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"Not getting what you want?"
Hanzo the Salamander gave a cold, mirthless laugh. "Whether those Byakugan will work for me is something we'll only know after we try!"
His words had torn away any pretense.
"Such a poisonous idea is not the true essence of life!"
Might Dai strode forward with clear disapproval, shaking his head at Hanzo. He bellowed, "Life requires shedding blood and sweat! Trying to take what belongs to others is not right!"
"…"
Hanzo frowned. When did it become this jumpsuit-clad fool's turn to speak?
Swish!
Several figures materialized in the office, surrounding He Tree and the others from all sides.
Hizashi Hyuga's face darkened. He retightened his forehead protector, his focus razor-sharp.
He knew.
He wasn't going back.
But…
Hizashi clenched his fists.
He couldn't let his students die with him.
He wouldn't!
Even if he died in pieces, he would carve a path out for them.
"Teacher, we'll fight by your side!"
Compared to the inscrutable Hyuga He Tree had first met, this Hizashi wore every emotion on his face. He Tree knew what he was thinking.
But they weren't just going to give up, either.
Before everything was truly over, anything could happen.
As He Tree's words faded, Shisui and Juri both fell into combat stances, determination etched into their brows.
They didn't speak, but their actions shouted their resolve.
"You…"
Hizashi's voice caught slightly.
At the same time, it steeled the resolve in his heart.
He would get He Tree and the others out.
At any cost.
Might Dai kicked a charging ninja across the room, flashing a brilliant smile at Hizashi. "I'll fight by your side too, Captain Hizashi!"
"What a touching scene."
Hanzo's voice was ice.
He gestured to the hesitant Rain ninja flanking him. "Take them!"
Dealing with Hanzo himself would be trouble, but handling these Rain Village grunts? He Tree's group was more than capable.
He Tree's hand slowly closed around Shinso.
Then he pulled.
A white beam of light tore through space, piercing the heart of the ninja before him.
Yes. This was Shinso. The very zanpakuto he'd left at the steamed bun stand opposite while staring too intently at Konan.
By sheer luck, Hizashi Hyuga had found it and returned it last night, sternly telling him to take better care of his weapon.
He Tree had nodded sheepishly, not mentioning the real reason he'd lost it.
Combat erupted instantly.
A barrage of jutsu followed.
He Tree shot toward the Rain nin facing him. His speed was blinding. Even without Shunpo, his movements were a blur to the naked eye.
The massive floor-to-ceiling window shattered under an ice ball from his free hand. He tilted his head as a kunai whistled past his ear. His momentum never faltered. Shinso's beam pierced another heart.
For He Tree, armed with a monster like Shinso, this melee felt less like a battle and more like a slaughterhouse.
From initial terror to a heart hardened like iron.
This well-bred child was finally stained by the great dye vat that was the ninja world.
BOOM!
A massive explosion rang out. He Tree finished off the ninja before him with a single stab and looked toward the sound.
An explosive tag was plastered to Hizashi's chest.
The one who put it there was Hanzo the Salamander.
"Don't move. I'd hate to damage the Byakugan."
Hanzo was delaying the detonation.
Hizashi froze. After a moment of silence, he charged Hanzo anyway.
If he died in the explosion, maybe it was for the best. It might buy a little time.
Shisui read the emotion in his teacher's eyes.
Run!
Shisui hesitated.
If they left, Teacher Hizashi would die.
If they stayed, they'd all die.
He wasn't afraid. He was just searching for a better option.
"It seems you're not afraid of death."
Hanzo snorted softly. He triggered the explosive tag.
He admired ninja with backbone and conviction. It didn't conflict with his goals.
He would watch this Byakugan user's death with respect.
He Tree's body shot toward Hizashi like a bullet.
At the same moment, the explosive tag vanished into his system inventory.
He immediately transferred it onto a Rain ninja trying to sneak up from behind.
Hizashi stared, stunned. This close, he could clearly see He Tree's actions.
He could sense it—a space-time ninjutsu.
Incredible.
Hanzo also narrowed his eyes. For the first time, he gave proper attention to this child he'd initially dismissed. He shook his head, almost wistful. "Konoha truly lives up to its name as the cradle of geniuses."
[Ding! Favorability of target Hanzo the Salamander +5!]
The system prompt chimed.
A realization struck He Tree.
How had he forgotten?
Hanzo the Salamander was a viable target too.
"Lord Hanzo also lives up to his title as the 'Demigod' of the ninja world," He Tree said earnestly, his sapphire blue eyes radiating pure sincerity.
[Ding! Favorability of target Hanzo the Salamander +6!]
Hanzo chuckled. "This old man does have some small renown."
He Tree: "…"
Getting a bit full of yourself, aren't you? Can't you tell I'm just being polite?
"A shame. A genius like you is also destined to fall here in Amegakure."
A gradually chilling pronouncement came from Hanzo's lips.
As his voice fell, another wave of Rain ninja surged forward.
Even if Hanzo didn't lift a finger, these endless waves of ninja would grind them down through sheer numbers.
He Tree gritted his teeth. He'd heard the old bastard got more cautious with age. It was true.
Keeping ninja in reserve in the shadows while he watched safely from the back.
He Tree pushed off the ground, leaping high. From above, he sealed the advance of the ninja below. Shinso's white beam was too fast. They couldn't dodge.
But after the earlier fight, the Rain nin had learned. They understood Shinso's power now, twisting and contorting to avoid a direct hit.
"Wind Style: Whirlwind Palm!"
Hearing the howling wind behind him, He Tree didn't turn. He drove Shinso straight into the ninja before him.
The Rain nin, expecting a dodge, was caught completely off guard by the unwavering thrust. The blade went clean through.
The fierce Whirlwind Palm struck He Tree's back.
It dissipated without a ripple.
The bizarre scene made the attacking ninja and the observing Hanzo widen their eyes in shock.
"Im… impossible…" the Rain nin muttered, disbelieving.
A sharp, intense light flashed in Hanzo's eyes. His gaze, previously fixed on Hizashi's Byakugan, now glued itself to He Tree.
For an old man like himself, what he desired most was a long life. What he cared for most was his own safety.
This child… could nullify ninjutsu attacks.
This was Hanzo's dream.
He Tree noticed the sudden, feverish intensity in Hanzo's eyes and frowned slightly with worry.
Limitless wasn't just a powerful ability in Hanzo's eyes. It was a treasure to be seized.
He Tree's subtle shift in expression made the old fox Hanzo narrow his eyes further.
He gave an almost imperceptible signal to the ninja surrounding them.
Don't kill. Capture them alive.
Receiving their leader's command, the Rain ninja attacked with renewed ferocity.
More and more swarmed in. He Tree and the others were wearing down.
"Water Style: Water Shockwave!"
A torrent of water, roaring like a tide, rushed toward He Tree.
Yet, an invisible film on his surface brought it to a complete halt.
Hanzo's covetousness burned hotter.
Of Hizashi's group, He Tree was the first to fall.
Gasping for breath, he slumped to the floor, sweat-drenched, watching a Rain ninja approach.
"He Tree!"
Seeing He Tree exhausted, Juri was distracted for a split second. A Rain ninja pinned him down.
Juri struggled violently, eyes locked on He Tree. "Let me go!"
Blood dripped from the corner of Hizashi's mouth. His limbs trembled from overexertion; his body was rebelling against the fierce combat.
Shisui and Might Dai were also restrained.
The situation was a dead end.
The worst part? The strongest enemy, Hanzo the Salamander, hadn't even moved.
The sheer numbers of Rain Village were enough to tear them apart.
He Tree glared at Hanzo with hatred.
Hanzo, flanked by two bodyguards, walked up to him. He looked down from his height, his bloodshot eyes betraying his inner turmoil.
"Kid. Your ability is… unique."
His secret exposed, He Tree flinched. "What ability? I don't know what you're talking about."
"Hahaha…"
Seeing the boy's stubborn denial only made Hanzo more certain. This kid was hiding something.
"Is that so? You don't know? You were just immune to attacks!"
Hanzo's tone was almost gentle. He glanced at He Tree, then, without waiting for an answer, turned his gaze to Hizashi, Shisui, and the others. He sighed with faux regret. "If you truly don't know, then I'll have to ask them. The methods… might not be so gentle."
Hanzo had fought Konoha ninja before. He understood them. They cared more about their comrades than their own safety.
So, from the start, he'd chosen to use Hizashi and the others as leverage against He Tree.
Sure enough, he saw the boy's eyes turn red with fury.
He Tree snarled, "If you have the guts, come at me!"
Hanzo felt a swell of satisfaction. Dealing with a brat like this was child's play.
He shook his head. "If you won't talk, your friends will suffer."
He Tree clenched his jaw.
Juri panicked. "He Tree, don't agree! We're not afraid!"
He knew how special He Tree's ability was. This old dog already coveted Teacher Hizashi's eyes, and now he wanted He Tree too.
In his agitation, Juri's pure black pupils shifted.
They turned blood red.
"Hahahaha…!"
Hanzo stared, then burst into laughter.
"What a fruitful day!"
An Uchiha. A Byakugan. And now this immunity-granting brat.
The Third Hokage had truly sent him a magnificent gift!
Seeing Hanzo's blatant greed for Juri's Sharingan, He Tree's heart clenched. He blurted out, "Don't touch them! I'll agree to anything!"
"He Tree!"
"He Tree!"
"He Tree!"
Hizashi and the others cried out simultaneously.
How could they accept his sacrifice?
He Tree was the one they were supposed to protect!
Tears welled in He Tree's eyes at his comrades' cries, but his gaze on Hanzo remained unwavering.
If his sacrifice alone could buy their safety, it was worth it.
"Good."
"Truly, a Konoha ninja."
As he watched, a trace of genuine admiration stirred in Hanzo's heart.
He'd fought Konoha ninja before. Beyond their strength, what left the deepest impression was their willpower and conviction.
[Ding! Favorability of target Hanzo the Salamander +10!]
"Let them leave first!" He Tree demanded, eyes locked on Hanzo.
Hanzo shook his head. He Tree's face stiffened. "Are you going back on your word?"
A sly smile played on Hanzo's lips. "I never promised anything. Besides, you alone aren't worth giving up a Sharingan and a Byakugan."
He'd never intended to let them go. Just stringing along this poor boy.
"You—!" He Tree's expression turned grim. He said, "What if I told you… my ability can nullify all attacks? And grant speed that surpasses even Konoha's Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze?"
The Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze. A young ninja rising in the great wars.
True to his name, faster than hell.
A flicker of change passed over Hanzo's face.
He considered his poison and ninjutsu peerless. If he could also nullify attacks and possess ultimate speed… wouldn't that make him a true god, not just a "Demigod"?
Longing blossomed in Hanzo's heart.
Who didn't want the legendary fame of the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju?
Hanzo's breathing grew slightly rapid. But he was no fool.
His inherently suspicious nature forced him to be calm. "How would I obtain this ability of yours?"
He Tree ignored the question, looking instead at Shisui and the others. "If you want to know, let them leave Amegakure!"
"He Tree!"
Hizashi stared, his eyes bloodshot.
He didn't need his student sacrificing himself for the teacher.
Seeing Shisui and the others frantic, eyes red, He Tree instead smiled.
It was a smile full of finality.
For a moment, his mind was flooded with system chimes.
"Shut off the favorability notifications for now!" He Tree mentally ordered the system.
The system silently complied.
At the brink of life and death, the host must be moved by true feeling.
"It's messing with my acting," He Tree added.
"…"
The system paused. I shouldn't have been so naive. My host has no heart.
"Why should I believe you?" Hanzo, no idiot, watched He Tree warily.
What if this boy couldn't transfer the ability at all, and he let the Byakugan and Sharingan slip away? He'd be the fool.
Hearing the doubt, hesitation flashed across He Tree's face, quickly replaced by resolve. He carefully took a small vial of blue liquid from his pouch.
The shimmering, iridescent fluid seemed to have its own filter, instantly capturing Hanzo's full attention.
"This is…?"
Hanzo's breathing grew even more rapid.
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