326-330

Chapter 326: Uchiha Madara’s Submission  

What Kazama hadn’t anticipated was that Hei Zetsu was pulling a classic bait-and-switch. 

Truth is, Hei Zetsu didn’t have the guts to face Kazama head-on. His abilities were pretty pathetic—how could he possibly stand up to someone like Kazama? 

So, Hei Zetsu’s plan was to grab Kazama’s attention, making him think he wasn’t going to run. And, well, Kazama fell for it. 

As Kazama stood there, ready for Hei Zetsu to come at him, the slippery creep vanished in a puff, diving into the ground and disappearing without a trace. 

The sudden twist left Kazama half-amused, half-exasperated. He’d genuinely thought Hei Zetsu was going to fight him fair and square. Who would’ve guessed that even in this parallel world, Hei Zetsu was such a spineless coward? 

At that moment, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, seeing the mastermind Hei Zetsu escape, were stunned. They hurried to Kazama’s side and said respectfully, “Hey, little brother, didn’t you say Hei Zetsu was the root of all this? Now that he’s gotten away, won’t that cause even more chaos in the Nin-kai (Shinobi World)?” 

Kazama waved off their concern. “Don’t worry. Sure, Hei Zetsu slipped away, but as long as I’m here, he won’t get far. His whole deal is stirring up trouble in the Nin-kai, so it won’t be long before he shows his face again. The moment he does, I’ll track him down. If he dares pop up, I’ll reduce him to nothing!” 

“Kazama, you’re the real deal! We’ll follow your lead!” Hashirama and Madara said, practically beaming with relief. 

By now, Kazama had reclaimed the Guren Goka (Crimson Lotus Flame), completing his collection of all twenty-three Ika (Strange Flames). His original plan was to hop into a time machine and head back to the real world. 

But he’d made a promise to Hashirama and Madara to take care of Hei Zetsu. Plus, let’s be real—Hei Zetsu was a total scumbag. If Kazama left him to roam free, Hashirama and Madara wouldn’t stand a chance against him. 

Sure, Hei Zetsu’s combat skills were trash, but his body wasn’t like a normal human’s. You could smash him to bits, and he’d just pull himself back together. 

So, Kazama decided to stick around and help them finish Hei Zetsu for good. 

In the meantime, he worked with Hashirama and Madara to establish Konohagakure (The Village Hidden in the Leaves). When ninjas from other nations saw what they’d built, they followed suit. That’s how Sunagakure (The Village Hidden in the Sand) in the Land of Wind, Kirigakure (The Village Hidden in the Mist) in the Land of Water, Kumogakure (The Village Hidden in the Clouds) in the Land of Lightning, and Iwagakure (The Village Hidden in the Rocks) in the Land of Earth came to be. Plus, a bunch of smaller ninja villages popped up too—you name it, they had it. 

But what Kazama didn’t see coming was that, as soon as these villages were established, the seeds of war started sprouting again. It totally threw him for a loop. 

After all, his whole reason for helping build Konohagakure was to create a solid ninja system and contribute to peace in the Nin-kai. Seeing the world slide back into conflict? Yeah, Kazama wasn’t happy about it one bit. 

Chapter 327: Going Back in Time to Unite the Five Kage  

Kazama immediately teamed up with Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, planning to form an alliance with the ninja villages of the other four great nations. 

But the moment Kazama pitched this idea, both Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama shook their heads like rattling drums. 

"Hey, you two, what's that about? Why shoot down my proposal?" Kazama asked, puzzled. 

"Well, here's the thing," they replied with wry smiles. Uchiha Madara spoke up, "Look, Kazama, my young friend, you might not realize this, but while your strength is undeniably incredible—seriously, you’re on a whole other level—you could probably unify the entire shinobi world with ease if you used force. But forming an alliance with the other ninja villages without force? That’s a tough sell. They’re not going to just bow to you." 

"Huh? Why’s that?" Kazama asked, genuinely confused by their words. 

"It’s simple," Senju Hashirama chimed in. "The ninja villages of Sunagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure aren’t pushovers. Sure, they’re not on Konoha’s level, but their leaders are all arrogant, prideful types. They’d never agree to an alliance with us willingly." 

"Exactly," Madara added. "If we really want to form an alliance with them, there’s only one way: take out their leaders and force the villages to submit as our vassals. That’s the only path to real, lasting peace." 

"Hmm, is that so?" Kazama said, shaking his head at Madara’s suggestion. 

"What, you don’t agree with my plan, Kazama?" Madara asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Kazama smiled and replied, "It’s not that I completely disagree, but your approach feels a bit too extreme. How about we find a middle ground instead?" 

"Oh? And what’s this middle ground you’re talking about?" Hashirama asked, curious. Truth be told, he wasn’t thrilled with Madara’s idea either. As a kind-hearted man, the thought of killing the other villages’ leaders was something Hashirama could never stomach. 

"It’s simple," Kazama explained. "If, as you say, the leaders of these four villages are all arrogant and overbearing, I can absolutely use force to put them in their place. But we don’t need to kill them. We just need to make them respect us—show them who’s boss. Once they see Konoha’s strength and realize they’re better off listening to me, they’ll come around. People, or even entire groups, always want to align with the strongest power. It boosts their own status." 

"Well said! That makes a lot of sense!" Hashirama exclaimed, nodding enthusiastically alongside Madara. They both agreed that Kazama’s plan was spot-on. 

With the decision made, Kazama led Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara, and the others to gather the leaders of the four ninja villages. But what Kazama didn’t expect was that, just as Madara had warned, these leaders were every bit as arrogant and overbearing as described. When they heard the proposal to ally with Konohagakure, they just sneered in response. 

Chapter 328: Getting Ready to Crush the First Raikage  

They couldn’t believe their eyes—Kazama, so young, had the guts to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with these village leaders like he was their equal. 

That sight alone was enough to make their blood boil. 

The First Raikage from Kumo, a guy with a temper as explosive as a lightning bolt, was the first to lose it. He slammed his fist on the table, shot to his feet, and pointed straight at Kazama’s face, roaring, “Who the hell do you think you are, you little punk? You’ve got some nerve thinking we’d team up with you! Let me make this clear: even if we did join forces, we’d be the ones calling the shots, and you’d be groveling at our feet. Am I right, everyone?” 

“Hell yeah!” the other Kage-level shinobi roared, bursting into mocking laughter. 

But then, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara caught wind of the First Raikage’s blatant disrespect toward Kazama. That was a mistake. 

The two of them were furious, practically shaking with rage. They knew exactly how powerful Kazama was, and they respected him deeply. No way were they going to let this loudmouth Raikage talk down to him. 

Without a second thought, Hashirama and Madara teamed up and charged at the First Raikage. 

Now, the First Raikage wasn’t exactly the type to back down. Fearless, reckless, and with a temper to match, he didn’t care that Hashirama and Madara were legends in their own right. He wasn’t scared one bit. 

In a flash, the three clashed. Sparks flew as the First Raikage went toe-to-toe with Hashirama and Madara. 

But let’s be real—one guy, no matter how tough, can’t take on two powerhouses like that. It was only a matter of moments before Hashirama and Madara had the Raikage pinned, beaten, and humbled. 

Smirking coldly, the two looked down at him and said, “So, you ready to admit defeat now?” 

“Hah! Don’t give me that crap!” the Raikage spat back. 

Kazama was stunned. Even after getting pummeled by Hashirama and Madara, the guy’s face swollen and bruised, the First Raikage still wouldn’t back down. Not only that—he wasn’t just defiant, he was mocking Kazama. 

“Let me tell you something, you little brat,” the Raikage sneered, glaring at Kazama. “Even if I respect these two, I sure as hell don’t respect you. I don’t even know who you are! You think you can just waltz in, act like Konoha’s big shot, and get us to join your little alliance? If you want my respect, then step up and fight me one-on-one, mano a mano. I don’t believe for a second you’ve got what it takes to beat me!” 

“Really now?” Kazama said, a sly grin spreading across his face as the Raikage challenged him directly. 

Hashirama and Madara, meanwhile, were practically snickering. They turned to the Raikage and said, “Man, you’re something else. Most people pick the easy fights, but you? You’re out here kicking the hardest steel plate you can find!” 

“Let me give you a heads-up,” they continued, smirking. “Don’t underestimate our friend Kazama. His strength is unlike anything you’ve ever seen—before or after.” 

“Quit yapping!” the Raikage snapped, brushing off their words. He was convinced Hashirama and Madara were just hyping Kazama up to save face. 

Chapter 329: Starting to Crush the First Raikage  

The First Raikage was now even more convinced that Kazama was nothing but a spineless weakling. 

And he wasn’t alone in that thought. The First Tsuchikage, First Mizukage, and First Kazekage, standing off to the side, were all on the same page. To them, Kazama was just some pathetic nobody. 

So, they egged on the First Raikage, shouting, “Yo, First Raikage, you gotta teach this little punk a lesson! If you don’t, every random shinobi’s gonna think they can strut around acting tough in front of us Kage-level pros!” 

“Heh, you don’t have to tell me twice!” the First Raikage shot back with a grin. 

Without wasting another second, he unleashed Kumogakure’s signature technique: the Raiton no Yoroi (Lightning Release Armor). In a flash, he was charging straight at Kazama, moving like a bolt of lightning. 

“Red lightning, huh?!” Kazama thought, caught off guard. Not only was the First Raikage’s lightning red, but its power was insane—way stronger than he’d expected. 

Still, no matter how impressive the First Raikage’s Raiton was, it didn’t faze Kazama one bit. As the Raikage closed in, now less than ten steps away, he noticed Kazama hadn’t even budged. The guy was just standing there, completely still. 

The First Raikage smirked coldly, thinking to himself, “You little brat, if you’re not gonna dodge, don’t blame me for going all out!” 

In an instant, the Raikage unleashed a full-power strike aimed right at Kazama’s head. Against anyone else, that blow would’ve turned them into a pile of mush. 

But what happened next? The Raikage’s palm slammed into Kazama’s forehead… and Kazama didn’t even flinch. Not a scratch, not a bruise—nothing. 

The Raikage stumbled back several steps, sweating buckets, his eyes wide with shock. This was not what he’d expected. 

The First Tsuchikage, Kazekage, and Mizukage were just as stunned. They’d all felt the raw power behind the Raikage’s attack—it was monstrous, the kind of hit even they wouldn’t want to take head-on. Yet here was Kazama, standing there like it was nothing. 

Their entire worldview was flipped upside down. 

The First Raikage’s face turned red with embarrassment. He’d been so cocky, boasting he’d reduce Kazama to ashes. But now? Kazama had effortlessly tanked his strongest attack like it was a light tap. 

Talk about getting slapped in the face at lightning speed. 

Refusing to accept defeat, the Raikage charged again, throwing everything he had at Kazama. But Kazama? Still didn’t move an inch. He just stood there, letting the Raikage wail on him. 

No matter what the Raikage tried, he couldn’t land a single hit that did any damage. Panic started creeping into his mind. 

“This can’t be real!” the Raikage thought, freaking out. “This kid looks like a nobody, so how the hell is his defense this insane? It’s like he’s got 360-degree, impenetrable armor! If I can’t even scratch him, I’m gonna look like a total joke. No way—I’m not giving up!” 

Chapter 330: Thrashing the First Four Kage  

At that moment, an idea struck the Shodai Raikage, the First Raikage. With a sneer, he taunted Kazama again, "Listen up, you little punk. You’re tough as a thousand-year-old turtle, I’ll give you that—your defense is unreal. But no matter how strong your defense is, it’s useless! If you want me to respect you, you’d better show me just how crazy powerful your attacks are!" 

"You really want me to fight back?" Kazama asked, eyeing the Shodai Raikage. The guy couldn’t even break through Kazama’s defense, yet he still wanted to challenge him to a fight. 

Kazama couldn’t help but laugh to himself. This Shodai Raikage must’ve been kicked in the head by a donkey, he thought. 

"Quit yapping!" the Raikage barked. "I want a real, no-holds-barred fight. What, you scared? If you’re not up for it, go eat dirt!" 

"That’s it, you’ve pissed me off!" Kazama snapped. He couldn’t believe a Kage-level shinobi, of all people, would stoop to such crude trash talk. 

Fuming, Kazama unleashed his monstrous strength. In a flash, he charged at the Shodai Raikage. 

"Heh, is that all you got, punk?" the Raikage scoffed, seeing Kazama’s attack. "That punch looks pathetic—I don’t even need to dodge!" 

The Shodai Raikage assumed Kazama’s move was just basic taijutsu, since it didn’t seem to carry any special chakra attributes. But what he didn’t realize was that Kazama’s taijutsu wasn’t ordinary—it was superhuman taijutsu. 

Caught off guard, the Shodai Raikage was blasted over a hundred meters away by Kazama’s strike. 

The sudden turn of events left everyone in the crowd stunned. Not just the Shodai Raikage, but the Shodai Kazekage, Shodai Mizukage, and Shodai Tsuchikage were all gaping in shock. They never expected Kazama to be this powerful, taking down someone as strong as the Shodai Raikage in just a few moves, sending him flying hundreds of meters. 

The three Kage whispered among themselves, "If we each fought Kazama one-on-one, we might not stand a chance!" 

"But if we don’t fight him, are we—these three Kage-level shinobi—supposed to just bow down to this kid?" 

"No way we’re submitting to him!" they agreed. 

With that, the three Kage slammed their fists on the table and charged at Kazama together. 

This was something Kazama hadn’t anticipated. They’d agreed to a one-on-one duel, a proper rotation. But now these Kage were going back on their word, ganging up on him. 

Not that Kazama was fazed. Even with them teaming up, it wouldn’t make a difference. His strength was already far beyond that of any Kage-level shinobi. 

As the Shodai Kazekage, Mizukage, and Tsuchikage attacked, they sneered at Kazama, "Listen, you little punk. The student might surpass the master, but you’ll never outshine Kage like us!" 

Their attacks came rushing toward him, but Kazama just smirked coldly. In an instant, he activated Tenshu Ryoku (Heavenly Hand Power), swapping places with the Shodai Raikage, who was still recovering in the distance. 

BOOM! A deafening explosion rang out as the three Kage’s attacks landed squarely on the Shodai Raikage. 

The unexpected twist left everyone in the crowd utterly floored.