Chapter 86: The Cunning Kenjaku
Deep within the canopy of an ancient tree, nearly a kilometer away from the ruined temple, a figure whose body was almost perfectly integrated with the shadows of the leaves suddenly shuddered.
He wore camouflage clothing similar in color to the tree bark, and his face was covered by a mask that distorted light, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes now filled with horror.
His Cursed Technique, "Mimicry Assimilation," allowed him to synchronize his aura, Cursed Energy fluctuations, and even body temperature with his surroundings, making it the highest-tier infiltration Cursed Technique.
However, just now, the target he was monitoring vanished completely from his perception, like a ghost.
It wasn't high-speed movement; it was a complete and utter disappearance, leaving behind no residual Cursed Energy or trace of movement!
"How is that possible!"
He cried out internally, his muscles instantly tensing, ready to activate an escape technique immediately.
This was the instinct for deadly danger cultivated over years of undercover work.
But just as the thought arose, a cold voice sounded right next to his ear:
"Your concealment technique is decent, but unfortunately, you chose the wrong person to observe."
The infiltrator was terrified out of his wits. Without thinking, he threw three poisoned kunai backward, his body sliding down the tree like an eel, while simultaneously detonating several interference talismans he had placed nearby.
This was his trump card for survival, capable of creating intense light, noise, and Cursed Energy turbulence to buy time for escape.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The talismans exploded, and light and sound waves swept through the canopy.
However, the anticipated chaos did not occur.
All the explosive energy, light, and sound were completely swallowed by a sudden, invisible spatial vortex within less than a meter of their spread, vanishing into thin air.
The infiltrator didn't even see how the opponent appeared; he only felt a tightening around his neck as a hand wearing a black glove clamped down on his throat like an iron vise, lifting him entirely off the branch.
Toho Hiroshi's hand, clamped around the infiltrator's neck, did not budge, letting the man struggle in vain, his legs kicking wildly in the air.
The Rinnegan behind the mask watched the face, contorted by suffocation and terror, with indifference.
"Cursed Technique Absorption Seal."
Toho Hiroshi silently invoked the power of the Preta Path. A strange suction force generated from his palm.
The infiltrator immediately felt his Cursed Energy rushing uncontrollably toward the hand gripping his throat, like a breached dam.
His previously abundant strength rapidly drained away, and a feeling of weakness washed over his entire body like a tide.
The horror in his eyes turned into utter despair; this feeling of having his strength forcibly sucked dry was more terrifying than death itself.
Within a few breaths, the surging Cursed Energy around the infiltrator was completely absorbed. He went limp like a pile of mud, left with only faint gasps and lacking even the strength to self-destruct.
"Now, let me see who you are, and who you serve."
The ripples of the Rinnegan in Toho Hiroshi's left eye swirled again, switching to the power of the Human Path.
His free hand covered the infiltrator's head.
"Sensing Inner Mind!"
Unlike simply reading surface thoughts, the Human Path's ability directly invaded the depths of the soul, accessing his memories and consciousness.
Countless images, sounds, and emotional fragments surged into Toho Hiroshi's mind like broken film reels:
Training and Imprinting: Severe, inhuman training; repeated indoctrination of absolute loyalty; complex restraining curses planted deep within the soul that would trigger soul disintegration upon attempting to reveal core secrets.
The instructions were concise and clear: track and locate the target "Toho Hiroshi," observe his movements, and focus on recording everyone he contacted, especially individuals with unique Cursed Energy fluctuations. Active attack was strictly forbidden; the highest priority was self-concealment... The ripples in Toho Hiroshi's left eye slowly subsided, and the hand covering the infiltrator's head moved away.
As the power of the Human Path was withdrawn, the last spark of life in the infiltrator's eyes was completely extinguished. He lost all vitality, like a puppet whose strings had been cut, leaving behind only an empty shell.
"Just as expected."
Toho Hiroshi muttered to himself and casually tossed the body down. As it fell, the corpse was enveloped by an invisible spatial force, silently annihilated, leaving not a speck of dust behind, completely erasing all traces of its existence.
Although the iconic stitched figure was not directly seen in the memory fragments, the appearance of "Uraume," characterized by the bob haircut, was enough to explain everything.
In this era, besides Sukuna, the only person who could command the Curse User Uraume, even temporarily, was Kenjaku.
"So cautious that he leaves no trace even in the memories of the pawns he sends out, or perhaps, the restriction is so powerful that even the Human Path cannot pierce its core..."
Toho Hiroshi stood on the treetop, his gaze directed toward the ruined temple, seemingly able to pierce through the dense layers of forest. "Kenjaku, you truly are an opponent lurking in the shadows like a viper."
He realized that continuing to waste energy actively pursuing this secretive schemer was inefficient and passive.
Kenjaku's scheme spans millennia; his patience and concealment abilities far exceed imagination, and he certainly wouldn't expose himself easily just because he lost one or two informants.
Rather than being led by the nose into an endless game of counter-surveillance, it was better to change his approach.
"Since you are hiding in the dark to observe, I will give you a clear view."
Toho Hiroshi's resolution was set. "When the light is bright enough, the demons and monsters in the shadows will naturally have nowhere to hide. At that time, it won't be me searching for you; it will be you who is forced to appear."
His focus would completely shift to accelerating the development and expansion of the Akatsuki organization.
When the influence of the Akatsuki spreads throughout this world, when the plan to collect the "Source of Cursed Energy" steadily advances, and when the old order of this world is completely shaken, he did not believe Kenjaku could remain safely on the sidelines.
A true hunter sometimes needs to appear as the prey, or more accurately, create a stage that the prey is forced to step onto.
The next moment, Toho Hiroshi's figure faded and vanished from the canopy, just as abruptly as he had arrived.
From then on, Toho Hiroshi reduced his individual solo actions, devoting more energy to the construction of the Akatsuki organization.
The Star Plasma Cult.
Just as Toho Hiroshi appeared via Kamui, followed closely by Kurusu Hana, Geto Suguru seemed to sense it and opened the door to greet them.
He wore the warm, reassuring smile befitting a "Cult Leader," but upon seeing Toho Hiroshi and the timid little girl beside him, a hint of genuine inquiry entered his expression.
"Toho, you're back."
Geto Suguru's gaze lingered on Kurusu Hana for a moment. He could sense the girl's uniqueness, though not as clearly as Toho Hiroshi. "And who is this?"
"Kurusu Hana."
Toho Hiroshi was brief. "Codename 'Angel.' A new member of the Akatsuki."
"Angel?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Geto Suguru's narrow eyes, followed by understanding. "It seems you've found quite a 'treasure'."
He didn't ask further, showing trust in Toho Hiroshi's decision, and instead looked gently at Kurusu Hana. "Welcome. There's no need to be afraid here."
Kurusu Hana nervously clutched the corner of Toho Hiroshi's clothes and quietly murmured, "Mhm."
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