161-165

*Chapter 161: Sasuke Strikes Again (Please Subscribe!)*

Touji sprinted rapidly in the direction of the howling sound.

After running for over half an hour, he finally spotted Uchiha Obito.

Obito was kneeling on one knee, his Akatsuki cloak nowhere to be seen, and even his mask was half-broken, revealing a scarred face underneath.

Standing not far from him was Uchiha Sasuke.

But now, Sasuke's eyes had transformed into the Rinnegan, with powerful chakra constantly emanating from him.

It was evident that Uchiha Madara had given Sasuke even more power.

“You were the one who controlled the Nine-Tails to attack Konoha, forcing my brother to slaughter the Uchiha clan. Today, I will kill you, the sinner of the Uchiha!”

Sasuke said as he slowly raised one hand, lightning flickering continuously from his palm.

But this lightning was black!

"Don't be too smug; Touji is on his way!" Obito snarled but quickly coughed violently, his injuries clearly severe.

Sasuke smirked, stopping the lightning in his hand.

"Do you think you've survived this long by chance? It's just to lure Touji here and make him taste my wrath!"

Touji’s lips twitched.

He never expected Sasuke’s desire for revenge to be this intense.

Without hesitation, Touji leapt forward and stood in front of Sasuke.

“So, you’re looking to take me on?”

“You’re finally here, Touji-kun!” Sasuke said with a wicked smile.

But standing next to Sasuke, Black Zetsu frowned, confusion flashing in his eyes.

“Sasuke, this guy is suspicious. Be careful!”

“Careful? It’s Touji who should be careful. I’m invincible now!” Sasuke laughed loudly.

Sasuke’s chakra surged, and a light blue Susano’o appeared.

“Come, Touji! Let me show you true despair today!”

Sasuke’s Susano’o pulled out a bow and arrow from behind, aiming straight at Touji.

Touji snorted, his chakra flaring.

But instead of light blue, his chakra was orange-red.

Even his summoned Susano’o was orange-red.

Seeing this, Black Zetsu’s eyes widened in fear as he stared at Touji.

“Sage Mode? No, this is purer than Sage Mode. Who is this guy?”

Black Zetsu urgently shouted to Sasuke, “Sasuke, this kid isn’t ordinary. Our goal isn’t them—retreat now!”

Sasuke slowly turned his head, coldly glaring at Black Zetsu.

“You’re lecturing me? Watch as I kill Touji right now!”

Sasuke said, releasing the arrow from his Susano’o, sending it hurtling towards Touji.

The space around the arrow distorted as it flew, indicating that not even Kamui’s dimension could escape its power.

Touji finally understood why Obito had lost.

Sasuke’s current strength surpassed many Kage-level ninjas—it’s no wonder he was so arrogant!

But Sasuke had picked the wrong opponent.

Touji smirked and vanished, reappearing beside Sasuke.

“What speed! But coming here just means you’re asking for death!”

Sasuke laughed maniacally, drawing a sword and slashing at Touji.

Touji calmly caught the sword between his fingers.

“That’s it?” Touji chuckled dismissively.

“It’s only just begun!” Sasuke roared, lightning bursting from his body and surging towards Touji.

Touji was struck, his body convulsing from the electric shock.

Sasuke smirked triumphantly.

But his smile quickly faded when the Touji in front of him turned into a log.

“Substitution Jutsu! Damn it, where did that guy go?”

Sasuke turned frantically, searching for Touji.

Just then, sounds of battle came from Black Zetsu’s direction.

“Sasuke, help me!” Black Zetsu shouted in despair.

He couldn’t understand how Touji, who was fighting Sasuke, suddenly appeared before him.

Before Black Zetsu could react, Touji had grabbed him by the throat.

Touji’s grip tightened, and Black Zetsu could feel himself suffocating.

Sasuke scowled and rushed toward Touji.

But after only a few steps, roots erupted from the ground, binding Sasuke tightly.

“You just stay put!” Touji sneered, ignoring Sasuke.

Touji examined Black Zetsu, his lips curling into a smile.

“Obito, hold him down. I’ve got some questions for him!”

At Touji’s call, Obito hurried over and restrained Black Zetsu.

“Let’s see where Madara is hiding!”

Touji said as he formed hand seals and used the Mind Body Switch Jutsu on Black Zetsu.

Upon entering Black Zetsu’s body, Touji found only darkness. Although he stopped Black Zetsu’s movements, he couldn’t control his body either.

“Mind Body Switch, interesting! You’ve got nowhere to go now!” echoed a voice from the darkness.

Suddenly, the space inside Black Zetsu was filled with countless footsteps.

Numerous Black Zetsus rushed towards Touji, their eyes filled with greed.

Touji stood calmly, and just before they reached him, a five-colored divine light burst from his body, illuminating the pitch-black space.

“Damn it, you’re a Sage! I’m Kaguya Otsutsuki’s son—you can’t kill me!” Black Zetsu’s eyes filled with terror.

The Black Zetsus scrambled to retreat, but they couldn’t outrun the divine light.

Wherever the light touched, Black Zetsu exploded into black smoke.

“Sage! So you planned this all along! Mother, your unworthy son can’t save you from suffering!” Black Zetsu cried as his body began to swell.

In mere seconds, his body expanded several times over, resisting even the divine light.

“Then we die together!”

Three updates! Please subscribe!

---

*Chapter 162: Dutiful Son Black Zetsu (Please Subscribe!)*

Touji frowned slightly.

If they were outside, Touji would have countless ways to avoid the explosion.

But now, Touji was inside Black Zetsu's mind. His entire body felt like it was stuck in a swamp. Running was out of the question—he could barely even move.

“Mom, I’m saving a spot for you in heaven!”

As Black Zetsu spoke, cracks began to form all over his body, releasing violent energy from within.

*Ding! Danger detected! The system is eliminating the threat!*

*Ding! Unknown danger has been eliminated! Black Zetsu’s affection level has increased by 999 points!*

*Ding! Due to the affection level exceeding the limit, the host will receive all of Black Zetsu’s ninja tools!*

Touji looked at the scene in disbelief.

He hadn’t expected that using the Mind Transfer Jutsu would bring the system along with him.

This revealed that the system didn’t reside within Touji’s body but within his soul.

Moreover, the system didn’t use its abilities freely.

It only reacted when it sensed danger to itself.

So, using the Mind Transfer Jutsu to boost affection levels was completely viable.

At that moment, Black Zetsu deflated like a punctured balloon, shrinking back to normal size before stopping.

His once vicious eyes now showed regret and guilt instead.

“Dad! I almost did something stupid and hurt you, Dad!” Black Zetsu, dragging his heavy body, grasped Touji’s hands tightly.

Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably!

Touji’s mouth twitched.

Who would have thought that exceeding the affection limit would make Black Zetsu start calling him Dad?

With a dutiful son like this, what was there to fear in the future?

“Dad, you must find a way to save Mom! She’s been sealed for so long, and it breaks my heart just thinking about it.”

Touji’s heart recoiled.

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya was the final boss of the Naruto world; releasing her would only bring trouble.

“About Kaguya… Your mom, we don’t need to rush…”

Black Zetsu’s brow furrowed instantly, and he angrily pulled away from Touji’s hand.

“Dad, that’s Mother we’re talking about! How can you abandon her? If that’s how it is, there’s nothing more to say. I’ll save her myself!”

With that, Black Zetsu stormed off, tears still streaming as he ran.

Touji let out a helpless smile and said, “This kid seems a bit rebellious…”

Touji exited Black Zetsu’s body, and both of them woke up at the same time.

However, while Touji still looked composed, Black Zetsu appeared exhausted, like he hadn’t slept in days.

Yet even in this state, anger burned in Black Zetsu’s eyes.

“Dad! Just you wait! I’ll definitely save Mom!”

“Dad? Touji-kun, this kid’s got some unique style…” Uchiha Obito glanced at Black Zetsu, then turned to Touji, noticing that he was seething with rage.

Touji’s eye twitched uncontrollably. With a wave of his hand, Uchiha Sasuke’s bindings were instantly released.

“Touji! I’m going to fight you!”

As soon as Sasuke was freed, he charged at Touji.

But before he could get far, Black Zetsu intercepted him, landing a punch squarely on Sasuke.

“You’re asking for it, daring to attack my dad!”

“Dad?” Sasuke was completely bewildered.

Touji was only twelve; when did he have such a grown-up son? And their skin tones didn’t even match!

Besides, wasn’t Black Zetsu Uchiha Madara’s will?

Since when did Madara become Touji’s son?

Sasuke’s head spun with these questions, feeling like his mind was about to explode.

At that moment, Lady Katsuyu also arrived.

Hearing the conversation, she approached Black Zetsu and affectionately patted his head.

“So you’re Touji-kun’s child! Go on, call me ‘stepmom’!”

Black Zetsu’s face filled with fury, and he slapped Katsuyu’s hand away.

“So this is why you don’t want my mom—because of this woman! Touji, you’re something else; you’ll regret this!”

With that, Black Zetsu ran off, dragging Sasuke with him.

Lady Katsuyu’s face showed an awkward expression.

“Touji-kun, this child doesn’t seem to like me much. Am I doing something wrong?” Katsuyu said sadly.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Katsuyu pulled out a book.

The cover read, “How to Be a Good Stepmom”!

Touji felt an intense headache.

Who knew that accidentally boosting Black Zetsu’s affection would lead to such a chain reaction?

Thankfully, everyone’s affection levels were high enough; otherwise, things could have taken a very different turn.

The only one feeling troubled now was Touji.

“Touji, they’re planning to seize the Tailed Beasts. Should we intervene?”

Uchiha Obito’s eyes became serious.

Given that Black Zetsu claimed to be Madara’s will and now called Touji his father, it suggested some family connection between Touji and Madara.

Since it was Touji’s family matter, Obito was unsure if he should intervene.

“Of course, we’ll stop them. As long as Madara lives, the Shinobi World will never know peace!”

Obito’s face showed a hint of gratitude.

Obito and Madara were sworn enemies.

The fact that Touji was willing to put the world’s safety above his family made Obito feel a surge of respect.

*Ding! Uchiha Obito’s affection increased by three points! Current affection level: 100 points! You can now sign in! Infinite sign-ins unlocked!*

“Sign in with Uchiha Obito!”

*Ding! Sign-in successful with Uchiha Obito! Obtained Shuriken Jutsu! Continue signing in!*

*Ding! Since you already have Shuriken Jutsu, the low-level Shuriken Jutsu has been upgraded to a higher level!*

*Ding! Sign-in successful with Uchiha Obito! Obtained Transformation Jutsu! Next sign-in available in seven days!*

*Ding! Since you already have Transformation Jutsu, the low-level Transformation Jutsu has been upgraded to a higher level!*

Buzz!

Touji felt his mind burst open.

The thin layer of Transformation Jutsu finally broke, reaching a higher level.

Now, Touji could not only change his appearance and aura, but also mimic even more specific details.

This was beyond the scope of a regular Transformation Jutsu—it was essentially a form of bodily modification!

The transformation could revert at any time.

With this level of disguise, even the most skilled ninja wouldn’t be able to tell something was off.

This would make him an unparalleled spy!

Thinking about it, Touji felt elated. From now on, he could use the Transformation Jutsu to sleep soundly without worrying about Katsuyu’s ambushes.

Finally, Touji could rest easy and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Touji felt optimistic about the future.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 163: Akatsuki’s Big Operation (Please Subscribe!)*

Touji was sleeping soundly when a sudden knock on the door woke him up.

“Damn it, who’s knocking on my door so early in the morning!”

Touji muttered as he kicked away the Slug Sage and turned over to continue sleeping.

The Slug Sage reluctantly opened the door, and Uchiha Obito quickly rushed inside.

But when he saw the person on the bed, Obito immediately turned his head.

“Didn’t you say Touji was here?”

“Isn’t he lying on the bed right there?” The Slug Sage said, her face showing a resentful expression.

Obito was stunned for a moment before he turned back to look again.

But no matter how he looked, all he saw was another Slug Sage.

“What the…”

“This bastard Touji is guarding against me!” The Slug Sage snorted unhappily and threw a blanket over the figure.

Touji’s transformation technique was truly remarkable, not missing any detail. When she looked at Touji, it felt like she was looking at herself, making it impossible for her to make a move.

And now, with Uchiha Obito watching, the Slug Sage felt a chill down her spine.

“You need to understand what you can and cannot see!” The Slug Sage scolded sharply.

Obito laughed awkwardly.

He finally understood what it meant when they say a man understands a man best.

But Obito wasn’t here for sightseeing; there was a serious issue at hand.

“Touji, all the tailed beasts except for the Nine-Tails have been captured!”

Hearing this, Touji lost all desire to sleep.

He never expected Black Zetsu, the dutiful son, to act so quickly.

Since that was the case, Touji couldn’t afford to be lazy any longer; he had to return to Konoha immediately!

Touji jumped out of bed instantly.

Obito didn’t even have time to react before a snow-white fist swung at him, landing squarely on his eye.

The Slug Sage pouted at Touji, saying, “Next time, can’t you transform into someone else? I get uncomfortable seeing myself every day! Black Earth wouldn’t be a bad choice!”

Touji sneered. It’s not that he hadn’t transformed into other people before.

But the Slug Sage wasn’t fazed by any of them. Only when he transformed into her did she finally settle down.

“There’s no time to waste; let’s move out immediately!”

The three of them quickly left Iwagakure and headed toward Konoha at high speed.

After about seven days, Touji and the others finally arrived at Konoha.

Seeing the peaceful scene in the village, Touji breathed a sigh of relief.

“Good, Konoha hasn’t been attacked yet. Still no contact with Akatsuki?”

“No. Ever since we encountered Uchiha Sasuke, we lost contact with Akatsuki, and most of the tailed beasts were hunted down by their members.”

Obito said, frowning.

Touji never imagined that Akatsuki would be swayed so quickly, leading to the tailed beasts left with Pain also being hunted down.

Now, with Sasuke joining the Akatsuki, their strength had reached a whole new level.

But how the Uchiha brothers would confront each other was anyone’s guess.

The trio sneaked into Konoha since both Touji and Obito were rogue ninjas, and entering openly would undoubtedly cause trouble.

Once inside, they headed straight for the Hokage’s office.

Both Touji and Obito had spatial abilities, so sneaking in was a piece of cake.

At that moment, only Tsunade and Shizune were inside the office.

Tsunade was leaning on her hand, biting her pen with a troubled expression.

“Is Akatsuki crazy, capturing tailed beasts one after another? What are they planning?”

“We don’t know. Naruto’s the only one left, and I fear we might be next!” Shizune said, worried.

“Where’s Naruto now?”

“He’s been put under heavy protection, but you have to remember, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki of the Land of Lightning was guarded by the Raikage himself. Even then, he didn’t make it, and half of Kumogakure was destroyed!” Shizune said with a pained expression.

Currently, Kumogakure’s overall combat strength was higher than Konoha’s, and Raikage A was one of the top fighters among the Five Kage.

Yet even with all that, they couldn’t stop Akatsuki’s attack.

It showed just how powerful Akatsuki had become!

Tsunade angrily slammed her desk, sending documents flying.

“We can’t let Akatsuki do whatever they want, no matter what they’re plotting!” Tsunade said, taking a deep breath before asking, “Any news of Touji? I hope he hasn’t gotten into trouble.”

Seeing Tsunade’s worried expression, the Slug Sage pinched Touji’s side.

Touji couldn’t help but yelp.

Tsunade and Shizune immediately went on high alert, preparing for battle.

“Who’s there?! Show yourself!”

The Slug Sage jumped out, smiling at the two.

“Little Tsunade, your temper is as fiery as ever.”

Tsunade’s brows furrowed even tighter.

There were only a few people who dared to address her that way—her two grandfathers and the Slug Sage.

Moreover, Tsunade felt a very familiar presence from the woman before her.

Shizune, on the other hand, immediately recognized her and got excited.

“Lady Slug?”

Tsunade was stunned.

She had always seen the Slug Sage in her usual white form. This was the first time seeing her in human form.

“Lady Slug, what happened to you?”

“For love!” The Slug Sage smiled slightly.

Tsunade’s face lit up.

Despite having endless chakra, the Slug Sage had spent thousands of years alone in the Shikkotsu Forest.

Now that she had come out, Tsunade was genuinely happy for her.

Especially since she mentioned finding love, Tsunade’s curiosity was piqued.

“What kind of person could catch Lady Slug’s eye? Can I see him?” Tsunade asked cautiously.

“You’ve met him before, and you’re very familiar with him!”

Tsunade became excited, momentarily forgetting her worries.

“Someone I know? Could it be someone from Mount Myoboku? Or perhaps someone from Ryuchi Cave?”

Given the Slug Sage’s status, Tsunade immediately thought of the other great Sages.

With the Slug Sage’s enormous size, it made sense for her to find someone similar.

The Slug Sage shook her head, a mysterious smile on her face.

“He’s quite close to you.”

“Lady Slug, I give up guessing. Just tell me!”

“Alright, I’ll give you a hint. Didn’t you send someone to me recently?”

“What? Touji!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 164: The Land of Demons Calls for Help (Please Subscribe!)*

Tsunade’s mind was in complete disarray.

The Slug Sage was a true sage; by all rights, it should have been seeking out an equal sage.

Even if we set aside the sage's identity...

The Slug Sage is a type of slug, so it should be looking for Tsunade’s intended partner.

I must have misheard!

Tsunade struggled inwardly for a moment, then saw the Slug Sage pull out a figure with one hand. A closer look revealed it was none other than Touji.

Tsunade’s eyebrow instantly raised, and she swiftly formed hand seals.

The Slug Sage was suddenly enveloped in a puff of smoke and vanished on the spot.

“Reverse Summoning Jutsu—I should have thought of that!”

Touji’s face lit up with joy. After being tormented by the Slug Sage along the way, he had to use the Transformation Jutsu repeatedly just to escape unscathed.

Toward the end, even using the Transformation Jutsu wasn’t enough to stop the Slug Sage from getting handsy.

If it weren’t for the fact that they were nearing Konoha, Touji would still be stuck looking like the Slug Sage.

Now that the Slug Sage had disappeared, Touji instantly felt a wave of relief.

“Touji, you’re something else! I gave you that scroll to learn Sage Mode, not to hook up with that slimy b—slug!” Tsunade yelled angrily, grabbing Touji’s ear with one hand.

Even Shizune, usually the peacemaker, stood there with her hands on her hips, nodding furiously.

Touji was on the verge of tears.

He was forced into this!

No one in their right mind would hook up with a slug!

However, when Tsunade saw the pained look on Touji’s face, her expression softened slightly.

She let out a cold snort. “Where have you been lately? Why has the Akatsuki been getting more and more reckless?”

The mention of the Akatsuki made Touji’s expression turn serious.

But Touji wasn’t about to admit that it was because his rebellious son had been spurred on by his provocations and started working harder.

“The Nine-Tails is the last Tailed Beast left. We must protect it at all costs!” Touji said firmly.

“But protecting it is easier said than done,” Tsunade said, shaking her head helplessly. “The Akatsuki is far too powerful. They’re impossible to fend off unless we have someone truly formidable.”

Tsunade paused mid-sentence, suddenly realizing something.

It seemed like there had been a truly formidable figure, but she had just reversed-summoned him away.

Still, Tsunade didn’t regret it.

If the Slug Sage had stayed, the situation would have been even more dangerous!

“I don’t know if I can hold them off,” Touji said, eyes filled with worry.

Fighting Uchiha Sasuke alone was one thing, but taking on the entire Akatsuki was a different story, even for Touji.

Thankfully, Konoha still had Obito Uchiha, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.

Just then, the Akatsuki ring, which had been inactive, suddenly lit up.

Touji exchanged a glance with Obito Uchiha and quickly sat down.

Touji entered the communication space, which was empty except for one figure standing there.

The moment Touji saw those eyes, he understood immediately.

“Itachi!”

“We had an agreement! So why is Sasuke now part of the Akatsuki? And what’s going on with his eyes?” Itachi Uchiha demanded angrily.

“All I can say is, this wasn’t part of my plan.”

Touji had disrupted Madara Uchiha’s plans, never expecting that Madara would consider Sasuke Uchiha as a replacement.

Luckily, Itachi had come to him, indicating that he still cared about Konoha.

That he still considered himself part of Konoha.

“In three days, the entire Akatsuki will descend upon Konoha. When the time comes, please lend your strength. And please, bring Sasuke back!” Itachi pleaded.

Touji nodded slightly, though inwardly he was uncertain.

Defeating the Akatsuki was a matter of having enough strength, but pulling Sasuke Uchiha back was infinitely harder.

After all, Sasuke Uchiha had been the most successfully brainwashed.

Itachi finished speaking and left the communication space without saying more.

When Touji exited the communication space, his face was grim.

“In three days, the Akatsuki will come. We need to be prepared!”

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, the Akatsuki will never succeed!” Obito Uchiha declared resolutely.

Just then, an Anbu member suddenly ran in.

Upon seeing Touji, the Anbu member hesitated, clearly taken aback.

However, he quickly collected himself and handed a scroll to Tsunade.

“We’re in the middle of a crisis, and you’re still bringing missions?” Tsunade shouted in frustration.

The Anbu, startled by Tsunade’s outburst, hesitated but eventually handed over the scroll.

“This is an urgent mission from the Land of Demons. The priestess there urgently requests our immediate assistance!”

“We can’t go. We’re barely managing ourselves; how can we worry about other countries? We’re not taking this mission or any other missions for the next three days. Everything will have to wait!” Tsunade snapped.

Touji, however, frowned.

He knew a bit about the Land of Demons’ mission.

The Land of Demons was the site of a sealed demon, kept in check by generations of priestesses, with each sealing costing the life of the priestess.

And this demon was no small threat.

If it were to escape, the ninja world could face destruction long before Kaguya Otsutsuki ever appeared.

Touji quickly stopped the Anbu member, snatching the mission scroll.

“The Land of Demons’ mission is no less critical than this one. If that demon gets loose, the entire ninja world will be doomed!”

“Damn it, why now of all times!” Tsunade fumed, slamming her hand on the table as she pondered who to send.

Touji was lost in thought.

In the original storyline, Naruto Uzumaki ultimately dealt with the demon.

But in the current situation, there was no way Konoha would let Naruto leave the village.

Touji stepped closer to Tsunade, his face serious. “Let me handle this mission.”

After reading the mission details, Tsunade understood its gravity.

This wasn’t just about the Land of Demons; it was a matter concerning the entire ninja world. There was no way they could refuse.

“Alright, I’ll have Team 3 go with you. With Guy protecting you, you’ll be much safer!”

No matter the mission, Tsunade’s priority was to ensure Touji’s safety.

“No need. I’ll go alone. Focus all your efforts on protecting Naruto! I’ll aim to return within three days!”

Tsunade hesitated for a long time, unable to find a more suitable candidate, and finally nodded reluctantly.

“Fine, but promise me you’ll stay safe! If you die, I won’t have a reason to keep going!”

Touji couldn’t help but cough to cover his embarrassment.

“Don’t worry. No one born yet can kill me!”

Three more chapters coming! Please subscribe!

---

*Chapter 165: Arriving at the Land of Demons (Please Subscribe!)*

The Land of Demons!

Perhaps it was because they had traveled until nighttime.

As soon as Touji arrived in the Land of Demons, he felt a cold wind blowing over him.

Although Touji wasn’t afraid, he couldn’t help but shiver.

Touji reached the designated location and saw a dozen guards standing on both sides, holding weapons as they waited.

Touji swallowed hard.

Ever since arriving in the world of ninjas, Touji had encountered the forces of every nation, which were mostly ninjas.

This was the first time he had seen regular soldiers.

"Are you a ninja from the Land of Fire?" The guard captain frowned slightly when he saw Touji.

He looked too young! Moreover, Touji currently appeared as a Slug Sage.

Tsunade was really worried about Touji's abilities, thinking, "If he doesn't even spare slugs, what wouldn’t he do?"

Touji didn’t mind. At least this way, no women would come bothering him.

Noticing the captain’s disdain, Touji merely smiled indifferently.

"Alright, take me to the mission initiator!"

"Aren’t you going to wait for your team leader?"

Touji was surprised.

He hadn’t expected this guard captain to be so familiar with Konoha's regulations; originally, the mission was meant to be completed by a small squad.

"I'm the only one!"

"Ridiculous! Is this how Konoha views other nations? Sending a little girl to complete a mission—is this because you think us men aren’t capable?”

Touji scratched his head awkwardly.

He hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from the guards.

But to get past this peacefully, there was only one way: to beat them!

“Come on, let’s fight! I’ll prove whether I have the skills or not! If I lose, I’ll leave immediately!”

"Fine! But leaving won’t be so simple; you still need to..."

Touji's skin prickled with goosebumps.

This was a common issue for attractive women.

This was Touji’s first time experiencing unfriendly gazes from a female perspective, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

The guards all pulled out their katanas, surrounding Touji.

“Attack! Don’t hurt her, capture her alive!”

Touji chuckled and vanished on the spot.

“Where’d she go?”

“Find her! She must be hiding somewhere!”

“Look up! She’s in the sky!”

“She’s blue and white!”

Touji’s face turned red, breathing heavily in anger.

“Thousand Kill Water Soar!”

Suddenly, a thousand water needles formed in the sky, transforming into ice needles under Touji’s Ice Release.

With a flick of his hand, the ice needles rained down like a storm.

The guards, who had been admiring the scenery, were caught off guard, scrambling to defend themselves.

However, the Thousand Kill Water Soar was formed by Touji’s Sage Chakra, and ordinary objects couldn’t block it.

Cries of pain echoed below, but Touji ignored them and continued walking forward.

He ascended the mountain path slowly.

After about ten minutes, he finally saw some lights.

However, there were hardly any people in sight, and the cold mountain wind made Touji shiver.

“Who are you? Why have I never seen you before?”

Touji jumped at the sudden voice.

Given his heightened perception, Touji could usually detect everything nearby, even without activating his Byakugan.

But this little priestess had silently appeared right beside him.

Seeing that Touji was in his Slug Sage form, the priestess showed no signs of alertness. Instead, she curiously observed Touji, making him uneasy.

“Hello, I’m the Slug from the Land of Fire, sent to help defeat the demon!”

The priestess’s face showed confusion, but when she heard “defeat the demon,” her expression turned bitter.

“Killing the demon is easier said than done. Let’s go inside. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself—I’m Shion!”

Touji paused.

He hadn’t expected this little priestess to be Shion, the protagonist of the Land of Demons mission.

Shion’s priestess powers were quite unique.

She could perform divination and predict the future.

In combat, her powers were only effective against evil spirits and were useless against ordinary people.

Following Shion inside, Touji saw that a maid had already prepared a bed for him. There was also a bed right next to his.

Touji’s mouth twitched, sensing something bad.

“Noble Slug of the Land of Fire, you’ll be sleeping with me tonight.”

Just as he feared.

Touji’s face twitched again.

While he was in his Slug Sage form and sleeping next to Shion wouldn’t be a big deal, Touji was, after all, a guy!

Wouldn’t this be a crime?

But Touji quickly calmed down.

After all, he had once slept next to Hinata Hyuga, so he was already used to it.

Just then, a maid approached with two sets of pajamas.

“Lady Shion, the hot water is ready. You can take a bath now!”

Shion nodded slightly and looked at Touji.

“Noble Slug from the Land of Fire, let’s bathe together and discuss the mission details.”

Touji’s face turned completely red.

This was too much.

Even though the Transformation Technique wouldn’t reveal his true form, Touji was still a man!

“Noble Slug, why is your nose bleeding?”

Shion ran over worriedly and gently wiped Touji’s nose with a handkerchief.

“Ah… It’s just that I’m a bit overheated. You go ahead and bathe first; I’ll rest a bit and join you later!”

If Touji actually went, it would take more than just one or two bottles of energy drinks to recover—probably a whole handful of goji berries.

Rather than endure this, it was better to go later.

“How can I leave you alone here? I’ll wait for you—it’s no trouble!”

“No, really, I’m used to bathing alone!” Touji said anxiously.

Shion covered her mouth, giggling.

“It’s much easier when two people bathe together, and we’re both girls—what’s there to be afraid of? Come on, let’s go!” Shion urged.

Touji frowned.

He sensed something off from Shion’s urgency.

Typically, even among girls, they wouldn’t be this close when meeting for the first time.

Especially when Touji made his request, Shion had insisted on her own way.

Touji also noticed that Shion’s face was slightly red, and he could hear her heartbeat clearly, even from a few meters away.

Shion’s eyes were excessive—they hadn’t left Touji since they met.

Touji suddenly understood.

Shion wasn’t just being hospitable; she was completely smitten!

(End of Chapter)

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