Chapter 234:
Black Domain.
Though it was a pitch-black alternate dimension where one couldn't see their own hand in front of them, as the headquarters of the Ability Beasts, this environment didn't affect them in the slightest. Likewise, as the ultimate nemesis of the Ability Beasts, the strongest among all armored warriors—the Imperial Armor—was also unaffected by the surroundings.
The Imperial Armor radiated a golden glow, continuously illuminating the space around it as it clashed in a fierce stalemate with four ancient Ability Beasts.
Within the Black Domain, the power of the Ability Beasts seemed to have increased, which was likely why the four ancient Ability Beasts could fight evenly against the Imperial Armor.
"What the hell is with this armor?!"
Even someone like Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, who had little knowledge of the Armored Warriors, began to sense that something was off. This armor was simply too powerful. At this rate, perhaps only the Black Emperor would be able to put an end to it. But the Black Emperor was still slumbering within the Black Domain.
"The Imperial Armor—the Emperor among Armored Warriors and the strongest warrior in the universe. He is the greatest enemy of our Ability Beasts. Hundreds of millions of years ago, it was the Imperial Armor who stood in the way of our conquest of the universe!"
As the solemn voice echoed, Evilmoku quickly dropped to one knee and said, "Lord Black Emperor."
"Evilmoku, withdraw from this place. This level of battle is still beyond you. Although my power hasn't fully recovered yet, with the four ancient Ability Beasts, it will be enough to handle the Imperial Armor, whose strength is likewise not at its peak."
"Yes, sir."
Evilmoku bowed his head in agreement, then stole a glance toward the battlefield where laser beams and sword energy clashed furiously. Even so, this wasn't the Imperial Armor's full power yet, which left Evilmoku thoroughly stunned.
Hidden Mist Village.
The empty Mizukage's office.
Evilmoku scrambled out from the Black Domain in a miserable state.
Facing the battle between the four ancient Ability Beasts and the Imperial Armor, he was completely useless. Even he had to admit the might of the ancient Ability Beasts. Unfortunately, no matter how strong they were, they were still just beasts in the end.
"Evilmoku, you've finally returned."
Following the familiar voice, Evilmoku turned to see the SHIELD diplomatic ambassador to the Ability Beasts—Clone Gray Wolf.
"Gray Wolf, what do you want?"
Evilmoku narrowed his eyes.
A single Clone Gray Wolf was certainly unworthy of his attention, but the mysterious SHIELD backing him was another matter. Or rather, it was the Black Emperor's attitude toward SHIELD that had caused Evilmoku to also regard them with caution.
"Naruto has already caught wind of SHIELD's secret infiltration plan. Therefore, SHIELD hopes the Ability Beasts can lend some assistance. After all, SHIELD and the Ability Beasts are supposed to be allies now, aren't we?"
This Clone Gray Wolf had seemingly inherited Orochimaru's sinister aura—his mere voice made others uneasy.
"Of course we can help. But as you can see, I'm not in great shape right now. Diluda still hasn't returned—probably died somewhere. The four ancient Ability Beasts are fighting the Imperial Armor in the Black Domain. So the only ones I can spare are the ninja from the Hidden Mist Village."
Evilmoku said.
The ninja of the Hidden Mist were not only weak, but also posed a constant risk of betrayal during the war with the Hidden Leaf Village.
Most organizations would've outright refused, but SHIELD was different—and so was Orochimaru. With SHIELD's Biochemical Ghost Project nearing its final phase—the Terminator phase—Orochimaru was busier than ever and needed more experimental subjects.
After all, Orochimaru had discovered during his research that cloned bodies couldn't withstand the power of the Terminator.
So he now needed a large number of young, strong ninjas to serve as experimental test subjects.
Clone Gray Wolf nodded and said, "Fine."
Mount Myōboku.
"What?! You ran into a liquid metal robot that can use ninjutsu?!"
Shikamaru looked at the group who had rushed over from the Hidden Leaf Village in shock.
"Yeah."
Sasuke gave a simple nod in reply. Except for Naruto, that was how he was with everyone—if he could say it in one word, he wouldn't use two.
"And not just that, Uncle Shikamaru. That thing used Wood Release strong enough to rival the First Hokage."
Sarada added from behind.
"Wood Release on par with the First Hokage..."
Shikamaru muttered to himself. Though later users of Wood Release—like Uchiha Obito, Yamato, and even Sarada now—had never demonstrated overwhelming power, that didn't mean Wood Release was just mildly troublesome.
If they were facing Wood Release as used by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, then probably only Naruto and Sasuke would be able to survive in the entire Hidden Leaf.
After all, Hashirama's chakra reserves rivaled those of Tailed Beasts, and the power of his Wood Release was proportionally massive.
"More importantly, there's another you hiding near Naruto in the village."
Since it involved Naruto, Sasuke actually spoke a little more than usual.
"What?!"
Modern Boruto stepped up beside Sasuke and asked, "Are you saying Dad's in danger?!"
"If that liquid metal clone of me can also use ninjutsu, then yes, Naruto really might be in danger…"
Shikamaru's face turned grim.
"Everyone!"
Fukasaku hopped over to the group, followed closely by Shima.
"Elder Toads, what's going on?"
These two frogs had lived for ages, and since they had long-standing ties to both the past two Hokage and their teachers, Shikamaru greeted them with respect—not just for himself, but with hopes that his son Shikadai might one day also train at Mount Myōboku.
"The Great Toad Sage has requested that you all leave Mount Myōboku by tomorrow morning."
Fukasaku wore an apologetic expression as he spoke.
"Hey, you can't just kick us out! We still have someone training here!"
Because of Future Boruto's unique identity, the higher-ups in the Leaf had kept it secret. Sarutobi Mirai had only learned the truth after arriving at Mount Myōboku. While she was initially shocked, she had since come to terms with it.
"That's enough, Mirai."
Kakashi stopped Sarutobi Mirai and then looked toward the two elder toads.
"We understand. Thank you for taking care of us during this time."
"Lord Sixth…"
Mirai looked at Kakashi, who held her back.
"It's no trouble at all, really. Actually, it's us at Mount Myōboku who owe you an apology. It's just that the enemies you're facing this time are far too dangerous. If things go south, even Mount Myōboku might be destroyed. That's why we have no choice."
Fukasaku hastily waved his hand toward Kakashi as he explained.