Chapter 256
Actually, Yagi Jirou wasn't entirely sure if what he had was a real lead—the little beggar and his blood... But he had to say there was a lead because he was terrified that if he said there wasn't, the enraged Momochi Akahara might just cut him down on the spot!
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were the only team in the Hidden Mist Village with the authority to execute others on the spot. This authority could only be used outside the village. During wartime missions, any ninja below the rank of commander who was deemed incompetent or who made a major mistake could be executed on the spot by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen without needing to go through a trial in the Hidden Mist Village!
Yagi Jirou had failed to protect Fujita Asa, resulting in her death by assassination. This reason alone was enough for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to exercise their execution authority. As for whether this reason was justified, that would naturally be judged by the Mizukage.
Of course, the key issue was whether the enraged Momochi Akahara would act so recklessly to vent his anger.
Although Yagi Jirou came from a humble background with no connections, his strength was extraordinary, no weaker than Hōzuki Roba, who had been assassinated earlier. If he were executed on the spot without being given a chance to redeem himself, it would be a loss for the Hidden Mist Village.
"A lead..." Momochi Akahara stared at Yagi Jirou, a sinister smile creeping onto his lips. "What kind of lead?"
"We've already determined the assassin's height and build!" Yagi Jirou replied immediately. "And we have his blood! We can use it for tracking!"
******
Dusk.
In the central-eastern region of the Land of Whirlpools, an endless expanse of dense forest stretched as far as the eye could see.
A figure dashed through the woods, leaping up and down, crossing hills and rivers, moving forward relentlessly.