The remaining two options were possible. Kumo was in the northeast of Konoha, while Iwa was in the northwest. Uchiha Tonan had to investigate both directions. Although the white pigeons had the visual sharing capability, there was a shortcoming. If the distance was too far, the signal wouldn’t work.
Tonan created six shadow clones, each of whom picked a direction to explore along with the white pigeons. He used the shadow clones’ chakra to maintain the shared vision. The only catch was that the information obtained by the shadow clones would be sent back to the main body only after the clones were dispelled.
The main body rushed towards the north to ensure that no matter which route the enemy traces were found, he could rush over there in the shortest time. Chasing the enemy was always a troublesome issue. But now, he had aced all aspects from Hiruzen that he could possibly learn in this regard.
He had not yet obtained the ape summoning beast he coveted but that only meant it was a goal he had to work harder for.
The next day, early in the morning, the sky was gradually becoming brighter and some stars remained on the horizon. The earth was hazy as if shrouded in a silverish-grey gauze. Soon after, the golden morning light dyed the eastern sky red. The horizon was full of red clouds, and the sun was dazzling like molten steel in a furnace.
Tonan stood on the top of the mountain, looking at the town below with an indifferent gaze. The sunlight added a layer of golden light around him.
“Two more left, this one should’ve stayed behind to bring up the rear. Did you specifically choose such a densely populated place to restrict the pursuing ninja’s movements?”
Suddenly, Tonan raised his brows, and the corners of his mouth rose a little. He hadn’t expected to meet acquaintances here.
In the town, Namikaze Minato and others were in the middle of breakfast in an eatery. The streets were full of people rushing back and forth. Sitting here, one could hear peddlers and haggling customers outside. This place was lively.
Several carts, all filled with fresh fruits and, vegetables would often pass by the café’s door. There were also many people queuing in, waiting to order food. This prosperous scene could make people feel worldly pleasure.
Seeing the busy flow of people, Uchiha Obito said with an unhappy look, “Damn it…, we finally got a C-ranked protection mission, but we didn’t meet any ninjas.”
Nohara Rin, who was beside him, smiled gently, “Obito, our protection target this time is just an ordinary wealthy merchant, how can there be any ninjas?”
Obito replied with reluctance, “Didn’t you say we might run into bandits along the way?”
Rin patted her forehead and said hopelessly, “Almost all bandits within the Land of Fire are already dealt with. Unless it’s wartime, I guess you have to go to the small countries to meet them. Besides, do you think bandits would dare to come when we are wearing this forehead protector?”
Obito became gloomier hearing this and said, “It’s so boring. When will we be able to take higher-ranked missions?”
Hatake Kakashi glanced at him and said indifferently, “Once we return, we need to do D-ranked missions for a long time.”
Rin placed her hands on her hips and angrily said, “Obito, don’t complain. If it weren’t for the two of us, Minato-sensei and Kakashi would definitely be doing higher-ranked missions.”
Obito choked and turned his head to Kakashi, “Kakashi, have you killed anyone before?”
The chopsticks in Kakashi’s hand froze for a moment. He nodded, “Occasionally.”
Finally, Obito found something of interest and asked with an intrigued look, “Who has killed more people? You or Tonan?”
Kakashi looked up and frowned slightly, “He… he probably wouldn’t have the heart to raise his hand.”
Kakashi’s reply made Minato smile a little. He said, “Kakashi, you’ve got it wrong. In the Fire Capital, Tonan led the city guards to destroy the underground organizations consisting of thousands of people. Tonan killed all those people.”
Kakashi was a little shocked. He hadn’t expected that the usually gentle and amicable Tonan would accomplish such feats in the Fire Capital. Obito was taken by surprise as well. He exclaimed with his eyes wide open, “Thousands of people…”
Minato nodded, “Although Tonan is kind-hearted, he’s very resolute when facing crime.”
Giving it some thought, Rin frowned and asked, “But it’s thousands of people… did they all deserve death?”
In Rin’s view, most people in this world were kind-hearted. Even in the most dishonest-sounding organizations, all people might not necessarily be evildoers. Many might have been forced to join due to some kind of helplessness. They may have still retained their benevolence and didn’t do atrocious things.
Tonan’s ruthless decision to kill everyone was reckless.
Minato thought for a moment and replied, “According to the laws of the Land of Fire, many people indeed shouldn’t have died. But do you know what these people did? Abducting children, forcing women into prostitution, smuggling contrabands and opening underground casinos are just some of the things.”
When Obito heard it, he slammed on the table and got up, “How can Tonan do that? The first two deserve death, but the latter two don’t. What’s the use of laws otherwise?”
Minato hadn’t expected Obito to react so aggressively. He explained, “On one hand, smuggling contrabands destroy the national economy, and on the other hand… Have you ever thought that in times of war, your companions might be killed by explosive tags that were smuggled out from the Land of Fire? As for underground casinos, without official supervision, they’ll use various means to suck up gamblers’ wealth. The last stake on the chip table might not necessarily be money but the gamblers’ wives and children. Finally, those gamblers’ wives and children would also end up in the other two underground organizations. And it is all for personal profit.”
Obito took a deep breath. It sounded like the consequences were indeed serious. But he was still stubborn. “But… there are other ways to make those people walk on the right path.”
Minato shook his head and chuckled, “Everyone’s point of view is different. Perhaps Tonan’s approach was too extreme, but I don’t think he was wrong.”
Minato suddenly narrowed his eyes and looking not far away, he said, “Someone is fighting.”
Saying this, Minato and Kakashi rushed out of the café and ran toward the place where the fighting was taking place. Obito and Rin were stunned for a moment. After they came back to their senses, they immediately followed.
“Earth Style – Rock House Collapse.”
Boom~
Not far away, a house collapsed with a loud noise. A lot of bricks flew all around, almost hitting people. There was also a lot of smoke and dust, making the surrounding a bit hazy. The surrounding pedestrians knew that ninjas were fighting, and quickly ran out of the way.
“Help!”
A middle-aged ninja held a beautiful woman, and his kunai was placed across her neck. In the distance, Tonan, who was standing on the pole, narrowed his eyes, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He hadn’t expected to be discovered so quickly.
He didn’t have any plan to hide anyway so he jumped off and landed on the ruins.
