...
Konohagakure.
Inside the Hokage's office.
Obito laid out his plan—to harness the power of the entire planet to stand against the Ōtsutsuki—to Minato and the others.
Minato took a sip of tea, his expression carrying a trace of disapproval.
"Obito, this is a serious matter. You should have discussed it with us first."
Kakashi nodded in agreement, leaning against the wall.
"This is a high-stakes gamble. If we lose, humanity will...
2025-03-10 06:08:00 +0000 UTC
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It was almost unbelievable.
In their sleep, everyone dreamed of a tall, fair-skinned beauty with long legs.
At first, some even thought they were having a rather... pleasant dream.
They drooled as they approached her, entranced.
But then, the woman's forehead suddenly split open.
A blood-red eye emerged, rolling unnaturally as it stared at them with malice.
It turned out that this woman was not human, but an extraterrestrial being that fed on chakra!
...
2025-03-10 06:07:00 +0000 UTC
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To be honest, even the system itself wasn't sure why it was so attached.
The very first lesson it learned at the System Academy had drilled one thing into its core:
Never develop emotions toward the host!
No joy, no anger, no sorrow, no happiness—such emotions had no place in a system.
A system and its host were meant to be in a purely transactional relationship, using each other for mutual benefit.
The host relied on the system to grow stronge...
2025-03-10 06:06:01 +0000 UTC
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Danzo merely chuckled when he received the news.
Compared to what he had gained from Tsunade, what were a few coins?
Even if he had to invest all of the Land of Craftsmen's industries, it would still be worth it.
Besides, Danzo understood a universal truth—sooner or later, debts must be repaid…
Returning to the Land of Rivers, he planned to settle down and head to Ryūchi Cave to explore the secrets of Senjutsu cultivation.
However, things did not go as plann...
2025-03-10 06:05:00 +0000 UTC
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Danzo caught Tsunade's downward punch with one hand.
…They're huge…
He quickly averted his gaze, silently declaring that he had no desire to die just yet.
"Lady Tsunade…" Shizune, standing to the side, was momentarily at a loss, unable to grasp the situation.
What shocked her even more was that Danzo had actually managed to block Tsunade's punch.
"You old bastard, I was just about to pay my respects at your grave." Tsunade, clearly displeased, sat down and ...
2025-03-10 06:04:01 +0000 UTC
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Looking at Mirai's nonchalant expression, Deva Path clenched his fist tightly.
This guy—he's had that attitude from the very beginning.
He's never once taken me seriously!
Thinking this, Deva Path refused to back down.
"After this battle," he declared, "I'll spare your life as well."
...
As the two exchanged words in the sky, the shinobi below finally recognized their identities.
"Uchiha Mirai… That white-haired guy is Uchiha Mirai! He's targeting...
2025-03-10 06:03:01 +0000 UTC
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Amegakure, the Land of Rain.
The ground trembled slightly as Zetsu's body slowly emerged from the earth.
"Pain, are you there?"
His voice echoed through the dimly lit chamber. Moments later, a figure stepped out from the shadows.
Pain's Deva Path glanced at Zetsu before continuing outside. Stepping onto a high platform, he formed a series of hand seals.
"Rain Tiger at Will Technique."
With a low murmur, the overcast sky responded, and rain ...
2025-03-10 06:02:01 +0000 UTC
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"Let's take them out as quickly as possible and finish off every last Ame-nin. Jiraiya won't be able to hold out for much longer."
A seasoned jōnin from the Nara clan spoke grimly.
Maintaining a barrier of this scale was an immense chakra drain. They needed to act fast—eliminate all of the Ame-nin and retreat, or find a way to assist Jiraiya.
Seeing that the barrier Jiraiya had set up still hadn't dissipated, the Ame-nin finally had to accept the harsh reality: Hanzō's l...
2025-03-10 06:01:01 +0000 UTC
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The Uchiha clansmen that Uchiha Raiden had brought along were among the elite of their clan. If they were all lost here, it would deal a severe blow to the Uchiha's overall strength, significantly weakening their power.
At this moment, their only hope was that Jiraiya could contain the poison.
They had all seen the barrier Jiraiya had set up during his battle with Ryūgen. Its sealing power was formidable. If Jiraiya could withstand the poison and prevent its spread with his own s...
2025-03-10 06:00:05 +0000 UTC
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Time passed little by little.
As the sun moved past its peak, it gradually descended toward the west.
At the center of the lake, an Anbu shinobi from the Onime Clan squinted up at the sun, gauging its position before calling out to a nearby comrade.
"It's 2 PM. H1, time to send the signal!"
The Anbu shinobi, designated as H1, gave a nod, then retrieved a signal flare from his backpack and launched it into the sky.
Biu—!
A streak ...
2025-03-09 21:01:26 +0000 UTC
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A week passed in the blink of an eye.
News that the Three-Tails' Jinchuriki had finally been found spread like wildfire through the streets of Kirigakure.
Never underestimate a ninja!
When it comes to gathering intelligence, shinobi are absolute professionals.
Even though the Third Mizukage had tried to keep it under wraps and didn't officially release the information, the massive mobilization of ninja toward the northern part of the Land of Water made...
2025-03-09 21:01:01 +0000 UTC
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—Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—
The Mizukage's office was eerily quiet. The Third Mizukage was attending to paperwork while Elder Genshi sat with his eyes closed, resting.
The return of the Anbu team had caused quite a stir, something the Third Mizukage immediately took note of.
His sharp gaze swept over the three returning Anbu. It should have been four of them, yet only three stood before him. His brows furrowed in displeasure.
"Where is he?"
The cat-masked Anbu h...
2025-03-09 21:00:32 +0000 UTC
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The Third Mizukage flipped the hourglass on his desk, continuing to review Yagura's file as he deliberated over this critical decision.
Age slows the mind, dulling efficiency.
To counter this, the Third Mizukage had developed a habit—keeping an hourglass on his desk.
Whenever he faced a difficult decision, he would flip it over, giving himself a set amount of time to think.
Elder Genshi remained seated, motionless and silent, as if he had dozed off.
Grain by gr...
2025-03-09 21:00:08 +0000 UTC
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At the heart of Kirigakure, within the Mizukage's Tower—
Inside the Mizukage's office, the two most powerful figures in the entire village were present: the Third Mizukage and Elder Genshi.
"Mizukage-sama, here is this quarter's financial report for Kirigakure."
Elder Genshi was in charge of the village's administration. Simply put, anything unrelated to direct military operations fell under his jurisdiction.
The Third Mizukage took the stack of reports handed to him...
2025-03-09 20:59:39 +0000 UTC
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After waking up, Yagura spent a week recovering in the hospital.
During that time, his grandfather scolded him thoroughly, the trio of Mangetsu came to visit, and even his parents, who were often away on missions, made time to return home.
His father, Karatachi Natsuhiko, had a personality much like Yagura's. After confirming his son was fine, he wasted no time in mocking him relentlessly.
His mother, Karatachi Hiyori, was the very definition of an angelic mother, but even s...
2025-03-09 20:59:14 +0000 UTC
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Mmm.
The strong smell of hospital disinfectant filled the air.
Why does my house smell like this? Did someone get hurt?
As consciousness gradually returned from the darkness, before even opening his eyes, Yagura's sense of smell was the first to register something unusual.
This... wasn't a normal awakening after a night's sleep.
Next came his hearing.
"Saito, that brat's been unconscious for over a day. Why hasn't he woken up yet?"
"Kokitsu-sama, your...
2025-03-09 20:58:51 +0000 UTC
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On the sidelines...
"Did you two see it clearly?" Onime Kaede asked considerately.
Mangetsu and Zabuza both nodded in response.
Yagura's speed was like a thunderclap—whether sprinting, drawing his blade, or sheathing it, every action began and ended in an instant.
Yet, Jinin Akebino was even faster. Even at such speeds, he effortlessly dodged Yagura's strikes.
Both Mangetsu and Zabuza imagined themselves in Yagura's position. Even with Onime Ka...
2025-03-09 20:58:27 +0000 UTC
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The old man's arrogant laughter, his utter disregard for them, was grating to the ears.
But considering who he might be, it was only natural that he wouldn't take a few academy brats seriously.
The peculiar "blade" strapped to his back—if Yagura wasn't mistaken, that had to be the Blunt Blade: Kabutowari.
"You're... Jinin Akebino?"
Hearing his name, Jinin raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Hah?" His gaze swept over Yagura like he was staring at a clueless country...
2025-03-09 20:58:01 +0000 UTC
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Slurp—slurp—
Blowing on the noodles to cool them down, then slurping them up.
Even if the Seventh Hokage himself showed up, eating ramen required this ritual!
Gotta admit, the owner might be an ass, but he sure knows how to cook.
No wonder this shop has managed to stay open in the mist-drenched, not-so-thriving business district of Kirigakure.
A few bites in, and the damp, clammy feeling from the ever-present mist faded from their bodies.
Yagura had ask...
2025-03-09 20:57:38 +0000 UTC
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The Broken Sword—Executioner's Blade, the weapon that, in the original timeline, would one day belong to Zabuza.
Without hesitation or reservation, Yagura promised this very sword—currently in Biwa Jūzō's possession—to Zabuza.
Zabuza had never expected things to take this turn.
Just moments ago, he had scoffed at the absurdity of Yagura talking about dreams in the Hidden Mist.
But then he heard those four words—Executioner's Blade—and his heart skipped a be...
2025-03-09 20:57:13 +0000 UTC
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Momochi Zabuza.
The man who could take on Indra and Asura, go toe-to-toe with the Sixth Hokage, and leave the monstrous strength of Haruno Sakura, frozen in place—the most outstanding battle record in the entire Naruto series!
Karatachi Yagura clenched his fist, feeling an itch in his palm.
He hadn't expected to run into this man so soon.
It was worth mentioning that before defecting from Kirigakure, Momochi Zabuza had attempted to assassinate the Fourth Mizukage—h...
2025-03-09 20:56:47 +0000 UTC
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Boom!
Momochi Zabuza stomped the ground and launched himself forward, blade drawn, charging straight at Hozuki Mangetsu.
This random guy attacked without warning.
But Mangetsu had never been the type to back down from a fight. The usual playful expression on his face vanished as he swiftly drew his own blade to meet the attack head-on!
Clang—!
Two sharp, standard-issue Kirigakure swords clashed in a shower of sparks!
Mangetsu was shocked to realize that t...
2025-03-09 20:56:23 +0000 UTC
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Before leaving, Mei Terumi made sure to lower the concentration of the acidic mist lingering in the arena, preventing it from harming the first-year students in the audience.
Several proctors swiftly deployed a barrier to shield the students.
Don't get the wrong idea—they weren't doing this out of concern for the children's lives.
It was for the sake of Kirigakure. They couldn't afford to let this batch of budding shinobi wither away here.
If they were going to die, ...
2025-03-09 20:55:58 +0000 UTC
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By the time the other seven first-year classes arrived, the spectator stands of the Ninja Duel Arena were filled with a crowd of six- and seven-year-old children.
A masked Kirigakure ninja stepped into the center of the arena. Judging by his stance, he was likely the proctor for this graduation exam.
Mei Terumi and her two teammates stood in formation, each escorted by a Kirigakure ninja. They formed a loose triangle on the outer edge of the arena's center.
The exam was abou...
2025-03-09 20:55:35 +0000 UTC
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"Is it possible to apply for early graduation?"
On their way to the examination grounds, Yagura Karatachi turned to ask Hozuki Mangetsu,
"If we each apply for early graduation over the next three years, one at a time, wouldn't that let us exploit a loophole and avoid having to kill our teammates?"
Kaede gave Yagura a surprised look before shaking his head.
Mangetsu was also taken aback for a moment before explaining, "That won't work. If even one person in the squad ap...
2025-03-09 20:55:12 +0000 UTC
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"It's different from the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan in Konoha. The Byakugan has a much greater observation range, whereas the Nijūgan's range only extends a short distance around the user."
"However, the Nijūgan's dynamic vision far surpasses the Byakugan. I haven't experienced the Byakugan myself—this is just what my grandfather told me."
"And, the Nijūgan of the Onime Clan has different talent levels."
Hozuki Mangetsu was enthusiastically sharing these obscure facts w...
2025-03-09 20:54:48 +0000 UTC
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...
Early the next morning.
It was the first day of enrollment at the Ninja Academy.
Yagura Karatachi arrived right on time, stepping through the academy gates absentmindedly. As he walked past groups of new students, their faces a mix of fear, anxiety, and excitement, he only gave them a brief glance. None seemed particularly familiar or remarkable, so he quickly lost interest.
He had other things on his mind.
For some reason, his grandfather ha...
2025-03-09 20:54:22 +0000 UTC
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"Lightning Style..."
Smack!
Just as Yagura was about to press his advantage and secure victory over Mangetsu, the latter suddenly exploded into water!
"A Water Clone?"
Yagura shielded himself from the splashing water, narrowing his eyes as he scanned his surroundings.
"When did he...?"
The Water Clone, eroded by the Lightning Chakra, was already falling apart. Keeping it active any longer would just be a waste of chakra.
Mangetsu decisively l...
2025-03-09 20:53:57 +0000 UTC
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"Grandfather went too hard on me... Tch."
Supporting his aching lower back, Yagura staggered back to his room and collapsed onto his bed.
"No, wait... he went too hard on my legs."
No need to worry about the training grounds.
The Karatachi Clan had Earth Release users. A single jutsu and it would be as good as new.
Grandfather was just venting. A couple of kicks and he'd be fine.
It wasn't the first time the house had been wrecked.
Back in his room, Y...
2025-03-09 20:53:34 +0000 UTC
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Yagura Karatachi had also received his teammates' files from his grandfather.
Naturally, he was particularly interested in Hozuki Mangetsu, the prodigy who could wield all seven of the legendary blades. However, Yagura set the files aside for now, leaving them in his room.
He didn't check them right away. Instead, he headed straight to the Karatachi estate's training grounds.
His daily training routine wasn't done yet.
"Tch, men… they only slow down my hand seals."
2025-03-09 20:53:09 +0000 UTC
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