Chapter 272: Silence

Lex then began to record the payment in the loan ledger, and he quickly handed the debt settlement documents to Madara.

"It’s a pleasure doing business with you, sir. I hope you’ll come back next time, perhaps to borrow something from me?" Lex said with a playful smile, his tone teasing.

Madara did not respond to the taunt. He merely glanced at Lex coldly and said, "Be quiet."

Without waiting for a reply, Madara turned and walked out with steady steps, leaving the room feeling quieter than before.

After Madara resolved the issues with Kaori and Kyoko, he hurried away. His steps were quick and firm, as if time were an enemy to be defeated.

Madara then entered a small, deserted alley, illuminated only by the dim light of flickering street lamps. There was no sound, just the whisper of the night wind rustling the leaves. In an instant, Madara vanished like a shadow dissolving into the darkness.

Moments later, Madara reappeared in another alley, similar yet different. This place felt even quieter, as if Madara's presence did not want to be detected. He stood still there, his body upright and alert. It didn’t take long before someone emerged from the shadows.

The figure was a Shadow Clone. Madara, calmly, released his technique, and his form slowly transformed into Haruto.

"Kaori and Kyoko have been safely relocated. The Sports Festival will begin in a few days," the Shadow Clone said in a serious tone. "When will we attack the Soul Collectors?"

"In two days," Haruto replied, his voice remaining calm yet firm.

"So soon?" The Shadow Clone appeared surprised. The expression on the clone's face showed doubt, but it did not press further.

Haruto looked at him sharply. "The Sports Festival starts this month, the sixth month. Before that happens, we must strike. Whether we succeed or fail, at least we will create enough chaos to weaken them."

The Shadow Clone nodded, although the furrow on its brow had not completely disappeared. "But how? You said not to reveal our abilities. Does that mean we won’t be able to use the Akatsuki identity? If so, what identity will we use?"

"... Then let’s just use the identity of Anbu," Haruto replied firmly.

The Shadow Clone looked at him for a moment before finally nodding in agreement. "Alright, it’s up to you."

Haruto smiled faintly. "Take good care of Kaori and Kyoko. I’m counting on you."

"No problem," the Shadow Clone replied with a small smile. "After all, I am you. Of course, I know what to do."

With that, Haruto turned and left, his steps steady yet cautious. He was heading back to the dormitory, where he would continue his preparations for the rapidly approaching day.

...

...

...

Time passed quickly, and now the long-awaited day had arrived. The day Haruto would attack the Soul Collectors' headquarters.

Haruto stood not far from their main base, a place hidden behind the ruins of an old city. The building looked grim, with moss-covered stone walls and a large iron door that appeared sturdy. A thin mist hovered in the air, adding a mysterious and dangerous aura to the place.

Haruto's Shadow Clone emerged from the darkness, standing beside him. "So, what should we do to find out their plans?" the Shadow Clone asked.

The voice of the Shadow Clone sounded calm, but there was a hint of tension that couldn’t be hidden. "Previously, we asked Bellina, but the information from her wasn’t enough to complete the mission from the System."