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26.38% Path Of War / Chapter 56: Ryugetsu

Chương 56: Ryugetsu

The forest path was long. Sunlight cut through the foliage, giving them a clear view of the greenery.

Koko swung from branch to branch with surprising agility as Arthur walked. She let out delighted squeals when she managed to snag a particularly fat beetle or chase a flitting butterfly.

Arthur kept his senses up as he fixed his gaze on the path ahead.

Escaping the village was just the first step. Now, he had to get to the Fire Temple and access their special chakra to complete his technique. It was the best place to venture to lay low while still in the country.

If he remembered correctly, he would be dubbed a rogue ninja, and his information would be added to a list with other wanted ninjas.

Arthur would personally ensure not to let his face be seen in public. And what better way to hide his identity than with the transformation technique?

This universe had a plethora of characters for him to change his physical appearance to. Whether they were dead or not, he could always alter the minute details to ensure no one recognized him.

As he considered who he would transform into, suddenly, Koko stopped mid-swing, her tiny face crumpling in a frown. She scrambled back down to Arthur's shoulder, her grip tighter than usual.

"Daddy," she whimpered in a strained voice.

"What is it…?"

"My body," she mumbled, clutching her belly. "Feels funny. Like someone's pulling on me."

Arthur immediately understood. Her sensation—the sudden discomfort—was a telltale sign of a forced summoning. Hiruzen must be trying to call upon Koko's aid.

"It's because of him," Arthur said. "The third Hokage, Hiruzen."

Koko tilted her head, asking, "Hiruzen? Who's that?"

"Someone who should be dead by now," Arthur answered, looking elsewhere.

It was reasonable to believe that the players had managed to interfere and keep Hiruzen alive to this point. Arthur wasn't certain who would win the fight: Orochimaru or Hiruzen, aided by otherworldly help.

"But why would he pull on me?" Koko asked in confusion.

Arthur spent little time explaining to Koko why she was summoned to his side first. He ordered her to ignore Hiruzen, and she obeyed.

"Okay, daddy!" she chirped. "I'll only answer your call."

Arthur and her pressed forward.

"To the Temple!"

The path ahead remained clear. And thanks to his mental note on the map, he chose the right trail to walk on.

Thorny bushes made perfect cover from passersby, and the air here warded off any real predators. Only once had a pack of wild boars charged out of the undergrowth to meet them.

It was an opportunity for Koko to show her skills, but Arthur hadn't wanted to waste time. He easily scared them off by simply displaying a kunai.

"You show 'em, daddy!"

As night came, they arrived at a fork in the path. One path, according to what he remembered on the map, would lead deeper into the forest—towards the country's borders. The other, less traveled, wound upwards towards the mountains.

"We're close," he announced, looking toward the mountainous path.

After hours of arduous trekking, the dense forest gave way to rocky terrain.

Finally, at the base of a mountain, Arthur spotted what he'd been searching for—a stairwell carved directly into the rock face. It was barely visible at night, but it was the same stairwell that two Akatsuki members climbed to reach the Temple.

"Koko," he said in a low voice, "this is a place not everyone can enter."

Her ears drooped as she gave a small frown, saying, "So I can't go with you?"

Arthur placed a hand on her tiny head and said, "It wouldn't be safe for you. You need to go back home."

"But I want to stay with you," she said, her lower lip quivering. "We just got to play together again!"

"We'll meet again soon…"

He explained to her the concept of summoning, how he could call on her whenever needed. Then he reminded her of their promise: for her to train hard and hone her skills.

Koko, understanding the seriousness of the situation, managed a small sniffle.

"Okay, daddy," she said in a soft tone. "I'll wait for your call. And I'll be ready!"

At those words, a puff of smoke appeared, and she was transported back to her home.

Arthur had no problems worrying about Koko's safety. In time, she would grow into the reliable summon that he needed.

He turned his gaze back towards the stairwell. The climb would be easy.

His ascent began as he kept his senses on high alert, walking up the winding staircase.

The mountain air was thin and cold, biting at his exposed skin. The only sound was the scrape of his boots against the rough stone and the occasional screech of a bird soaring high above.

The stairwell seemed to be endlessly going upwards, disappearing into the darkness that shrouded the mountain peaks.

But Arthur persevered, finally reaching the temple's gates.

The massive structure was quite imposing. Heavy metal doors, intricately carved with swirling designs, barred his way.

But brute force wasn't Arthur's style, especially not when a far more discreet approach presented itself.

'Smoke jutsu.'

In the blink of an eye, his physical form dissolved into a swirling cloud of smoke. The smoke billowed upwards, slipping past the "impenetrable" gate. He then extended outwards, examining the temple grounds.

Inside the walls, there was a serene atmosphere.

Bald figures clad in white robes—monks, Arthur presumed—dotted the landscape. Most were fast asleep in their chambers, while a few sat outside with their eyes closed, meditating in a cross-legged position.

It was quite a peaceful scene.

He weaved through the sleeping quarters. Inside, his focus shifted to a building set slightly apart from the others. It seemed almost too easily accessible.

Unlike the gates, there were no heavy doors, no intricate locks, and simply an open doorway almost everywhere.

Intrigued, Arthur navigated to that specific building.

The room was filled with the scent of aged parchment and incense. Shelves were carved directly into the walls, holding countless scrolls.

He skimmed the titles, his eyes searching for anything related to the Gift of the Hermit Group's chakra. And there it was, nestled amongst scrolls detailing meditation techniques—a scroll titled "A Hermit's Gift."

He directed his smoky form towards it. The scroll unfurled, revealing a detailed explanation of this unknown energy.

He readily absorbed the information. Unlike Sage Chakra, which required the user to harness the natural energy of the world around them, the Gift of the Hermit Group chakra seemed to be a unique property of this temple itself.

It resided within the very air, infused with the mountain's natural energy and the accumulated spiritual force of countless monks meditating for centuries.

Harnessing it was deceptively simple. The scroll wrote of a prolonged period of meditation, focusing on attuning one's chakra network to the temple's unique energy flow.

The process wasn't dissimilar to gathering natural energy for Sage Mode, but with one crucial difference: this specific chakra was only found within the confines of the Fire Temple.

Meditation took time, something he felt was precious. The Leaf Village would start rebuilding once the invasion ended, so he had to use that time wisely.

This special chakra was the only thing he needed to use the Thousand Hand Strike technique. He had no other choice but to stay here.

'Transformation jutsu.'

Arthur's features shifted and moulded. Gone was his jawline, replaced by the rounded face of a middle-aged monk.

Hair, once dark, vanished, leaving behind a smooth, bald head. A short, grey goatee sprouted beneath his chin, completing the disguise.

Emerging from the library, he now looked every bit the part of a devotee.

He strolled casually towards a koi pond. The tranquil setting mirrored the instructions from the scroll—a serene environment to facilitate the absorption of the Hermit's Gift.

He settled down in a lotus position, with his back straight and his palms resting on his knees. Closing his eyes, he cleared his mind, focusing solely on his breathing.

As he drew in the mountain air, a distinct sensation fell over him. It wasn't oxygen, but a subtle energy weaving its way into his lungs.

It was almost cleansing.

His breath deepened, becoming slow and steady, matching the flow of the water in the pond.

This wasn't entirely unfamiliar territory. Arthur had spent time perfecting Simian Sage Mode. Harnessing the temple's unique chakra felt strangely instinctive.

The principles—the flow of energy—shared a certain kinship. It was almost as if this special chakra resonated with the knowledge he'd already gleaned.

Suddenly, the sound of crunching grass lifted him from his focused state. He slowly cracked open one eye to find a figure looming over him—a young monk regarding him with a gentle smile.

There was no doubt about it. This was the strongest monk in the Fire Temple, Chiriku!

"Greetings, brother," Chiriku said in a warm tone. "I see you've chosen a most peaceful spot for meditation. Would you mind a companion on this quiet evening?"

Arthur faked a smile. This unexpected intrusion could be a potential complication, but it could also be a valuable opportunity.

He adopted a humble demeanour, tilting his head slightly in deference, and said, "The company of a brother is always welcome, brother Chiriku."

"Ah," Chiriku said in surprise. "Forgive me. I haven't memorized everyone's name in the Temple yet."

"You may call me brother Ryugetsu."

With a graceful movement, Chiriku lowered himself onto the ground beside Arthur.

"You'll have to excuse my intrusion," he continued. "I couldn't help but notice your calmness, your deep connection to the Temple's energy. It's a rare sight, brother."

Arthur, playing his role perfectly, offered a knowing nod.

"When one seeks peace, they forget about the turbulent world filled with turmoil outside."

"Indeed," Chiriku said, feeling curious.

A quietude settled between them as the Arthur resumed his meditation.

He also felt a tad curious. The scroll had mentioned that the monks who perfected the Hermit's Gift also possessed a vast pool of chakra. Now he had a chance to observe it firsthand.

Activating his Tamashii, he sensed Chiriku's chakra.

Immediately, he was surprised. It wasn't just the sheer volume of it inside the monk; Chiriku had a wellspring of power dwarfing even the other player's reserves!

There was a calmness to it—a sign of perfect control. It was quite different from the volatile chakras Arthur usually encountered—the bursts of power from enraged ninjas.

Chiriku was like a powerhouse, wielding such exquisite control. To think he would fall to the Akatsuki three years from now.

This single encounter highlighted the true strength of the organization Arthur was up against.

It was daunting, but the thought of surrendering wasn't an option. He knew what he was getting himself into.

Arthur pushed the thought aside. He needed to focus on the task at hand: meditating.

Often times, when he did these spiritual activities, he would think of Jesus. And that's just what he did.

A couple hours later.

As the moon furthered in the sky, he decided to end his meditation. He rose to his feet, a respectful bow aimed towards the monk besides him.

"Brother Chiriku," he said in a calm voice, "your presence has been a delightful one this evening. I thank you for your company."

Chiriku opened his eyes, offering a gentle smile as he said, "Brother Ryugetsu, please sleep well."

With a final nod, Arthur turned away.

It came as no surprise that he had managed to blend perfectly as a monk. This area had no need for things like official registration or headcount. They were a peaceful group, monotonously carrying out subtle tasks during the day and praying at night.

Now it was time to find a place to dwell.

Arthur made his way towards the sleeping quarters, the open space housing rows upon rows of simple mats.

Unlike the more structured villages, here there were no assigned beds and no rooms separating the monks. Everything was communal, further simplifying their commitment to shared living.

He scanned the room, his eyes adjusting to the light filtering through the windows.

Most of the monks were still fast asleep, so he chose a secluded corner, unfurling a spare mat he found tucked away in a nearby alcove.

Laying down, he closed his eyes, the exhaustion of the day—escaping the Leaf Village—finally catching up to him.

The journey ahead, although challenging, was not going to stop him from achieving his goals.


Chương 57: Uzumaki

Unlike the other monks, who slumbered soundly, Arthur woke up well before dawn.

The transformation technique, thankfully, wasn't a strain. It required minimal chakra and held its form for extended periods, even when he wasn't focusing on it.

He slipped out of the sleeping chamber, his destination being the koi pond again—the area with the highest concentration of the Temple's unique chakra.

Following the scroll's instructions, he hadn't eaten breakfast. Apparently, fasting allowed for a more efficient absorption process.

Fasting itself was a spiritual principle, one that helped those on earth endure their austere lifestyle. Arthur was no stranger to it and was more than willing to try.

He settled down in his usual spot with his eyes closed, focusing his chakra while steadying his breathing.

The cool air filled his lungs, tinged with a subtle energy he associated with the Hermit's Gift. It was a slow, meticulous, and almost meditative process in and of itself. Time passed; hours went by with him in a still position.

The koi continued swimming, oblivious to the transformation taking place within Arthur. Just as he felt a noticeable increase in power coursing through his veins, he heard a harsh voice nearby.

"Sora! You clumsy oaf! Look at what you've done! You spilled my tea all over my robes!"

Arthur partially opened his eyes, his gaze shifting towards the source of the commotion.

A group of three young monks stood huddled around a figure kneeling on the ground. The figure, a lanky child with a mop of messy hair, cowered under their accusatory glare.

"I... I'm sorry," he stammered. "I didn't mean to..."

"Excuses! You always mess things up, Sora!" another one of the older monks sneered with disdain. "Maybe you're not cut out for this life after all. Just forget about being a monk."

Sora flinched as if he were about to cry.

Arthur watched the scene unfold. He recognized this character. Although Sora was younger before his first appearance three years from now, he was undoubtedly the same Sora.

Sora was written to have been a monk from the Fire Temple who carries a piece of the Nine-Tails' chakra within him. This makes him a pseudo-Jinchūriki, a type of Jinchūriki that bears partial chakra from a Tailed Beast without having said Tailed Beast.

Sora's past is filled with hardship. His father sealed the Nine-Tails' chakra in him when he was young, then faked his own death. He grew up ostracized by the monks for having the Nine-Tails' chakra and feeling frustrated and insecure.

When he meets Naruto three years from now, they initially clash due to misunderstandings. However, they eventually bond over their shared experiences as Jinchūriki.

Sora would grow up to be a skilled ninja monk who fights with a triple-bladed claw and wind techniques.

The Nine-Tails' chakra grants him immense power and transformations, but it also causes him pain and makes him lose control.

He is ultimately deceived by his father again, leading him down a dark path, but thanks to Naruto's talk-no-jutsu, it helps him overcome this and find a better way forward.

Arthur watching this character now felt odd.

Bullying, even in a seemingly peaceful haven like the Fire Temple, was an intriguing sight. It only furthered the belief in how unfair and evil this world could get.

What if he could plant a seed here? He was here for a purpose, but that didn't mean he couldn't get involved in their internal squabbles.

First, he waited, unwilling to draw unnecessary attention. The younger monks eventually moved on, leaving Sora still slumped on the floor, wiping his tears.

Arthur rose from his meditation and approached the sobbing figure. Sora flinched as Arthur stopped before him, emotions stirring inside him.

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked in a gentle tone.

Sora looked up at him, his eyes surprised. Hardly anyone has ever approached him so politely.

"I... I spilled their stupid tea," he mumbled. "They said I wasn't good enough."

"Being a monk is about perfection, brother Sora," Arthur said, crouching low to meet the boy's gaze. "It's about perseverance, about learning from your mistakes. Everyone makes them. Even the strongest of monks like brother Chiriku."

Sora stared at him, curiosity replacing his despair.

"I… I didn't know."

Arthur paused, then chuckled softly, saying, "Let's just say, I understand what it's like to feel like you don't belong. But that doesn't mean you should give up. You have talent, brother Sora. You just need proper guidance."

The words were true as he spoke them. Sora blinked, surprised.

Arthur then offered to help the boy with his chores for the day. Sora, feeling hopeful, agreed and asked Arthur for his name.

"Why, you may call me brother Ryugetsu," he answered, placing a hand on Sora's shoulder. "Now, let's resume aiding the Temple in toiled drudgery."

"Umm, brother Ryugetsu…"

"Yes, young one?"

"What's drudgery mean?"

As the morning unfolded, an ease settled between them.

Arthur's silver tongue proved surprisingly efficient in gaining Sora's trust. They swept the courtyard together, and Sora found himself talking more than usual, the shared chores making him forget about his isolation.

He spoke of his frustrations with the other monks, their lingering distrust making him feel bad. Arthur listened intently, already aware of the story.

By midday, their bellies grumbled. Sora, touched by Arthur's unexpected companionship, insisted on sharing his meager lunch.

Arthur, however, had Sora wait as he got something more savoury. When he returned, it was with steaming dumplings, their scent a welcome change from Sora's usual fare.

"Thanks," Sora mumbled around a mouthful. "You didn't have to do that."

Arthur shrugged, saying, "We both got to eat, do we not?"

As they ate in a comfortable silence, Sora eventually blurted out, "You know, I wouldn't mind having someone to train with. Someone who gets it, you know?"

"Don't give up," Arthur said simply. "Strength comes in many forms."

His words struck Sora hard. No one had ever spoken of strength in such a way to the boy.

"It is not always about raw power, but about resilience, about holding onto your core even when the world seems determined to break you."

Determination ignited within Sora. Arthur's words truly affected his spirit.

The afternoon finally came as Arthur rose, brushing the dust off his clothes.

"Truly a fine lunch indeed, brother Sora," he said. "It is time I head back to meditating."

Sora felt a tad disappointed, the comfortable camaraderie fading with Arthur's departure.

"Will I see you around the Temple, brother Ryugetsu?"

Arthur paused at the exit and said, "Just remember: emotions cloud judgment. Don't let Nine-Tails' chakra control you."

With that enigmatic parting shot, Arthur turned and left into the gathering dusk. Sora's heart, perhaps filled with questions, strangely felt lighter than it had been in a long time.

Several hours later.

The first rays of dawn cast a rosy glow on the koi pond. Arthur rose from his meditation with a content exhale.

He focused inwardly, delving into his chakra network. His chakra pool was unique, different than most since he had unethically acquired chakra from others.

Once separated by pool lines of different colours, it was now one vibrant colour. The pool of chakra harmonized seamlessly with a brilliant yellow light emanating from within. That light was the Gift of the Hermit Group's chakra.

No smile showed on his face. He was merely content.

His time at the Fire Temple had been a success. He had not only honed his meditation skills but had also acquired a powerful new weapon in his arsenal.

This unique chakra was the key to completing the Thousand Hand Strike technique.

Returning his attention to the outside world, he rose from his position and began searching for a secluded spot within the temple grounds.

He settled upon a hidden alcove, nestled amidst a cluster of towering statues. The location was discreet, offering a clear line of sight to the surrounding area.

Placing a palm on that spot, he etched a flying raijin mark on the rough stone wall. This seal would allow him to teleport instantly to its location at any time he had chakra.

It was a valuable tool, especially since he would be venturing into uncharted territories. And if he were to recall, this was his first mark placed outside of the Leaf Village.

Now, with his escape route secured, it was time to depart.

He focused his chakra and performed the Smoke technique, changing his physical form into a swirling cloud of smoke.

Rising upwards, he drifted through the temple grounds. He wasn't sure when he would return, if ever, but this sanctuary could provide a safe haven should something terrible ever happen on his journeys.

As he ascended above the mountain peaks, the world unfolded beneath him. His sense of direction guided him towards the Leaf Village.

A long and arduous two-day journey, but his destination wasn't the Leaf Village itself. He steered his smokey form off course, heading towards a cluster of desolate hills that marked the outskirts of the village.

As he descended into the den of night, he transformed into a native passerby and disguised his chakra signature.

He had reached his destination—an abandoned shrine. Not just any shrine, but the Uzumaki's Clan Noh Mask Hall!

It was written that within its dusty halls lay a collection of devil's masks. And out of all of these masks, one held a special property.

Arthur approached the temple with cautious steps. Pushing open the creaking wooden doors, he was met with an interior steeped in darkness.

Moonlight filtered through gaps in the broken roof, illuminating a scene. Broken statues, moss-covered walls, and a thick layer of dust showed clear signs of neglect.

From what Arthur remembered about the Uzumaki clan, they were known for their fiery red hair, immense chakra reserves, and skills in sealing techniques.

They originated from the Village Hidden by Whirling Tides, a hidden village famed for powerful ninjas. Unfortunately, that village was destroyed due to fear of its strength.

Despite their village's fall, the Uzumaki clan persevered. Some members, like Kushina (Naruto's mother), ended up in the Leaf Village, while others were scattered throughout the world.

Uzumaki clan members have impeccable healing abilities. It allowed them to live long lives and recover quickly from injuries. Notably, they were particularly suited to become Jinchūriki.

Perhaps their greatest legacy was their expertise in sealing techniques. Their unique chakra and sealing techniques, often marked by a spiral symbol, were highly respected and even feared throughout the ninja world.

If Arthur had been given this character before William, he would have exercised his potential tenfold.

Ignoring the debris within the temple, he ventured deeper, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. Finally, he reached the main hall, a large chamber with a single, faded mural depicting swirling symbols.

Dominating the opposite wall was a collection of masks.

Dozens of them adorned the wall, each meticulously crafted. Grotesque visages with open mouths, hideous faces with closed eyes, and ferocious beast-like devils all stared back at him.

But his gaze was fixated on one in particular: a devil's mask with two horns and sharp teeth, the features of the Reaper, the spirit from the Reaper Death Seal technique.

This mask had a special ability. It allowed the wearer to summon and control the infamous Reaper by allowing it to possess the wearer. This in turn enabled the user to perform the forbidden technique without any prerequisites—the Reaper Death Seal: Release.

Orochimaru, alongside Sasuke's team, would venture here to perform the ritual. The price to use the mask ended in death. Orochimaru, being the crafty serpent that he is, switched bodies to prevent himself from dying.

Arthur moved towards the wall. He leapt up, reached out, and swiftly unhooked the Reaper mask. Landing, he felt its cool surface.

Arthur, a Christian, would never associate with things like this on earth.

Pulling out a scroll, he drew markings and performed the sealing technique to tuck it securely inside.

He then surveyed the area. Perhaps, he thought, some of these other masks held secrets yet to be discovered. But for now, his objective was complete.

With the Reaper mask secured, he turned away from the wall and exited the abandoned temple.


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