311-315

Chapter 311: I’ll Beat You Until You Submit  

“I’m telling you, kid, your strength is insane, but I’ve never seen you in Konohagakure before. So, you’d better tell me your name right now. If you don’t, we’ve got every reason to believe you’re a spy sent by the enemy!”  

“What?! That’s it!”  

Hearing Shimura Danzō accuse him over and over, Kazama was absolutely livid.  

In a flash, he slapped Danzō, sending him sprawling to the ground.  

Danzō never expected Kazama would actually lay a hand on him.  

As Senju Tobirama’s disciple, Danzō was used to throwing his weight around Konoha, with no one daring to disrespect him.  

But now, getting slapped by Kazama? He was humiliated and furious.  

Danzō sprang to his feet with a kip-up, then lunged at Kazama like a tiger pouncing on prey.  

Unfortunately, while Danzō’s skills weren’t bad, in front of Kazama, he was nothing but trash.  

In no time, Kazama beat him black and blue, leaving him scrambling for his teeth on the ground.  

Nearby, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Senju Tobirama were worried Kazama might actually kill Danzō.  

But they also knew Kazama was their lifesaver, the one who’d rescued them.  

If they turned on him now, wouldn’t that be utterly disgraceful?  

Besides, Kazama wasn’t some bloodthirsty killer. He’d already “killed” Danzō twice before.  

He didn’t have the heart to finish off the younger Danzō for good.  

So, in a split second, Kazama used Bōtenjin (Otherworldly God) on Danzō, commanding him to protect Konoha.  

Under the influence of Kazama’s Bōtenjin, Danzō didn’t dare act cocky anymore.  

He immediately dropped to his knees, begging Kazama for forgiveness.  

Just moments ago, Danzō had been cursing Kazama out repeatedly.  

Now, in the blink of an eye, he was kowtowing and pleading.  

This left Senju Tobirama absolutely stunned.  

Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen was even more impressed with Kazama.  

He knew how stubborn Danzō was—sometimes even Tobirama’s orders didn’t faze him.  

Yet here was Danzō, submitting to Kazama. It was downright astonishing to Hiruzen.  

With Kinkaku and Ginkaku already dealt with and Danzō tamed, Kazama turned his focus to his next goal.  

He unleashed his super sensory abilities to track down the Jōren Yōka (Pure Lotus Demon Fire).  

After all, finding the Jōren Yōka was the whole reason Kazama came here.  

Tobirama and the others had planned to head back to Konoha right away.  

But seeing Kazama sit cross-legged, seemingly sensing his surroundings, they stayed quiet and waited for his instructions.  

Unknowingly, Kazama’s overwhelming strength had made him their de facto leader.  

As Kazama’s super sensory abilities kicked in, he immediately detected something outside the forest.  

A powerful ninja was heading straight for them, and the Jōren Yōka was with this person.  

Sensing the ninja’s formidable strength, Kazama didn’t get angry—he smirked.  

Sure, this ninja was incredibly strong, on par with Kinkaku and Ginkaku.  

But Kazama wasn’t fazed in the slightest. 

Chapter 312: The Drastic Change in the Third Raikage's Personality  

Kazama had come here for one reason: to retrieve the Pure Lotus Demon Fire (Jōren Yōka). 

No matter how powerful or impressive this opponent was, Kazama was determined to take back what was his. 

Turning to Senju Tobirama, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the others, Kazama said urgently, “Everyone, there’s a powerful enemy heading our way from a hundred miles out. This guy’s strength far surpasses Kinkaku and Ginkaku. I’ll hold him off here, but you all need to leave—now!” 

“What? No way!”  

Upon hearing Kazama’s words, Senju Tobirama, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the others immediately shook their heads in refusal. 

“Listen, Kazama, little brother,” Tobirama said. “You already saved our lives once. How could we possibly run away and abandon you in a crisis?” 

“Exactly!” Sarutobi chimed in. “Sure, our skills might not match yours, but we’re men of honor. We’re not about to just turn tail and flee. No matter how strong or fearsome this enemy is, if he dares show up, we’ll face him head-on, no holding back!” 

Hearing their resolve, Kazama didn’t push back further. 

He understood human nature well. If he kept rejecting their goodwill over and over, it’d come off as cold and ungrateful. 

Besides, though the approaching enemy was formidable, Kazama wasn’t the least bit intimidated. After all, he wielded the true power of the Nine-Tomoe Rinnegan (Kukyū Rinnegan).  

No one could act superior or arrogant in his presence—not a chance. 

Before long, the person carrying the Pure Lotus Demon Fire appeared before them. 

“It’s him?!” 

The moment Kazama saw the man’s face, he was stunned. 

It was none other than the future Third Raikage (Sandaime Raikage). 

From what Kazama knew, the Third Raikage was an honest, straightforward man. But what he never could’ve anticipated was that in this parallel world, the Third Raikage’s personality had undergone a complete transformation. 

In this world, the Third Raikage was a vile, despicable villain. 

Kinkaku and Ginkaku? They were his subordinates. 

It was he who had ordered the brothers to assassinate the Second Raikage (Nidaime Raikage), all so he could overthrow his rule and claim the title of Third Raikage for himself. 

The Third Raikage was already incredibly powerful, with a body tough enough to withstand a full-powered strike from a Tailed Beast (Bijū). Now, with the Pure Lotus Demon Fire in his possession, he was even more arrogant and domineering. 

Spotting Kazama and the others, he let out a wild, mocking laugh. 

He had no idea of Kazama’s true strength, nor did he know that it was Kazama who had taken down his two prized lackeys, Kinkaku and Ginkaku. Instead, he assumed it was the Second Hokage (Nidaime Hokage) who had defeated them. 

Striding forward, he pointed at Senju Tobirama and sneered, “Well, well, Second Hokage, you’ve got some nerve! I thought sending Kinkaku and Ginkaku would be enough to hunt you down, but I didn’t expect you to be so damn lucky. You actually managed to fend them off? Fine, let’s see just how tough you really are!” 

With that, the Third Raikage wasted no time and unleashed his signature move: Hell Stab (Jigoku Zuki). 

Chapter 313: A Newborn Calf Fears No Tiger  

In the blink of an eye, the Sandaime Raikage charged straight at Senju Tobirama. 

Tobirama, quick on his feet, used Hiraishin no Jutsu to dodge just in time. 

Even so, he narrowly escaped being struck by the Sandaime Raikage’s attack. 

“No wonder he’s one of the Nidaime Raikage’s top generals—his speed is terrifying!” Tobirama muttered to himself. 

Meanwhile, the Sandaime Raikage, brash and fearless like a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger, didn’t take Tobirama seriously at all. 

When he saw Tobirama dodge his attack, he let out a cold sneer. 

Without hesitation, he unleashed his full power and charged at Tobirama again. 

At that moment, Kazama, who’d been watching, noticed the Sandaime Raikage’s blatant disrespect—not just for Tobirama, but for him too, as if he wasn’t even worth considering. 

Fuming, Kazama leapt forward, putting himself between Tobirama and the Raikage. 

The Sandaime Raikage barely gave Kazama a second thought. Seeing this kid dare to block his attack sent him into a rage. 

He decided he’d take out Kazama first, then deal with Tobirama. 

But what the Sandaime Raikage didn’t expect was that his Jigoku Zuki (Hell Stab) hit Kazama—and Kazama was completely unscathed. 

The Raikage’s heart skipped a beat. 

It wasn’t just him—Tobirama, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the others watching were equally shocked. 

They all knew the Sandaime Raikage’s strength was top-tier, absolutely formidable. 

His Jigoku Zuki was hailed as the “strongest spear,” unstoppable. 

Yet Kazama had effortlessly blocked this ultimate technique. 

It was beyond anything they could’ve imagined. 

The Sandaime Raikage, now realizing Kazama wasn’t just some nobody, quickly halted his attack and jumped back several steps. 

Glaring at Kazama, he spat, “You little punk, you’ve got some guts, daring to challenge me!” 

“Watch your mouth!” Kazama shot back. 

“Heh, don’t give me that crap!” the Raikage sneered. 

Seeing Kazama stand his ground, unafraid and even bold enough to talk back, the Raikage’s temper flared. He was livid. 

Back in his village, even the Nidaime Raikage couldn’t fully tame him. No way was he going to let some young upstart like Kazama lecture him. 

In a flash, the Sandaime Raikage unleashed an even more devastating technique than his Yonhon Nukite (Four-Finger Piercing Hand)—the Sanbon Nukite (Three-Finger Piercing Hand). 

This upgraded Jigoku Zuki was on a whole new level, its piercing power earth-shattering. 

Tobirama’s eyes widened. “Kazama, be careful!” he shouted. “The Sandaime Raikage’s Jigoku Zuki is insanely powerful now!” 

“Heh, too late for warnings!” the Raikage cackled, his voice dripping with arrogance. 

He still didn’t take Kazama seriously. 

Hearing Tobirama’s words, he only doubled down, speeding toward Kazama with even greater ferocity. 

He was certain his Sanbon Nukite would cut through Kazama like butter. 

What he didn’t know was that Kazama had recently regained the power of Ika (Strange Fire). 

With the ultimate defense of Kazan Ishien (Volcanic Stone Flame), blocking the Sandaime Raikage’s attack was child’s play for Kazama. 

Chapter 314: Successfully Taming the Jōren Yōka (Pure Lotus Demon Fire)  

On top of that, Kazama could absorb his opponent’s chakra. 

So, when the Third Raikage’s Jigoku Tsuki: Sanbon Nukenuki (Hell Stab: Three-Finger Assault) slammed into Kazama, it was like a light scratch. 

Not only did it fail to break through Kazama’s defenses, but Kazama effortlessly absorbed the power packed into the Sanbon Nukenuki. 

“What?! How is this possible? No way!”  

The Third Raikage, always proud and arrogant, was stunned. His Sanbon Nukenuki hadn’t even scratched Kazama—it was completely blocked. He was furious, practically jumping with rage. 

But no matter how angry he got, it didn’t matter. Kazama had easily shrugged off his attack. 

The Third Raikage was beyond shocked, his face full of disbelief. 

At that moment, Senju Tobirama, watching Kazama emerge unscathed, chuckled and shook his head. “I forgot Kazama-kun has the ability to absorb attacks. No matter how badass or powerful the enemy’s moves are, they’re useless against him.” 

“Stop acting all high and mighty!” the Third Raikage snapped. He was already humiliated that he couldn’t take Kazama down, and now Senju Tobirama was rubbing it in. It was unbearable. 

In a flash, the Third Raikage switched his Sanbon Nukenuki to Ippon Nukenuki (One-Finger Assault). The air around them grew scorching hot. His Jigoku Tsuki had reached its absolute peak. 

With a cold smirk, the Third Raikage taunted Kazama. “You little punk, I don’t know how you’re absorbing my attacks or why your defenses are so damn tough. But it’s a shame—against my Ippon Nukenuki, even your badass defenses are worthless!” 

As soon as he finished talking, he charged at Kazama with lightning speed. “Haha, you’re done for, punk!” 

But just when the Third Raikage thought Kazama was toast, the result was the same. His attack didn’t even graze Kazama—it was completely blocked. 

This left the Third Raikage even more shocked, unable to believe it. His Ippon Nukenuki was honed to perfection, yet it still couldn’t touch Kazama. It was way beyond anything he’d expected. 

In a split second, the Third Raikage unleashed the Jōren Yōka (Pure Lotus Demon Fire) from within his body. “You little punk, you’ve really impressed me. The old me might not have been your match, but I’m not that guy anymore. My attacks are insanely powerful now!” 

Before anyone could react, the Jōren Yōka surged from the Third Raikage’s body, roaring toward Kazama. To others, the Jōren Yōka was an overwhelmingly powerful force. 

But to Kazama? It was nothing but a defeated foe. 

The Jōren Yōka took human form, ready to attack Kazama. But when it saw his face, it froze, a mix of shock and joy flashing through it. Then, with a thud, it dropped to its knees before Kazama. 

The Third Raikage never could’ve imagined that the mighty Jōren Yōka would betray him and submit to Kazama. He was livid. 

Pointing at the Jōren Yōzun (Pure Lotus Demon Lord), he roared, “You bastard, Jōren Yōzun! You swore loyalty to me, and now you dare betray me?! This is unforgivable!” 

“Shut up!”  

Before the Third Raikage could finish, the Jōren Yōka incinerated him into nothingness in an instant. 

“He’s my true master. Who the hell are you to demand my loyalty?” the Jōren Yōka declared. 

Senju Tobirama, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the others were stunned. They never imagined something as otherworldly as the Jōren Yōka would bow to Kazama. 

To them, Kazama wasn’t just human anymore—he was like a god! 

Chapter 315: Journey to the Era of Senju Hashirama  

“Kazama-kun, you’re just too incredible! You’re on a whole other level!”  

At this moment, Senju Tobirama, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Shimura Danzō couldn’t contain their excitement any longer. They crowded around Kazama, showering him with praise. 

Kazama just smiled and nodded back at them. Though he was a humble guy, their compliments naturally made him pretty happy. 

Now that Kazama had tamed both the Jōren Yōka (Pure Lotus Demon Fire) and the Seirei no Homura (Flame of Living Spirits), he knew his next step was to head to the world of the Shodai Hokage, Senju Hashirama, to conquer the Guren Gyōka (Crimson Lotus Karma Fire).  

Once he absorbed the Guren Gyōka, Kazama would fully possess all twenty-three Ika (Strange Flames). At that point, his strength would reach an unprecedented, unmatched level. He’d be ready to take on the Ōtsutsuki clan’s attacks head-on. 

Senju Tobirama, unaware that Kazama was about to leave, spoke up. “Kazama-kun, not only did you save our lives, but you also took down Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and a ton of Kumo’s top shinobi in one go! If you don’t mind, come back to Konoha with us. As Hokage, I swear I’ll reward you handsomely!” 

“Reward? Hokage-sama, you’re too kind!” Kazama said with a laugh, waving his hand dismissively. 

“Huh? Why’s that?” Tobirama asked, puzzled. He admired Kazama so much that he genuinely wanted to reward him. But Kazama turning it down? That threw him for a loop. 

Most people—especially shinobi—worked for rewards. Missions were all about bounties. So why would Kazama refuse? Tobirama couldn’t wrap his head around it. 

Kazama smiled and explained, “Hokage-sama, I really appreciate your offer, but I’ll have to pass. I’ve got important things to take care of. Besides, I’m loyal to Konoha. I’d protect it with my life, reward or no reward. I’m a Konoha shinobi, born and raised in the village. So, Nidaime Hokage-sama, no need to be so formal!” 

“Oh, really? Well, if that’s the case, I won’t push you,” Tobirama said, nodding.  

But when he heard Kazama was about to leave, his confusion turned to reluctance. He’d just witnessed Kazama’s insane strength. If Kazama stayed in Konoha, the village could unify the entire shinobi world! His departure felt like a huge loss. 

Still, Tobirama knew Kazama was a mysterious guy with unmatched power. Even if he wanted to keep him around, he doubted he could. 

“Hokage-sama, as the saying goes, ‘The green mountains never change, and the clear waters flow forever.’ We’ll meet again!”  

With that, Kazama hopped into his time-traveling device. In a matter of moments, he arrived in the era of the Shodai Hokage, Senju Hashirama.