Chapter 242: Kazekage Ninja- - 31: Prelude to the Prison Break (Part 3)
The next day, during the recreation time at Abyss Prison, Aotu Tailuo strolled leisurely around the exercise yard, his steps exaggerated and deliberate, as if he were parading on a stage. Behind him, Yamada Shuji followed closely, one hand covering his face in shame while the other clung to Aotu Tailuo’s pocket, trailing after him like a shadow.
Nearly every prisoner in the yard had stopped their activities, staring dumbfounded at the ostentatious pair. Many of them gaped, rubbing their eyes as if to confirm they weren’t hallucinating.
The once-dominant leader of the Thug Gang had been reduced to Aotu Tailuo’s "boy toy"!
The situation was nothing short of explosive. It was happening right before their eyes, undeniably real. While it’s said that a true man knows when to bow and endure, no one had ever seen someone stoop so low as to figuratively crawl under another man’s crotch.
The members of the Thug Gang hung their heads in shame, their usual arrogance and swagger completely gone. Though everyone knew that Yamada Shuji was merely a second-generation rich kid from Yamada Clan in Dragonfly City, he was still their boss. But now, their boss had become someone else’s "plaything." How could they continue to hold their heads high? They wished they could dig a hole and disappear into it.
Meanwhile, the "officers" of the Yuexi Faction were cheering and whistling in glee. Ever since the assassination of Inoue Muramasa, their faction had been overshadowed by gloom. They had been planning revenge, but without a leader to guide them and with the Thug Gang’s overwhelming numbers, their plans remained just that—plans. Now, Aotu Tailuo had acted, not only humiliating the Thug Gang’s leader but reducing him to a mere "plaything." What could be more satisfying? What could be more cathartic?
"Tailuo! You’re amazing!" someone shouted.
"Tailuo! You’re amazing!" others began to echo.
"Tailuo! You’re amazing!" The chant grew louder and louder, spreading across the yard until the entire crowd joined in—even the elders who usually remained neutral.
Even some of the guards, despite their better judgment, were quietly mouthing the chant.
In those ten minutes of recreation time, Aotu Tailuo slowly led Yamada Shuji around the yard, lap after lap. Occasionally, he waved at other prisoners, as if basking in the adoration of his audience. In that moment, he truly became the "star" of the prison.