Chapter 244: Kazekage Ninja- - 33: The Prison Break
"Stop! Who goes there?"
At the dark, foreboding gates of the Abyss Prison, a guard raised his hand, blocking the path of three individuals.
The three figures, all wearing Sunagakure headbands and standard-issue combat uniforms, had their faces partially obscured by veils. They seemed completely unfazed by the guard’s obstruction. The leader of the group reached into his tactical vest and retrieved a small booklet adorned with the symbol of an hourglass.
"Judiciary Department. We’re here to interrogate a prisoner," the leader said calmly.
The guard took the credentials and scrutinized them closely.
"Nishino Zhe, Nanbu Rong, Igarashi Atsushi," he muttered, carefully matching the photos and embossed seals on the documents with the individuals before him.
"And the official summons?" the guard asked.
"Here," the leader—Nishino Zhe—replied, producing a sealed envelope.
The guard opened the envelope and examined the contents. The letterhead bore a striking red hourglass emblem—a "red-seal document," as it was known in official circles.
"Very well. Please wait here," the guard said, his tone softening. He stepped into the nearby guardhouse and picked up the red-line phone, speaking in hushed tones that were inaudible from outside.
After a long pause, the guard returned, his face now adorned with a fawning smile.