Chapter 453: S-Class Criminal (Captured)
Some time later, the mid-morning sun bathed the Land of Fire’s capital in a golden warmth.
Inside the Feudal lord’s castle, the air was perfumed with jasmine and the subtle scent of old tatami. Kaneko, the ruler of the country, sat on his silk cushions, enjoying the tranquility that came with his station.
He lifted a cup, blowing gently on the steaming matcha, prepared to savour the moment of peace. That was until the shoji doors slid open with a violence that shattered the silence.
A breathless courier dropped to one knee as he held out a scroll sealed with the Hokage’s personal stamp. "My lord! An urgent missive from the Hidden Leaf!"
Kaneko sighed as the tranquility evaporated. "Bring it here." After accepting the scroll, he shot the messenger away with a flick of his fan. "Let’s see what Tsunade is fretting about now."
As he unrolled the parchment, he took a casual sip of his tea. His eyes then scanned the first line. Then the second.
"Pfffft!"
A spray of matcha erupted from his mouth, coating the expensive rug before him. He didn’t even notice the stain. His eyes were bulging, fixed on the calligraphy as if the ink were turning into blood before his gaze.
"What in the heavens is this?" he choked, coughing.
He read it again and again. The words refused to change.
Subject: Arthur Bennett. Status: S-Class Criminal (Captured).
Crimes: Infiltration of the Five Great Nations. Theft of National Treasures. Resurrection of the Dead. Incitement of Global War.