“I came here to invite you to join the ‘Akatsuki’.”
Hearing Nagato’s words, the four CP9 agents were momentarily stunned, doubting their ears. After a brief silence, Kalifa shook her head and said, “How rude…”
Jabra was more aggressive, shouting, “Where does this brat come from, talking big without fearing to bite his tongue!”
“Let me show you that not all words can be spoken carelessly!” Jabra stomped his foot and charged at Nagato.
Jabra, using Soru, moved at a speed that made it seem as though he disappeared, even though he was still injured. His surprise attack was deadly, and all four present had full confidence in his assault.
However, Nagato, with his back to Jabra, seemed to have eyes behind his head. He swiftly ducked, dodging Jabra’s wolf claw. As Jabra flew over Nagato’s head, Nagato’s right hand shot up like lightning, grabbing Jabra’s ankle. Standing up, he swung Jabra’s body and smashed him to the ground, leaving him sprawled out in a human-shaped crater.
Boom!
The loud crash echoed, and Nagato and the CP9 agents could faintly hear approaching footsteps.
“It seems that mere words won’t be enough to communicate effectively,” Nagato said, releasing Jabra’s ankle and turning to face Kalifa, Kumadori, and Fukurou. His strange eyes sent a chill down their spines.
Already heavily injured, the sight of their strongest member, Jabra, being taken down in one move made the other three even more anxious.
“Defeating you now would only make you more defiant, and there’s no point in talking if I can’t meet with your leader,” Nagato said, not intending to fight further. He didn’t want to draw the attention of the approaching people. He pulled out a card and a Den Den Mushi from his robe, handing them to Kalifa. “Here is one million Berries, enough for your expenses. Contact me once you’re all recovered.”
Before anyone arrived, Nagato turned and left. The other three quickly picked up the unconscious Jabra and left the area as well…
“So, that guy called Uzumaki Nagato gave us money for our treatment?” In a clean and comfortable suite, much better than the previous shabby inn, Lucci, now recovered, confirmed after sending off the private doctor. He was putting on his shirt.
Five days had passed since Nagato met CP9. With the money Nagato provided, CP9 could buy the best food, hire the best doctors, and rest in the most luxurious hotel. All seven had fully recovered.
“That’s right,” Kalifa confirmed. “He asked us to contact him once we recovered.”
“Hmph!” Jabra, clipping his nails and making his claws shine, grumbled, “That bastard showed off in front of us while we were injured. It’s infuriating!”
Jabra snarled, “The most annoying part is that he wanted to meet our leader, completely disregarding me!”
Kaku, checking his sword, glanced at Jabra but said nothing.
Kumadori, seemingly unable to understand Jabra’s point, shook his head. “Ohiyo~ Indeed, Lucci wasn’t there that day.”
Fukurou added, “That’s right, chapapa~”
Jabra jumped up, stepping on a stool, and shouted, “You two jerks, are you mocking me?”
“Kalifa, bring the Den Den Mushi.” Lucci, ignoring Jabra, buttoned up his suit with his ever-present pigeon on his shoulder. Grinning, he said, “Since he helped us, let’s meet his request and see… just how capable he is!”
Brrr… Brrr… Brrr…
“Rob Lucci,” Nagato’s voice came through as soon as the call connected. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Lucci held the Den Den Mushi, grinning sharply, “An honor indeed, Mr. Nagato. Name the place.”
“The abandoned docks on the west coast of St. Poplar.”
“Perfect spot,” Lucci seemed even more pleased. “We’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
Hanging up, he turned to the other six, “Let’s go!”
The sound of the sea breeze and waves created a unique rhythm. On the west coast of St. Poplar, once the busiest port of the Spring Queen City, now abandoned after the sea train’s arrival, the port’s rusty facilities stood silent.
The seven CP9 agents arrived at the deserted docks and immediately spotted Nagato in his black cloak with red clouds.
Before Lucci could speak, Nagato said, “Rob Lucci, Kaku, Jabra, Blueno, Kumadori, Fukurou, Kalifa.”
Nagato’s eyes scanned over the seven, accurately calling their names, making them frown. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
“How do you know all our names…” Lucci began, not really expecting an answer, and Nagato knew it, so he didn’t respond.
“And why are you seeking us out…” Lucci continued, his body growing and transforming. His muscular, streamlined body, sharp muscles, and beast-like eyes indicated his transformation into a predatory threat. “I don’t care!”
A hot, red mist escaped his mouth as the three-meter-tall beast loomed over Nagato. Lucci grinned, “I only see you as my next target!”
Soru!
In a blur, Lucci appeared behind Nagato, aiming a leopard fist at his temple!
Smack!
A sharp sound echoed. Nagato caught the massive fist, barely larger than his head, with his hand.
“Don’t disappoint me, Rob Lucci,” Nagato said, gripping Lucci’s middle finger tightly, making Lucci’s face contort in pain. “I’m looking for CP9’s elite agents, not some wild beast.”
“Hmph!” Unable to break free, Lucci snorted, allowing Nagato to hold his finger. His leopard tail shot out, wrapping around Nagato’s body, while his left hand thrust forward. “Shigan, Yellow Lotus!”
Thwap, thwap, thwap!
Rapid strikes echoed. Nagato couldn’t counter Shigan head-on, but he redirected Lucci’s rapid attacks with precise slaps to his wrists, palms, and the back of his hand, deflecting every strike.
In the end, Lucci’s left hand swelled to nearly double its original size.
“Mmm… Hmph…”
The searing pain in his left hand and the realization that Nagato effortlessly countered his attacks made Lucci’s face darken. Despite his pride as a CP9 agent, facing this unknown figure’s invitation to join them seemed absurd.
They couldn’t have imagined that Nagato came from another world, and in the world of ninjas, this so-called small-time figure was, without a doubt, a top-tier existence.
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