Chapter 273: Just Kill Them

"It means the future has changed. The attack plan of the Soul Collectors is now different from what we predicted. That's why we are gathered here, right? So, what’s the plan?" continued the Shadow Clone.

Haruto stared straight at the headquarters, his eyes calculating. "It's simple," Haruto said with a firm tone. "We have several plans, but only three that are the most optimistic for success. We can use techniques from the Yamanaka clan or the power of the Sharingan."

Haruto then continued, "First, we can use the Mind Reading Technique to find out their plans through the memories of one of the guards at the headquarters. Second, we can use the Mind and Body Switch Technique to take over one of the guards' bodies, then go deeper into the headquarters to gather information. Third, we can use the Sharingan to hypnotize one of the guards into revealing everything they know."

The Shadow Clone nodded slowly, digesting the explanation. "I understand," said the Shadow Clone, its expression becoming serious. "So, which one will we choose?"

"We'll start with the first one," Haruto replied, his voice sounding resolute. "If that doesn't work, we'll move on to the next plan."

"Alright," said the Shadow Clone, quickly agreeing. "Let's kidnap one of the guards."

Without wasting any time, the Shadow Clone darted towards one corner of the headquarters, where two guards were standing watch casually. They seemed unaware of the danger lurking nearby. In the silence of the night, Haruto and the Shadow Clone began to execute the first step of their plan.

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...

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"Hooaam..." One of the guards yawned with a tired face, his eyes half-closed. The man next to him also yawned, rubbing his neck as if trying to shake off the drowsiness that was creeping in.

However, before they realized someone was there, a shadow shot forward with incredible speed. Both guards were attacked simultaneously—right at their vital points—until their bodies collapsed silently. There was no time to scream, not even to comprehend what had just happened.

Haruto immediately ordered the Shadow Clones to quickly pull the bodies of the two guards to a more hidden location, leaving almost no trace. In an instant, two other Shadow Clones appeared, taking over the identities of the two guards. This perfect disguise now allowed them to infiltrate deeper into the Soul Collector headquarters.

Meanwhile, Haruto used one of Ino's Cards from the system, activating the Mind Reading Technique. Slowly, Haruto's consciousness entered the subconscious of one of the guards.

Inside, Haruto began to see fragments of memories. However, what Haruto found made his forehead furrow. Scene after scene that appeared were nothing but various heinous acts: brutal murders, merciless torture, and other depraved deeds. The guard's mind was filled with dark, repulsive memories. There was not a single piece of relevant information regarding the Soul Collector's plan to attack the Fortress City Academy.

Haruto sighed heavily in his mind. He resisted the urge to scream in frustration and quickly exited the guard's subconscious. "Maybe the second guard has more useful information," Haruto thought.

However, that hope was quickly dashed. The second guard's memories were just as bad—if not worse. There were no clues about the attack plan, only memories of unforgivable crimes.

When Haruto finally returned to his consciousness, his expression showed deep disappointment. He looked at the nearby Shadow Clone with a cold gaze. "Haah... Then just kill them. They are of no use."

"Haha, we figured as much," said one of the Shadow Clones with a slight smile. Without hesitation, they swiftly and silently completed the task, ensuring that nothing was left that could cause problems in the future.