Chapter 17: The Enchanted Glade 3/3: The Kodama no Inari
Walking down the steps of the Hidden Chamber, my mind began running through calculations before I had made it to the creature. The air here was heavier, laced with an unnatural chill, as if the forest itself was holding its breath. I started thinking about the potential abilities of the Kodama no Inari, which I was about to face.
The Yokai—a class of supernatural entities and spirits in Japanese folklore are as diverse as the stars in the sky, but patterns emerge from the tales.
The Kodama no Inari.
That name alone hinted at its nature. Kodama, spirits of trees, are bound to their surroundings, and Inari is tied to foxes, harvests, and cunning. I began thinking back to the legends of the Kitsune; tricksters, shapeshifters, agile, and extremely cunning. From these clues, I began forming a picture of what awaited me inside.
Fox-like agility, the precision of a predator. Something tethering her to this place, likely granting her control over the domain since it was a forest, it would be something akin to Mokuton, but more around manipulating existing plant life, instead of creating and manipulating. Genjutsu was a definite, and I believe this Yokai might have fire manipulation to a degree, though that's from what I saw.
Standing in front of the last door, I opened it to a spacious, beautiful garden, flowers, trees, surrounded the middle area, where I saw what could only be described as an otherworldly beauty gracefully holding a flower in her hands.
She was taller than I had anticipated, her 6 tails swaying behind her like a hypnotic dance. Each tail glowed faintly, a gradient of pale silver that shimmered like moonlight reflected on water. She had dark crimson hair that reached her waist, with bangs framing the sides of her face, swaying from side to side in the wind. Her deep golden slit-like eyes glowed as she locked onto me. She wore what was quite the intricately designed kimono, earthy tones of deep green and brown, accented with red and gold floral patterns. The hem of the kimono seems to blur and dissolve into the forest floor, as though she is part of the environment itself. The sash at her waist glows softly, the light forming leaf-like patterns that seem alive. She had moderately sized breasts. Her deep golden slit-like eyes glowed as she looked onto me.
She twirls the flower slightly as she begins to speak, her tone melodic and hypnotic yet holding a hint of mirth I couldn't quite place, "So, you're the one who murdered the inhabitants here, well all but me and the Protector," the Kodama no Inari's voice resonated, the lilting tone almost like a soft breeze weaving through the trees. "You do not seem like the others, but I suppose that is what they expect. A creature of such emotionless nature, yet with the strength to match. How curious."
She smiled, and it wasn't a comforting smile. It was one of knowing amusement, as if she were aware of something that I wasn't. She tilted her head slightly, her six tails swaying like a hypnotic pendulum in the background.
I remained still, my gaze locked on hers, the stillness of my body betraying nothing. Her presence was powerful, but it didn't move me. It was as if she was expecting me to flinch, or maybe even to feel some inkling of fear, but there was none. Fear was an emotion I had long since buried. There was only the moment, and in this moment, I could already feel the danger radiating off her.
"Tell me," she continued, almost softly now, the flower in her hand falling to the floor as she dropped, "do you think you are worthy? Worthy to wield the weapon that I forged?"
So she made the Tsuki no Chokuto. And there was the words of a Protector. Right, the boss most likely is this Protector.
"Why was the weapon you made in a random grotto?" I asked, purposefully ignoring her question.
The Kodama no Inari's smile deepened, and for the briefest moment, her tails froze mid-sway before continuing their rhythm. "Random?" she echoed, her voice laced with a faint amusement, as though I had just made an ignorant comment. "Hardly. A weapon of this calibre is never left anywhere 'randomly.' It is placed. Hidden. Its location chosen with precision, so that only those capable of reaching it might even dare to claim it."
Her glowing golden eyes narrowed slightly. "And yet, here you stand. You, of all people."
I tilted my head slightly, analysing her every word, every movement. "If it's not random, then why was it there? Why did you not guard it yourself? Surely a weapon of such importance would warrant greater protection. Lest it fall's into incapable hands."
Her laughter was soft, like the rustling of leaves. "A valid question. But tell me, little one, do you know what it means to guard something of value?" She began to pace slowly, the hem of her kimono blurring and melting into the forest floor as she moved. "To guard is to measure. To test. To see if what stands before you is worthy of what lies beyond."
She paused, her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that could have pierced steel. "You were tested the moment you set foot in this place. Every step you've taken, every choice you've made, was watched. Evaluated. Judged. Now, we stand at the final threshold."
Her words were layered with meaning, but they revealed little I hadn't already suspected. This Yokai wasn't just a guard but an arbiter. Her role wasn't merely to protect the weapon—it was to ensure it fell into the right hands.
"And what if I'm not worthy?" I asked, my tone flat, devoid of anything resembling concern.
"Then you die," she said simply, as though stating a fact as natural as the wind blowing through the trees. "But if you are…" She trailed off, a glimmer of intrigue in her golden eyes. "Well, we'll see."
I tightened my grip on the hilt of the Tsuki no Chokuto. The weight of her words meant little to me. Worthiness was irrelevant. I was here to take the blade. Whether she believed in my right to do so was immaterial. But there was something about her—her composure, her confidence—that demanded caution. This wasn't an opponent I could underestimate, despite the calculations I had already made.
She stopped pacing and turned to face me fully, her six tails rising slightly, as if anticipating what was to come. "Shall we begin?" she asked, her voice lilting and serene, as though this were no more than a polite duel.
The Tsuki no Chokuto now drawn from it's sheathe letting the action to the talking.
There was no more need for wards, as her movement was immediate and fluid. She dashed forward, her tails fanning out behind her like a deadly bloom, each one glowing with a faint light. My prediction was correct—she was fast, her agility surpassing anything I'd encountered so far. But I was ready. My body moved instinctively, sidestepping her initial strike while my blade lashed out in a precise arc aimed at her midsection.
She twisted, narrowly avoiding the strike, her tails sweeping toward me in retaliation. I leaped back, analyzing her movements. Each tail moved with purpose, their glowing tips radiating a faint energy that I suspected wasn't purely ornamental.
Her foot slid across the ground, and the grass beneath her rippled unnaturally. I felt it then—a surge of energy radiating through the terrain. Vines erupted from the ground, twisting toward me with alarming speed. I sliced through the first wave, my blade cutting cleanly through the vegetation, but more followed, and I knew doing this forever was impossible.
Just as I had predicted, she could manipulate the plant life around her. But there was more. Her movements, her precision—it was clear she was gauging me, testing my responses. She wasn't just fighting; she was analysing.
"Inventory," I muttered moving my right hand sideways, pulling out 3 Low Grade Shuriken from nowhere, my inventory allowing me to bring them out from nowhere. The screen vanished as quickly as it came. I cut two more vines as I channelled Wind Chakra into the Shuriken, once that was done. I whispered "Futon: Kaze Shuriken," launching the Shuriken at her.
Though they were merely a distraction. She shifted her hand up, using the vines to create a barrier but the Wind enhanced Shuriken cut through the vines forcing her to take some damage as she caught them in her hands.
I took the chance, "Kaimon," my tone was calm as I opened the First Gate, purely for the double speed, catching her completely off guard as I rushed in at the speed greater than that of a Jonin temporarily. I thrusted my blade towards her abdomen. Yet she caught the blade between her right hand stopping it but not without a few droplets of blood coming down from that hand.
With that, I twisted the blade, slowly grinding it against the flesh of her hands. Though she did not scream out in pain, simply grunted in pain.
This one move told me that she did not know that she could've used her other hand to chop at my wrist loosening the blade and putting her in the advantage. Which meant she did not know hand to hand combat that much still I pulled my blade from that hand, extremely quickly blood spilling on the grassy floor as the speed further cut her hand.
Following that I used a faint, aiming to cut into her neck. One second my cut aimed at her lower midsection, the next she was forced to as my blade cut through her hair slightly narrowly escaping having her neck cut, but that didn't save her from tasting the sole of my foot as it slammed into her face. I did it again as I looked down at her, almost kneeling form.
She retaliated almost immediately with a few vines aiming to trap me moving after me, forcing me to retreat backwards with quick hops. After a bit I sheathed the weapon to go through hand seals knowing this was the quickest way to deal with them.
I felt a burning sensation in my mouth as I prepared my Jutsu, "Katon: Gokyaku no Jutsu," I expelled a gigantic sized sphere of flames from my mouth that engulfed the vines almost instantaneously burning them to ash as it travelled. Eventually the fireball exploded as it collided with the Yokai, who jumped out of it with minor burns. Although she was somewhat burning.
"Impressive," she said, her voice calm despite the damage she has already taken. "Your skill is undeniable."
She raised her hand, and the garden responded. The trees around us seemed to come alive, their branches twisting and contorting as if they were preparing to strike. The air grew heavy, laced with the scent of earth and foliage. It was clear she intended to overwhelm me with her control over the environment.
I wasn't going to let her.
Going through a set of Hand Seals, something to take her focus away, "Genjutsu: Yume no Kage," I muttered, activating the Genjutsu on her, then immediately started going through another set of Hand Seals. She had broken out of the Genjutsu instantly but the momentary distraction cost her as I prepared my strongest Jutsu currently.
Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger, all performed in less than a nanosecond, as I breathed in, then suddenly, "Katon: Karyū Endan," fire erupted from my mouth, in the form of a roaring dragon that split itself into 3 sides rushing at her from the front and sides.
I witnessed as the flames ate her alive but she did not burn to a crisp. Instead, it seemed she got out of the B ranked Jutsu with major burns on her forearms, and her Kimono having been burnt away reforming as the flames died down.
Everything in this time had happened with 50 seconds, meaning I had lost 100 HP to the gate that was still open.
Deciding to switch it up, I went through another string of seals, Tiger → Ox → Dog. "Suiton: Mizu Bakuha," compressing moisture from the surroundings with my Chakra I fire a dense blast of water at her through a thrust of my palm, putting out the flames I had burned her with, yes, but also hurting her and soaking her.
That was prepping her for an idea, after all the water was impure.
It's a misconception that water itself is conductive. Pure water—H₂O in its distilled or deionized state—is one of the poorest conductors of electricity. Without dissolved ions, it lacks the free carriers necessary to transmit current. This is why pure water is often used in specialized applications like laboratory work or in the cooling systems of high-performance machinery. Its insulating properties render it ideal in environments where impurities could compromise precision or safety.
Conductivity arises when water dissolves substances from its surroundings—minerals, salts, or even organic material. These dissolved particles, or ions, are the true facilitators of conductivity. For example, the sodium and chloride ions in saltwater create an efficient medium for electrical currents to travel. Similarly, rainwater or tap water—laden with impurities from the atmosphere or piping—becomes an excellent conductor.
The principle is simple: the more impurities present, the greater the conductivity. And here, surrounded by an ancient forest, the water was anything but pure. Even the moisture wasn't safe from this.
Reaching into my inventory, 2 Low Grade Kunai made themselves known as I flowed Lightning Chakra into them both, "Raiton: Rai Kunai," the 2 Kunai were launched forwards sparking with electrical energy flying at the water.
The two kunai crackled with raw energy as they sailed through the air, the arcs of lightning dancing along their surfaces like serpents. Time seemed to slow as they descended toward the soaked, battered Yokai. Her eyes widened, golden slits reflecting the impending surge, but her reaction was a fraction too slow.
As the kunai struck the water, the surrounding area came alive with an electric fury. The Lightning Chakra discharged in an instant, traveling through the network of soaked grass, puddles, and the damp air surrounding her. The once serene garden became a storm of energy, the charge illuminating the area with a violent brilliance.
The Kodama no Inari screamed—a sound of pain, frustration, and desperation as the electricity coursed through her body. Her six tails thrashed wildly, their glowing tips flickering erratically as the energy overwhelmed her. It was as though the forest itself recoiled from her agony, the trees shuddering and the flowers wilting under the chaotic surge.
I stood my ground, observing the result of my calculated move. The principle had worked as expected—her connection to the environment was her strength, but it had also become her weakness. The impurities in the forest's moisture, so intricately tied to her power, had betrayed her.
Her form staggered, smoke rising from her kimono, which once again began to reform, albeit slower this time. Her golden eyes dimmed, no longer shining with the same confidence as before. Her breath came in ragged gasps, yet she remained upright—a testament to her resilience.
"You..." she managed, her voice rasping yet still carrying an undertone of defiance. "You fight with precision, no wasted effort. Every move... calculated. Predictable. Yet deadly."
I tilted my head slightly, acknowledging her words without reacting to the insult buried within them, simply closing the distance between and with a quick draw of my Chokuto in the form of a slash. A Iaido technique. She barely avoided the strike by rolling out of the way, a bad move as I reacted within an instant slashing her back mid roll.
"I expected more from you, this entire fight, you have yet to land a singular attack." I wondered if insulting her as blood spilled from her back, was a good idea, but decided that this fight had no business being this easy, "Yes your vines are annoying, yes your fast, but at the end of the day. You weren't worth finding all 5 Grottos and seeing such simple minded riddles that even a 4 year old can solve. They were more of a challenge to me, Yokai."
That was the final insult I had to give, any more and I'd be wasting my breath.
The Kodama no Inari swiped her tails up at me reacting to my words with furious strikes with her six tails that were all blocked with ease. It was utterly pathetic, her control over plant life had wavered, and she was trying to regain the focus for that.
"Simple-minded riddles," she hissed, her voice now sharp, laced with venom. "You think you understand the trials of this place, but you fail to see the truth behind it all." Her voice was no longer melodic, but rasping, as though her very spirit was fighting to maintain composure. "I am not just a guardian. I am the keeper of this forest's life force. Without me, this place would wither, decay, and die."
She raised her head, her six tails now lashing behind her like serpents, each glowing with an intense, almost blinding light. "You believe you can simply take what you desire? A mere human, so devoid of understanding, so blind to the balance that exists here? I am the balance!"
The ground beneath us trembled, the garden shuddering as she finally regained her ability to manipulate it. The trees groaned, their roots pulling from the earth, and vines sprouted from the ground with terrifying speed. This time, however, the vines weren't just aiming to restrain—they were forming barriers, creating a labyrinth of plant life designed to trap and overwhelm. The entire garden seemed to be reshaping itself around me, as if in response to her fury.
Her form began to glow even brighter, her presence becoming overwhelming, as if she was drawing the very essence of the forest into herself. Her golden eyes locked onto mine with a renewed intensity, her lips curling into a malicious grin.
"Do you understand now?" she purred, her voice dark and threatening. "You think you can just walk in here, challenge me, and leave with what you came for? You have no idea what you've unleashed."
The air crackled with energy, and before I could react, the garden around us erupted in a violent rush of life. The trees seemed to bend and stretch towards me, their branches twisting into cruel, sharp shapes, while the vines thickened and coiled, forming a deadly maze. The very earth itself seemed to pulse, as though it were alive, as though it was responding to her command.
"You wanted a challenge? Very well," she spat, her eyes glowing brighter as she lifted her hands. "But understand this—no matter how strong you are, no matter how precise your attacks, you will not defeat me so easily. Not in my domain. Not in my world."
With a flick of her wrist, the vines exploded forward, seeking to overwhelm me from every direction. They slithered like serpents, reaching for my legs, my arms, my neck, aiming to bind and crush me.
But I was ready.
I channelled chakra into my legs, leaping into the air with a burst chakra, avoiding the first wave of vines that shot up from the ground. My eyes remained locked on her, watching for the next move.
Her eyes followed me, her golden slits narrowing. "You think you can escape me?" she hissed, raising her hand. The trees around us groaned as they uprooted themselves, their branches twisting to form jagged, deadly spikes. The entire garden seemed to come alive with her fury, becoming a battlefield of sharpened limbs and ensnaring vines.
I cut through them all with ease, the vines like butter to a hot knife that was my Chokuto as I looked down. I felt a twitch in my lips as my blood race. Finally, something that can prove a challenge to me.
I saw what seemed to be a shadow in front of me, go to hit me, but almost immediately, I dispelled the illusion and cut through the vine that tried to hit me. I had done so instinctively, it wasn't a Skill I had yet, but Genjutsu Dispelling was something I had just obtained now. It was natural to me. I sheathed my Chokuto after that as I landed on the ground finally, perform a simple hand seal.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," 3 replicas of me formed, in a puff of smoke, all 3 leaping into the air ready I stayed on the ground. The facsimile's of me all began going through the same set of Hand Seals as I went through a different set.
My doubles went through Snake → Monkey → Boar → Horse → Tiger whilst I went through Tiger → Rabbit → Dog → Ram → Dragon.
"Katon: Gokyaku no Jutsu."
From the mouths of all my clones a massive fireball formed coalescing into one much larger then any of my previous ones combined, towering over me by 10 times my height. This thing would be unavoidable, as it rushed forwards it's fury untamed. However I added one more thing to it.
"Futon: Kazzekiri," With another Iaido draw of my Chokuto, a diagonal blade of sharpened air formed flying forwards, and into the titanic sized ball of flames enhancing the flames further.
The Kodama no Inari's golden eyes locked onto the massive attack, but for all her strength, I could see the hesitation in her movements. The firestorm combined with the slicing wind was too much, even for her. She raised her arms, her tail swishing wildly as she attempted to form a defensive barrier of vines and plant life. But it didn't matter.
The fireball collided with the barrier, the wind-enhanced sphere of flames flames eating through it in mere seconds. The blast was deafening, the shockwave rattling the trees and sending a tremor through the entire garden. The Kodama no Inari was caught in the centre of the explosion, her form engulfed by the swirling fire and wind.
For a moment, there was nothing but a blinding flash and the roar of the flames. The air grew thick with smoke and the smell of burning vegetation, making it hard to breathe. My clones vanished in a puff of smoke as they dispersed themselves, the Chakra returning to me as I gained the worthless memories from their existence.
The Kodama no Inari's figure emerged from the smoke, staggering but still standing. Her once elegant kimono was now little more than charred remnants, and her six tails, usually so graceful, now flickered weakly in the aftermath of the fire. Her form was smoking, her skin scorched, but the glow of her eyes remained, though dimmed. Her body seemed to pulse with a strange energy one that was healing her wounds, but her panting had told me that this took a lot of energy to do, she was on her last legs.
And with that she rushed at me, with an aura of green surrounding her body. I blocked a series of quick blows from her fists and tails with ease. My blood was rushing from the excitement of being challenged right now but I knew it was only a matter of time till I won.
I blocked a quick and rapid movement of 4 tails aiming to attack me, pushing her hand down as she attempted to attack me with a quickened punch then her next attack left her vulnerable, slipping past her fist, my left fist slammed into her liver, then my right hook came into face, followed by a left uppercut straight after. I performed what looked to be a simple high kick, which she had dodged, but then my leg snapped back connecting the heel with her neck then as she was dazed by the hook kick, I span around gaining momentum for a devastating back kick to her gut.
This all happened in less than 5 seconds and the finale to this, was that strong back kick to her gut sending her flying away from me but she recomposed herself after she flew 15 metres away, however by that point it had been too late.
Her Aura dissipated signifying that she had ran out of Chakra and she fell to one knee, the pain catching up to her. I walked up to her, the Tsuki no Chokuto drawn, glinting in the fallen Yokai.
"You lost when you got desperate, Kodama no Inari." I declared, my voice steady, the words leaving my mouth with confidence, that did not border on arrogance, "Your time is up, Yokai."
Her eyes had closed, and suddenly a new overwhelming power filled my senses as she seemed to draw power form her surroundings.
"You cannot simply waltz into my world, destroy what is mine, and expect to leave unscathed," she growled, her voice trembling with pure rage as she drew in the Chakra from which I could assume was the Aonari Mushrooms she was connected too to get the effects of a Chakra pill. "I am the embodiment of this forest's will. My Spirit is bound here because of that reason. You cannot no, you will not leave here with your life!"
She raised her hand to the sky, her other hand clutching at the scorched earth, The trees around us groaned in response to her fury, their branches trembling as if to warn me of the power she was summoning. The ground beneath us cracked open, forcing me to leap away as roots surged from the earth, twisting and contorting to form a colossal, monstrous figure forged from the very plants and trees around us. It was a hulking, shifting form made of vines, branches, and glowing leaves, a last stand formed by her.
I stood my ground, my eyes locked on her as the monstrous figure began to move. The ground trembled beneath its weight, and the air thickened with the forest's malicious energy
I stood my ground, my eyes locked on her as the monstrous figure began to move. The ground trembled beneath its weight, and the air thickened with the forest's malicious energy.
Her golden eyes glinted with choler, but there was something else in them too—something desperate. Despite her power, despite her arrogance, she was at her limit. I could see the cracks forming in her façade, the toll the fight had taken on her with the loss of all that Chakra, and now she was trying to compensate for that with outside energy.
The Kodama no Inari's guardian, an amalgamation of the forest's power, surged toward me, its limbs thrashing as it attempted to crush me. But I had already planned my next move.
"Futon: Kaze Shuriken," I called out, launching 5 wind-infused Low Grade Shuriken that came from my inventory toward the massive form. The blades sliced through the air tearing into guardian's wooden body. Each blade cut through the dense wood with frightening precision, the wind chakra augmenting the shuriken's sharpness. But it wasn't enough.
The guardian roared, thrashing wildly, its enraged cries shaking the very trees around us. I didn't hesitate. I leaped into the air, using Chakra Leap to gain height and avoid its next strike. With the full force of my strength, I dashed forward, my blade raised, ready to strike at the heart of the Kodama no Inari's last line of defence.
But in the midst of my assault, she acted.
With a flick of her wrist, the guardian's mass shifted, and the vines shot toward me like serpents, ready to entangle and crush. I twisted mid-air, my blade cutting through the vines casually. I stared her down, as I smirked. I landed on he ground and the hulking beast tried to attack me, I dodged the fist, then I used it to my up it's arm using Chakra to increase my speed, she tried to catch me me with the vines on the creature.
Unfortunately they were slow, once I was within range, I used a Chakra Leap to get to it's neck all whilst spinning around and I slashed at the guardian's core, cleaving through its wooden body with a brutal, decisive blow with ease.
The Kodama no Inari looked up at me, her pupils widened in a constant shock, "Wha, what?" She stammered out, her tone showing just how shocked, befuddled, and perplexed at her.
I walked up to her, standing in front of her and then I used the tip of my Chokuto to tilt her head further up, meeting my eyes, fully, "Any last words?" I asked my tone monotone, devoid of emotion.
The Kodama no Inari's lips trembled, her golden eyes flickering with a mixture of fear, anger, and resignation as they locked onto mine. Her voice, once melodic and commanding, now cracked under the weight of her defeat.
"I underestimated you, mortal," she rasped, the faint remnants of her earlier fury still clinging to her words. "You fight not just with strength but with cunning. Every move… calculated. Every step… precise. But you lack one thing."
She coughed, a weak, bitter sound, her body trembling as the last vestiges of the forest's energy bled away from her. The monstrous guardian collapsed behind her, its hulking form dissolving into the earth like mist under the morning sun.
"And what is that?" I asked coldly, tilting my head slightly. The blade of the Tsuki no Chokuto rested just under her chin, a glint of moonlight reflecting off its edge.
"Compassion," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You walk through this world, wielding power without understanding its cost. This forest it was alive. It breathed. And now, with me gone, it will wither away, slowly."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, but they failed to stir me. I understood the words, the meaning behind them, but I failed to grasp why compassion was so important unless it was for the purposes of manipulating somebody.
"You speak as if your life was the only thing keeping this place alive, but you aren't the protector." I replied.
"You are right," she murmured, her voice soft and almost mournful. "The Protector, the Usagami works under me, however since you can beat me, you will deal with the Usagami easily. I keep the Forest alive, the Usagami protects it." Her tone changed to one of acceptance. "Perhaps it was always meant to end this way. But remember this," she paused, letting her words carry more weight when she spoke them. "The blade you carry is not a weapon," she said, her tone sharpening despite her weakened state. "It's a falsified version of the blade I forged; a replica for testing those worthy of wielding "the blade that reflects the soul". You will never unlock the true power of such a weapon in your state."
Her final words echoed in the stillness of the forest as my weapon pierced her body which soon began to dissipate, shimmering into faint motes of light that floated upward. The glow of her golden eyes lingered for a moment longer before fading entirely, leaving only silence and my own sense of confusion.
Asauchi? Why on earth would a Bleach weapon be included in this world?
A translucent box appeared before me as I closed the First Gate.
Kodama no Inari has been killed
+50,095 EXP, Moonlit Megatama
Bonus 2: Kill the Secret Boss: Kodama no Inari has been completed.
Ring of Protection.
+75,000 EXP
Unique Weapon: Asauchi
You are now LVL 58.
Eight Inner Gates has reached LVL 5, Katon: Gokyaku no Jutsu has reached LVL 7, Katon: Karyu Endan has reached LVL 2, Genjutsu: Yume no Kage has reached LVL 3, Futon: Kazzekiri has reached to LVL 3, Futon: Kaze Shuriken has reached LVL 16, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu has reached LVL 3, Suiton: Mizu Bakuha has reached LVL 2
New Skill: Genjutsu Kai
Genjutsu: Kai LVL 1/20: A foundational yet vital skill for any shinobi, Genjutsu: Kai enables the user to disrupt their chakra flow to break free from the caster's illusion. Mastery of this skill allows users to dispel even the most complex Genjutsu with speed and efficiency. Additionally, experienced practitioners can assist others trapped in illusions, showcasing the technique's versatility and value.
Costs: 50 Chakra.
Allows the User to break out of D Rank Genjutsu as of currently.
I dismissed the wave of notifications with my hand, deciding to check them out later, as with my hands the Tsuki no Chokuto vanished in a glow and then a new weapon appeared in my hands, the Asauchi. I wondered about that once more.
Why was a Bleach weapon, here of all places?
The transition from the Kodama no Inari's cryptic final words to the appearance of the Asauchi in my hands left a strange feeling coursing through me. The glow surrounding the weapon subsided, revealing a katana with an unassuming, polished blade, its hilt wrapped in simple black cloth. The weapon lacked the intricate design of the Tsuki no Chokuto—it was plain, understated, and yet it felt more alive.
My grip tightened instinctively around the hilt, the blade feeling unnaturally light yet imbued with a weighty purpose. It pulsed faintly in my hand, a subtle rhythm that mirrored my heartbeat. I inspected it closely. The blade's edge was flawless, reflecting my own visage back at me, as if questioning whether I was worthy of it. For a weapon to be tied to Bleach's lore—the weapon that reflects the soul—to appear here meant there was more to this dungeon, this world, than I initially understood.
Gates; they took on a whole new meaning now. They weren't just Gateways to a dungeon, they were Gateways to a place that existed in between the Naruto world and the Omniverse at large, mini pocket dimensions that connected planes of existences together.
Or maybe this was just a one time occurrence.
Sliding the Asauchi into its new sheath, "Inventory," I opened my inventory following that. The Asauchi wasn't the only thing I gained, of course it just happened to appear in my hand.
Inventory
Ryo: 1000
X9 Low Grade Kunai: Kunai that whilst sharp, aren't as sharp as one would expect from a Kunai. Damage is dependent on the part of the body that is hit but it is common for it to deal 10 damage at long range and 20 at close range.
X8 Kunai: Standard issue Kunai, as sharp as one would expect from Kunai. Damage is dependent on the part of the body that is hit but it is common for it to deal 100 damage at long range and 200 at close range.
X9 Low Grade Shuriken: Shuriken that whilst sharp, aren't as sharp as one would expect from a Shuriken. Damage is dependent on the part of the body that is hit but it is common for it to deal 15 damage.
X20 Shuriken: Standard issue Shuriken as sharp as one would expect from Shuriken. Damage is dependent on the part of the body that is hit but it is common for it to deal 150 damage at long range.
X20 Low Grade Senbon: The precision is off as these Senbon are made from a different, slightly heavier material. Damage is dependent on the body part, and precision, but mainly 20 damage.
X5 Senbon: The precision on these Senbon are what one expects from one made from a light alloy that allows it to move as such. Damage is dependent on the body part but it mainly deals 90 damage on more common areas.
High Grade Explosive Tag: The Highest quality of Explosive Tags one can buy, these are some of the strongest ones out there. The explosion triggered is big, tending to be a 50 metre circle from where the explosion took place at and deals around 1000 to 2000 damage depending on how close one is to the detonation of the tags, the explosion can tear off limbs too.
Enhanced High Grade Explosive Tag: The Highest quality of Explosive Tags one can buy, these are some of the strongest ones out there. This one has been enhanced. The explosion triggered is big, tending to be a 50 metre circle from where the explosion took place at and deals around 2000 to 4000 damage depending on how close one is to the detonation of the tags, the explosion can tear off limbs too.
Flash Bomb: A compact, metallic sphere inscribed with the kanji for "Flash," this tool is a staple for distraction and disorientation in the shinobi arsenal. Upon activation, the bomb releases an intense burst of light and a sharp, crackling noise designed to momentarily blind and deafen anyone within its effective radius. In its range of 5 metres it can Blind person for 10 seconds and deafen them, this is also highly effective against anyone who has a Dojutsu that relies on sight which is basically all of them.
X3 Chakra Imbed Ink bottle: Ink used for Fuinjutsu that is bottled. That is all.
X10 Parchment: Paper crafted from another source can be used for Fuinjutsu, though it makes Low Grade Fuin items.
X8 Basic Chakra Pill: A basic bluish-white pill that pulses with a faint shimmer. When consumed, it dissolves instantly, releasing a cool, refreshing sensation that revitalizes the user's chakra pathways through stimulating the Chakra production process. Often used by shinobi who know they are going to be in combat for a long time, this pill provides a much-needed boost. Taking too many can result in nausea, dizziness and other negative effects as the body pays the price for the increased Chakra regeneration. Restores 500 Chakra.
X25 Chakra Pill: A bluish-white pill that shimmers. When consumed, it dissolves instantly, releasing a cool, refreshing sensation that revitalizes the user's chakra pathways through stimulating the Chakra production process. Often used by shinobi who know they are going to be in combat for a long time, this pill provides a much-needed boost. Taking too many can result in nausea, dizziness and other negative effects as the body pays the price for the increased Chakra regeneration. Restores 1500 Chakra.
X8 Basic Health Pill: A basic, reddish-white pill with a faint glow that pulses like a heartbeat under the light. When ingested, it rapidly accelerates cellular regeneration to restore vitality. Its ability to treat wounds in the field makes it a valuable tool for Shinobi who know they are going to fight long battles. The body compensates for the accelerated healing process over usage can result in including the effects of Dizziness, tiredness, and other negative effects. Restores 500 HP.
X23 Health Pill: A reddish-white pill with a faint glow that pulses like a heartbeat under the light. When ingested, it rapidly accelerates cellular regeneration to restore vitality. Its ability to treat wounds in the field makes it a valuable tool for Shinobi who know they are going to fight long battles. The body compensates for the accelerated healing process over usage can result in including the effects of Dizziness, tiredness, and other negative effects. Restores 1500 HP.
X2 Chakra Induction Paper: A unique piece of parchment crafted from a special tree grown and sustained with chakra. Infused with properties that react to the user's chakra, it reveals their elemental affinities upon being infused with the user's Chakra. A valuable tool for Chunin seeking to become Jonin.
Jutsu Creation Scroll: A rare item exclusive to the Gamer, these scrolls allow for the instant creation of unique Jutsu without the need for traditional methods. Each scroll is of a specific rank, E, D, C, B, A, and S. When used, the scroll opens to reveal a glowing template where the user can conceptualize and finalize their desired Jutsu through a series of inputs. The process is entirely seamless, producing a functional technique with no risk of failure or negative consequences. However, all Jutsu created with this method will require Hand Seals, regardless of difficulty of the technique made.
You have 1 B Rank.
X21 Rabbits Fur: This brown fur taken from Chakra Rabbits can be used to make Rabbit Leather which can be used to enhance gear and it can be sold.
X8 Rabbits Foot: This foot from rabbits can be sold for a bit of Ryo or used to enhance an Outfits deftness.
X15 Bear Pelt: A thick, resilient pelt harvested from a Weak Chakra Bear. It's durable and warm, making it a prized material for enhancing basic leathers.
X30 Bear Claw: A claw from the Weak Chakra Bear that can be used to sharpen weapons.
X10 Elemental Essence: A concentrated core of Chakra infused with elemental properties. The essence retains traces of the being's abilities, glowing faintly with fire, wind, lightning, earth, or water, depending on the last attack of the creature. It's a rare drop and tends to be a strong crafting item.
You have 2 Fire Essence
You have 4 Water Essence
You have 4 Lightning Essence
X20 Sekiri Mushroom: A deep red fungus that exudes a faint, toxic sap capable of incapacitating small animals. Its noxious defence mechanism releases a cloud of gas that causes immense pain when disturbed, making it dangerous to harvest without preparation. Despite its hazards, it is a crucial ingredient in crafting Health Pills and antidotes
X31 Aonari Mushroom: A bioluminescent fungus with a faint blue glow that hums softly when touched. Known for its chakra-restorative properties, it is a prized ingredient in crafting Chakra Pills. Its delicate structure makes it easy to harvest but also fragile to transport without proper care.
Futon: Ranga Hajan (Tempest Fang Severance) Jutsu Scroll: A Jutsu Scroll containing the A Ranked Jutsu: Futon: Ranga Hajan.
Moonlit Megatama: 5 Megatama that once belonged to the Kodama no Inari in the shape of a Moon on beaded necklace, the gems on it are Jade, Agate, Moonstone, Agate and Jade. The middle is moonstone with agate on the sides of it and jade at the ends. These Megatama can take the user's Chakra to heal the user every few seconds. When absorbing the Chakra the Megatama glow then that glow covers the user healing their wounds.
Heals 500 HP every 2 seconds by draining 100 Chakra per second from the user. When the user is critically injured (below 15% HP), it emits a burst of protective energy, forming a chakra barrier around the user. that absorbs up to 1000 damage for 10 seconds, an ability which has a 24-hour cooldown.
Ring of Protection: A beautifully crafted silver ring engraved with subtle, intricate patterns of swirling lines that seem to catch the light in mesmerizing ways. Despite its unassuming appearance, the ring emits a faint, soothing warmth when worn. This Ring decreases all damage by 20%.
(Equipped) Fully Enhanced Basic Protective Fibre Shinobi outfit: This practical outfit is crafted from durable, fibres designed to provide enhanced protection without sacrificing mobility. The fabric is lightweight yet highly resilient, offering basic defence against many attacks. Its sleek, black design includes a high-collared, long-sleeved hoodie, matching trousers, and reinforced combat boots, making it ideal for Genin. Defence: Take 50% less damage, you also receive a 10% DEX bonus.
(Equipped) Asauchi: A soul-forged blade, this weapon is a blank canvas that adapts to its wielder's essence, reflecting their inner self. Through mastery and growth, the blade evolves, taking on a unique form tailored to its user's soul. Deals 500 damage normally but can deal more dependent on body parts hit.
Unique Trait: Soul Reflection — The blade's potential is unlocked as the wielder grows emotionally and spiritually.
Unique Trait: Bound — The blade can only ever be used by you as it is bound to your soul, slowly intaking it's essence.
Condition: The weapon's true form remains dormant as it slowly absorbs the essence of your soul.
I didn't need the Megatama yet, but I equipped both it and the ring for differing reasons. The ring appeared on my finger, it's design just like the item description described it. The decreased damage was just useful, and of course the same went for the Magatama which fit me quite well.
I closed my Inventory screen and began walking out of the Shrine. The forest had grown eerily quiet, the air heavy with an unnatural stillness. The Kodama no Inari was gone, but the Protector; Usagami remained.
It was time to finish this once and for all.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone