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The entire Mount Myōboku began to tremble violently.
Though called a mountain, this place was in truth more akin to a small pocket dimension tethered to the Earth, much like the otherworldly space where Isshiki once stored the Ten-Tails.
The similarities between the two were unmistakable.
Unless one possessed profound mastery over space-time manipulation, it was utterly impossible to set foot in such a place. The entrance remained hidden from all but the most powerful of space-users.
As for the cause of the tremors, it was most likely due to an overwhelming influx of natural energy. Nature's power was converging in one place with uncontrollable intensity.
Through Kyōsuke's eyes, the Toad Sage before him, Gamamaru, had already begun to resemble a swirling vortex, drawing in the natural energy of an entire realm into his massive frame.
It was a scene uncannily reminiscent of Naruto when he stood against the ultimate form of Susanoo.
"How come all these so-called righteous warriors seem to rely on the same tricks?" Kyōsuke rubbed his chin, visibly relaxed and far from alarmed.
Absorb it. Go on, take in as much as you can. Without a little seasoning, the meal wouldn't be quite so satisfying.
His gaze remained fixed on the giant toad as he clicked his tongue in wonder. He couldn't say how much stronger the creature had become, but its size had clearly increased to an absurd degree.
If he killed it and tossed it into Ryūchi Cave, he figured the massive corpse would be enough to feed a whole nest of snakes for three months.
Suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the moment.
It came from the Ten-Tails, who let out an earth-shaking bellow filled with reproach and indignation, clearly having sensed its master's less-than-honorable intentions.
"All right, all right. It was just a joke. Don't get so worked up," Kyōsuke replied, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He hadn't expected the ugly beast to be this possessive about its prey. "This fat toad's all yours."
At that moment, the Great Toad Sage finally completed his long accumulation of power. His wrinkled, cratered face now appeared far calmer, bearing the serenity of one who had steeled themselves for battle.
But Kyōsuke had already seen through him. No matter how much strength the sage had summoned, there was one thing he was certain of—the ancient toad had never truly experienced real combat.
Unlike Naruto, who had used his own body as a decoy to create an opening for absorbing nature energy while facing the ultimate Susanoo, Gamamaru was doing the exact opposite.
He stood there out in the open, brazenly accumulating power, as if Kyōsuke would simply wait around and let him finish.
Was this supposed to be an insult?
If it weren't for his desire to preserve the "meal," Kyōsuke could've annihilated him in ten different ways the moment the toad began to gather energy.
Yes, ten distinct methods.
He sighed softly for reasons he couldn't quite explain, then gently stomped on the head of the dumb creature beneath his feet—a subtle signal, telling it to get ready for the feast.
Come to think of it, he hadn't even eaten yet today.
Starving and still entertaining this nonsense... The things I do for others, Kyōsuke thought, moved by his own generosity.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the exiled toads from Mount Myōboku had just arrived at the Shikkotsu Forest.
The sight that greeted them was astonishing: an entire army of white, plump, glistening slugs—each one undeniably juicy and succulent.
"This... this must be heaven," muttered Gamabunta, the pipe slipping from his mouth in awe.
SMACK!
Fukasaku gave him a resounding slap, his hand trembling slightly as he discreetly wiped away the drool forming at the corner of his mouth.
"It is heaven," he admitted silently to himself, though he would never speak it aloud.
After he quickly explained the reason for their arrival, a figure soon appeared—one of the leaders of the reclusive Shinobi Sect that had been safeguarding this sacred land.
He received the large jar handed to him by Gamabunta with great care. Holding his breath, he stared at the container, eyes flickering with heat and intensity.
He knew exactly what lay inside. He was even more aware of why the Great Toad Sage had remained motionless for over a thousand years—it was not out of laziness, but to fulfill a promise to an old friend.
Within the jar lay a corpse. The body of the Sage of Six Paths.
It was thanks to the sage's nourishment over the centuries that the body had remained untouched by decay. Its condition had slowly transformed, preserved through time to one day serve as the perfect vessel for absorbing the Senjutsu Chakra Fruit.
To achieve a state equal to that of his mother, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo had made numerous preparations over the millennia.
What he had not expected was the sudden appearance of someone like Uchiha Kyōsuke.
Isshiki, whom even his mother regarded as a dire threat, had already been eliminated. And now, this man dared to extend his reach toward the Three Great Hidden Sage Regions.
Such an act was equivalent to declaring war directly against the Sage of Six Paths himself.
"He will pay for his arrogance," the leader murmured, voice low yet firm.
Hearing this, both the toads and the slugs visibly relaxed.
Their enemy was far too powerful. They had no chance of overcoming him on their own. But if the Sage of Six Paths could truly be revived, then no matter who came, they would stand a chance of victory.
Unfortunately, they were unaware of the fleeting trace of hesitation in the leader's gaze.
The Shinobi Sect had hidden itself from the world for over a thousand years. Their survival depended on a Sage talisman inscribed with the Sage of Six Paths' power, one that slowed the flow of time within their sanctuary.
To the outside world, the Sage of Six Paths was a mythical figure. But those within the sect knew the truth. Each time a new emissary ventured into the world, they would first offer their respects to the Sage himself.
Lately, however, the Sage's behavior had begun to shift in strange and unsettling ways.
In the past, if he had heard that Mount Myōboku was under siege, he would have acted without hesitation.
And it was not as if Kyōsuke's strength posed an insurmountable challenge. The Sage's younger brother still lived. Was even he unable to stand against an Uchiha?
But the reason for the Sage's inaction was clear.
The Senjutsu Chakra Fruit was on the verge of ripening. The Sage of Six Paths was unwilling to risk everything during such a critical time.
Kyōsuke was a threat. Kaguya was another. The Sage feared that any confrontation might alert these powerful beings and expose his plans, drawing them into a battle for the fruit.
To ensure everything unfolded without interference, he had even forbidden his own brother from taking any action.
This was the true reason why the Shinobi Sect had ceased all activity in the shinobi world of late.
All of it stemmed from the Sage's singular obsession.
Yes, in the leader's eyes, the pursuit of the Chakra Fruit and the evolution it promised had become more than a goal. It was a fixation—a madness that consumed the once-enlightened being.
To call it an obsession would be too generous. It was a demonic compulsion.
It mirrored the descent suffered by Indra's descendants after awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan. They did not walk such paths out of malice, but because they could no longer contain the surge of negative emotions boiling within them.
Devouring the Chakra Fruit, putting an end to war, creating a utopia, seeking vengeance against those who had harmed one's brother... such ideals sounded noble on the surface.
Yet under the influence of that obsession, people lost themselves.
What was most terrifying was that even if they became aware of the changes, they always found ways to rationalize their descent.
There could be no doubt. The Sage of Six Paths was no longer the man he had once been.
As for why, the leader believed it had something to do with the failed fruit of mental power long ago.
During his final confrontation with Isshiki, the Sage had forcibly taken control of a corrupted vessel, resulting in his spirit being polluted in the process.
These events were not secrets. Not to the Shinobi Sect, nor to the Ōtsutsuki brothers.
But what good did knowing the truth do?
Even if the Sage had lost his way, who among them had the courage to stand against him?
To risk everything—just to save a few toads and slugs—and abandon a mission that had been held sacred for a thousand years... was that truly worth it?
"Truth be told, I don't know if it's worth it either," the leader murmured with a bitter smile. "But I do know one thing. I will not abandon my friends and run away alone."
After handing the jar to one of his comrades, he ignored the voices urging him to reconsider.
Resolute, he turned back toward the Shikkotsu Forest, determined to stand with his strange companions and face the coming storm together, until the end.
"This was the reason I joined the Shinobi Sect back then."
"A thousand years of stillness is no excuse to abandon my original heart."
In this world, there is no absolute black or white.
Even the legendary figures passed down through the generations may not have been so flawless after all.
And those deemed villains in the eyes of many may be seen as kind and good in the eyes of others.
Just like this man. Ever since he cast aside his identity as a shinobi, anyone who met him could not help but feel a deep sense of solemn respect.
Whether it was foolish or not, his choice was one to be admired.
Of course, the man would have to face the consequences of standing against Kyōsuke.
There may be no absolute good or evil in this world, but the line between strength and weakness remains unmistakably clear.
Kyōsuke could respect such a person. But he would never show mercy because of it.
Everyone must bear the consequences of their choices.
No one is exempt.
---
At Mount Myōboku, the fierce battle had raged for a full two hours.
After countless exchanges, Kyōsuke had finally grasped the true extent of the Ten-Tails' current combat strength.
How to put it… it wasn't all that impressive.
It was good for crushing weaker opponents, but when it came to top-tier powerhouses, its role wasn't all that significant.
From the very beginning, the Ten-Tails was born to absorb chakra in order to cultivate the fruit that could ignite Divine Flame.
In terms of combat? At best, it was just a battery—and one that needed regular recharging.
After calming the restless beast, Kyōsuke slowly floated up, ready to end the battle himself.
The Great Toad Sage was powerful. Without his Susanoo, the Ten-Tails might not have been able to defeat him quickly.
With opponents of this caliber, it could take ten days or even half a month to decide the outcome.
Even if Kyosuke were to win in the end, it would likely be by exhausting Gamamaru to death.
Unwilling to waste time, Kyōsuke prepared to use a space-time passage to eliminate his opponent.
Such a massive body wasn't always an advantage.
"Hm?" His brows suddenly furrowed, gaze fixed on the giant toad's face.
He couldn't use space-time abilities.
It must be some kind of unique Sage Talisman from Mount Myōboku.
In ancient times, a single charm had been enough to bring Otsutsuki Hamura back to life. So now, sealing off space didn't seem all that miraculous either.
BOOOOOM!!!!
His foot slammed into the air, and with a series of sonic booms, Kyōsuke shot toward the Great Toad's side.
Using space-time abilities was just a habit. When it came to speed alone, he wasn't necessarily slower than teleportation.
"Well done," Gamamaru was already on guard. The moment his powerful foe attacked, he responded with a palm so massive it could block out the sky.
With its strength, it could manipulate natural energy from the atmosphere, forcibly restricting its enemy's movements.
Speed?
Sorry, in front of him, speed meant absolutely nothing.
With a deafening crash, Mount Myōboku once again endured an overwhelming force. But when Gamamaru lifted his palm, there was no trace of a human within the crater.
Crushed into blood mist?
Unlikely. Besides, he could still sense the enemy's chakra.
Bewildered, the Great Toad Sage failed to notice that something unusual had appeared within his own body.
Sukunahikona—a technique capable of shrinking the body to a microscopic scale, so small that not even the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could detect it.
Which naturally meant he could easily burrow into his opponent's body.
If Wukong could shrink himself and mess around inside his sister-in-law's body (Princess Iron Fan), then surely Isshiki's eye technique could do the same.
Kyōsuke figured this disgusting toad was far too powerful to take down head-on. Who knew how long a proper fight might last?
So why waste time?
Instead of wasting time, why not use a dirty trick? If Wukong could make his sister-in-law beg for mercy, Kyōsuke refused to believe he couldn't bring a single toad to his knees.
"…Ugh. Why does this feel kinda gross though?"
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[Chapter End's]
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