakra!

*****

****************

Next Bonus 500

**************

(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 305+ at patreon.com/Emiko1. Don't

forget to give a power stone for many bonus chapters