NARUTO: The Saga of Crimson Monarch

The group trudged cautiously through the desolate road leading to the isolated village. The air was heavy with the stench of death, and the sight of burned homes and decaying bodies lying in the dirt sent chills down their spines.

Yuuto, sword in hand, muttered, "This place... it's a graveyard."

Ryogi's usual cheer was replaced with a grim expression. "Let's stay on alert. We can't let our guard down here. Not for a second."

Sato nodded, his grip on his weapon tight. "There's no telling who—or what—might be lurking around."

Ares, or Yachi as they knew him, walked with calm determination, his gaze scanning the surroundings. his sharp eyes lingered on the scattered bodies longer than the others.

When they arrived at the village square, the sight of the burning ruins and bloodstained streets caused a weighty silence to settle over the group. They found the tavern, the only structure still standing, though it showed signs of neglect. Inside, the air was suffocating with smoke and rot, but it provided shelter for them to wait for the arrival of their client.

As the group settled in, Yachi turned to Ryogi and the others. "This is where we part ways," he said simply, his voice calm but resolute.

Ryogi's head snapped up. "You're leaving now? You don't want to wait until we're done?"

Yachi shook his head, his faint smile revealing no hesitation. "I have other matters to attend to. I've already stayed longer than I intended."

Ryogi hesitated, looking troubled. "Yachi... are you sure about this? This place is a death trap. Those rebels—or whoever is responsible for this—might still be around. You've got nothing to prove, you know."

Kenji, arms crossed, looked away for a moment before stepping forward. He placed a firm hand on Yachi's shoulder. "Listen... Forget what you said back there with the refugees. I—" He hesitated, his voice softening. "I just don't want to see you throw your life away brat. You're strong, yeah. But this place is dangerous."

Sato joined in, his tone gruff but genuine. "He's right, Yachi. Don't let your pride get the better of you. We've seen men stronger than you die in places like this."

Yachi only smiled, his calm demeanor unshaken. "I appreciate your concern. Truly. But this is something I have to do." He turned to Ryogi. "Thank you for everything. It's been... interesting traveling with you."

Ryogi frowned, clearly conflicted. "Yachi... you're a good man. Don't throw that away by rushing into danger. Just... be careful out there, okay?"

Yachi nodded. "I will."

As he stepped out of the tavern, the group watched him go, his figure fading into the shadows of the ruined village.

Kenji exhaled heavily, muttering under his breath, "Idiot."

Ryogi shook his head. "He's brave, I'll give him that. But brave doesn't mean invincible."

Sato grunted. "All we can do now is hope he knows what he's doing."

Yuuto sigh.

.......

The tavern door creaked open, and heavy footsteps echoed inside. The merchant group immediately stiffened, their hands inching toward their weapons.

A thin, wiry man entered, his presence immediately commanding the room with an air of arrogance. His piercing eyes scanned the group as a faint, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Behind him stood several burly guards, their expressions cold and intimidating.

Kando, the client, sneered. "Well, well. So this is the group tasked with my delivery." He stepped forward, his voice dripping with disdain. "Where is the cargo?"

Ryogi forced a smile, trying to diffuse the tension. "It's in the carriage, just as requested. Let us show you."

Kando nodded curtly, motioning for his guards to follow.

The group led him outside, where the carriage was waiting. One of the guards, Oki, inspected the contents carefully before giving a slight nod to Kando.

Kando's faint smile widened as he turned back to Ryogi. "Excellent. The delivery is... adequate."

Ryogi's smile faltered. "I'm glad it meets your expectations. Now, about the payment—"

Before he could finish, Kando's hand lashed out, striking Ryogi across the face with a resounding slap. The force sent him sprawling to the ground, stunned.

The group froze in shock, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.

Kando laughed coldly, his thin frame radiating malice. "Payment? Do you think I would lower myself to paying for this pathetic service? You should be grateful I'm even allowing you to walk away."

Ryogi pushed himself up, clutching his cheek, his voice shaking with anger. "You can't—"

"Silence!" Kando barked, his voice sharp and commanding. He motioned to his guards. "Oki, tie them up. We don't need their services anymore."

The guards moved swiftly, their weapons drawn. Ryogi and his group fought back, but the overwhelming force of Kando's men quickly turned the tide. Ryogi was grabbed and held hostage, his neck held by a blade as a warning.

Kenji growled, his sword raised but his movements restrained. "Let him go!"

Sato clenched his fists, glaring at the guards. "Cowards. Hiding behind numbers."

Kando only smirked, his confidence unshaken. "You're lucky I'm in a generous mood. Cooperate, and I might spare your lives. Resist..." He gestured toward one of the guards, who unsheathed a bloodied blade, its sharp edge glinting in the dim light.

Ryogi's group exchanged uneasy glances, their hands trembling as they slowly lowered their weapons.

Kenji clenched his teeth, his voice low. "Damn it... Yachi brat.You better not come back here. Stay out of this hellhole."

Ryogi, still held by the guard, glanced toward the door, his heart heavy. "Be safe, Yachi. Wherever you are, your too kind for this."

Kando laughed, his arrogance filling the air. "Smart choice. Now, let's see if you're worth keeping alive."

The sound of Kando's laughter echoed in the ruined village, a chilling reminder of the cruelty that thrived in the shadows of chaos.