While his shadow clone diligently worked on analyzing and learning the mysteries of the Sharingan—a powerful Kekkei Genkai—Shūichi Hoshita, immersed in the vast ocean of knowledge within his study, was suddenly jolted awake.
The memories from his shadow clone had just returned.
Shūichi's face lit up with joy.
It turned out that the S-rank Lightning Release technique had finally been perfected.
Immediately following this breakthrough, the Tag Tree stirred and acknowledged the feat.
Shūichi directed his attention to the Tag Tree and chose to activate the tag [Lightning Release Master].
Tag Effect: Enhances Lightning Release talent by 100%, improves Chakra nature transformation and shape manipulation for Lightning Release by 100%, and eliminates any learning obstacles for all non-Kekkei Genkai Lightning Release techniques and secret arts.
---
Whoosh!
Shūichi's figure vanished from the study and reappeared outside the Forest of Death.
This area had long become his designated experimental ground for new jutsu.
Crackle!
With the crackling of electricity erupting from his body, Shūichi manipulated the lightning, forming an electric field.
As he refined the Lightning Release nature transformation, the originally blue electricity quickly shifted in color, eventually turning a vivid purple.
Purple Lightning!
This was the result of the enhancements brought by the [Lightning Release Master] tag.
Shūichi's Lightning Release skills were already on par with the Fourth Raikage. Now, with the tag's boost, he underwent a dramatic transformation.
Surrounded by purple lightning, Shūichi raised his right hand, forming a two-fingered blade. Purple lightning converged at his fingertips, condensing into a deep violet hue.
In an instant, a beam of purple light shot from his fingers, piercing through a massive boulder left behind by his Lava Giant over 100 meters away.
Shūichi then swept his arm horizontally. The purple beam sliced through the air, severing the boulder cleanly in half with a thunderous roar before it crumbled to the ground.
This was a high-energy, electrified particle beam, created within the surrounding electric field!
Its offensive method resembled the Dragon Flame Breath, but under identical conditions, Shūichi was certain this attack was far more powerful. Only the Dragon Flame Breath, bolstered by Scorch Release, could match its destructive force.
"Developing the electric field was definitely the right decision," Shūichi thought with delight.
This wasn't just about gaining a new S-rank Lightning Release technique; the knowledge and experience gained during its development would lay the foundation for future advancements.
Possibilities like Electromagnetic Release and Railguns now seemed within reach.
"It's time to give this move a name," Shūichi muttered, scratching his head.
Naming techniques had never been his forte.
After some thought, he settled on: Takemikazuchi's Lightning Beam!
(T/N: Takemikazuchi is a god of thunder and swords in Japanese mythology.)
"Next, I need to improve the Lightning Release Chakra Mode further," he mused.
"The Cloud Shinobi's Lightning Release Chakra Mode is too crude. Now that I've mastered the electric field, I can construct a more improved Lightning Armor for enhanced defense."
Satisfied with his progress, Shūichi left the task to a shadow clone and leisurely returned home.
---
By evening, as the shadow clone training with Shisui was dispelled, Shūichi organized the returned memories.
"For us, the key is to unravel the essence of the Sharingan. Learning it shouldn't be too difficult."
Meanwhile, the analysis of the Hashirama Cells was nearing completion, and Wood Release was within reach.
Considering the mission scheduled for tomorrow, Shūichi decided to equip the Undying Body for additional assurance.
Confidence was one thing, but having a few extra trump cards wouldn't hurt.
Information on the Third Mizukage was scarce, so it was better to err on the side of caution.
---
November 8, Konoha Year 48
After breakfast, Shūichi slung a scroll onto his back and headed to Shisui's house.
Shisui, already prepared, carried his usual short sword.
"Let's go!"
With a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Shūichi and Shisui disappeared together.
The two appeared on the core island of the Land of Water in a matter of moments, with their arrival marked by none other than Immortal White Zetsu.
It was just past eight in the morning, and a dense mist blanketed the island.
"Lord Shūichi," White Zetsu remarked, "don't you think we're a bit early?"
"If we show up now, the impact won't be as dramatic."
Shūichi replied casually, "Then take us to the Six-Tails Jinchūriki first. Let's handle the important business before meeting the Third Mizukage."
White Zetsu nodded. "As you wish. Please wait a moment."
With that, it sank into the ground, speeding toward Kirigakure.
---
Shūichi turned to Shisui and asked, "Do you think we're bullying the Third Mizukage a bit too much?"
"After all, he's an old man."
Shisui chuckled. "But he is the Third Mizukage. His seniority far surpasses that of the Third Hokage."
Both the Third Mizukage and the Third Tsuchikage were older than Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In particular, the Third Mizukage had served as a bodyguard to the First Mizukage during the Five Kage Summit in Hashirama Senju's era.
Shūichi nodded. "You're right."
"The Third Mizukage is probably the strongest Water Release user in the shinobi world right now."
"And we're not just up against the Mizukage; there's the entire village of Kirigakure to contend with."
The Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku(Dead Bone Pulse), the Yuki Clan's Ice Release, the Hōzuki Clan's Hydrification Technique—Kirigakure was by no means weak.
---
After a short wait, Shūichi used his Listening Technique to sense that White Zetsu had stabilized in a specific location, indicating he had reached the target.
Compared to the earlier magnetic-field-based Listening Technique, the current version had integrated the power of Magnet Release, granting Shūichi even more detailed and powerful sensory capabilities.
Originally, the technique relied on Chakra perception, but now, thanks to Magnet Release, Shūichi could distinguish individuals based on variations in their personal magnetic fields.
This allowed him to sense even ordinary humans with precision.
---
Having confirmed White Zetsu's position, Shūichi didn't immediately teleport. Instead, he continued to observe.
Jinchūriki often had seals that suppressed their Tailed Beast's Chakra, making it difficult for sensory shinobi to detect them.
However, Shūichi, being highly familiar with the nature of Jinchūriki, knew one key detail:
Because of the Tailed Beast sealed within them, a Jinchūriki's magnetic field would differ significantly from that of an ordinary person.
"Three guards, and the fourth presence is the Six-Tails Jinchūriki," Shūichi explained to Shisui after completing his scan.
"To avoid alerting Kirigakure, we need to subdue the three guards instantly."
Once preparations were complete, Shūichi teleported with Shisui into a heavily guarded courtyard within Kirigakure.
---
"Who's there?!"
The three masked Kirigakure shinobi guarding the Jinchūriki immediately surrounded Shūichi and Shisui.
But the next moment, all three froze, unable to speak or move.
Two fell to Shisui's genjutsu, and the last was subdued by Shūichi's.
Beneath a large tree in the courtyard, a boy leaning against the trunk opened his eyes.
White Zetsu emerged from the ground. "This is the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata!"
"Konoha shinobi?" Utakata asked, his gaze fixed on the trio. "You've come for the Six-Tails inside me?"
"No," Shūichi replied with a light smile. "We've come to change your fate."
---
Utakata scoffed, his Tailed Beast Chakra beginning to surge—only for his body to suddenly become unresponsive.
Clang!
Fire Nether Chains appeared, binding Utakata and piercing through his body, breaking Kirigakure's seal.
The next moment, Shūichi transported himself, Shukaku, and the Four-Tails into Utakata's sealed space, where they came face-to-face with the Six-Tails, Saiken.
"Shukaku? And Son Gokū? What are you two doing here?" Saiken asked in surprise.
"This is a long story…" the Four-Tails began, only to be interrupted by Shukaku.
"Let's keep it short."
"The Rinnegan has appeared. That Uchiha Madara wannabe is trying to resurrect the Ten-Tails. You know what that means, don't you, Saiken?"
Saiken's gaze shifted to Shūichi. "I see."
"So you've decided to ally with him?"
The Four-Tails nodded. "Exactly. He's the best candidate right now—strong enough to protect us and capable of separating us to prevent the Rinnegan's wielder from capturing us all at once."
"Of course, he's also promised to grant us freedom in the future."
Saiken hesitated. "I see. And since he's a Konoha shinobi, does that mean Kurama is with him too?"
Shukaku snorted. "Of course! That guy got beaten badly. He's agreed to the plan but is too proud to admit it outright."
"Not that it matters if you agree or not," Shukaku added. "Shūichi will just divide you anyway."
Saiken frowned. "If he's capable of separating us, why not gather all the Tailed Beasts now?"
Shūichi interjected, "Allow me to answer that."
"Right now, the Tailed Beasts are scattered across different villages. Sure, I could forcibly collect you all, but that would trigger a war and unite the other villages against Konoha, which would only benefit Uchiha Madara."
"Moreover, I have no desire to become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki."
"If I don't become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki, I can safely release you and still survive. But if I become the Ten-Tails host, survival isn't guaranteed."
Shukaku added, "This guy wants to gain our power another way."
"So be prepared to have part of your tail cut off and eaten by him."
Saiken's eyes widened. "He can digest our flesh and blood?"
The Four-Tails nodded. "Indeed. He's the first person we've ever encountered who can do so."
"That's also why we believe he's the one who can help us fight against the Rinnegan's wielder."
After a moment of silence, Saiken finally said, "If that's the case, it seems I don't have much of a choice."
"Do it."
---
Convincing Saiken was surprisingly easy. Shūichi immediately divided the Six-Tails, sealing the Yin Saiken into himself while marking the Yang Saiken with the Flying Thunder God seal.
---
"We've been discovered," Shūichi said, sensing Kirigakure shinobi rapidly approaching.
It was evident that the leaking Chakra from the Six-Tails was the cause.
"Shisui, let's go. Find an open area where we can wait for the Third Mizukage," Shūichi said as he and Shisui vanished in a flash.
White Zetsu grumbled, "Lord Shūichi sure is playing favorites!" before sinking into the ground.
Moments later, the Kirigakure shinobi arrived at the scene. Upon discovering the guards incapacitated by genjutsu, they were shocked and immediately reported the incident.
---
In a forest near Kirigakure, Shūichi and Shisui waited for less than two minutes before the Third Mizukage arrived, flanked by a large group of masked Kirigakure shinobi. They surrounded the two intruders.
"Shūichi of Konoha," the Third Mizukage said with a grim expression. "Why have you come here?"
Although the Six-Tails Jinchūriki and the Tailed Beast were unharmed, the Mizukage didn't believe their visit was simply a casual inspection.
Shūichi smiled warmly. "Lord Mizukage, I have two reasons for this visit. First, I came for the Six-Tails' Chakra, which I've already obtained."
"Second, I wish to fight you, Lord Mizukage, so that Kirigakure can recognize true strength and end this meaningless war."
Such arrogance!
Yet, the Third Mizukage remained calm. "As expected of Konoha's Blue Flash. You remind me of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha—brave enough to challenge an entire shinobi village on your own. But whether you possess their strength remains to be seen."
At his words, a Kirigakure shinobi standing on a tree branch raised one hand in a signal.
In an instant, thick mist rolled in, enveloping the area so densely that even allies standing close could no longer see each other.
This mist, infused with Chakra, disrupted the senses of even skilled Chakra sensors.
At that moment, even Shisui's Sharingan was hindered.
---
Silently, four Kirigakure shinobi emerged from the mist, attacking Shūichi and Shisui from all sides with blades poised to strike.
"The Silent Killing Technique... too slow," Shūichi remarked calmly.
Before he even finished speaking, he threw two quick punches, sending two of the attackers flying backward, their fate uncertain.
Meanwhile, Shisui deftly subdued the shinobi in front of him with his Sharingan. At the same time, a skeletal hand of his Susanoo materialized, grabbing the shinobi behind him and crushing him instantly.
Clap!
Shūichi brought his hands together, creating a whirlwind of air around himself and Shisui. The powerful vortex expanded outward, sweeping away the dense mist and clearing the area in moments.
The mist dissipated entirely, and the Kirigakure shinobi who had been charging at them were caught in the tornado, their screams echoing as they were hurled into the distance.
---
With the Hiding in Mist Technique broken, Shūichi looked at the Third Mizukage and spoke:
"Lord Mizukage, we came here for peace. We don't want unnecessary casualties, so there's no need to send these men to their deaths."
"Of course, if you insist on testing my ability to destroy an entire village, I'm happy to provide a demonstration."
---
Intimidation isn't about being polite—it's about demonstrating power.
Despite claiming he didn't want bloodshed, Shūichi showed no mercy.
Entering his Scorch Release Chakra Mode, Shūichi launched himself into the sky.
At the same time, Shisui swiftly retreated.
"That's the power of Scorch Release!"
"He's mastered this Kekkei Genkai too?"
"Lord Mizukage, this guy combines Wind and Fire Release into an S-rank jutsu capable of leveling this entire forest!"
"And now, with Scorch Release, his destructive power will be even greater!"
Several Kirigakure shinobi shouted warnings, clearly well-informed about Shūichi's abilities.
---
Having faced Shūichi's clones on the battlefield, many Kirigakure shinobi had witnessed his Fire Release Chakra Mode firsthand. His reputation was not unknown.
However, the Third Mizukage said nothing. He knew more about Shūichi than his subordinates did.
Looking up through the gaps in the tree branches, he saw a glowing ring of light forming in Shūichi's hands. The deafening hum that followed only deepened his unease.
(End of Chapter)
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