socalfunplaces Chapter 182 The Road to Family Division
Chapter 182 The Road to Family Division
Chapter 182 The Path of Family Division (Please Subscribe!)
With only 21 days left until the destruction of the ninja world, inside the Fire Temple.
Nara Shikaku sat in a corner of the temple, quietly listening to Maruhoshi Kosuke recount everything to him. The expression on his face gradually changed from initial shock to disbelief.
He looked up at Maruhoshi Kosuke, his eyes filled with a complex and unreadable expression. Finally, he couldn't help but ask softly, "Lord Kosuke, are you sure everything you've said is true? That it can be completely purified using the so-called power of natural light? This is simply... unbelievable."
As the head of the Nara clan, Shikaku's understanding of various chakra attributes and techniques far surpasses that of ordinary people.
But in his understanding, negative natural energy, that is, the demonized state of the ninja, requires purification of this power...
It was extremely difficult, but the fact that someone like Kosuke Maruboshi, who didn't even exist, completely overturned his understanding.
Maruhoshi Kosuke looked at Nara Shikaku's puzzled expression with a gentle and kind smile.
"Lord Otsutsuki Genji used his power to dispel the lingering darkness and hatred in my heart. He is a true guide who can save us all."
Nara Shikaku silently repeated the name to himself once more.
"Otsutsuki Genji..."
He then looked up and stared intently at Maruhoshi Kosuke: "Kosuke-sama, so now, are you planning to completely follow the so-called Otsutsuki Genji?"
Upon hearing this, Kosuke Maruhoshi's eyes shone with an unprecedented piety and determination: "Yes, Shikaku. I've decided. I will stay here, spread the gospel of Lord Otsutsuki Gen-sama, and help those lost in darkness find hope in life again."
At this point, Kosuke Maruhoshi slowly stood up, clasped his hands together, and a gentle and warm light flowed slowly from his body.
This light was warm and peaceful, like a spring breeze, instantly giving Nara Shikaku a sense of tranquility and warmth he had never felt before.
Nara Shikaku felt a slight warmth in his heart and subconsciously wanted to immerse himself completely in the light. However, as a powerful member of the Nara clan who was proficient in Yin-attribute chakra, his keen senses immediately made him realize that something was wrong.
This light, seemingly pure and warm, actually contained a faint, eerie fluctuation of illusion.
If I hadn't had extremely strong willpower, I probably would have been completely assimilated by now.
Nara Shikaku quickly regained his composure and cautiously took a step back: "Lord Kosuke, what exactly was that light you were just now? It didn't seem to be just natural energy; rather, it had a strange illusionary effect mixed in?"
Maruhoshi Kosuke seemed to realize his mistake, and with an apologetic expression, he immediately withdrew the light emanating from his body and said softly.
"I'm sorry, Shikaku. This power has become a part of my body, and it sometimes comes out unconsciously. I didn't mean to cast a genjutsu on you."
Nara Shikaku sneered inwardly, wondering if it was intentional or accidental...
It's hard to say for sure now...
"What if the Hokage himself comes to the Fire Temple to find you? How do you plan to deal with that?"
Upon hearing this, Kosuke Maruhoshi's eyes revealed a clear sense of pity and determination.
After a moment of silence, he finally responded softly, "If Lord Hiruzen really comes to the Temple of Fire in person, I will do my best to persuade him to return to the guidance of the gods and not continue down the wrong path."
"God's guidance..."
Nara Shikaku wasn't sure if Maruboshi Kosuke was serious or just talking nonsense...
"He is your god..."
However, Maruboshi Kosuke slowly shook his head, his expression devout: "Lord Otsutsuki Genji is not a god. He is my guide, the one who completely cleared away the fog for me when I was most confused and helpless, and let me see the path forward again."
Nara Shikaku fell silent, his brows furrowed, and the worry in his eyes deepened.
"In the past few days, several supply depots in Konoha have suffered serious setbacks."
Now it seems that all of this was probably done by Otsutsuki Genji...
Maruhoshi Kosuke did not deny it, his smile still gentle and kind: "Shikaku, this world has long been pushed to the brink of destruction by the plunder and destruction of ninjas. Everything that Lord Otsutsuki Genji has done is to help those innocent people regain control of their own destiny and future."
Nara Shikaku sighed, his heart pounding with even greater turmoil.
According to the intelligence he possessed, in just two days, Otsutsuki Gen had taken control of more than 80% of the supply stations within the Land of Fire with his unique power, and even used the large amount of supplies in these supply stations to quickly gather more than 300,000 believers.
In just two days, such an astonishing number of people have gathered, which is enough to shock anyone.
Moreover, with the rapid expansion of the number and scale of believers, the Konoha leadership no longer dares to act rashly.
Now, refugees from not only the Land of Fire, but also from the Land of Lightning, the Land of Water, and many other countries are flocking to Otsutsuki Gen's refugee camp, seeking his protection and guidance.
The conflicts and rivalries between the major ninja villages in the ninja world are becoming increasingly serious: Amegakure and Iwagakure,
The battle between the Hidden Cloud Villages is intensifying, and the Hidden Mist Village is also preparing to launch an offensive against the Hidden Leaf Village.
For these reasons, although the size of the refugee camps has expanded rapidly to an astonishing extent, the major ninja villages have been temporarily unable to attend to it or effectively stop it.
Nara Shikaku quietly pondered everything before him, his face growing increasingly worried.
Inside the Hyuga clan's temporary camp in Kirigakure, the atmosphere was exceptionally somber and oppressive.
Hyuga Neji lay quietly on the wooden tatami mat in the room, his face calm and peaceful.
He has been isolated here for some time now.
Although all of this was ordered by Tobirama Senju, the head of the main family, Hiashi Hyuga, tacitly approved of this move and did not show any opposition.
This is why many members of the separated family have long harbored strong resentment and dissatisfaction deep in their hearts.
They dared not speak their anger in front of the main family, and could only whisper among themselves in private.
On this day, a member of the Hyuga branch family slowly walked into Neji's room.
Holding a simple plate of food and a glass of water, she carefully approached Neji and said softly, "Neji, you should eat something today... If you keep going like this, your body won't be able to take it."
Hearing the clansman's concerned words, Neji slightly opened his eyes and revealed a faint and gentle smile.
"It's okay, food is no longer important to me."
Upon hearing Neji's strange words, the clansman paused, a look of confusion and bewilderment on his face. He asked疑惑地问道, "Neji, what are you talking about? How can food not be important? Your body..."
However, Neji simply shook his head gently, gazing at him with calm and bright eyes: "Food and water are just external things. What truly matters to us is whether we can find a path that truly belongs to our branch family."
"The path that leads to our separation?"
"Neji, what are you talking about? What future do we have left after the branch family splits up?"
Neji looked at his bewildered eyes and felt a pang of pity and tenderness in his heart.
She sighed softly, her voice becoming even gentler.
"Don't be afraid, and don't be confused... As long as we have light in our hearts, that light can dispel the gloom that has shrouded us for thousands of years for the Hyuga branch family."
As soon as he finished speaking, Neji's Byakugan slowly activated.
Originally pure white eyes gradually changed, eventually turning into a beautiful and pure color like a ruby.
That strange and dazzling red light seemed to reach the depths of one's heart, instantly making the family member in front of him feel an indescribable warmth and tranquility!
It was as if, at that moment, all the confusion and fear deep within his heart had been completely dispelled.
"Neji, you..."
Just as the clansman was about to ask something, Neji suddenly reached out and gently grasped his wrist.
In an instant, a gentle and pure energy of light flowed slowly from Neji's palm and quickly entered the bodies of his clansmen.
The tribesman felt his heart instantly filled with an indescribable radiance, a warm and gentle power flowing through every corner of his body, making him completely relaxed and calm.
Neji's tone became even gentler yet firmer: "As long as you hold light in your heart, that light will be able to dispel the shadows and pain within you, and ultimately pave a true path to freedom for all of us in the branch families."
"If you have light in your heart, you can dispel the gloom..."
The clansman who had branched out from the family muttered to himself, and gradually a firm and warm smile appeared on his face.
At the same time, the light within him gradually converged on the spot on his forehead where the caged bird was sealed.
The soft light surged continuously, gently yet persistently stimulating his long-restrained nervous system, as if awaiting a certain moment...
They await the day when this eternally unchanging curse seal will be completely broken.
This scene was not a coincidence.
In fact, during his isolation, Hyuga Neji had quietly passed on the strange and pure power of light within him to many members of the Hyuga branch family who came to visit him.
As more and more members of the Hyuga branch family felt the light ignited deep within their hearts, the resentment, fear, and pain that had been suppressed for so long began to be dispelled and purified little by little.
At this moment, Neji sat cross-legged in the room, a compassionate and warm smile on his face.
He knew that these people, whose hearts he had personally ignited with light, would sooner or later awaken the true power deep within them and find their own happiness.
Konoha Village, deep within the Forest of Death.
Metkai was practicing asceticism alone in a forest clearing, carrying a Buddha head on his back, the heavy weight pressing down on his body.
But he remained tireless, working hard and striving towards ever greater goals.
Suddenly, Might Guy sensed a familiar yet powerful aura quietly appearing behind him.
He immediately stopped what he was doing, turned around and looked, and saw the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing under the shadow of the tree.
"Hokage-sama!"
"Why did you come all of a sudden?"
Hiruzen's face gradually softened into a gentle smile: "It's nothing, I just wanted to check on your training lately. Kai, you're still as hardworking and dedicated as ever."
Upon hearing Hiruzen's praise, Might Guy flashed his signature bold smile, patted his chest, and said:
T
Hokage-sama, as they say, youth is about striving and fighting! No matter what, I will never slack off in my training!
Looking at Might Guy's vibrant appearance, Hiruzen felt a mix of emotions.
His gaze gradually deepened and became more serious. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke softly, "Kai, actually, the reason I came to see you today is because there is something extremely important I want to discuss with you."
Seeing this, Might Guy couldn't help but feel a sense of respect. His smile faded, and his tone became serious: "Hokage-sama, please speak frankly. I will do my utmost to accomplish anything I can!"
Hiruzen sighed, his tone filled with unconcealed weariness and helplessness: "Guy, I hope you can leave Konoha Village, completely abandon your identity as a ninja, and stay away from all the conflicts and troubles on the ninja continent."
"Hokage-sama, why are you making this request of me? I don't understand..."
Hiruzen stood with his hands behind his back, slowly turning around, his expression filled with sorrow and self-reproach.
"Kai, the First Hokage has decided to join forces with Madara Uchiha in order to reclaim Konoha, which I led astray."
"You should know very well how terrifying the power that Lord Shinobi and Madara unleashed when they joined forces was... At that time, Konoha Village would probably be completely reduced to ruins."
At this point, Hiruzen gave a bitter laugh, his tone becoming even more somber: "All of this is because of my decision. In order to protect Konoha, I plunged the village into a state of demonization. My intention was to protect Konoha, but in the end, I pushed the village into an even greater disaster."
"Now that the two Hokage are trying to set things right, I have nothing to say. But you targeted Tobirama-sensei several times before, so this matter is tantamount to me dragging you into the internal factional struggles within the Hokage..."
At this point, Hiruzen looked at Might Guy with a hint of guilt: "I'm sorry, I should have let you be like Kakashi, not getting involved in anything."
"Kakashi didn't get involved because he had to deal with the asteroid impact... As for me, since I'm a Konoha ninja, there's nothing wrong with carrying out a mission."
Matt Kai offered an explanation.
"Hokage-sama, what are your plans next?"
Hiruzen slightly raised his head to look at the sky, his voice softly drifting out: "I have already decided that when that day truly arrives, I will choose to atone for my sins to all the residents of Konoha through suicide. Guy, in the end, I alone will bear all this responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Might Guy instinctively shook his head in refusal, saying, "Hokage-sama, absolutely not! My decision to demonize myself wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision. I did it to use my purest taijutsu and power to clear away all obstacles for you and protect your future and Konoha's!"
At this point, an unprecedented determination appeared in Matt Kay's eyes.
"Lord Hokage, please transfer all your Mangekyou Sharingan power to me! With your power and my own, I am absolutely confident that I can withstand the combined attack of the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha!"
Upon hearing Might Guy's firm and resolute words, Hiruzen's eyes reddened, and he suddenly lost control of his emotions.
She suddenly turned around and refused forcefully...
"No! Absolutely not! Kai, if you really use the Gate of Death, you will completely sacrifice yourself! I will never allow you to give your life for this internal strife of Konoha!"
Might Guy paused for a moment, then smiled gently and reassuringly. He stepped forward and patted Hiruzen's shoulder lightly, his tone even more soothing: "Hokage-sama, please rest assured, I promise you, I will never open the Gate of Death unless absolutely necessary. I believe my power is strong enough to persuade the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha to stop the fight."
Finally, tears welled up in Hiruzen's eyes and streamed down his face.
"Kai...why did you have to go to such lengths for me..."
But Might Guy grasped Hiruzen's hand, his eyes slowly activating the Sharingan within him: "Hokage-sama, this is my mission as a ninja, and the path and belief I have pursued throughout my life."
"Please grant me the power of a kaleidoscope!"
Hiruzen took a deep breath and closed his eyes in anguish.
Powerful and intense pupil energy fluctuations emanated from the depths of his pupils.
As Hiruzen and Might Guy's eye powers intertwined, Hiruzen gradually transferred most of his eye power into Might Guy's body.
This powerful eye energy continuously surged into Might Guy's body, causing him to exude an unprecedentedly strong aura.
"Kai, I'm entrusting everything to you..."
Might Guy felt the immense power of his eyes surge into his body. He clenched his fists, his eyes revealing an even more determined look.
"Lord Hokage, please rest assured, I will walk this path in your place!"
Might Guy's passionate speech...
The Buddha head he carried on his back seemed to be subtly moved...
On the border of the Land of Fire, in the vast twilight, Otsutsuki Genji, with his characteristic peaceful demeanor, gently and patiently explained the principles of survival and hope to the many refugees gathered there.
Suddenly, he seemed to feel a strange chill, and slowly raised his head, his originally calm eyes gradually becoming deep.
The wind blew silently from all sides, bringing waves of killing intent that enveloped the entire area.
Gen Otsutsuki quietly surveyed his surroundings, a faint look of surprise appearing on his face.
Before them, the figures emerging from all directions were not Konoha ninjas, but rather a large number of Sunagakure ninjas wearing Sunagakure headbands.
Sand Ninja?
Otsutsuki Gen was slightly taken aback, clearly caught off guard by the scene before him, but he quickly regained his composure, a knowing smile appearing in his eyes.
After all, among the five great nations of the ninja world, Sunagakure has always been known for its scarce resources and lack of supplies.
Now that he has a large number of refugees under his control and has easily occupied many of Konoha's supply depots, accumulating a large amount of resources, it is natural that he will arouse the covetousness and greed of Sunagakure.
Genjiro Otsutsuki calmly watched the approaching Sand Ninja and sighed.
As for the Sand Village residents, they were taken aback by the number of refugees near the supply depot...
Densely packed...
It appears to be a group of tens of thousands of people.
For a moment, the Sand Village troops hesitated; their numbers seemed too large.