Naruto evolution system

Chapter 74: Rising Tensions

As Baishi enjoyed a moment of peace, the repercussions of Yumura Ki and his team's disappearance began to unfold.

Ten days later, another Mist Village patrol squad discovered the island.

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On the Deck.

A Mist Village jonin lowered the monocular in his hand and turned to the middle-aged ninja beside him, who was still gazing at Moon Island. "Captain, do you think the disappearance of the seventh patrol team is connected to this place?"

Okura Riku didn't turn his head. "I'm not sure, but..."

"But what?"

"This island is at the edge of Yumura's assigned patrol area and isn't marked on our maps. Either way, we must investigate," he replied, his tone a mix of certainty and concern.

As he spoke, Riku suddenly paused and let out a soft exclamation.

"What is it?" asked the nearby jonin.

"There are people on the island!"

Riku's voice was tinged with both surprise and suspicion.

On the one hand, he was relieved, feeling closer to uncovering the mystery behind the seventh patrol team's disappearance. On the other, he was puzzled by the presence of people on this uncharted island.

But this wasn't the time for idle speculation. Without hesitation, Riku issued an order.

"Full speed ahead!"

"Yes, sir!" the jonin responded, wasting no time in relaying the command.

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A Few Minutes Later.

On Moon Island, Kamimura Takashi sprinted up the mountain path leading to the central peak.

Though age wasn't on his side, ten days of training, combined with the nourishment of the second-generation Seed of Life, had significantly improved his physical condition.

Without this enhancement, he wouldn't have been able to run so quickly along the rugged trail.

Soon, he arrived at Baishi's dwelling. After a moment's hesitation, he knocked on the door.

Knock, knock!

No response.

Growing increasingly anxious, Kamimura knocked again, but still received no reply.

Minutes ticked by, and after countless knocks, a long-awaited voice finally came.

"What is it?"

At the same time, a wave of heat washed over Kamimura from behind.

Turning around hastily, he saw Baishi standing there, his entire body radiating heat.

Gulp!

Kamimura swallowed nervously but managed to stammer out the reason for his visit. "M-my lord, there's a ship approaching the island!"

"A ship?"

Baishi frowned slightly and immediately activated Flying Thunder God, appearing atop the island's highest point in an instant.

Standing atop the treetops, he scanned the horizon. Before long, his gaze landed on a warship.

"Hmph..."

With a wave of his hand, Baishi conjured a water mirror in front of him. The surface rippled before revealing the distant ship on the sea.

Noticing the familiar emblem of the Mist Village on the ship's sails, Baishi murmured, "So, they've come after all?"

"Hmm... this might actually work out," he continued, a faint smirk forming on his lips.

Baishi had no intention of allowing the Mist Village to claim this island. His plan was to make them pay such a high price for their attempts that they'd eventually deem the island not worth the trouble.

If they persisted, he was prepared to engage in guerrilla warfare until their resources were exhausted.

His previous battle had given him a clearer understanding of his own strength: without Kage-level power, no one could match him in a direct confrontation.

Confident in his abilities, Baishi planned to face them head-on. However, underestimating the enemy could lead to disaster.

Having just completed a round of evolution in the magma cavern, his Chakra reserves were only at half capacity. While still superior to most jonin, Baishi decided to recover fully before taking action.

"Time to restore my strength."

With that thought, he returned to Kamimura Takashi's side.

"The coming battle is beyond your capabilities. Find a place to hide."

He paused briefly, then added, "Actually, never mind notifying the others—they've already scattered and fled."

Baishi pushed open his door and entered his home.

Originally, he had planned to have Kamimura inform the others to find hiding spots, hoping to protect some of his test subjects while buying time.

However, seeing that the pirates had already fled on their own initiative, he realized it was unnecessary.

"The previous encounter with the Mist ninjas must have left a deep impression on them. Even with their enhanced physical capabilities, they didn't let it go to their heads and stayed to fight."

As the door closed behind him, Kamimura stood outside for a while, his expression conflicted. After a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth and sat down right at the doorstep.

Baishi, of course, noticed his choice but chose not to comment. In truth, Kamimura wasn't wrong—this was the safest place on the island, as long as Baishi didn't abandon them.

---

Elsewhere.

The Mist ninjas, having landed on Moon Island, quickly located the pirates' settlement. However, it was already deserted.

Still, the pirates' hasty escape had left behind plenty of clues.

And so, a game of cat and mouse began.

Moon Island wasn't particularly large, but it wasn't small either. Thanks to their enhanced physical abilities and familiarity with the terrain, the pirates managed to evade capture for over an hour.

Despite this, about a quarter of the pirates remained uncaptured.

---

In the Forest.

Riku stood before a terrified but immobile pirate, his expression serious.

He was now 80% certain that the disappearance of the seventh patrol team was linked to this island—and more specifically, to the person or entity behind these pirates.

With this in mind, Riku immediately ordered his forces to regroup, abandoning the earlier approach of spreading out.

Even with four squads under his command—far more than the seventh patrol team—he didn't dare take any risks.

After all, the seventh patrol team hadn't even managed to send out a distress signal. Who knew what kind of enemy they were dealing with?

As his subordinates continued to return, the information they brought painted an increasingly clear picture.

Eventually, all signs pointed toward one location: the central peak.

Riku's interest in the peak was piqued primarily because the area around it had the highest number of captured pirates.

It was a simple psychological principle: when faced with danger, people instinctively flee to places they perceive as safe.

Though Riku wasn't formally trained in psychology, as a ninja—masters of deception and strategy—he understood this intuitively.

For these pirates, the safest place would undoubtedly be near the individual who had altered their bodies, granted them strength, and marked them with seals.

In other words, the person behind all this was likely residing atop the central peak.

Realizing this, Riku wasted no time. He gathered his forces and marched toward the peak.

Of course, he also sent a mission report back to the Mist Village. After all, he had no intention of meeting the same fate as the seventh patrol team.

What Riku failed to notice, however, was that a shadowy figure had been tailing his group the entire time.

(End of Chapter)

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