Starting with rogue ninjas, building the insect kingdom.

Chapter 25 Everyone Wants to Be a Mafia Master

Naoto hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Captain, I just interrogated a few tenant farmers. They said that four wandering samurai did indeed appear earlier, killed the manor's steward, and said they would take them to a better life."

These four men had been drinking in the main house before we arrived, but they disappeared as soon as we showed up.

"Yes. They said the samurai called himself a member of the Red Demon Clan, and that he wasn't a bandit, but simply couldn't bear to see these commoners suffer and wanted to help them become self-sufficient."

Sato Kichisuke sneered, "A clumsy lie. Those samurai either fled long ago or never existed in the first place—the rebellion was spontaneous, just using the samurai's name."

"So what do we do now?" Ono Yuki asked. "What should we do with these tenant farmers?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Butler Matsumoto came out of the forest path with two servants.

"Thank you for your hard work, esteemed ninjas." Butler Matsumoto greeted him with a smile and bowed. "The Lord of the Castle has learned that you have successfully taken control of the manor and has specially ordered me to come and take over the follow-up matters."

Sato Yoshisuke stared at him and said, "Those wandering samurai..."

"Oh, Lord City Lord speculates that those samurai may have gotten wind of it beforehand and have already fled back into the city to join the wandering ninjas in the manor."

Butler Matsumoto said with a regretful expression, "It's such a pity that these villains escaped."

"What about... these rebellious tenant farmers?" Naoto couldn't help but ask.

Butler Matsumoto's smile deepened, appearing exceptionally kind: "The lord is merciful. He said that as long as these tenant farmers genuinely repent, voluntarily confess who instigated the rebellion, and hand over the ringleader, the others can be treated leniently, or even exempted from punishment."

"Really?" Ono Yuuki's eyes lit up. "The lord of the castle is truly benevolent!"

Naoto breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."

Sato Yoshisuke and Haruka exchanged a glance but neither spoke.

Aburame Shisei stood at the end of the line, a smile on his face, quietly observing Matsumoto the butler.

This person seems different from before; despite being very old, he has a very strong body.

Unfortunately, no one else noticed.

Sato Yoshisuke continued, "In that case, the manor will be left to the butler. Our next step is to infiltrate the city and deal with the wandering ninjas in the manor. Butler, what's the current situation at the lord's manor?"

Butler Matsumoto sighed: "There are four wandering ninjas in the manor now. The leader is called Black Scorpion, a ruthless fellow. They have taken over the main courtyard and controlled the guards. The lord and his family can only hide in the east wing, living in fear day and night."

"How strong are these four?"

"How would we ordinary people know! But according to the city lord, the black scorpion is a Jonin, and among the remaining people are two Chunin and one Genin. They work together seamlessly and have a map of the city lord's mansion, so they are not easy to deal with."

Upon hearing that a Jonin was present, everyone's hearts sank.

"Captain, the situation is very complicated now, and it's beyond our ability to handle. Should we head back now?"

Yushu felt a lingering fear. Even ordinary wandering samurai and ninjas were difficult for them to deal with. He never expected that a Jonin would appear this time, which was completely different from the previous intelligence.

Chuncao frowned slightly: "Yes, Captain, that's a Jonin. Our village only has a dozen or so Jonin. A big shot like that would probably wipe us out in a heartbeat."

"Don't be alarmed, it might be a false alarm. Let's go and gather intelligence first. If our strength doesn't allow it, we'll retreat immediately."

After speaking with his teammates, Sato Yoshisuke turned to Matsumoto, the butler, and said, "We will formulate a plan. Butler, please tell the lord that we will act as soon as possible."

"Of course, of course." Butler Matsumoto bowed repeatedly. "My lords, these two servants of mine will escort you into the city. They are my trusted confidants, and you can completely rely on them."

Everyone nodded and followed the two servants out of the manor.

Aburame Shisei walked at the back. Just as they reached the corner of the forest, the original Aburame Shisei suddenly disappeared, and another Aburame Shisei joined the party in her place.

Meanwhile, the aburame Zhicheng walked into the forest, formed hand seals, and transformed into a wisp of white smoke, returning to his original form with his previous memories.

In the backyard of the main house, after seeing off the Takigakure squad, the kind smile on Matsumoto's face vanished instantly, replaced by a mocking one.

"A bunch of idiots," he muttered under his breath, then turned and walked toward the warehouse.

But after taking only two steps, he stopped.

Aburame Shicheng emerged from the shadows of the warehouse and looked at him calmly.

"Lord Takikawa!" Butler Matsumoto's face broke into a smile again. "Why didn't you leave? Did you leave something behind?"

"Yes, some things were indeed left behind." Aburame Shigeaki slowly approached. "Besides that, I'd like to ask you a few more questions."

Butler Matsumoto sensed something was wrong, but still forced himself to ask, "Please ask."

"Where is the real Matsumoto butler?"

Butler Matsumoto's smile froze: "What do you mean, sir? I am Matsumoto."

Ignoring his excuses, Aburame Shisei continued, "Who taught you your transformation technique? With the resources of a wandering ninja, it's quite remarkable to have reached this level."

Butler Matsumoto's expression changed drastically. He took a step back, his hands instinctively forming hand seals, but Shisei Aburame was faster.

"Secret Technique: Fourfold Golden Binding Technique".

Although the level was only C, the combination of ninjutsu, genjutsu, sealing techniques, and nerve paralysis toxins created a quadruple immobilization technique that firmly fixed him in place, preventing him from moving even a finger.

Aburame Zhicheng walked up to him, stretched out her finger, and gently tapped his forehead.

"Illusion Art: Dream of Insect Devouring"

The butler's eyes glazed over instantly, and his pupils dilated.

Deep within his consciousness, countless black insects swarmed in from all directions, burrowing into his skin and gnawing at his flesh. Excruciating pain and terror instantly overwhelmed him, yet he was paralyzed, unable even to scream.

Five seconds later, Aburame Shisei dispelled the illusion. The butler collapsed to the ground, drenched in cold sweat, panting heavily, his eyes filled with terror as he looked at Aburame Shisei.

"Now, can you answer my question properly?" Aburame Shisei asked gently.

The butler's eyes flickered slightly, indicating his agreement. Aburame Shisei snapped his fingers, removing one of the restraints. He could speak, but still couldn't move.

"Our boss discovered the lord's intentions. The real Matsumoto steward was followed and killed by me after returning to the lord's mansion to report."

He continued haltingly, "Black Scorpion Boss also said that since the city lord hired ninjas to deal with us, then we should deal with them back. He asked me to impersonate Butler Matsumoto and gather intelligence."