Chapter 156: with translation of chapter title

Boom——

Boom——

A sound like the heavens collapsing echoed nonstop, while light continually burst from the earth under that extreme power.

In the next instant, the earth shattered, rocks were flung up, and then instantly pulverized by visible energy waves, scattering everywhere.

This power spread forward, causing the distant mountain peaks to explode simultaneously under the impact, and as this power spread backward...

The already precarious Mizukage Building could barely withstand it; if not for the defense mechanism being activated, and the people of Mist Village also began frantically expanding their protective barriers.

At this moment, under such an energy catastrophe, Mist Village is likely to be more than half destroyed!

"My heavens, is this really power that humans can achieve?"

Countless Mist Ninja watched this scene that seemed like the apocalypse descending, feeling the ground beneath them constantly trembling; they finally could barely endure it, and their voices were filled with terror.

Such power is utterly beyond what humans could unleash; this exaggerated level of destruction is practically inhuman!

But soon his eyes narrowed, seeing cracks appear on the mighty Susanoo before him, and he knew this was also his chance!

"Although it didn't achieve the effect I wanted, it has at least been weakened, so I must try."

He truly felt reassured deep down about Yuzhi's power as the Fifth Hokage.

Although he also felt that this Fifth might truly be the new generation's Uchiha Clan Ban, but as long as it's the Leaf Village's Uchiha Clan Ban, what does it matter?

Anyway, there's nothing I can change, and anyway I have my teacher to take the blame.

Of course, he also had his own regrets, because regarding the Tuan Zang matter, he knew he could only offer opinions from now on, and could no longer give advice as he used to.

The Third no longer wondered whether he was the first to see the Uchiha clan become Hokage; anyway, having his teacher as a backup, he didn't need to worry.

The members of the Akatsuki Organization each displayed their abilities to withstand this clash, but under the impact of the aftermath, they were all ragged and dirty, looking extremely disheveled.

"It's truly terrifying."

Compared to the Akatsuki Organization's disheveled state, the situation on the Leaf Village's side was much better.

"If we really go to argue, having the teacher around would be quite convenient."

Even the surrounding fog had been dispersed by their impact at this very moment!

That withered and ugly giant had already been pushed back considerable distance, leaving deep marks on the shattered earth.

Moreover, everyone participating in this mission was no novice; perhaps only the Shadow Guard Team selected by Yuzhi was slightly weaker, while every member of the Dark Section involved was skilled.

However, the members of the Dark Section and Shadow Guard Team still had ringing in their ears, and that extreme explosion was also especially hard on them.

The lush green forest was destroyed in an instant, the mountain peaks all lowered as if someone had sliced them with a sword.

Eye power combined with chakra bolstering Susanoo allowed him to firmly withstand the aftermath, not retreating a single step.

The 'Outer Path Demonic Statue' still maintained its prone posture on the ground, merely under the impact of that tremendous force...

If it weren't for the previous chakra giant dragon weakening this attack's power, he would probably be waiting for death now.

In the meantime, Zhishui and Guang simultaneously activated Susanoo for protection, while at the same time Zilaiye and the Third each performed their ninjutsu, making the situation on the Leaf Village's side very good.

The Third glanced at the shattered earthen wall ahead, then at the cracked Susanoo of Zhishui he was in, and finally, after sighing in relief, he glanced at the bleeding-eared and -nosed Asuma behind him, involuntarily shaking his head.

"Asuma is still somewhat weak."

But such a battle indeed exceeds imagination, and they don't want to miss even the slightest bit!

"This guy."

But as long as the Leaf Village is fine, this is also acceptable!

"What was that just now?"

Changmen made a decision in this instant, truly unable to withstand controlling the Outer Path Demonic Statue to fight.

Although they didn't know why, their hearts felt somewhat at ease, because Yuzhi's feeling to them had always been utterly reliable, and he was the most trustworthy person.

At the very center of the explosion, Yuzhi stood within Susanoo's forehead, and the Eternal Eye was spinning wildly.

Yuzhi choosing Asuma to join the Shadow Guard Team was seemingly indifferent, also due to classmate camaraderie, but in his view it was also a kind of friendly gesture.

But they also didn't have much thought of retreating, even though they themselves had once been swept aside by Uchiha Clan Ban, such a battle is truly a rare sight!

But once this thought arose, the Third himself found it somewhat amusing that in such a situation he could still have such leisure, which could only indicate one thing.

But if others show goodwill, can't I also not give them the worse?

Moreover, the effect of those white potions on him was simply unimaginably good; such potions for his bodily recovery and power enhancement were truly too obvious.

"If I let the Outer Path Demonic Statue recover, even without collecting the tailed beasts I can deal with these two people's Susanoo, and moreover"

At least, this leader seems truly able to withstand the blow of Uchiha Yuzhi!

The aftermath gradually subsided, and by the time things could be seen clearly, the terrain had been completely altered.

Others didn't know what this Third was thinking about his 'good teacher' taking the blame, as they intently watched the distant battle.

Meanwhile, Changmen also had a grim expression, having already run out from within the Outer Path Demonic Statue's body, his body covered in injuries, and his expression full of uncertainty.

Changmen silently thought, just as he had released that chakra giant dragon to weaken Susanoo, he was astonished to discover that Yuzhi's Susanoo attack had actually penetrated the Outer Path Demonic Statue.

But his heart burned, for he had found a way to deal with Yuzhi and even Uchiha Clan Ban's Susanoo!

Moreover, seeing this scene, they also gained a new understanding of their mysterious leader.

As far as the eye could see, there were no more forests or mountains; the earth had been overturned, riddled with holes.

"Why not let Xinzizhu replace Asuma, or go back and train Asuma properly?"

"It's truly terrifying power."

Such immense consumption, no matter how vigorous his vitality, he could not withstand it at this moment.

What's more unbelievable is that this attack actually penetrated the space inside the Outer Path Demonic Statue that he himself couldn't even explain, directly striking his body.

Especially, his mastery of the Rinnegan was a tremendous aid; if he could obtain more, he could control it even better.

Ao——

As he was thinking, Chang Men suddenly rose into the air with his whole body, and at the same time, Pain's avatar standing atop the Outer Path Demonic Statue also quickly formed hand seals with both hands.

"Water Release: Great Explosive Water Surge!"

"Lightning Release: Thunder Fish!"

The water release, like a sea wave, was instantly spewed out by Pain, and at the same time Pain formed another seal, causing a massive golden fish brimming with lightning power to leap into the water.

In an instant, the great water was streaked with lightning, and amid this raging thunder‑water combination, Nagato surged straight forward!

"Hm?"

Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, looking at Nagato with a puzzled expression as Nagato launched a "board‑mounted" charge at him.

But in an instant, he seemed to understand.

Using his true body means Nagato can attempt to employ all the abilities of the Rinnegan with his own power, and the fact that he is now airborne further indicates something.

"This guy's control over the Rinnegan has improved; looks like that idiot Obito's meddling paid off!"

Getting Nagato to this level of Rinnegan control at least ten years earlier—aside from White Absolute Cells, Yuzhi truly can't think of another.

"Seems this guy wants to use the Hungry Ghost Path's ability to devour my or Susanoo's chakra, right?"

Yuzhi found the answer in his mind and let out a cold snort.

"Good idea, but whether you can pull it off depends on your skill!"

While pondering, a vast surge of energy suddenly erupted, and Susanoo, under his control, brandished a long blade and cleaved down!

Under the humming blade, the great wave charged with Lightning Release was instantly sliced, and the blade surged straight down toward Nagato.

"Shinra Tensei!"

Nagato, who had sprinted forward, saw this and without hesitation raised his hand, and in an instant a wild repulsive force blocked Yuzhi's long blade.

Accompanied by a booming roar, the ground shook again.

But with that, the repulsive force he generated also dissipated, and his whole body fell toward the ground.

Fortunately, Pain, already under his control, rushed over and caught him, and at the same time the Outsider Golem's hand reached out.

Buzz—

Although the long blade was slightly hindered by Shinra Tensei, Yuzhi's assault showed no sign of slowing.

Yet at that moment, the Outsider Golem's outstretched hand seized Yuzhi's long blade!

At the same time, Pain flung Nagato's body outward, sending him straight toward Yuzhi again.

Moreover, the Golem's other hand also reached out, as if to escort Nagato all the way.

"Again?"

Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, a hint of ferocity flashing in his gaze.

Susanoo is a war machine; handling all kinds of foes is no problem, but there is a moderate issue here.

That is, when Susanoo faces a small‑sized yet sufficiently powerful opponent, it really puts him at a disadvantage.

Using a cannon to shoot a mosquito can be downright frustrating, and Yuzhi currently has no good solution to this problem.

Even Madara Uchiha has no better method; only when he activates that so‑called "Six Paths Mode" does he not have to worry about such things.

"But is that state still 'Chakra Mode', or has it already reached the 'Six Paths' level?"

That question is indeed worth pondering; the Rinnegan already possesses a Chakra Mode, and normally a Rinnegan of equal rank wouldn't devote all its abilities solely to support.

Moreover, Yuzhi has always believed that Madara truly attained the so‑called "Six Paths" after he absorbed the Divine Tree.

When he sealed the Outsider Golem, he said, "Is this the power of the Six Paths?", which could be taken to mean that at that time he had only obtained the "Six Paths Sage's power".

Later, after he sealed the Divine Tree within his body and opened a third Rinnegan on his forehead, it was then that he truly stepped into the "...?"

"It could also be that he fully activated the Kaguya Mode."

These matters are hard to say; after all, Yuzhi still has a long way to go to reach that point, both in strength and in the tailed‑beast chakra he has gathered so far.

The tailed beasts are manageable; he currently lacks the One‑Tail, Six‑Tail, Seven‑Tail, and Eight‑Tail, and he is somewhat far from triggering the final "Zhuo Er Extraordinary".

But now is not the time to think about that; at present he still needs to deal with the nuisance that is Nagato.

"Since you're so reckless, I can't let you have it easy!"

Although the incarnation of Obito got along fairly well with Nagato, that doesn't mean he should be courteous to Nagato when they are enemies.

"Then…"

Yuzhi took a deep breath, and the next instant his eyes began to spin rapidly again.

The space‑splitting power of Kamui, coupled with the fierce amplification of "Divine Direct Strike", instantly pushed Yuzhi's strength to its limit.

Moreover, Susanoo's other hand, also under Yuzhi's control, rose high, and in an instant chakra tremors appeared above its left palm.

In a moment, another long blade materialized!

And under Yuzhi's preparation, a bizarre spatial vortex formed on the blade, with brilliant blue chakra wildly coalescing upon it.

Swoosh—

As Susanoo swung the blade, the dazzling chakra shone like sunlight piercing the layered mist of Mist Village, descending from the heavens and sprinkling the earth!

In an instant, the Outsider Golem let out a roar, its arms already encircling Nagato, yet the long blade still fell steadily, and—

"What?"

Nagato's face turned ashen instantly, because Yuzhi's slash pierced the Outsider Golem's defense and cut straight through his lower body!

Buzz—

Amid the blade's whine, Nagato's anguished howl was completely drowned out, his two legs cleanly sliced from the knees upward by Susanoo's blade.

Had he not been propelled slightly upward, he would likely have been cut clean through the waist, a pain so intense even he couldn't help but howl.

Perhaps from this agony, or perhaps the battle had simply lasted too long, Pain, who had been attacking alongside him, suddenly collapsed to the ground.

And the roaring Outsider Golem's body stiffened at that moment, and in the next instant it turned into a massive plume of smoke and vanished.

The already shattered ground now sprouted deep fissures, and under this blow the already warped barrier was completely shattered!

"How… how could this be?"

In the distance, Konan looked on in disbelief at the shattered barrier and the vanished Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

In the next instant, she unfurled her wings without hesitation and flew off, while the remaining members of the Akatsuki Organization all turned pale.

Lost?

In the end, we still lost?

Amid the dust and smoke, they saw Nagato's body split in half and rapidly fall to the ground.

At this moment, they all felt heavy-hearted; losing like this was not something they could not accept.

But to lose so completely, so tragically, and noticing that the Leaf Village ninja opposite them were looking at them with changed eyes, they all knew the situation had turned dire!

However, at that very moment, a distorted space suddenly appeared beside them, and at the spot where Nagato landed, Black Zetsu quickly poked his head out. —

"It seems everything is over."

Silver moonlight filtered through the mist heavy with a bloody gloom, shining upon the then brightly lit Mist Village.

The bustling crowd was conducting a large-scale search, and in a temporary gathering place, Yuzhi and Master Yuan's group were sitting together.

At this moment, Master Yuan gazed at the village destroyed beyond repair, inevitably letting out a deep sigh, while Yuzhi beside him also wearily shook his head.

"Yes, it's over, but please accept my condolences; no one expected the battle to become this fierce."

It must be said, Obito's presence perhaps didn't help much in battle, but during a "strategic retreat" his value was simply unimaginable.

With his help, the Akatsuki Organization's retreat was swift and clean, without dragging their feet; in the blink of an eye, they had all slipped away.

For a moment, only the Leaf Village ninja who hadn't reacted yet remained, along with the Mist Village ninja who had rushed over upon seeing the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path disappear, staring at each other.

"It's all my fault; I didn't kill that damned guy, otherwise we might have been able to eradicate the Akatsuki Organization this time."

Minato's face was full of shame; he felt it was his own fault, especially seeing Yuzhi now fatigued and slightly pale, which made him feel even more ashamed.

"Alright, it's fine, don't worry."

Yuzhi lightly shook his head and spoke softly.

"That guy has something special about him; even if you, Senior Minato, completed the Rasengan, you might not be able to take him down, let alone he also knows space-time ninjutsu."

"That is the 'Light Wheel Swift Wind Zero Style'."

Minato stubbornly spoke up to correct Yuzhi a bit, and this remark made the Third Hokage and Jiraiya beside him shake their heads.

The development of the 'Light Wheel Swift Wind Zero Style' actually went smoothly, without the kind of self‑harm seen in Naruto's unfinished version.

After all, Minato defined this technique from the start as a long‑range attack; even if he couldn't fire it at a critical moment, he could still use Flying Thunder God to get away in time.

His approach is completely normal, after all; he doesn't have Naruto's monstrous regenerative ability from the original story, so he naturally needs to consider his own safety.

"What about you, are you okay?"

Tsunade couldn't be bothered with Minato's chuunibyou stubbornness, she gave Yuzhi a slightly concerned look.

"Regarding your body, and your eyes, if there's any problem you must tell me."

What problem could he possibly have? He's just pretending!

Hikari pursed her lips on the side; this operation she merely played a supporting role, of course also because she didn't want to steal the spotlight from her perverted fiancé.

But could she not understand Yuzhi's condition? This guy simply couldn't have any problems, right!

"I'm fine, please rest assured; it's just a bit of exhaustion, I only need a few days of rest."

Yuzhi weakly nodded; although he indeed felt his eyes slightly swollen, to him it really wasn't a big problem.

However, he also needs to consider a 'limit', after all he just used White Zetsu's cells; he can't possibly become that strong all at once, can he?

Tsunade nodded, but still placed her hand on Yuzhi to transfer chakra to him.

This made Yuzhi a little nervous, fearing he might be discovered, but fortunately his control over his own power had reached a new level.

As long as he focuses his control, those who could see through or sense it are only a handful.

Turning his head, Yuzhi saw the Mist Village ninja approaching; this made him raise his eyebrows slightly, then he looked at Master Yuan and asked.

"How is the situation here, and what are the casualty statistics?"

"Personnel-wise it's fine, just the barrier team."

Master Yuan also noticed the Mist Village ninja gathering around, and after thinking he simply raised his voice.

"The barrier team, in order to protect those entering the underground shelter from harm, have mostly died in action; they are the heroes of Mist Village."

However, Mist Village's buildings could not withstand such intense impact; most of the village's structures were destroyed, and many ninja consequently lost their lives.

As for the losses caused by the battle, perhaps further statistics are needed, but I think the casualties should be an acceptable number.

"Is that so."

Yuzhi nodded slightly, then he curiously asked.

"How about your Mizukage, how is he doing now?"

The key to Master Yuan's rebellion this time lay in handling the Mizukage; as long as the Mizukage's issue is resolved, many things will become simple.

"Sir, he's here."

At that moment, Mei Terumi suddenly came to Master Yuan's side; she glanced at Yuzhi sitting nearby, and an indescribable emotion appeared in her eyes.

Yuzhi's condition has truly been etched deep into her heart; not only her, but likely everything that happened tonight will profoundly affect all the ninja of Mist Village!

Such power is irresistible; one could even say that such power leaves them unable to muster any resistance.

Even though Yuzhi appears somewhat weak, at this moment no one dares to have any overreaching thoughts.

In their view, this is no longer an existence of the same dimension!

"Has he arrived?"

Master Yuan noticed Mei Terumi's gaze, which made his heart skip; he didn't want his successor to look like an idiot, so he immediately spoke.

"Please have him come over."

"Yes, Elder Sir."

Mei Terumi came to her senses, quickly turned and left, and Yuzhi also timely turned his head to look at Shisui.

Itachi nodded without leaving a trace, knowing exactly what he needed to do.

If necessary, just control this guy; if there are signs of him being controlled, he will directly overwrite and manipulate him!

However, what Yuzhi and the others never expected was that this Fourth Mizukage, who looked like a minor with an extremely pale complexion, seemed to have already broken free of the control.

His eyes were full of shame and indignation, and he had no intention of hiding it, directly announcing that he had been manipulated by the Akatsuki Organization.

At that moment, all the Mist Village ninja who had gathered nearby erupted in an uproar.

"Damn it, so our Mizukage was being controlled?"

"No wonder the village has become so strange, no wonder they enacted such a terrible policy!"

"So it turns out this was all a conspiracy!"

"Damn it, those damned bastards!"

For a moment, almost all the Mist Village ninja began shouting curses, while the instructors and the Leaf Village people on this side gave Yuzhi and his two companions a strange sideways glance.

"It wasn't me, I didn't."

Itachi immediately pointed to his own eyes; his eye color was now a normal dark brown, not that sheet of scarlet.

Likewise, Hikari and Yuzhi were the same, which left Yuzhi somewhat bewildered.

"Could it be that Obito gave up control? No, that's not right—Obito has been forced to use Izanagi several times by us, so how could this time... Black Zetsu?"

In an instant, Yuzhi seemed to have realized something.

It's likely that the Mizukage's control wasn't just due to Obito's efforts; Black Zetsu also provided considerable assistance.

So even if Obito had been beaten into using Izanagi, with Black Zetsu as a backup, the Mizukage's control would not disappear.

This time, Yuzhi and his group directly went to the Land of Water, and Nagato was even beaten into that state by Yuzhi, leaving Black Zetsu probably without the bandwidth to continue managing the Mizukage.

Moreover, since this attempt was essentially a failure for them, Black Zetsu, to avoid being discovered, would likely voluntarily give up continuing to control the Mizukage.

"It should have been Senior Minato who took that guy down, but he mastered a Uchiha secret technique that allowed him to recover, just like Danzo."

Yuzhi then simply explained it in a sentence, and the Leaf Village people immediately understood.

"In other words, I actually killed him, but he avoided death, and yet because of his death, did the Mizukage break free of control?"

Minato stroked his chin, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

At that very moment, the Fourth Mizukage also helplessly took a deep breath, turned his body, and gave a slight bow to all the Mist Village ninja.

"I'm sorry for my inadequacy, which has caused such great trouble for the village and everyone; I will relinquish the Mizukage position after discussion."

Upon hearing that the Fourth Mizukage was willing to step down voluntarily, all the Mist Village ninja fell into a momentary silence; one must admit this is indeed the best solution.

However, on the Leaf Village side, and even among those senior Mist Village instructors, they couldn't help but turn their gazes once again toward Yuzhi and the others.

This matter proceeded so smoothly that it truly exceeded their expectations and imagination!

Although this Fourth Mizukage's personality does seem to be leaning toward that of a gentleman, the situation now really doesn't seem right, does it?

"I really didn't."

Itachi felt like crying but had no tears, completely unsure of how to explain this matter.

Fortunately, the Fourth Mizukage came over at this time, he gave Yuzhi and the others a deep look, then slightly bowed.

"Thank you for your help; I imagine you must be full of doubts right now."

——

"It's just that his legs are broken; although his organs have suffered some trauma, it's not a serious problem, so don't worry."

In a remote corner of the Land of Water, Black Zetsu examined Nagato's body, and only then did he speak.

Konan felt delighted upon hearing this; beside her, Obito, wearing a mask and appearing unharmed but with eyes full of malice, also nodded slightly.

However, his eyes also flashed with a sharp light, and his gaze involuntarily fell upon the Rinnegan.

"Let him rest first; we'll figure out how to handle the subsequent issues."

Black Zetsu seemed to notice Obito's condition; he immediately spoke to Konan, then gave Obito a look.

Obito furrowed his brows, but still followed Black Zetsu out, leaving the space to Nagato and Konan.

"Are you alright, Nagato?"

Konan glanced at the two with her peripheral vision, then lowered her voice to ask, while Nagato nodded.

"I won't die, I'm fine, just."

Looking at his legs completely severed, Nagato himself felt a bit short of breath; back when he was blown up by Salamander Hanzo, his legs were injured, but he never expected them to be cleanly cut off now.

This feeling made him feel especially awful, but fortunately his emotional control was decent, and he did not collapse.

"From now on, we should try to avoid that Uchiha Haori as much as possible."

Konan sighed; she originally did not approve of this operation, but since Nagato had made the decision, she naturally chose to accompany him to help him.

Of the three children from the Land of Rain back then, only the two of them remain; although Yahiko has hope of coming back to life, Konan's personality is just like that.

"For a friend, she can do anything!"

"Also, be careful of that impostor."

Suddenly, Konan lowered her voice considerably and spoke softly.

"That guy, the way he looked at you just now was off; he might be..."

"I saw it, I know."

Nagato nodded with a cold face; although Obito thought he hid it well, neither Nagato nor Konan trusted him, and his every move had already been exposed.

"Don't worry, I'll pay attention; I have never trusted that guy from the start!" As for Uchiha Haori.

"As for Uchiha Haori."

Upon mentioning that name, Nagato also couldn't help but shake his head; his feelings toward Yuzhi were somewhat complicated.

On one hand, he has no grudge against this Fifth Hokage, and strictly speaking he still needs to thank this Hokage.

Yuzhi killed Danzo, which in some ways counts as avenging him, and it is also Yuzhi's continuation of policy that allows the Land of Rain to keep benefiting.

However, for the sake of his inner plan, the Land of Fire also counts as his enemy, a hurdle he must overcome!

Taking a deep breath, Nagato then spoke.

"I promise you, under no unnecessary circumstances will I provoke him; he is strong, and even I now would find it…… difficult to deal with."

Nagato originally wanted to say 'quite troublesome,' but seeing his own legs severed, he couldn't help but change his words.

"I will lie in wait, slowly waiting for my control over the Rinnegan to improve, waiting for the revival of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path."

However, this time was not without gain; at least I now know my limits, and at least I know Uchiha Haori's current strength.

"I am capable of dealing with him; at least after using the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, I can cope with his Susanoo!"

Saying this, Nagato paused, and inevitably recalled the scene where he was swept aside by Madara Uchiha.

Soon after, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, yet at this moment he also felt a different emotion.

"Back then, Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju forged the current shinobi order, yet this order has proven to be a failure, bringing only endless pain and unending hatred."

"Perhaps Uchiha Haori represents the former Madara Uchiha, and our opposition is an omen of change in the shinobi order."

"Moreover, having such an opponent is probably also the most important step on my path to godhood!"

He may have been struck down, after all Yuzhi, incarnated as Obito, defeated him in an instant, and as Madara Uchiha swept him aside; now he no longer boasts of being a god.

Of course, it could also be that he hasn't yet fully mastered the Rinnegan; for now he is still relatively normal.

However, this normality still has some issues; upon hearing this, Konan opened her mouth, but ultimately let out a silent sigh.

She felt she still needed to contact that genuine article.

Whether it was to find a way to deal with Yuzhi, or to heal Nagato, or regarding the resurrection technique of the Sand Village.

She now wants to clarify things properly; before it was impossible, but now Yahiko has hope of coming over, and she truly does not want Nagato to continue like this.

"No matter the cost, if it can be done, I can do it!"

Konan silently repeated this to herself, of course also wanting to tell that person about Obito's issue.

"That look just now, she truly will not forget——"

"Obito, I advise you not to have any ill thoughts about the Rinnegan, at least not for now."

Having moved away from the area where Nagato was healing, Black Zetsu immediately spoke.

Obito's gaze just now really made him somewhat hard to read; he could be certain Obito definitely had some ill intentions.

To be frank, he doesn't oppose Obito obtaining the Rinnegan; after all, they're both tools, whoever uses them is the same, but damn it, Obito this waste cannot possibly nurture the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path!

Even if half his body consists of White Zetsu cells, what good is that? He isn't a true Uzumaki or Senju.

"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

Obito took a deep breath; although his eyes were full of desire, he still nodded.

All he could think about was himself standing on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, controlling this colossus as it clashed with Yuzhi's Susanoo!

The shock brought by Susanoo was truly immense, and he himself couldn't wield it; worst of all, he couldn't retrieve his other eye.

What's more infuriating is that the presence of his party here indicates that those led by the Sage have succeeded, yet he has once again lost to Yuzhi.

Not only did he lose to Yuzhi, he also 'died' at the hands of Minato Namikaze; all of this makes him feel utterly miserable!

How could he not long for the combat power of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path?

"Forget it; let him properly nurture the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, and later I'll just take everything away."

Obito kept reassuring himself; besides, he had no better options, yet he couldn't help but ask.

"So where do we go next? The Mist Village is probably gone."

You also know the Mist Village is gone, right?

If not spoken of, it'd be fine, but mentioning it ignites Black Zetsu's inner fury.

If it weren't for you, you bastard, messing around, would the Sage have risen?

If it weren't for you deliberately exposing the Akatsuki Organization to lure those Ghost Leaf people, would they now be stray dogs?

"Damn it, you still have the nerve to speak; does wearing a mask mean you have no face?"

Don't forget, everyone knows you're damn not Madara Uchiha; no one will give you a scapegoat!

Just thinking of how he painstakingly expended so much energy, constantly stabilizing the Mist Village, only for Obito's move to wipe it out, Black Zetsu's heart truly bleeds.

If it weren't not yet the time, Black Zetsu would really want to possess Obito and then use this guy's hands to strangle himself to death!

Over a thousand years, he's seen plenty of waste, but a waste so lacking self-awareness, constantly causing trouble in myriad ways—this is truly the first time he's encountered such.

"Good thing, there's still Itachi Uchiha to cultivate a bit."

Black Zetsu silently muttered that to himself, then adjusted his mood and spoke softly.

"It's fine, just the Mist Village; gone is gone, besides, this was bound to happen sooner or later."

"Your words."

"Don't overthink it; we can't stay in the Mist Village forever, as for where to go next, perhaps wandering everywhere would be better, after all."

"It's all the same wherever, right? You'd agree, wouldn't you?"

——

"Finally, no need to pretend!"

Inside the Leaf Village, Yuzhi lay on his home sofa and stretched lazily.

Feigning a pallid complexion really made him somewhat uncomfortable, but fortunately the matter is over, and what comes next doesn't require him to worry overly.

"Who made you insist on pretending?"

After Hikari sat down and carefully examined Yuzhi, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although she trusted Yuzhi immensely, saying she wasn't worried about him would be impossible; previously, with many people around, she couldn't show it too much, but now she can do whatever she wants.

However, after confirming Yuzhi's condition was fine, she then shook her head and said.

"Besides, as Hokage, you didn't even participate in such an important negotiation—aren't you being a bit excessive?"

"Why do I still need to participate? Leaving the rest to Minato and them is enough."

Yuzhi put his arm around Hikari's waist and replied with a smile.

"I just need to handle making plans and policies; as for how to make these things run, that's their job—otherwise, what would I need them for?"

Minato stayed behind with the Third Hokage and Kakashi, and they discussed the follow-up matters with Master Yuan and them; this kind of negotiation doesn't require Yuzhi to worry about it.

"Moreover, Minato and them also know how to do it, after all they already negotiated the relevant follow-up policies long ago."

"All they need to do is ensure the market's opening and allow our goods and cultural products to enter; of course, we also need to help them complete the village's reconstruction."

Yuzhi stroked his chin and spoke with a smile.

"After all, I'm preparing to have some ninjas who aren't heavily combat-specialized switch careers; Mist Village here would be a good place to try it out."

It's a pity, though—I forgot to ask Minato and them whether it would be possible to station troops in Mist Village.

Stationing troops in Mist Village would be quite interesting and representative; although Master Yuan is under control, his instincts would probably still make him refuse.

However, if Yuzhi takes a hard line, the chances of this passing are high, though it might provoke public anger.

But if Mist Village continues to be influenced by him in the future, such a thing could still happen; it's just a shame that Yuzhi forgot about this.

"Huh?"

Just as Yuzhi was secretly regretting, he suddenly sensed some movement and immediately began forming hand seals.

In the next instant, as smoke appeared, a poisonous snake appeared in his and Hikari's eyes!

"Is this that guy Orochimaru?"

Hikari recognized it immediately, and Yuzhi nodded as well; he is now quite curious.

"We just met Orochimaru not long ago—why is he rushing to find me now?"

While saying that, Yuzhi picked up a paper, placed it on his hand, then reached out; the poisonous snake smoothly opened its mouth, and a scroll fell into Yuzhi's hand.

Although it was somewhat disgusting, Yuzhi still opened it, but at that instant he suddenly paused because his system refreshed!

【Completed Side Quest: Destroying Obito's Control in Mist Village】

【Calculating Rewards】

Seeing this, Yuzhi's eyes involuntarily lit up—this side quest's waiting time is truly not shorter than his main quest's.

For today, he had honestly waited three whole years, and moreover, the number of people participating in this mission is indeed quite large.

Whether it's from Mist Village or the Akatsuki Organization, all of it will be counted in—how could Yuzhi not feel anticipatory?

【Statistics Completed】

【Obtained Mission Reward: Damaged Chakra Origin Power (Outer Path Demonic Statue Version)】

Chakra Origin Power?

Yuzhi felt somewhat bewildered; although he didn't know what it was, just hearing the name made it clear that this absolutely couldn't be something simple!

Moreover, at this moment, Yuzhi's peripheral vision also caught a glance at Orochimaru's scroll, and he was utterly stunned.

Good news—indeed, blessings keep coming one after another.

"What's wrong?"

Hikari looked at Yuzhi in confusion, seeing him frozen in place, speechless, and she instantly became anxious.

"Are you feeling unwell, or did that lunatic Orochimaru say something?"

"No, everything's fine—it's just too good, making me feel somewhat unreal."

Yuzhi came to his senses, glanced at the scroll again, and simultaneously felt the strange power surging within his body and the information in his mind.

At this moment, his smile fully blossomed, and he softly said to Hikari:

"If nothing unexpected happens, then for us, the so-called path to godhood has already opened."