Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Hanzō, You’re the Challenger Here
Konan found herself momentarily dazed as she looked at Mirai's confident expression.
Just like the last time they'd met.
No matter the situation, this man always exuded absolute confidence.
"Uchiha Mirai?!"
From atop the valley, Hanzō of the Salamander's face darkened.
He had long heard of Uchiha Mirai's fearsome reputation, even while secluded in Amegakure.
This was the wielder of the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan—a ninja whose name alone could cause tremors.
But why was he here?
And judging by his actions, it seemed he had come specifically to aid the Akatsuki.
Hanzō instinctively glanced around for Shimura Danzō, hoping for answers, only to realize that Danzō and his men had vanished without a trace.
"Damn that bastard…"
He cursed under his breath.
This is the man who wanted my help to seize power in Konoha?
Shimura Danzō had approached him, offering assistance to eliminate the Akatsuki in exchange for Amegakure's support in his coup. He even promised a future alliance that would protect Amegakure from the ravages of war.
But now, the man had fled, leaving Hanzō to face the mess alone.
Hanzō gritted his teeth. "Uchiha Mirai, I advise you not to meddle in Amegakure's internal affairs."
He knew from reports that Mirai's strength was immense. A confrontation was the last thing he wanted.
Mirai's response was calm and unhurried. "What a shame. Those two people—I'm afraid I've already decided to protect them."
Hanzō's expression darkened further. "Uchiha Mirai, are you challenging the Demi-God of the Shinobi World?"
Mirai chuckled and shook his head. "No, no, you've misunderstood. I'm the strongest now. You're the challenger."
Hearing this, fury ignited within Hanzō.
He had slain countless powerful foes in his time. Even the Sannin bore titles bestowed by him. Yet here was this upstart, openly mocking him.
"Kill him!"
With his command, nearly a hundred Amegakure shinobi surged forward to attack Mirai.
A cold smile spread across Mirai's face as his black eyes transformed into the Mangekyō Sharingan.
The next moment, a terrifying surge of ocular power enveloped the battlefield.
"Five Senses Manipulation."
Mirai clapped his hands, and the advancing shinobi abruptly collapsed.
In seconds, the expressions on their faces shifted from blankness to sheer terror.
Screams echoed through the valley as the shinobi's bodies ignited, seemingly consumed by invisible flames, until only charred remains were left behind.
Konan and Hanzō were stunned.
Nearly a hundred elite shinobi—enough to topple smaller nations—had been wiped out in an instant.
And Mirai had not even moved from his spot.
[Congratulations, Host! Rewards plundered: +1 Physique!]
[Congratulations, Host! Rewards plundered: +1 Chakra!]
[Congratulations, Host! Rewards plundered: +1 Mental Strength!]
As the system messages flooded his mind, Mirai's satisfied smile deepened.
Combining the Mangekyō Sharingan with the genjutsu of the Kurama Clan was proving to be even more effective than he had anticipated. If an enemy couldn't escape the illusion immediately, they were doomed to perish within it.
"Damn it!"
Seeing his forces annihilated in an instant, Hanzō felt as if his heart were being torn apart.
At the same time, a deep-seated fear began to take hold.
Years of battle-hardened experience told him there was only one course of action when facing an unknown and overwhelming opponent: retreat.
Hanzō slammed his hands onto the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"
Boom!
A massive gray salamander, its skin covered in pustules, emerged before him.
The creature opened its mouth, spewing a dense purple mist of poison that engulfed Mirai in moments.
"Wind Release: Breakthrough!"
A fierce gale erupted from Mirai's position, dispersing the toxic cloud in an instant.
But before anyone could react, the ground beneath Mirai caved in as the salamander burst forth, its jaws snapping shut around him.
For a brief moment, it seemed as if Hanzō had succeeded.
But in the next instant, a crimson light flashed.
The salamander's massive body split cleanly in two, blood and venom spraying across the battlefield.
Mirai stood unharmed within the glowing form of his Susanoo, arms crossed, his expression icy.
"Escaped, huh?"
He glanced at the rapidly retreating Hanzō, then shrugged.
"A relic of a bygone era, clinging to survival. Let him scurry away for now."
Dismissing the Susanoo, Mirai walked toward Konan and Nagato. "It's over."
Konan nodded numbly, her lips dry. She had known Mirai was strong but never imagined anyone could achieve such overwhelming power.
To slaughter a hundred elites and force the Demi-God into retreat—this was strength beyond comprehension.
"Hey."
Konan snapped out of her daze. "Huh?"
"Say thank you."
"W-what?"
Mirai repeated, "I just saved your life. Isn't a 'thank you' in order?"
Konan hesitated, then mumbled, "Thank you…"
Mirai laughed softly. "Finally seeing things as they are?"
Konan's gaze fell on Yahiko's lifeless body, her expression turning somber.
"If I had sought your help earlier… maybe Yahiko wouldn't have died. Maybe Nagato wouldn't…"
Her voice broke as she glanced at Nagato's emaciated frame, guilt washing over her.
"All of this was to save me. And now…"
"Reality is harsh," Mirai interrupted, his tone detached. "Pain and loss are this world's true nature. But it's not too late. Follow me, and I'll show you a different path."
Before Konan could respond, Nagato interjected, placing himself protectively between them.
"Konoha ninja, what are you planning? I saw it all—this entire plot was orchestrated by Hanzō and Shimura Danzō of Konoha!"
Mirai smirked, shrugging. "You're not wrong. Danzō is… impressively consistent in his chaos."
He chuckled. "If he ever directed his schemes outward instead of aiming for the Hokage's seat, the entire shinobi world would probably be in shambles by now."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +80 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo