บท 91: Chapter 91: Return of the Moon God
Evening.
Kotsu Inuzuka moved through the dense forest, the moonlight casting a cool glow on him.
If someone else said, "The moonlight feels a bit cold," it might be considered poetic exaggeration, but Kotsu could confidently tell others that the moonlight indeed carried a chill, the wind had a distinct scent, and the rustling leaves spoke in a language incomprehensible to others.
As members of the strongest clan known for Ninkens, the Inuzuka clan had distinctive features: triangular marks on their cheeks, sharp canine teeth, and unrefined instincts and wildness that hadn't diminished.
During the Warring States period before the establishment of the shinobi villages, enemy shinobi even derogatorily called them "uncivilized half-beasts."
Konoha wasn't very large in terms of land area, but the village had a barrier team guarding it, monitoring foreign chakra around the clock.
However, as one of the world's most powerful military organizations, Konoha couldn't be confined to just its central area.
From the village walls extending out to ten kilometers, the area was under Konoha's absolute control.
The village issued specific "patrol missions" to monitor this area. Though the patrol frequency wasn't high and its actual usefulness was debatable, it was necessary for asserting sovereignty.
No one was better suited for patrolling the forest at night than the Inuzuka clan.
Even without the terrifying eyesight of the Uchiha or Hyuga, the Inuzuka's noses were exceptional, not to mention their most trusted partners.
"Tetsumaru!"
The night wind blew, and Kotsu's voice was filled with joy could be heard. "Tetsumaru! Slow down!"
"Woof! Woof!"
A large lead-grey dog raced through the dense forest, its strong limbs and shiny coat visible even at night.
This was a Ninken with chakra. Though it couldn't speak, it had grown up with Kotsu and shared a deep bond, allowing them to perform combination techniques. They trusted each other to the core!
However, the night's carefree run didn't last long. At some point, Tetsumaru suddenly bared its teeth and growled, "Grrr... woof!"
Kotsu knew this was Tetsumaru's reaction to an unfamiliar scent.
'A stranger outside the village at night?'
The thought crossed Kotsu's mind, and he whispered, "Tetsumaru, let's check it out!"
Simultaneously, he sniffed hard, enhancing his sense of smell through his clan's secret technique.
Kotsu also caught the scent.
A very peculiar... human scent. After careful consideration, he decided to describe it as "pure."
The man and dog swiftly moved through the forest. Approaching without knowing whether the person was a friend or foe and lacking information and not reporting to the village seemed reckless, but being so close to Konoha, Kotsu was confident he could create a commotion to attract the village's experts even if he had to fight.
—"Could they instantly kill us? It would take at least two moves to subdue both of us!"
Shinobi lived their lives in the shadow of death. Seeking absolute safety was unrealistic; it would be better to go back and raise normal dogs.
Before long, Kotsu reached the source of the scent. Without the vision of the Hyuga or Uchiha, he could only see the stranger's appearance up close.
Like a bucket of cold water, Kotsu froze in place.
In the moonlight, a man lazily leaned against a tree. He wore a black robe and a menacing Hannya mask. Though he sat casually, his gaze at Kotsu was one of supreme disdain, as if looking down from the Sky.
—The Moon God, Aizen Sōsuke!
'How could it be... this guy?'
Kotsu's limbs went cold. Tetsumaru, an exceptionally intelligent Ninken, sensed its owner's unprecedented fear and anxiety and uneasily whimpered, scratching the ground.
The Moon God's image had long circulated among the major shinobi villages. The Hannya mask had become his symbol.
Konoha had collected battlefield information and survivor accounts. Led by the Nara clan, they compiled an analysis of this mysterious man's techniques and personality.
He could manipulate repulsion and attraction, absorb chakra and ninjutsu, and wield a super powerful attack capable of defeating a Jinchuriki in their Seven-Tails form instantly!
As for his personality...
Extremely arrogant, intolerant of provocation, domineering, fearless!
The Nara clan's analysis report highlighted one particular incident:
Why did the "Moon God" attack Kumogakure's people?
His original goal was likely to collect kekkei genkai — Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku. Kumogakure's shinobi were irrelevant to this, but during the final battle, the aftermath killed many shinobi, with Kumogakure suffering the most casualties.
Moreover, in the end, facing the critically injured Killer B, the Moon God didn't even bother to finish him off but left him to linger in humiliation.
The man named Killer B was crushed and toyed with, both physically and mentally.
The most likely reason for this behavior was that the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki's attack provoked that terrifying man!
Therefore, encountering him, if you weren't the target or didn't have a reason to stand your ground, flee!
Run away immediately!
Konoha's internal intelligence flashed through Kotsu's mind. He shivered, pinched his thigh hard enough to nearly break the skin.
He gritted his teeth and decisively turned around, presenting his vulnerable back to the Hannya-masked man, and fled. Tetsumaru followed suit, running for their lives.
Kotsu dropped to all fours, using the clan's unique "Four Legs Techniques," his fastest speed technique.
The night wind howled, carrying a chilling wail into his ears, but all he could hear was his and Tetsumaru's heavy breathing, nothing else mattered.
Finally, they reached Konoha's village gate.
"You... you're Inuzuka Kotsu! What's wrong? What happened?"
The Chunin guard at the gate was shocked.
"Pant... pant..." Kotsu could barely breathe. He glanced back at the forest, feeling a mix of emotions.
'He really didn't act... Damn it, are you implying I'm not even worth something on your eyes?'
He bit his lip, shook off the chaotic thoughts, and grabbed the guard's arm.
"Aizen Sōsuke is here!" He said breathlessly. "Take me to see the Hokage immediately! Hurry!"
...
In the forest, Yuto stretched and smiled.
Luckily, that Inuzuka was smart. If he had recklessly attacked, Yuto would have had to waste effort killing him. Using the God's Mask wasn't worth it, and using Gentle Fist or Chakra Enhanced Strength might leave traces.
The three-minute mask mode had to be used wisely.
Yuto patiently sat, calculating the time.
Thirty seconds, one minute, two minutes, five minutes...
'Hmm, by now, that Inuzuka should have reported this to the top.'
Yuto thought, pulling out a precious mask.
(End of Chapter)
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