NARUTO: The Saga of Crimson Monarch

The desolate alley stretched before Ares, a grim path with the remnants of despair. Houses lay in ruins, their walls charred and collapsed, a rotten bodies lay scattered, silent witnesses to the chaos that had consumed this place.

Ares moved like a phantom, his presence blending into the darkness. His invisibility skills activated, and he became one with the shadows, His crimson eyes scanned every detail, seeking answers in the carnage.

Ely flew silently by his side, Fenrir padded along, her small frame belying the ferocity in her sharp gaze. Rimuru rested peacefully against Ares chest, his soft form a contrast to the harshness of their surroundings.

"This place…" Ely whispered, her voice trembling. "What could have caused this?"

Ares didn't reply immediately. His jaw tightened as he passed a small, broken toy lying amidst the rubble—a child's last memory.

"A rebellion," he muttered, his voice cold but calm. "Or something worse."

His focus shifted to the mansion that loomed in the distance. Its imposing structure stood as a stark reminder of what had been lost. Unlike the rest of the village, it remained relatively intact, a fortress in the midst of destruction.

"There," Ares said, his tone resolute. "That's where we'll find the truth."

With a burst of speed, Ares and others darted toward the mansion, their movements silent and precise, leaving no trace of their presence.

[ Inside the Mansion ]

Ken's voice echoed through the lavish chamber, filled with venom and rage. The room was a mess, the remnants of his fury scattered across the floor—broken vases, shattered mirrors, and torn tapestries.

Zen knelt before him, his armor gleaming in the dim light. Despite his stoic demeanor, a faint tension rippled through his frame as Ken paced like a caged beast.

"Why?" Ken snarled, his voice sharp as a blade. "Why haven't you found him yet? It's been months, Zeno! My father's bastard son is out there, mocking me with his existence!"

Zeno kept his head low. "My Lord, we've searched every village, every stronghold. He's nowhere to be found. But I assure you, we will—"

A slap cut him off mid-sentence. Ken's hand struck with brutal force, sending Zeno's head snapping to the side.

"Assure me? Assure me?!" Ken's voice rose, his face twisted with rage. "Do you think I want assurances? I want results! That rat has humiliated me long enough. If you can't find him, I'll find someone who can!"

Zeno remained silent, his head bowed in submission.

Ken turned away, his shoulders heaving as he tried to control his anger. "Damn you, Father," he hissed, his voice breaking. "You had the audacity to choose him over me? Me, your firstborn? Your pure-blooded heir? You think I'll forgive that?"

He grabbed a chair and hurled it against the wall, the sound of splintering wood filling the room.

"No," Ken growled, his eyes blazing. "I won't forgive you. You forced my hand, Father. You left me no choice but to kill you. You're the fool for thinking that bastard could ever lead!"

He turned to Zeno, his tone cold and menacing. "Find him, or I'll burn this entire region to the ground. If he won't come out of hiding, I'll make the people pay for his cowardice."

Zeno nodded stiffly. "As you command, My Lord."

Without another word, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Ken alone with his seething rage.

[ Ares's Perspective ]

Perched silently in the rafters, Ares watched the scene unfold, his crimson eyes narrowing. Every word, every action painted a vivid picture of Ken's torment and madness.

"So, this is the reason for the rebellion," Ares murmured to himself. "A succession war fueled by hatred and jealousy. A son betrayed by his father's choice."

Ely fluttered close to his ear, her voice barely audible. "He's consumed by his anger. He doesn't care how many people he destroys as long as he gets what he wants."

Ares's gaze lingered on Ken, who stood amidst the wreckage of his own making. "He's a broken man," Ares said quietly. "But that doesn't excuse the blood on his hands."

Fenrir growled softly below, her ears twitching as if in agreement.

Ares's focus sharpened. "If Ken's holding prisoners, they'll be somewhere secure. Somewhere he can use as leverage against his brother."

"Then we need to move quickly," Ely urged. "We can't let more people suffer because of his madness."

Ares nodded, his resolve firm. With a final glance at Ken, he melted into the shadows, his team following close behind.

The mansion's lower levels were cold and damp, the air heavy with the stench of mildew. Ares moved with practiced precision, his senses on high alert. Every creak of the floorboards, every faint sound of footsteps was cataloged and avoided a possible trap.

Ely hovered beside him, her light dimmed to avoid detection. "I feel them," she whispered. "There's pain and fear nearby. We're close."

Fenrir sniffed the air, her small nose wrinkling. She barked softly, signaling a path ahead.

Ares followed, his steps silent as he descended deeper into the mansion.

The prison cells were crude, hastily constructed from wooden beams and iron bars. Inside, emaciated figures huddled together, their eyes hollow and their spirits broken.

A woman's voice broke the silence, trembling with fear. "Who's there? Please… don't hurt us."

Ares stepped into the faint light, his invisibility fading as he knelt before the cell. "I'm here to help," he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring.

The woman's eyes filled with tears. "Help? Is it… is it true? Are you going to save us?"

Ares crimson gaze swept over the captives. "Can anyone here walk? Are there others being held elsewhere?"

A man stepped forward, his voice hoarse. "There are more… in the lower cells. Please, save them. They're in worse shape than we are."

Ares nodded, his resolve hardening. "Stay quiet and stay together. We'll come back for you once it's safe."

As he moved to unlock the cell, a young girl reached out, her tiny hand brushing against his. "Are you a hero?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yachi paused, his expression softening. "No," he said quietly. "Just someone who refuses to let monsters win."

With that, he vanished once more into the shadows, leaving hope in his wake.