271-275

*Chapter 271 - Meeting with the Fire Daimyo*

"Did I come too late?"

Sōgen sighed with a hint of regret.

Even though they traveled tirelessly through the night, they still couldn't match the speed of Hema and his group’s escape. By the time they arrived at the Daimyo’s residence, the capital of the Fire Country was already under complete lockdown. Ninja of the royal guard, along with numerous soldiers, were conducting a grand but seemingly pointless search.

In Sōgen’s eyes, this so-called lockdown, this so-called search operation, looked overly theatrical.

If they truly wanted to capture someone, there was no need for such a massive display. Sending a dozen or so sensory ninjas would be far more efficient than this noisy show.

“What’s next, sir?” asked Moonlight Gale.

Their purpose in coming to the Daimyo’s residence was to eliminate the source of turmoil. However, now that Hema and his followers—the presumed root of chaos—had betrayed the Daimyo and killed four of their own before fleeing, it was as if they had geared up for a fierce punch, only for their target to disappear just as they threw it.

“No need to rush. Let’s pay our respects to the Daimyo first,” Sōgen replied with a smile.

While Hema’s actions were a bit unexpected, it wasn’t a big problem. Hema and his people could be dealt with later; after all, the Daimyo wasn’t going anywhere. They could decide on their next steps after meeting with him.

There was also another matter to deal with before then.

“How…how could they dare?” muttered Daido, standing there in shock. His face was blank, and he exuded an unapproachable aura, clearly shaken by the sudden, grim news. He never imagined that a brief farewell to his comrades would turn into a permanent goodbye.

The so-called "Jewel" refers to the King in shogi (Japanese chess) — a unique core piece. If the King is checkmated, it signifies imminent defeat.

Currently, the Land of Fire has two "Jewels."

The Daimyo and the Hokage.

In theory, the Daimyo holds a higher position, but the Hokage, who leads Konoha, the most powerful military group in the Land of Fire, doesn’t fall under the Daimyo’s jurisdiction. Their relationship is more akin to that of partners than that of superior and subordinate.

"So? Are you planning to disband Konoha, abolish the Hokage, and place the power of the ninja under your direct control?"

Sōgen maintained his slight smile as if discussing something amusing, but Daido and those present — Hayate Gekkō, Kurenai Yūhi, and even the guards beside the Daimyo — reacted visibly, their expressions shifting.

"Haha!" The Daimyo suddenly laughed, shaking his head vigorously. "Do I look that foolish?" At this moment, Sōgen sensed an aura from this old-looking man that he hadn’t noticed before — the dignity of a true leader.

However—

"This has nothing to do with intelligence. There’s a reason they say greed blinds people." Sōgen, undeterred by the Daimyo's change in aura, fearlessly voiced his thoughts.

"Alright! I’ll take back what I said earlier. You’re already sharp enough." The Daimyo chuckled, his imposing aura dissolving as though the momentary change had been an illusion. "It’s true that I haven’t supported Homare and the others — not openly or covertly. I’ve simply chosen to stand by as a spectator."

Another unexpected answer.

Yet Sōgen’s intuition told him that the Daimyo was likely being honest.

"A bystander? You knew their rhetoric would damage relations between the Daimyo's government and Konoha, and you chose to stand by?" Sōgen pressed on, his words sharp and unrestrained.

"In the Land of Fire, we don’t punish people for their words. Homare and the others only spoke their minds — at least, as far as I know, they hadn’t done anything extreme. But they recently crossed the line. That’s why the Ōtōryū has been gathering evidence, preparing to act when the time is right. I never expected them to go this far and even defect."

The Daimyo’s face turned serious as he looked toward Daido. "Daido, I didn’t discuss this with you because you’re among the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and I wasn’t entirely sure if you acted as one unified group. Though it seems like there’s constant conflict among you, particularly since Asuma Sarutobi’s recent fallout with you."

Daido was silent for a moment, his voice gravelly, "So were Kitagane and the others... just sacrifices?"

"I already told you, I had no idea they’d go this far. Kitagane and the others... I’ve issued a bounty on them — dead or alive. Anyone who brings them back will be well rewarded. Additionally, there’ll be support for Shirokawa Village from the Daimyo's government."

Shirokawa Village,

It’s where Kitagane and the others hailed from, their home.

Daido fell silent. Despite his frustration, the Daimyo had taken commendable steps. If he hadn’t lied, Kitagane’s death wasn’t something he could blame the Daimyo for — the true culprits were Homare and his group of troublemakers.

Sōgen watched, unimpressed, as Daido was "convinced" by the Daimyo.

He sneered at the Daimyo's words. To him, “standing by” was merely enabling. But it didn’t matter much; challenging the Daimyo over this would be difficult, and, most importantly, the Daimyo was a "smart man."

Whether or not he spoke truthfully, the Daimyo clearly wasn’t the type to make reckless, all-or-nothing moves. As long as Konoha wasn’t weakened enough for the Daimyo to feel an opportunity, he wouldn’t act against Konoha or their alliance.

Thus,

There was no need to replace the Daimyo. Switching to a young radical might only create bigger problems.

"Can Konoha’s ninja also accept this bounty?"

Sōgen asked the question, though the answer seemed obvious.

"Of course. In fact, this bounty was issued with the hope that Konoha’s ninjas would assist. While I’ve sent Ōtōryū agents to hunt down Homare and his group, it’s clear they failed. Compared to Konoha, the Ōtōryū is still inexperienced. This crucial task is best left to Konoha’s ninja."

The Daimyo’s response was expected.

Of course, his criticism of the Ōtōryū and praise for Konoha was a little surprising, but it was trivial.

"If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to keep an eye out. Coincidentally, I recently made some changes to Konoha’s Police Force, forming a competent squad. They haven’t had much to do in the village and have been idle. Looks like they’ll have a proper task now."

"I appreciate it. The reward will not disappoint."

The Daimyo answered openly.

"By the way, Daimyo-sama, I’d like to stay at the Daimyo's estate for a few days if that’s possible?" Sōgen maintained his smile. "With some luck, I might catch Homare myself and collect that bounty."

"As long as you’re not a criminal, the Daimyo’s estate welcomes all visitors."

With that,

Their conversation had come to a close. Sōgen promptly took his leave, heading for Konoha’s embassy, where visiting Konoha shinobi typically stayed while conducting official business at the Daimyo's estate.

Daido also departed after securing permission from the Daimyo to join the pursuit of Homare and his followers.

The Daimyo remained seated in the quiet room.

After a long silence,

He asked, "Genpachi, Yoshinobu, what are your thoughts on him? The youngest Hokage Advisor and reportedly the youngest clan leader in Uchiha history." Beside him, one of his guards was none other than Genpachi, the elderly man in charge of the Forbidden Scroll library.

"Strong!" Genpachi answered curtly.

The Daimyo shook his head with a smile, looking at the other guard. "Yoshinobu, how about you? I know Uchiha Sōgen is indeed strong, but how strong are we talking? How would you compare against him?"

Yoshinobu, a man with piercing eyes that seemed to see through all obstacles, exchanged a look with Genpachi, both men showing reluctance. "It’s impossible to compare. Without testing him directly, I can’t gauge how powerful he is. But my gut tells me that challenging him would lead to certain death."

"I feel the same."

Genpachi added.

"When I looked him in the eye, I saw mountains of corpses and rivers of blood... I was utterly defeated in spirit. If he used his Sharingan’s genjutsu, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Even if Yoshinobu and I joined forces, I doubt we’d have any hope of winning."

The Daimyo fell silent.

He’d anticipated that Uchiha Sōgen might be extraordinarily strong.

But Genpachi and Yoshinobu’s responses exceeded his expectations. As a non-shinobi, the Daimyo couldn’t fully grasp Sōgen’s power, but he vaguely understood that Sōgen was stronger than both Genpachi and Yoshinobu combined.

"And... does Homare stand a chance?"

"In a direct confrontation, none at all." Genpachi answered swiftly. "As for any clever schemes... to be frank, I doubt his chances. Konoha’s strength isn’t something a few renegades can topple. Not that it’s impossible, just highly unlikely."

Yoshinobu remained silent; Genpachi had spoken his mind.

His opinion matched Genpachi’s. Homare and his group were unlikely to bring down Konoha. Did they think the Sand, Mist, Cloud, and Stone shinobi were all incompetent?

"I see."

The Daimyo sighed softly, saying nothing more as he looked outside at the drifting clouds in the glassy blue sky.

(End of chapter)

“How could they dare?” he repeated.

Daido couldn’t understand how Hema and his companions could dare to kill within the palace. Among the twelve protectors, Hema was one who respected the Daimyo the most. It was like a never-ending nightmare.

“Daido,” Sōgen called, breaking Daido’s trance. Startled, Daido quickly lowered his head and apologized repeatedly. “Forgive me, assistant to the Hokage. I…this is my failure. I didn’t imagine they’d dare do something like this. I apologize for making you come all this way.”

His disjointed words revealed his troubled heart.

“It’s alright; this isn’t your fault. I know this must be difficult for you. However, the Daimyo’s envoy has arrived. Would you like to join me in meeting the Daimyo, or would you prefer some time to collect yourself?” Sōgen asked, concerned.

They hadn’t concealed their identities upon arrival, especially with Daido—an easily recognizable “local figure”—among them. Almost immediately, a royal ninja approached, and upon reporting their identities, the Daimyo was informed. They also casually inquired about the commotion, thus learning the unfortunate news.

“Since I’ve returned from leave, I’ll accompany you to report to the Daimyo,” Daido replied, struggling to control his emotions.

As his overheated mind cooled, he gradually regained his composure and decided to escort the assistant to the Hokage, as he had personally invited him. Afterward, he could investigate the murder of North Root and his comrades.

“Then let’s go together,” Sōgen agreed calmly.

He observed the grand capital before him. Despite the lockdown, the absence of pedestrians allowed him to appreciate the orderly architecture, which gave the Daimyo’s residence a distinctly solemn atmosphere—unlike the chaotic charm of Konoha.

Following the Daimyo’s envoy, they soon arrived at the central palace. However, the Daimyo’s palace, though sprawling and heavily guarded, wasn’t as awe-inspiring as expected. Its layout and aesthetics were not much different from the Uchiha or Hyuga clan compounds.

Soon, they were face-to-face with the Fire Daimyo.

The man appeared prematurely aged, not necessarily old, but lacking the commanding aura one might expect from a nation’s leader. “Daido, you’ve returned! And this is…?”

His gaze shifted to Sōgen.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Daimyo. I am Uchiha Sōgen,” Sōgen said, maintaining a calm and composed introduction while studying the man known as the first figure of the Fire Country.

“Oh! I know of you—the youngest head of the Uchiha clan, the youngest assistant to the Hokage in Konoha. That’s wonderful! When I heard of the Fourth Hokage’s sacrifice, I was worried for Konoha’s future. Without stability in Konoha, the Fire Country would also face unrest. But seeing such a promising young man as yourself, my worries are eased.”

“You flatter me; I am but a student of my predecessors,” Sōgen replied with a modest smile.

“Haha! Humility is a fine quality, though a young man shouldn’t lose his ambition either! So, Sōgen, what brings you to the Daimyo’s residence?” the Daimyo asked.

“Well, I heard there was a group of troublemakers trying to drive a wedge between the Daimyo’s residence and Konoha. Their activities had become so blatant that I was authorized by the Hokage to handle the matter. Unfortunately, it seems I arrived a bit late, as these troublemakers have already fled.”

While speaking, Sōgen’s gaze was fixed on the Daimyo.

Unexpectedly, the Daimyo showed no signs of panic but rather a look of regret, as if embarrassed. He let out a deep sigh. “So you came for that matter? As for Hema, Ryojin, and the others…well, I’m not entirely unaware of their sentiments.”

The Daimyo’s frankness left Daido, who had been silently listening, wide-eyed with shock.

It wasn’t the Daimyo’s knowledge of Hema’s intentions that surprised him, but rather his openness about it. Anxiety also welled up within him. If he had known about Hema’s actions, why had he allowed them to run amok?

Daido restrained his urge to confront the Daimyo. Doing so wouldn’t bring back North Root or the others; it would only embarrass him and potentially involve the Fire Temple, which he had no wish to see harmed.

“I know Hema and the others' motivations, their agenda, and even some of their covert maneuvers,” said the Daimyo, as if reading Daido’s thoughts. He continued, “And I…to be frank, was indeed swayed by their ideals. Taking control of the ninja forces and becoming the sole power in the Fire Country—a truly tempting proposition.”

He sighed.

Chapter 272: The Wandering Monk

Why stay in Daimyo City?

Gekko Hayate couldn’t quite understand the Hokage advisor’s decision to stay in Daimyo City. The reasoning of needing to capture Hama and others didn’t hold much weight, as he doubted anyone would be foolish enough to return at such a time.

But—

As a guard, he couldn’t make decisions for the Hokage’s advisor; he could only follow orders.

Fortunately, the days spent in Daimyo City were anything but dull. In fact, these days were quite beneficial. Most of the advisor's free time was spent training, leaving one to wonder if he was avoiding the village's overwhelming work.

During the remainder of his time, the advisor also occasionally guided Hayate and Kurenai. Despite being older, they both clearly regarded themselves as juniors in front of Uchiha Sōgen. Over the past month, Hayate had seen breakthroughs in his previously stagnant Leaf-Style Kenjutsu, thanks to Sōgen’s guidance. Kurenai, meanwhile, had the rare opportunity to hone her genjutsu skills by facing off against the Sharingan. They were also fortunate to witness the advisor spar with top fighters from all over the Land of Fire, which greatly expanded their understanding.

Indeed,

Sōgen had been in Daimyo City for more than a month and a half.

Although training was a priority, he didn’t spend every day lost in it. After all, if pure training was his goal, he could do that more comfortably back in Konoha. During his time here, he made efforts to challenge others to sparring matches every few days.

As the capital of the Land of Fire, Daimyo City is not only economically vibrant but also attracts the best of the ninja world. Ninja clans and villages from all over the Land of Fire gather here.

Ninjas, contrary to the image of ascetics, rely heavily on the support of the state. Thus, one can see many ninjas here from clans and villages that rarely appear in Konoha. Those who come to Daimyo City and make a name for themselves are, without exception, powerful, even famed in Konoha.

Sōgen challenged these formidable opponents.

In one-on-one, one-on-two, and even larger battles, he won with overwhelming dominance, sending a message to the ninja villages and clans across the Land of Fire about Konoha’s strength and silencing any ambitions against it.

After all,

Hearing about Konoha’s strength is one thing; witnessing the power of an Uchiha firsthand is another!

While sparring, Sōgen was pleasantly surprised by the unique secret and forbidden techniques he encountered. Though he had not yet seen any rare kekkei genkai, he had the opportunity to observe some extraordinary skills.

By the way,

Sōgen’s actions had the Daimyo’s permission.

Just as Sōgen intended to use his absolute power to quell rogue ninjas in the Land of Fire, the Daimyo wanted to better understand Sōgen’s strength. Without the Daimyo’s support, Sōgen might not have found so many opponents willing to spar with him.

However—

As Sōgen continued to win these matches with ease, the Daimyo had mixed feelings. A prosperous Konoha promised long-lasting peace for the Land of Fire, yet it also meant a diminished likelihood of Hama’s success.

Another blisteringly hot day dawned. The sky was so clear and vibrant it almost seemed unreal. Gazing up, it looked like one flawless sheet of blue glass, not a cloud in sight, as the sun poured its intense light onto the earth below.

“Hayate, who is that old man? He’s important enough for our lord to meet in person.” At the embassy entrance, Kurenai stood to the side and nudged Gekko Hayate, her voice low.

“That’s The Wandering Monk.”

Hayate kept his eyes fixed on the two figures in conversation.

One was Sōgen, and the other was an elderly man, his hair and beard stark white, dressed in simple robes. The only thing that stood out about him was his unusually long eyebrows and beard.

“The Wandering Monk?”

Kurenai blinked. “What a strange name.”

She clearly had no idea who this monk was.

“It’s not a name; it’s a title.”

Hayate looked at her with mild surprise. “Kurenai, you’ve really never heard of it?”

“Nope.” Kurenai shook her head honestly.

“Alright. But it makes sense—The Wandering Monk was more active decades ago, so it’s understandable you haven’t heard of him.” Hayate only knew about The Wandering Monk because he’d read about him in his grandfather’s training journal, which led him to the library for more information. He was even briefly investigated by the ANBU for digging into such matters.

“The Wandering Monk is a title, just like our lord being called The Flame Demon. The monk hails from the Tsuchigumo clan of Mount Katsuragi.”

Hayate explained in quick, hushed tones.

The title originated from legend. It’s said that a thousand years ago, a monk named Yaku Shikaku followed the Sage of Six Paths in studying ninjutsu and spiritual arts. Through decades of diligent training, he gained the power to command spirits and demons, and was tasked by the Sage of Six Paths to rid the land of malevolent beings. After many years of purging evil, he earned the title of “Monk” from the Sage. Many places still worship statues of this “Monk”—the Fire Temple among them.

The man sitting across from Sōgen was Tsuchigumo Moyara of the ancient Tsuchigumo clan. The clan had once received an invitation from the First Hokage to join Konoha, but they refused due to their adherence to old traditions. Despite declining, they possessed a terrifyingly powerful forbidden jutsu and unique secret techniques that have been passed down through generations, granting Moyara the title of The Wandering Monk.

“That’s... quite something.”

Kurenai’s expression was conflicted.

It was surprising that such a name, which didn’t sound nearly as intimidating as The Flame Demon, had such an impressive story behind it.

“Unfortunately, the Tsuchigumo clan’s forbidden techniques are a tightly guarded secret. When I first researched The Wandering Monk, ANBU investigated me, and I got nowhere—only trouble.” Hayate sighed at the memory.

But he quickly regained his focus as Sōgen and The Wandering Monk finished their greetings and began to walk toward the embassy, prompting the entourage to follow.

Their guest was not alone; the monk was accompanied by his granddaughter and some followers.

In the embassy's reception room, Sōgen took his seat on the sofa, openly curious as he studied The Wandering Monk and his granddaughter, Tsuchigumo Hotaru. The girl, around six or seven, was likely about the same age as Tenten and Naruto. After a brief glance, Sōgen turned his attention back to Moyara.

He was curious about this monk’s reason for coming.

Indeed,

The Wandering Monk was not one of the guests Sōgen had invited.

While Sōgen had been challenging skilled fighters across the Land of Fire, the monk had not been in Daimyo City, having lived in seclusion on Mount Katsuragi since the end of the Third Great Ninja War. But here he was, voluntarily visiting Konoha’s advisor as an ally.

And this alliance was no pretense.

The Tsuchigumo clan was indeed an ally of Konoha, not a subordinate, but one of mutual cooperation. The Wandering Monk himself had aided Konoha ninjas in the Second Great Ninja War, notably against the Cloud Village. It was in that battle, where he used the Tsuchigumo clan’s forbidden technique to annihilate a Cloud-held town, that he made his name known throughout the ninja world.

As a condition for deploying the Envoy of Obligation, an alliance of mutual support was established between Konoha and the Tsuchigumo clan. This alliance stipulated that Konoha must come to the aid of the Tsuchigumo clan whenever they face a crisis, and it was signed by none other than the now-deceased Third Hokage.

Perhaps this was the reason for the Envoy of Obligation's visit?

“Elder Tsuchigumo, it may be a bit blunt of me to say this, but instead of going in circles, I think it's better to ask directly to avoid any potential misunderstandings. Is there a reason for your sudden visit?”

He got straight to the point.

The small talk at the door had been more than enough for Sōgen, and continuing with more pleasantries was becoming tiresome.

The Envoy of Obligation sat calmly on the couch, his poised demeanor matching his reputation. Even under Sōgen's intense gaze, he remained unshaken. “This time, I’m here to confirm something with the Hokage’s advisor,” the elder spoke slowly, his raspy voice laced with a sense of weariness and age.

“Is it about the alliance?”

“Yes,” he nodded in acknowledgment. “Years ago, I forged an alliance with the Third Hokage, stating that Konoha must come to our aid in times of insurmountable crisis… My question is, does Konoha still intend to honor this alliance?”

The Envoy of Obligation fixed his gaze on Sōgen, waiting for his answer.

“This question… Elder Tsuchigumo, I’m just the Hokage’s advisor; I don’t have the authority to make decisions on such significant matters. You’ve come to the wrong person. Only the Hokage himself can answer that question.”

“Though I am old and barely able to walk, my mind hasn’t gone dull. I know the Fifth Hokage, albeit not very well, but I understand his character. I’m not concerned about his acknowledgment of the alliance between our clans and Konoha. What I want to confirm is whether Konoha will continue to honor this alliance in the distant future.”

“The distant future?”

Sōgen chuckled; it was an interesting way to phrase it.

“Elder Tsuchigumo, I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“The Fifth Hokage trained alongside the Third Hokage; he may be younger than me, but he’s not young. The future belongs to young men like you, the Hokage’s advisor,” replied the Envoy, observing Sōgen with a calm face but inner unease.

Since hearing about the Third Hokage’s death last year—and the less-than-honorable circumstances surrounding it—the elder had been concerned about whether Konoha would continue to honor the alliance. After all, if Konoha intended to reject the legacy left by the Third Hokage, it would only be a matter of time before this alliance was disregarded as well.

And with his advancing age, he could sense death approaching.

His time was running out.

If he couldn’t confirm the validity of this alliance, he wouldn’t be able to die in peace. The Tsuchigumo clan had not produced any notable heirs in decades, and those who once showed promise had fallen due to the prying eyes drawn by their forbidden techniques.

Thus, they were left facing the embarrassment of lacking successors, and once he died, the Tsuchigumo clan—holders of forbidden techniques—would inevitably become a tempting prize.

To avoid this grim fate, he had been keeping a close watch on Konoha’s current state, eventually directing his attention to the young man named Uchiha Sōgen. Reading through the records on him, he was struck by a resemblance to the man once known as the Asura, an invincible force throughout the Shinobi world.

Yet back then, the First Hokage restrained that Asura.

Konoha no longer had a second Hashirama Senju.

So, he’d made his decision.

As long as Uchiha Sōgen lived, he believed it was only a matter of time before Konoha saw an Uchiha Hokage. Upon learning that Uchiha Sōgen was currently staying at the Daimyo’s residence, he’d brought his granddaughter and old servant down from Mount Katsuragi to visit this head of the Uchiha clan and advisor to Konoha’s Hokage.

He wanted a clear answer here.

Only once he received that answer could he rest in peace.

Of course, that answer needed to be the one he hoped for. If not… he’d need to find another way.

“Interesting! Truly interesting!”

A noticeable smile spread across Sōgen’s face.

He looked at the old man and asked, “Elder Tsuchigumo, aren’t you concerned that you might be wrong? If you place your bet on the wrong person, the Tsuchigumo clan could suffer for it.”

“A choice must be made,” the Envoy replied calmly. “You can’t please both sides. Even if my decision proves wrong, there’s no regret. I have done everything within my power for my clan. Even in the afterlife, I would not be ashamed before our ancestors.”

“And, I don’t think I’ll be wrong. It may sound prideful, but my seventy-some years haven’t been spent in vain.” He pointed to his eyes. “These old eyes have seen many people, and among them, young men of your caliber, Hokage’s advisor, are rare.”

This was the truth from his heart.

Staring at Uchiha Sōgen, he couldn’t help but recall that terrifying man, like a demon god, who had once nearly uprooted every ninja clan in the Land of Fire that had refused Konoha’s invitation if not for the intervention of the First Hokage.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 273: Shadows Stirring in the Dark*

*Agree or Disagree?*

The question itself is not really important.

Though Sōgen doesn’t particularly like the Third Hokage, he doesn’t believe in dismissing everything related to him. He despises the man, but that doesn't mean he rejects everything tied to the Third Hokage.

"As long as our allies do not make the first move to harm our relationship, Konoha will never betray them."

Under the gaze of the Eki no Gyosha, Sōgen voiced his true thoughts without any filter.

Regardless of how he felt about it, the Eki no Gyosha indeed lent Konoha a helping hand during the Second Shinobi War.

Konoha had been in a tough spot at that time, with the Sannin not yet shining in their glory and the Third Hokage bound to defend Konoha. Danzō and Sakumo Hatake struggled to hold the front lines, making Eki no Gyosha’s assistance significant—perhaps not life-saving, but certainly valuable.

In Sōgen’s view, as long as the Tsuchigumo Clan didn’t foolishly act against Konoha—such as being manipulated by the likes of Kōma—there was no reason to break the alliance.

Hearing Sōgen’s assurance, a smile appeared on Eki no Gyosha’s weathered face.

“The Tsuchigumo Clan may not be what it once was, but we are not ones to break faith.” With Sōgen’s words, the clan might continue peacefully for a few more decades, barring any major upsets. As for whether they could regain their former glory—that would depend on the ambition of future generations; Eki no Gyosha, an old man close to death, couldn't manage so much.

He did not doubt Sōgen’s sincerity.

Shinobi do not consider deception dishonorable in battle; some even argue that deception is the essence of ninjutsu. Killing an opponent needn’t require a forbidden technique—a simple kunai to the throat can be just as effective.

But this way of thinking is not the prevailing one.

After all, the age of overwhelming force under Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha has left a lasting impression. Now, shinobi seek bloodline limits, secret techniques, and powerful forbidden jutsu. But Eki no Gyosha did not see Sōgen as someone who would deceive him.

Unlike the rivalries between the other ninja villages, Konoha—Fire Country's military backbone—has numerous allies, including the Tsuchigumo Clan. To deceive them would only foster distrust; a true leader would not act this way.

“Did you come here only to discuss this matter, Elder Tsuchigumo?”

Noticing Eki no Gyosha visibly relax, Sōgen couldn’t help but ask.

For such a matter, would he really travel so far to the daimyo’s residence?

Though Mount Katsuragi is within Fire Country, Eki no Gyosha’s age makes travel challenging even for a ninja.

“Our clan’s situation has worsened over the past two years. For the safety of my clan, I have to push myself,” Eki no Gyosha sighed. Because of the forbidden techniques, many have targeted the Tsuchigumo over the years.

Previously, Eki no Gyosha’s strength allowed him to protect his clan. But as he aged, his power declined, and no new talent emerged, leaving the Tsuchigumo increasingly vulnerable. There was even an irreconcilable conflict between the clan leader and Eki no Gyosha himself.

The once-united Tsuchigumo Clan split in two—one half stayed in the village at Mount Katsuragi’s base, while the other, led by Eki no Gyosha, retreated into the clan’s old territory deep in the mountain.

"Family rises and falls. If we’re weak now, then we need to endure, rebuild, and prepare for the future. The Tsuchigumo once had to flee from Mount Katsuragi but eventually regained it. Yet now, the younger generation..."

Eki no Gyosha sighed multiple times, his sense of helplessness apparent.

“Every family has its troubles.”

Sōgen shook his head, not finding it particularly surprising.

After all, doesn’t every family face some troubles? Even the Uchiha are still trying to clear their tainted name—a process that will take time.

Many families, villages, and countries all have their share of issues.

“But there is another small request.” A look of hesitation appeared on Eki no Gyosha’s face as he glanced at his adorable granddaughter sitting quietly beside him, then at Sōgen.

Sōgen waited patiently, not pressed for time. He often conversed with his grandfather, Uchiha Genshi, at home, though as he’s under twenty, he only drinks non-alcoholic beverages.

After about twenty seconds, Eki no Gyosha took a deep breath and said, “I’m too old, and my clan is in constant turmoil. Would it be possible for my granddaughter Hotaru to attend the Konoha Ninja Academy for a few years?”

After speaking, the elder's face grew more conflicted.

“Grandfather?”

The little girl, who had been quiet all along, looked up, her green eyes filling with tears. She reached out to grab her grandfather’s sleeve, her voice quivering. “Are you leaving me behind?”

At six or seven, a child in the ninja world is already old enough to understand some things, though not all. Hotaru clearly understood that the Konoha Ninja Academy meant leaving her home on Mount Katsuragi.

Her soft voice was filled with fear and sadness.

Only the most understanding children can endure such emotions.

Seeing his granddaughter's reaction, Eki no Gyosha almost regretted his request. Yet recalling the clan's instability, he steeled himself.

He patted her head gently. “Don’t worry, Hotaru. Grandfather could never abandon you. But you need to meet new friends...” The old man comforted her and looked toward Sōgen, waiting for a response.

To be honest, Sōgen was a bit surprised!

From Eki no Gyosha’s demeanor, he had guessed that the elder might request extra care for Hotaru.

But...to attend the Konoha Ninja Academy?

He hadn’t expected that.

Other techniques like the Uchiha-style swordsmanship, Uchiha-style throwing techniques, and Uchiha-style Fire Release are things you can’t learn in the Ninja Academy; they’re taught within the family. Sōgen once considered establishing a formal "Clan Academy," but various circumstances prevented it from happening.

"This shouldn’t be a big issue; the Konoha Ninja Academy does have a precedent for admitting students from outside the village," Sōgen remarked. This was no lie. For example, Kushina Uzumaki, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, transferred into the Academy. Although it was rare, there were always some outside students joining the Academy for one reason or another.

Some of these external students eventually became Konoha ninjas, while others left Konoha after their training, and Konoha didn’t restrict them. After all, the Ninja Academy didn’t have any highly sensitive information requiring secrecy.

"However, Senior Tsuchigumo, are you sure you want to send your granddaughter to the Ninja Academy to study instead of training her yourself? At the Academy, no one will be able to guide her in your clan’s secret techniques. If she misses the prime age for training because of this... don’t blame it on me," Sōgen warned.

"No worries, I’ll have Tonbee take care of Hotaru. Just building the basics will be fine under his guidance. As for how far Hotaru can go... even I can’t determine that," replied Yaku, the traveling elder, without hesitation.

It was clear he had considered this for some time. In fact, he had been troubled by the disorder within his clan. Despite his determination, his old age left him powerless, and even the loyal followers who once accompanied him back to their clan’s old territory on Mount Katsuragi gradually couldn’t endure the harsh mountain life and left.

As he felt his body deteriorating, he worried about what might happen to Hotaru if he were to pass away. Although Tonbee was there, Tonbee might not be able to fully protect her. Besides, the current state of the Tsuchigumo clan wasn’t exactly the most secure environment for her growth.

During his investigation into Sōgen as part of their alliance with Konoha, Yaku had an idea: perhaps he could send Hotaru to stay in Konoha for a while. Once she matured a bit, she could return to the clan, or perhaps she could even remain in Konoha. While Yaku himself couldn’t abandon his responsibilities to the clan, Hotaru... didn’t need to be bound by the same obligations.

With this in mind, he went through the trouble of bringing his granddaughter along on this trip.

"This isn’t a big deal; the main thing is whether or not you’re truly ready, Senior Tsuchigumo. Enrolling a transfer student in the Ninja Academy is easy for me," Sōgen assured him. As he said, this really wasn’t a complicated matter.

He didn’t even need Hokage’s approval—he could handle it all on his own.

"…It doesn’t need to be immediate. If possible, I’d like to wait until after my time…then have Tonbee escort Hotaru to Konoha to study. Would that be feasible?" When Yaku voiced this request, even he, a man hardened by life’s trials, felt a bit embarrassed.

He felt like he was continuously pushing for more.

"No problem, anytime," Sōgen replied. He didn’t mind Yaku’s requests. To him, these things were trivial, and, given Yaku’s age, any thoughts he’d had of testing himself against this legendary figure were gone.

For now, Hotaru was finally quiet again. The little girl seemed sharp; though she didn’t fully understand what her grandfather meant by “after,” she sensed she wouldn’t be separated from him soon. Her unease eased, and she returned to her well-behaved, sensible self.

In a private hospital suite in a town in the Land of Fire:

"The bones have healed nicely, no issues left. You can be discharged," the doctor announced after a thorough examination, granting the discharge that the long-suffering patient was eager for.

The doctor wasn’t surprised; being part of a well-known private hospital with a reputation for only caring about payment, he had seen all sorts of patients. This patient was clearly not a conventional good person, but what did that matter to him? As long as the bills were paid, it was all fine.

"Kohaku, you’re in luck! I just received word, and you’re already being discharged," Houma said as he entered the room moments after the doctor left.

"Are we ready to move? Who’s the target?" Kohaku asked, changing out of his hospital gown into his own clothes.

"It’s a dangerous legend. Though he’s old…to be honest, he’s still incredibly formidable. If you want in, be prepared—you could die at any moment," Houma replied seriously.

"Ha!" Kohaku laughed, a smug and wild grin on his face. "Isn’t that even better? Weak prey is no fun at all; hunting something…untamed is so much more interesting."

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 274: The Secret Arts of the Tsuchigumo Clan*

"Not enough!"

Just the little power he had gathered wasn't nearly enough to confront Konoha. Hema understood this clearly. He knew many people scoffed at his ideas, dismissing them as impossible, calling him delusional or reckless, believing that taking on Konoha was akin to committing suicide. But he didn’t care about others' opinions. He stayed true to his ideals, resolute even if it meant breaking his bones in the process. And now, with forbidden techniques under his control, if he couldn’t gain support from these people while they were alive, then he would simply make them contribute to his cause after they were dead.

After fleeing the Daimyo's estate, he first found a place to settle and help heal Kohomaru. During this recovery period, Hema took the chance to test out the forbidden technique he had learned to build his strength, first targeting small rogue ninja groups that no one cared about, and then moving on to practice with minor ninja families.

Through these battles, he confirmed that the forbidden technique was indeed usable, but it still fell short. Its numerous flaws prevented it from being a decisive weapon. His plan, revised dozens of times, still lacked a surefire way to guarantee victory. Konoha's strength lay not only in the vast, ever-growing army of ninja clans and civilians but also in its elite warriors.

One of those elites was currently in the Daimyo’s estate. Over the last month, this man had taken down more than twenty skilled ninjas from across the Land of Fire, earning him the title of “Blaze Demon.” Hema may have left the Daimyo’s estate, but he still had ways to receive intelligence from there. So, after learning about Uchiha Munen’s recent actions, he was silent for a long time, realizing he was no match for this man as he was now. If he wanted to contend with a monster like that and emerge victorious, he needed much more power.

For this, he had set his sights on the forbidden techniques of the Tsuchigumo Clan.

Earlier, he had read about the Tsuchigumo Clan’s forbidden technique in a book from the Daimyo’s secret archives. He saw records of how the clan's practitioner, Eki no Gyōsha, had used the forbidden technique to wipe out an entire town. The sheer scale of destruction was unparalleled among forbidden techniques. This was the power he needed.

Since defecting, he had been plotting a way to seize this forbidden art. While gathering intelligence, he learned that Eki no Gyōsha had left the clan’s guarded base on Mount Katsuragi with just a servant and a young girl, heading toward the Daimyo’s estate. Hema knew this was his chance. The Tsuchigumo clan was ancient, with hundreds of years of history, and their base was filled with layers of barriers and traps. But with Eki no Gyōsha away from that fortress, he could intercept him and gain the forbidden technique.

“Hey, Hema, are we just gonna wait around like this?”

Kohomaru grumbled impatiently. After being confined to a hospital for over a month, he was eager to draw blood with his cherished blade rather than wait in an abandoned village 20 kilometers from the Daimyo’s estate.

“If you want to die, go ahead and run to the Daimyo's estate.”

Hema, sitting cross-legged on the porch, didn’t even glance at him as he spoke, focused on honing his mental strength.

“Kohomaru, don’t be reckless! Going to the Daimyo’s estate now would be suicide,” Kamazuke scolded.

There was a monster lurking there, making it dangerous even to get close, lest they be spotted and unable to escape.

“Ugh, so boring,” muttered Kohomaru, stomping off into the nearby forest to hunt animals.

Everyone else knew Kohomaru well enough by now to ignore him. They had been comrades long enough to understand his nature. Kamazuke had already spoken up, so no one else felt the need to worry. Instead, they focused on their training, preparing for the mission ahead. The abandoned village was close enough to receive intelligence from the Daimyo's estate quickly, and they planned to strike once Eki no Gyōsha left.

Of course, they had to ensure they didn’t attract the attention of the “Blaze Demon” terrorizing the estate. They would intercept Eki no Gyōsha far from the Daimyo’s reach, but not before he returned to the clan’s stronghold on Mount Katsuragi, where various ambush spots awaited.

As Kohomaru disappeared into the forest, Kamazuke sighed, glancing at Hema, who was still in meditation. Then his gaze shifted to Tenmoku, who was refining his sensory technique, encircled by crackling lightning, and then to Mizuko, concocting poisons. Kamazuke himself was squatting and standing repeatedly, a heavy stone on his back, honing his physical strength.

“Going against Konoha... What a tough task this is,” he thought.

Although they had yet to clash with Konoha directly, an unspoken pressure already weighed on all of them, even the battle-hungry Kohomaru.

---

Meanwhile, in the Daimyo’s estate, Eki no Gyōsha had been staying for about a week, mostly to let his granddaughter explore the bustling city and broaden her horizons beyond the isolated Mount Katsuragi.

Seeing her curiosity only solidified his desire to send her to the Konoha Ninja Academy. Eki no Gyōsha didn’t want her confined to the clan’s mountain. She wasn’t a rare genius who could flourish under any condition; she needed a good environment to thrive.

That afternoon, a sudden storm gathered over the Daimyo’s estate. The fierce winds shook the trees, and heavy rain poured down within a radius of ten kilometers. But summer rainstorms were quick to come and go, and the downpour soon stopped.

“Elder Tsuchigumo, are we still going out this afternoon?”

In the tea room with doors open to the courtyard, Sougen was having a leisurely conversation over tea with the "Walker of Service."

Although the "Walker of Service" was too old and frail to spar, it didn't prevent him from engaging in a bit of verbal exchange. Naturally, he wasn't about to disclose the forbidden and secret techniques passed down through generations of his clan.

However, he was willing to share his personal insights on the training of Yang and Yin Release.

Their clan's secret technique, known as the "Word-Binding Technique," was quite peculiar. While fundamentally a Yin Release, it involved Yang Release and the five chakra nature transformations, making it a complex and profound art.

The Walker of Service was not the type to be overly rigid or unadaptable. Being older than the history of the Leaf Village, he understood the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the Hokage's advisors, especially as he was planning to send his granddaughter, Hotaru Tsuchigumo, to the Leaf's Ninja Academy. Without revealing the core secrets of his clan's techniques, he shared as much of his lifetime insights on Yang and Yin Release as he could.

On days he felt well, he would even demonstrate the "Word-Binding Technique" a few times, allowing Sougen to learn a great deal.

"I’m not going out; even though the rain stopped, the wind is still strong. The doctor advised me to take it easy with these old bones. If possible, I'd like to look after Hotaru for a bit longer." The Walker of Service held a rough clay teacup, savoring the warmth of the tea.

"Staying in is fine. If all goes as expected, you may even see some excitement later."

"Oh? Are you going to spar with someone today?"

The Walker of Service asked with interest. Recently, he, his granddaughter Hotaru Tsuchigumo, and their retainer Tonbei had been staying in the Leaf Village's guest quarters and had witnessed Sougen spar with some of the Fire Country’s most renowned ninjas three times in just one week.

"Daikoku."

Sougen took a sip of tea and replied.

"Daikoku… that monk from the Twelve Guardian Ninja? If I recall, he’s from the Fire Temple?" Although the Walker of Service had stayed in Mount Katsuragi for years without venturing out, he still kept up with the outside world. The Twelve Guardian Ninja, promoted by the Fire Daimyo, was a prominent title known even to him.

Even if he hadn’t known before, the recent conflict within the Twelve Guardian Ninja, where four members died, six defected, and only two remained, had made the group’s turmoil known far and wide.

"Yes, I agreed to a spar with him this afternoon."

While Sougen hadn’t been the one to initiate, he had no reason to refuse when Daikoku personally sought him out. The Fire Temple was a close ally of the Leaf, and Daikoku’s arrival in the village to deliver intelligence and request reinforcements demonstrated his loyalty to the Leaf. Yet, Sougen could hardly turn down the chance to experience the Fire Temple’s unique Sage talents in person.

"The Fire Temple, huh!" The Walker of Service’s face softened with a look of nostalgia.

The elderly often have many rich memories that are easily triggered by mentions of certain places or names. Clearly, he had some past connection with the Fire Temple.

"Have you had the chance to see the Fire Temple’s Sealed Iron Wall?"

"I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t seen it yet."

The Sealed Iron Wall of the Fire Temple was famed as an impenetrable barrier, considered a “notable landmark” of the Fire Country. Every year, people traveled to the Fire Temple, hoping to break through this iron wall and make a name for themselves.

Of course, so far, no one had managed to do so.

"If you get a chance, you should visit. The Sealed Iron Wall is quite fascinating, and the Sage talents of the Fire Temple are equally intriguing. Though our clan’s forbidden techniques cannot be passed on, they share the same foundation as the Fire Temple’s Sage talents. With your skills, you might gain something valuable from studying them."

Since this conversation involved his clan’s forbidden techniques, the Walker of Service spoke somewhat vaguely.

Yet Sougen understood his meaning.

The Walker of Service was suggesting that his clan's forbidden techniques and the Fire Temple’s Sage talents shared a common basis, hinting at the manipulation of natural energy. This could be considered a rudimentary form of Sage Arts or an alternate manifestation of them.

"One day, I will definitely visit the Fire Temple."

Sougen replied with a smile.

Sage Arts were also an essential part of his future plans. Although he hadn’t begun Sage Arts training, as he hadn’t yet found a method to master them, the three great sage regions were elusive, and he wasn’t keen on asking Jiraiya for guidance unless absolutely necessary. Until then, he could explore other possibilities—like the Sage talents of the Fire Temple.

Just then, Hayate Gekkou hurried over, announcing Daikoku's arrival.

*Chapter 275: The Talents of the Sage Clan*

“Dilu, you look much better today,” Sōgen remarked, observing the young monk who entered the tearoom. A quick glance showed him that Dilu’s complexion had improved since they last met the previous evening. Though some signs of fatigue lingered around his eyes, overall, he looked ready.

“I arranged a spar with the Fire Shadow Advisor, so I couldn't be careless. I started resting as soon as I returned last night,” Dilu replied honestly.

He certainly wasn’t foolish enough to face the "Flame Demon" while exhausted.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what talents the Sage Clan of the Fire Temple holds,” Sōgen said, shifting his gaze from Dilu to the two men accompanying him. “Shozubou, didn’t that old man Genpachirou come today? And who is this with you?”

Shozubou was one of the inner circle around the feudal lord and head of the elite agents, Oniwaban. Whenever Sōgen sparred with someone, Shozubou was often there, sometimes with Genpachirou. Sōgen didn’t mind; he wasn’t concerned about others witnessing his methods. His main reason for staying at the feudal lord's estate was to show the ambitious ones that Konoha wasn’t to be trifled with.

And Shozubou and Genpachirou weren’t the only observers. To Sōgen, the more onlookers, the better. Though information spread quickly in the ninja world, the channels were limited. Having witnesses to spread word of his actions was essential to warn off any hidden schemers in the Land of Fire.

Today, however, the familiar Genpachirou wasn’t with them. Instead, a man he’d never seen before—a well-built man who exuded strength—stood by their side.

“Pleased to meet you, Fire Shadow Advisor. I am Ishikiri Maru,” the tall man, nearly 190 cm, introduced himself with little warmth, his gaze carrying an open hint of appraisal.

Shozubou’s mouth twitched slightly, but he didn’t say anything. He’d already said all he could before they arrived. If Ishikiri Maru wouldn’t listen, so be it. Perhaps facing a challenge would be a good cure for his arrogance.

“I see, Ishikiri Maru,” Sōgen replied with a smile, paying him no further mind and turning to Dilu. “Shall we begin, or would you like to rest a little more?” He dismissed Ishikiri Maru; while the feudal lord’s agents were skilled, to Konoha they were merely high-ranking fighters among many.

“I’m ready whenever you are,” Dilu replied, prepared as much as possible.

“Then let’s head to the training grounds,” Sōgen said, setting down his teacup.

The elderly Yaku no Gyosha rose to follow with a smile. Though he was too old to participate, he wouldn’t miss a good match. On his way out, he sent for his granddaughter Tsuchigumo Hotaru, thinking it would do her good to watch skilled fighters in action.

Word quickly spread, drawing a large audience. Some had even taken to lodging near the Konoha Embassy to watch these frequent matches. By the time Sōgen and his party reached the training grounds, people were already leaping over walls to watch. Among them were fighters Sōgen had defeated before, as well as skilled shinobi from various clans and villages, including some old families like the Tsuchigumo Clan. Moonlight Hayate and Kurenai Yuhi were also there, bringing the number of onlookers to nearly twenty, all positioned around the training area.

In the center of the field, Sōgen faced Dilu.

“Before we start, may I ask why you waited until now to challenge me?” Sōgen casually asked as he stretched his wrists.

“I’ve just resigned from my role as a guardian ninja,” Dilu explained, controlling his breathing to reach peak focus.

“I wanted to seek your guidance before returning to the Fire Temple. I may never get another chance like this.”

“I see,” Sōgen nodded, understanding. “In that case, I’m just as eager to see the Sage Clan’s prowess. Dilu, go ahead!” He stood calmly, letting Dilu make the first move. This was how he’d faced all his opponents lately.

No referees were necessary. Those who sparred with Sōgen weren’t novices; they knew when they’d won or lost, and with so many spectators, no one dared deny the outcome.

Dilu made no ceremony of it. As soon as he reached his peak state, he struck. Standing his ground, he assumed a unique stance, drawing upon the signature Sage Clan technique of the Fire Temple.

*"Come, Thousand Hands of the Divine."*

In that moment, several observant individuals sensed an almost imperceptible change around Dilu.

A fierce gust of fist wind erupted, yet Dilu hadn’t moved from his spot. As the invisible strikes lashed out, Sōgen appeared to be surrounded and pummeled as if by a crowd, his body lifting off the ground as if struck by an immense force. He literally flew, battered into the air by the sheer weight of the blows.

After around fifty hits, he landed with a heavy thud as the energy dissipated.

“What… just happened?” Kurenai Yuhi stared wide-eyed.

“… I have no idea!” Moonlight Hayate replied, equally baffled.

Neither could understand what had occurred. How had the Fire Shadow Advisor been sent flying when Dilu hadn’t seemed to move? The mystery lingered, impossible to ignore.

“So this is the Sage Clan’s technique!” Yaku no Gyosha stroked his long beard, deeply impressed.

It had been so long since anyone saw the monks from the Temple of Fire use the talents of the Sage Clan in combat that the exact time was forgotten. However, seeing these techniques, where wind and thunder seemed to arise invisibly, naturally brought back memories of those tumultuous and passionate years of youth.

"Is that all?"

Ishikiri Maru furrowed his brow and glanced sideways at Zenjubou. His expression clearly questioned if this was truly the invincible assistant to the Hokage that Zenjubou had boasted about. Could it be a fake? How could someone like Deira defeat him so easily?

It seemed a bit unworthy of the reputation, didn’t it?

"Just keep watching, and you’ll understand."

Zenjubou remained calm, entirely unaffected by Ishikiri Maru's skepticism. As the undisputed leader of all perception ninja in the Oniwaban, he could "see" things that most present couldn’t. Besides, after witnessing Uchiha Sougen's numerous victories, he didn't believe Sougen would fall so easily.

Moreover, didn’t you notice the serious expression on Deira’s face?

Deira indeed appeared quite solemn. Although no one had ever stood back up after taking the full brunt of the Coming Welcome: Thousand-Handed Kill, the fact that it hadn’t happened before didn’t mean it never would. His instincts, sharpened through meditation and combat, still sensed danger.

The threat was not over.

"The strength is impressive, and the speed is also fast, with little sign of an attack beforehand... Is this the talent of the Sage Clan? It really is something!"

Sougen stood up as if nothing had happened.

He patted the dust off his clothes, looking completely unscathed.

"How is this possible? He actually…"

Deira’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected this single move to defeat the Hokage's assistant. To be honest, he had approached this challenge with the attitude of seeking guidance rather than aiming for victory. However—

Not leaving a single scratch?

He had gone all out!

He hadn’t held back at all.

He had attacked with the determination to kill the enemy in front of him.

Even if the attack was evaded, he could have accepted it, but to have his full-force attack taken head-on without inflicting any harm… It shook his resolve. Nevertheless, he was a monk ninja of the Temple of Fire, well-versed in mental discipline.

Suppressing the unease and confusion in his heart, he regained his composure and once again launched an attack on the now-standing Sougen.

Coming Welcome: Immovable King Sword

If fists were useless, then let’s see the power of the Immovable King's sword!

As he moved, the blurred figure of the Immovable King appeared behind him. Even without visual jutsu, one could see the brief flash of the Immovable King's image.

However—

Clang!

Sougen raised his hand and caught the slash, which was almost invisible to the naked eye. The blade, sharp enough to cut through metal, landed on his hand that had turned grayish-white in an instant, leaving no mark. This time, though, Deira did notice a change.

"Hardening Jutsu?"

He blurted out.

"Correct."

Sougen nodded in acknowledgment.

With the help of the Bashō Fan, his mastery of the Earth Chakra nature transformation had reached an exceptional level. Even in the Hidden Stone Village, there were few who could surpass him in the art of Earth Style Chakra transformation. After fully comprehending the mysteries of Earth Chakra, his Earth Style Hardening Jutsu had naturally reached its peak.

That was why he dared to take Deira’s attacks head-on without using the Susano’o.

Deira was silent for a couple of seconds. Without saying another word, he put all his strength into attacking, demonstrating almost perfectly the various powers of the Sage Clan talent that had been passed down for hundreds of years at the Temple of Fire. Invisible forces took the form of fists, palms, swords, and staves, launching a ferocious assault on Sougen.

Conversely, Sougen remained in place, enduring Deira's onslaught without moving an inch. He executed the peak-level Hardening Jutsu, his fists striking out like lightning, meeting attack with attack, withstanding all the blows. At the same time, he opened his scarlet Sharingan, carefully observing the subtle changes around Deira.

Ordinary people probably couldn’t see the colorless and shapeless Chakra variations.

But—

The perceptive Sharingan could faintly perceive the special Chakra emitted by Deira. Most ninjas knew that Chakra was formed by combining spiritual energy and physical energy, but only a few knew that the mixture itself was quite intricate.

For example,

Secret techniques were unique not only because they involved the powers of Yin and Yang Release but also due to their extremely unique training methods, requiring precise ratios of Chakra. The Nara Clan’s secret techniques, for instance, required refining Chakra with a high proportion of spiritual energy, while the Akimichi Clan's multiplication techniques required Chakra that was primarily physical energy.

As for the exact ratio,

That was one of the secrets of secret techniques, unknown to outsiders.

The Chakra used by Deira to perform the Sage Clan talent was clearly dominated by spiritual energy.

Unfortunately, even the Sharingan couldn’t directly discern this special Chakra ratio, which was one reason why the Sharingan couldn’t replicate secret techniques.

Although he couldn’t replicate Deira’s Sage Clan talent, that didn’t mean there was no gain. After carefully observing, he faintly grasped the true nature of the Sage Clan’s talent at the Temple of Fire. Unlike the Sage Jutsu passed down from the Three Great Sacred Lands, the Temple of Fire's Sage Clan talent represented a different form of natural energy manipulation.

The Sage Jutsu of the Three Great Sacred Lands involved absorbing natural energy into the body, combining it with spiritual and physical energy to form unique Sage Chakra, allowing the use of powerful techniques far exceeding ordinary ninjutsu. The problem was that training in the Sage Jutsu of the Sacred Lands was highly risky, with a single mistake potentially leading to self-destruction.

The Temple of Fire's Sage Clan talent seemed to evoke natural energy by using refined special Chakra, combining it with the Chakra released externally to form a unique, invisible force. This method was evidently safer than the Sage Jutsu of the Three Great Sacred Lands.

But the issue was,

The offensive techniques of the Temple of Fire's Sage Clan talent seemed rather limited in variety, and the power couldn’t quite compare to Sage Jutsu. Of course, it was also possible that Deira's abilities were limited and didn’t fully demonstrate the true power of the Sage Clan talent. In any case, it was indeed a distinct method of using natural energy, different from the Sage Jutsu of the Three Great Sacred Lands.

"The Sage Clan talent of the Temple of Fire is indeed extraordinary!"

Sougen praised sincerely.

However, to Deira, it sounded somewhat mocking. He had gone all out and couldn’t make Sougen step back even a single step, only to be complimented on the greatness of the Sage Clan talent. Was that a hint that his own training wasn’t up to par?

But,

He didn’t have time to ponder whether Sougen was mocking him or not.

Because,

Sougen, who had observed enough, began his counterattack.

Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere

Without forming any hand seals, Sougen opened his mouth and shot out a high-pressure wind ball like a cannonball toward Deira. It collided with a transparent, colorless barrier half a meter away from Deira, and the spreading wind scraped off a layer of the training ground's surface. Deira, however, remained unharmed.

The Sage Clan talent of the Temple of Fire wasn’t just about offense; its defense was also not lacking.

The renowned Sealing Iron Wall was a different application of the Sage Clan talent.

To defend against Sougen's sudden attack, Deira had to interrupt his assault on Sougen and use the Coming Welcome: Diamond Realm, successfully blocking the powerful Wind Style technique. However, Sougen's offensive was only just beginning.

Simply put,

The roles of attacker and defender had reversed.

(End of Chapter)