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"Clang."
The heavy coffin landed on the ground with a dull thud.
Tenzo and Shinno only found the entrance to this cave several days later, based on the few pieces of information Uchiha Madara left behind. However, feeling the intense, utterly unignorable Chakra emanating from inside, both of them stood rooted to the spot, looking at each other, neither daring to take a step forward.
Although Uchiha Madara had said before his death that he had left behind a successor, Heaven knew what kind of monster that fellow who inherited his will would be.
Clearly, after witnessing the battle between Uchiha Madara and Sawara Kiri, they had a very clear understanding of their own strength.
"Oh my, oh my."
However, just as the two of them were still hesitating at the entrance, a figure split into black and white suddenly floated up from underground. It stared silently at the two with a strange gaze, a forced smile on its face.
"Guests actually came today."
"Even though this is such a desolate place."
Almost the instant that voice rang out, Tenzo and Shinno both instinctively retreated half a step, coldly looking at the figure that had abruptly emerged from underground without them detecting any presence. A strong sense of alertness rose in their hearts.
Is this the so-called 'successor'?
However, just as this thought crossed their minds, a soft sound of footsteps slowly echoed from within the deep cave.
The next moment, a slender, cold-faced girl stepped out of the shadows, her gaze indifferently fixed on the two of them.
The moment they saw her, both Tenzo and Shinno were taken aback.
They seemed not to have expected that Uchiha Madara's proud successor would be such a young girl.
"Are these the two?"
Uchiha Hikari spoke calmly, but not to them. Her crimson eyes turned instead to Zetsu, who had emerged from underground.
"That's right, this is the scent."
As Zetsu spoke, he turned to look at the coffin they had thrown on the ground. The already stiff corners of his mouth stretched even wider, as if he had encountered something long-awaited that could stir his emotions:
"However, Lord Madara seems to have died."
"Hmph."
"As expected."
Uchiha Hikari spoke softly, a hint of coldness in her voice, her gaze shifting to the coffin on the ground.
"Letting that guy die so easily, it certainly fulfilled his wish."
Her feelings towards Uchiha Madara were actually quite complex.
As a monster also abandoned by her clan, and an ally who opposed the Uchiha Clan, Madara was undoubtedly a powerful asset, not to mention he shared the same ambition as her—to bring peace to this world.
The opposite side, however, lay in the clearly incompatible paths between the two.
Truthfully, Uchiha Madara's death both made her sigh in relief and caused her to feel a sense of solemnity.
Not being controlled by a talisman was naturally beneficial for her.
However, Uchiha Hikari also clearly understood Madara's strength.
Whether it was Susanoo or pure skill, she was actually far inferior to that seemingly decrepit old man.
Yet, now, a guy so much stronger than her met his demise at the hands of Sawara Kiri.
This also indicated that a completely unavoidable formidable enemy had appeared on the path to peace she yearned for.
During the girl's brief silence, Tenzo and Shinno subconsciously exchanged glances, and then Tenzo spoke first:
"This adult, we two are here to return the coffin, as per Lord Madara's last will."
"If there are no other instructions, we two will first—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Uchiha Hikari's eyes suddenly changed.
Her pupils, which had just been pitch black, abruptly turned a deep crimson at that moment, the tomoe in the center of her eyes connecting to form a pinwheel shape.
"Since you've come, then stay."
The moment they heard this, both Tenzo and Shinno were startled, almost instinctively darting to the sides, suddenly covering dozens of meters.
This single move alone demonstrated extremely refined Body Flicker Technique.
However, Tenzo's vision merely flickered, and the petite figure had already appeared before him with a speed that ordinary people could not possibly track.
Tenzo had inherited a large amount of Danzo's memories, possessing extremely rich combat experience against the Uchiha Clan. His gaze immediately dropped to the girl's feet, while simultaneously forming hand signs.
"Wood Release: Great—"
Before he could finish his words, the girl had already struck with lightning speed, pressing one hand onto his hand-signing fingers, while the other hand "clapped" onto his neck.
The immense, irresistible force caused a faint creaking sound in Tenzo's neck, forcing his head up to meet those crimson eyes.
"Yachihoko!"
Just this brief eye contact, the suddenly burst forth Dojutsu Chakra, like a surging tide, struck deep into his brain, causing his entire body's movements to involuntarily freeze.
At the same time, a faint Chakra mark appeared on the back of his neck.
Once she released her hand, Tenzo stood motionless in place.
What kind of Jutsu was that?!
Shinno, who had no concept of Mangekyo Dojutsu, felt a chill in his heart the moment he saw this, and the speed of his steps increased by several points.
However, even if he was the former leader of the Sky Ninja Village, how could he compare to Uchiha Hikari, who had been training for a year?
Before he could even run a few steps, Uchiha Hikari, who had suddenly turned from Tenzo, already launched a kick, forcefully stepping on his back, and like a startled swan, she pressed him down, then pulled his head back up.
Another Yachihoko shot out, and Shinno's body immediately froze as well.
In just a few seconds, two powerhouses who could somewhat make a name for themselves in the entire Ninja World had already been brought under the control of "Yachihoko."
After a while longer, Tenzo suddenly recovered from his dazed state.
He first instinctively felt his body, and after finding no missing limbs, he looked at the black-haired girl with a cold expression, saying coldly:
"You, what exactly did you do to us?!"
However, Uchiha Hikari seemed accustomed to this reaction, and calmly said:
"Your strength is not bad."
"From today onwards, you two will be under my command."
"Bastard!"
How could Tenzo be easily subdued by such a reply?
It was understandable that he couldn't defeat Uchiha Madara before, but now, how could he, the future leader of Konoha, be ordered around by some random person who appeared out of nowhere?
He immediately completed the hand signs, and slammed his hands onto the ground.
"Wood Release: Great Forest Jutsu!"
With a rumble, countless wood-based Roots, surging like tentacles, suddenly churned out from beneath the previously flat ground, aiming directly at Uchiha Hikari.
However, the girl, who had been as swift as lightning moments before, completely ignored his attack this time and turned to walk away.
A flicker of light first appeared in Tenzo's eyes.
But the next moment.
"Bang!"
The countless Roots that had been continuously rolling forward just a second ago suddenly came to a violent halt the instant they were about to touch Uchiha Hikari.
Countless Roots seemed to have suddenly been paused.
All stopped within an inch.
It wasn't just his Wood Release.
Tenzo could clearly feel that even his own body seemed to have lost all reaction at that moment, and the control of his entire body, even the Chakra within him, completely changed hands.
And he, could not react at all.
'What exactly is this...'
The astonishment and fear in his heart grew even more intense.
Uchiha Hikari remained calm.
Yachihoko could remotely control Ninja who had been marked, and even absorb their Chakra for her own use.
This was why she was considered the "ultimate weapon" by her entire clan back then.
Anyone who fell under the Jutsu could not escape being controlled unless Uchiha Hikari herself willingly released it.
Shinno, who had just been trying to resist, suddenly saw this scene, and his Adam's apple unconsciously bobbed, as if even his breathing had been suppressed.
First Sawara Kiri, then Uchiha Madara, and now this woman...
How many terrifying monsters like them were hidden beneath the deep sea of this Ninja World?
Just by witnessing this scene, he completely lost the will to resist.
Seemingly noticing his expression, Uchiha Hikari cast a glance at him, nodding: "At least there's one sensible one."
"Let's go."
With just one command from her, the two completely lost control of their bodies and quickly followed Uchiha Hikari forward.
As for Uchiha Madara's corpse and coffin, they were entirely swallowed and stored by Zetsu, who had been watching the show from the side, and were transported to an unknown location.
On his black and white face, that disgusting smile remained as he quickly moved along the ground, following them.
However, none of them noticed the subtly heavy gaze on Uchiha Hikari's gradually calming face.
"This is truly troublesome."
In the young girl's thoughts, she unconsciously recalled the scene when she first met that young man, how after he defeated her, he forcefully touched her forehead.
Her vision was still heavy, yet a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her lips, all those conflicting emotions displayed on her face.
"If even Uchiha Madara can't defeat you…"
"What should I do to completely conquer you, Sawara Kiri?"
Konoha, deep within the Forest of Death.
"Clang!"
Tiny sparks flew as metal rubbed against metal.
Two small figures continuously weaved through the dense forest, their short swords and Kunai clashing repeatedly in rapid succession.
Another girl with dark red hair leaned against a nearby tree trunk, quietly watching Zabuza and Hozuki Mangetsu spar, her mind lost in thought.
Judging purely by Taijutsu, these two boys, only six or seven years old, had already reached Genin level. Both their speed and strength were excellent, and their mastery of close-quarters combat techniques was particularly outstanding.
If they were to display their full strength, it would likely be no difficult feat for them to skip grades and graduate directly, or even be promoted to the newly established Ninjutsu High School.
However, their current strength could only be fully displayed in such an uninhabited place.
Mei Terumī's thoughts, though, were not focused on the two of them.
Even after many days, her mind still constantly replayed the battlefield her trio had witnessed in front of Konoha Village's gates.
Her smooth, child-like skin was tightly furrowed by a hint of worry, forming a small knot on her forehead.
'Is that level of strength truly something a Ninja can achieve?'
'It's like a valley formed by a Tailed Beast battle.'
'Moreover, the enemy was the legendary Uchiha Madara.'
Even as a child, she had heard of the Ninja World's Asura and would never dare to disregard such a prominent figure due to the passage of time.
After all, was it truly because the other nations wanted to participate that the first Five Kage Summit was brought about?
It was precisely because the other Villages had completely submitted to the might of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
What concerned her even more was another question.
'What necessity does a powerhouse like Lord Ren have to remain in this Village, acting as a small spy?'
'Is he truly going to hollow out Konoha and make it a Hidden Mist vassal?'
'Is that even possible?'
Despite her young age, Mei Terumī already displayed extraordinary maturity and a perspective beyond her years.
She keenly noticed this contradiction.
"Yo."
Just as she was deep in thought, a soft sound suddenly echoed behind her.
Mei Terumī's mind jolted, and she instantly snapped out of her daze, almost instinctively thrusting a Kunai behind her.
However, before her hand could even extend, it was firmly held on her shoulder by a large hand.
When she looked up, she met a pair of clear blue eyes that seemed to be smiling.
"It's not good for a young child to frown like an adult, you know."
Sawara Kiri gently reached out and slowly massaged the elementary schooler's brow, helping to relax the tight knot on her forehead, and joked, "You'll get old prematurely."
The instant terror that had surged in Mei Terumī's heart at the sight of the man's face immediately subsided.
'But… how?'
She had clearly set up so many discreet perception seals nearby.
Even a bird flying through the forest should have triggered her perception.
'Thankfully, it's Lord Ren.'
Mei Terumī thought to herself, her body immediately lowering into a bow:
"Lord Ren."
"There's no need to be so formal when we're in Konoha. Just call me by my name here." Sawara Kiri gently patted her head, signaling her to stand up, then turned to look at the two in the forest. "You two are working hard as well."
At this moment, Zabuza and Hozuki Mangetsu also noticed his presence and immediately ran over to bow.
"Lord Kiri."
"That's better."
Sawara Kiri smiled gently, his clear blue eyes lingering for a moment on Mei Terumī's slightly reserved face, but he said nothing.
For children, being a little perceptive is a good thing.
For adults, not necessarily.
Unlike Mei Terumī's subtle reserve, Zabuza and Hozuki Mangetsu's behavior was more like ordinary children, their eyes full of admiration when they looked at him.
Although Zabuza's face was covered, his excitement almost burst from his eyes.
Hozuki Mangetsu was more observant, clearly noticing Sawara Kiri's light footsteps when he appeared without a sound: "Lord Kiri, are your injuries fully healed?"
"More or less. After all, I've been resting for several days."
Sawara Kiri spoke casually, but his words brought another surge of excitement to the young ones' ears.
'He fought such a fierce battle with that monster, and he's already recovered in less than a week?'
'As expected of Lord Sawara!'
Mei Terumī's gaze, however, became subtly more solemn.
But when she looked up, she displayed the innocent smile unique to her age:
"Lord Kiri, are you finally going to give us a mission?"
"It should count as a mission."
Sawara Kiri's face still held that gentle smile, seemingly unconcerned by the children's eager expressions: "Before I came, I inquired about your situation from the Ninja Academy teachers."
"Every teacher said that your personalities are a bit reclusive."
"That's not conducive to long-term infiltration."
His smile became even gentler as he said in a consultative tone, "So, as your first mission—why don't you go and make more friends with everyone in your class?"
Upon hearing this, the three Hidden Mist child spies were all stunned.
'What kind of mission is this?'
"Is it hard to understand?" Sawara Kiri looked at them, stating matter-of-factly, "If I hadn't integrated myself into this Village back then and adapted to its environment, I would probably have been arrested by Root as a suspect during the first few major purges."
"In this Village, there aren't just one or two spies your age. Those who live to become fifteen-year-old adults are a minority among minorities."
"But…"
The impatient Zabuza wanted to retort something.
Mei Terumī, however, immediately spoke up:
"Yes, I understand!"
Zabuza and Hozuki Mangetsu both turned to look at her, their expressions somewhat surprised.
Previously, Mei Terumī was clearly the one who most wanted a mission, wasn't she?
"That's more like it."
Sawara Kiri reached out and, with a beaming smile, ruffled the little one's head again; it felt soft and fluffy.
However, as Mei Terumī had her head ruffled, she subtly looked up, asking with an expectant gaze, as if a little embarrassed:
"Um, Lord Kiri!"
"Actually, I'm also from a Kekkei Genkai clan. If I have any questions later, may I please ask you for guidance?"
"Bloodline development, huh?"
Sawara Kiri looked at her, immediately noticing her subtle little thought, and seemed somewhat helpless as he extended his hand to her: "Actually, I'm not very good at this aspect myself."
"Perhaps, only to this extent?"
As he spoke, he casually raised his hand.
From his wrist, a sudden fissure opened.
White bone, covered in a thin layer of gray substance, extended from his wrist with astonishing speed, pressing against the edge of the young girl's cheek like a bayonet.
It carried a hint of subtle chill.
Mei Terumī's heart rate unconsciously quickened.
She suddenly had an intuition of extreme danger.
If she were to be touched by this thing, even just a brush against her skin, she would probably be finished.
"Whoosh!"
The bone spike shot past her cheek, directly piercing through a giant tree several meters in diameter behind the three of them, disappearing untold meters away.
Sawara Kiri was still smiling gently.
Zabuza and Hozuki Mangetsu on either side both showed excited looks.
Only Mei Terumī could clearly sense the intense killing intent that seemed to freeze one in place for a moment.
Cold sweat broke out on her back.
Sawara Kiri's large hand remained on her head, his voice still gentle: "Next, I will find time to give you a special secret training, but remember the principle of confidentiality."
"Mei, you understand, right?"
He lowered his head, looking at the still-young girl.
"Yes, Lord Kiri!"
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