Chapter 278: Anbu

With the identities of the guards they had taken, this group successfully infiltrated underground—the enemy's main base. They carried hidden Explosive Tags on their bodies, ready to place them at vital points within the Soul Collector's headquarters.

Meanwhile, a third group spread throughout the Southern District, delivering messages while disguised as Anbu members. They warned the residents that the Southern District would soon be struck by a major disaster.

"Two large groups are fighting, and the impact could destroy this District. Leave if you want to survive," said one of the Shadow Clones to a group of citizens.

Some residents heeded the warning and quickly packed their belongings to leave the District. However, many ignored the advice. Some refused to believe it, while others felt too comfortable to leave.

The Shadow Clones did not force those who were reluctant to go. They were simply carrying out their duties. "If they don’t want to be saved, that’s their decision," thought one of the Shadow Clones as he ran toward the next location.

...

...

...

"So you’re saying that the Southern District will be destroyed? Because of a fight between two crazy groups? Are the crazy groups you’re talking about yourselves?" a woman asked sharply, her gaze filled with suspicion.

Upon hearing the question, the Shadow Clones, now disguised as Anbu, exchanged glances for a moment. One of them, an Anbu with an owl mask, stepped forward. In a firm tone, the Shadow Clone replied, "Yes. So please leave this place. It’s only temporary, at most a few hours."

The woman, Mio, did not back down at all. Her eyes narrowed sharply, staring directly at the owl-masked Anbu. The Shadow Clone immediately recognized this woman. How could they not? Mio was the woman who had been helping Kaori and Kyoko, two individuals who were part of Haruto's inner circle.

"Why are you fighting in this place? Don’t you know how many people will be killed because of your actions?" Mio asked, her face showing annoyance, her voice rising.

The owl-masked Anbu stared at Mio expressionlessly, the Shadow Clone's voice sounding cold as he replied, "The crazy group we are going to attack plans to do something far worse. They intend to bomb the two entrance gates of Fortress City 085. After that, they will unleash Dead and Horror into the city. If that happens, the number of casualties will be much greater."

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Everyone, both inside and outside Mio's eatery, stared with shock clearly etched on their faces.

"Is that true?" Mio finally asked, her voice weakening, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes," replied the owl-masked Anbu firmly. "That is their crazy plan. If we don’t stop them now, a much greater disaster will occur. We have no other choice."

Mio then bit her lower lip, looking as if she was seriously contemplating something. Some people in the eatery began to murmur quietly, most of them starting to wonder whether they should leave or stay.

"Then who are you really? You’re not the Gatekeepers, Police, Soldiers, or any other official group I know," Mio asked with a furrowed brow, her gaze sharp and suspicious.

"We are Anbu. You don’t need to know our objectives in detail," replied the owl-masked Anbu in a cold tone. "What matters is that we just want to eliminate the crazies underground, that’s all."

"Underground... I see." Mio paused for a moment, digesting those words before continuing in a serious tone, "How extensive is the impact of your fight?"