Chapter 605 The Inevitable Battle

When Senior Hanzo left Amegakure, he didn’t tell anyone, secretly departing alone.

Senior Hanzo thought a lot that day.

Danzo Shimura’s plan was indeed beneficial to Amegakure, as it could help Amegakure eliminate the Shinobi Sect, a potential major enemy, in advance.

However, it was only beneficial to Amegakure; the death of a Ninja like Sōsuke was a loss to the entire Ninja force of the Land of Rain.

Because Sōsuke could not only become strong himself but also help others become strong with him.

Moreover, Sōsuke held considerable prestige in Amegakure. If Amegakure actively tore up the treaty and attacked Sōsuke, it was very likely to disappoint some Rain Ninja.

Swoosh!!

Senior Hanzo unleashed his Chakra, utilizing his incredibly proficient Water Instant Body to its utmost, rapidly advancing towards Six Paths City, as if something terrible would happen if he slowed down even a little.

For Ninja, the distance between Amegakure and Six Paths City was not far; one was in the central part of the Land of Rain, and the other was in the southern part of the Land of Rain.

Under Senior Hanzo’s full-speed travel, he quickly saw the town he had visited not long ago.

Following his memory from the last visit, Senior Hanzo quickly bypassed the Shinobi Sect guards and entered the Shinobi Sect’s station.

“At this hour, will he still be working?” Senior Hanzo pondered how he could directly find Sōsuke.

He only knew where Sōsuke worked, not where Sōsuke usually lived.

“Hattori, what made you think of coming to the Shinobi Sect to admire the moon at this hour?”

Just as Senior Hanzo was still wondering where Sōsuke would be, a familiar voice entered his ear.

Senior Hanzo looked in the direction of the voice and saw Sōsuke standing on flat ground, smiling at him.

Senior Hanzo subconsciously looked around, and after confirming no one was present, he quickly jumped down from the rooftop, saying with a dark expression:

“I am not Hattori.”

“With that disguise, aren’t you Hattori?” Muzuki smiled as he led Senior Hanzo into his office.

At this time, Senior Hanzo had disguised himself again, rather than his original appearance.

Senior Hanzo recalled that embarrassing incident and silently followed Sōsuke into the office without speaking.

“He really does have the ability to see through my disguise.” Senior Hanzo thought to himself, feeling a little fortunate.

During the second lecture, Senior Hanzo had an idea: to disguise himself again and test whether Sōsuke seeing through his identity the first time was a coincidence or his inherent ability.

However, Senior Hanzo did not act on it because he felt Sōsuke was unfathomable and it was better not to test him lightly.

“Have a seat. What brings you to see me so suddenly?” Muzuki asked, sitting on a wooden chair in his office.

When Muzuki discovered Senior Hanzo, he had already speculated about Senior Hanzo’s intentions.

If someone came alone to the Shinobi Sect at night to find him, it must be a major matter.

Coupled with the Root Ninja previously discovered in Six Paths City, Muzuki first guessed it was related to Danzo Shimura.

“Konoha wants to act against the Shinobi Sect.” Senior Hanzo did not waste time and spoke directly.

“Konoha? Where did you get this information?” Muzuki asked further, showing a slightly surprised expression.

Upon hearing it was Konoha, Muzuki could basically conclude that Danzo Shimura was causing trouble.

Because Hiruzen Sarutobi’s stance was to take a breather after the great victory against Iwagakure, only retaliating if Konoha was provoked, not actively attacking.

“Danzo Shimura, the Hokage Assistant of Konoha.”

The answer was as Muzuki expected.

“That’s quite interesting. Konoha actually told you the plan.”

“Because they want me to help them, to help them kill you.”

Muzuki couldn’t help but sigh inwardly; Danzo Shimura truly wasn’t afraid of using old tricks. He had already played one set and was still continuing to play it.

“So now you plan to help the Shinobi Sect?” Muzuki looked at Senior Hanzo.

Muzuki couldn’t fully grasp Senior Hanzo’s current thoughts.

Because Senior Hanzo was currently in a very complex period.

At his peak, Senior Hanzo was the Ninja Demigod respected by countless Ninja.

Even the Second Shinobi World War failed to bring a complete end to Senior Hanzo’s glory, because Amegakure lost, but Senior Hanzo did not lose to any Ninja on the battlefield.

But now Senior Hanzo was aging, and his remaining glory had become a stepping stone for Muzuki’s alias to gain fame throughout the Ninja World.

The Senior Hanzo of his glorious period had the courage to challenge the Five Great Ninja Villages and the magnanimity to let go of enemy geniuses.

However, the aging Senior Hanzo, having lost his glory, would harbor murderous intentions towards harmless Ninja forces within his own country due to power, and would fear enemy retaliation, requiring twenty-four-hour protection from guards.

Therefore, even if Senior Hanzo came at night to tell Muzuki about Danzo Shimura’s actions, Muzuki could not be 100% certain that Senior Hanzo would stand on his side.

Muzuki was not the type to believe everything he was told; this could be part of Danzo Shimura’s plan, or part of someone else’s conspiracy.

“No, I will agree to Konoha and then try my best to kill you.” Senior Hanzo replied with a definite tone.

“Hmm?” Senior Hanzo’s answer was a bit unexpected for Muzuki.

He ran to the Shinobi Sect’s main base to tell him about Danzo Shimura’s conspiracy, and then threatened to help Danzo Shimura kill him.

If it weren’t for confirming through Appraisal Technique that this was truly Senior Hanzo, Muzuki would have thought someone was impersonating Senior Hanzo to create animosity for him.

“Danzo Shimura certainly has malicious intentions, but some of what he said is correct: the Shinobi Sect and Amegakure are bound to have a battle.” Senior Hanzo explained in a deep voice.

“Rather than having a major war between the Shinobi Sect and Amegakure in the future, leading to widespread conflict in the Land of Rain, it’s better to settle it now.”

“We will only let a few trusted individuals act. After that, it will be up to our own abilities. If you die, you lose, and all Ninja of the Shinobi Sect will join Amegakure.

If I die, I lose, and Amegakure will be yours. You can have them join the Shinobi Sect, or you can disband them directly, it’s all up to you.”

This was the best solution Senior Hanzo could think of. No matter who won, the conflict between Amegakure and the Shinobi Sect would be resolved, and the Ninja forces of the Land of Rain would not be lost.

Moreover, the problem with Konoha could also be resolved.

If Sōsuke died, there would be no Shinobi Sect in the Land of Rain, only a stronger Amegakure. If Konoha dared to attack Amegakure, which they had just cooperated with, then they would lose all credibility.

If Senior Hanzo died, Amegakure would join the Shinobi Sect, solving the problem of the Shinobi Sect’s lack of mid-to-low-level strength and giving them power that Konoha would be wary of.

Muzuki understood Senior Hanzo’s idea.

No wonder Senior Hanzo came to inform him but still said “no help.”

“Actually, this battle can be avoided.” Muzuki denied Senior Hanzo’s assertion that a battle was inevitable.

One of Muzuki’s motivations for holding the lecture event was to resolve the issue with Amegakure without bloodshed.

He had always wanted to find a way to make the Ninja of Amegakure recognize the good of the Shinobi Sect, and to let the Rain Ninja know that the Shinobi Sect could make the Land of Rain better.

As long as all Rain Ninja joined the Shinobi Sect, then there would naturally be no need for war.

“It cannot be avoided.” Senior Hanzo stared at Sōsuke, slowly saying.

Raise a white flag to the Shinobi Sect and merge into it to become Sōsuke’s subordinate? What a joke, Senior Hanzo’s inner pride would never allow him to do such a thing.

If he would do such a thing to survive, then he wouldn’t have come to the Shinobi Sect.

“Coming alone to declare war on me, truly worthy of the title Demigod, Senior Hanzo.” Muzuki stood up and poured Senior Hanzo a cup of tea.

If everything Senior Hanzo said was true, at least at this moment, Senior Hanzo was still the respectable Demigod Senior Hanzo.

“It won’t be long until it’s your turn.” Senior Hanzo said faintly.

He actually found it a bit incredible himself that he, who was always cautious, would come to Six Paths City alone and say such things to Sōsuke.

As long as Sōsuke harbored murderous intent, he wouldn’t be able to escape.

Just Sōsuke alone was a bit much for him, not to mention Kakuzu and Nagato were also in the Shinobi Sect.

“I won’t disappoint you then, senior.” Muzuki also poured himself a cup of tea, raising the cup as he spoke.

If the facts were truly as Senior Hanzo said, then Muzuki would certainly keep the appointment.

According to Senior Hanzo, he was helping Danzo Shimura.

Given the allure of the sage art inheritance and the Rinnegan, Danzo Shimura himself would most likely be present.

Then this would be a rare opportunity to eliminate Danzo Shimura.

Danzo Shimura was too keen on causing trouble; in the original work, most of the bad things could be linked to Danzo Shimura.

Muzuki felt that Danzo Shimura committing suicide would be a great act of charity, after all, if Danzo Shimura committed suicide now, he would do a lot less immoral things.

Since he caused trouble for Muzuki, Muzuki didn’t mind sending Danzo Shimura on his way, letting him end his sinful life.

“Is that battle truly unavoidable?” Muzuki took a sip and then put down his teacup, asking.

Muzuki had no intention of killing Senior Hanzo; if Senior Hanzo joined the Shinobi Sect, Muzuki could even have Senior Hanzo serve as a high-ranking official in the Shinobi Sect.

Senior Hanzo drank the tea in one gulp, “As long as I live, it cannot be avoided.”

He understood Sōsuke’s meaning, but it was impossible.

Muzuki did not ask any further questions. To do so would be somewhat insulting to Senior Hanzo.

Senior Hanzo stood up and walked towards the office door.

As he grasped the doorknob, Senior Hanzo suddenly asked, “Sōsuke, how is your Water Release?”

“A little weaker than Fire Release, I suppose.” Muzuki replied.

Although both were perfect-level Nature Transformation, the proficiency of Fire Release Chakra Nature Transformation was a bit higher, and Muzuki also mastered more advanced Fire Release Ninjutsu.

“I see…” Senior Hanzo paused slightly, saying nothing more, and soon walked out of the office building without looking back, merging into the darkness.

Muzuki opened his Byakugan and silently watched Senior Hanzo depart.

Senior Hanzo said he wouldn’t help the Shinobi Sect and declared war on him, but in Muzuki’s view, Senior Hanzo was actually helping him, helping the Shinobi Sect.

Because Senior Hanzo couldn’t win against him, even against Muzuki who hadn’t shown all his strength.

Muzuki believed Senior Hanzo would truly try his best to kill him, but Senior Hanzo couldn’t do it; the gap between them couldn’t be bridged by effort.

To suppress water with fire—any Ninja with a slight understanding of Nature Transformation would know what this implied.

It was not an exaggeration to say that Senior Hanzo was determined to die; in the life-or-death battle between him and Muzuki, Senior Hanzo was destined to be the loser.

As a modern transmigrator, Muzuki was actually a bit perplexed by Senior Hanzo; he could clearly solve the problem by living, yet he insisted on dying.

Although Muzuki didn’t understand, he chose to respect it.

…

“What’s wrong with me, to have done such impulsive things?” On the way back, Senior Hanzo reviewed his actions and couldn’t help but ask himself.

Both venturing into the Shinobi Sect alone and challenging Sōsuke were extremely dangerous, with the latter being almost certainly fatal.

One must know that this was originally something unrelated to Amegakure.

Was it because he wanted to preserve the strength of the Land of Rain? Or was it due to his pride, wanting to display the demeanor of a Demigod senior in front of Sōsuke? Or did he subconsciously believe that Sōsuke could make the Land of Rain better?

Senior Hanzo even suspected whether Sōsuke had subtly inserted some personal agenda during his lectures, causing his thought patterns to go awry.

“However, I might not necessarily lose.” Senior Hanzo shook his head.

He didn’t think he had no chance of winning. Perhaps he wasn’t as good as Sōsuke in Ninjutsu, but Ninjutsu wasn’t the entirety of a Ninja; he also had swordsmanship and poison.

The next day.

Senior Hanzo still did not agree to Danzo Shimura’s cooperation, instead holding a high-level meeting to arrange various matters.

Both Sōsuke’s side and his own side needed some time, so he couldn’t agree too early.

Five days later, Senior Hanzo saw Danzo Shimura growing anxious and finally gave his reply.

“Amegakure can assist Konoha in dealing with the Shinobi Sect.”

Danzo Shimura outwardly remained calm but inwardly rejoiced. It was not in vain that he personally went to the Land of Rain to coerce and entice Senior Hanzo; it had finally succeeded.

Danzo Shimura seemed to see Wood Release, sage art inheritance, and Rinnegan beckoning to him.

“A correct decision, Senior Hanzo, you are still as fond of peace as ever.” Danzo Shimura, in a good mood, said casually.

Senior Hanzo remained expressionless and did not speak. Being as bold as before was indeed true.

Rewind to that night, Senior Hanzo might not have had the same spirit to go to Six Paths City again.

Danzo Shimura didn’t mind, after all, Senior Hanzo always had that expression.

“We in Konoha have already devised the plan for you. You use the excuse of inviting Sōsuke Nagato to an event to bring them to Amegakure, and then…” Danzo Shimura explained his prepared encirclement plan.

As a qualified schemer, Danzo Shimura naturally wouldn’t wait for Senior Hanzo’s agreement to then think of a plan. Before coming to the Land of Rain, he had prepared several plans.

Senior Hanzo nodded. This plan was nothing special, but it was very practical.

Because Senior Hanzo had just agreed to the Shinobi Sect’s request for unlimited lectures, Sōsuke refusing Amegakure’s event request would be somewhat unreasonable.

Once Sōsuke came to Amegakure, things would be simple: just kill him.

As the plan progressed to the stage of acquiring Wood Release, Danzo Shimura was both nervous and excited.

After all, this was Wood Release, the Bloodline Limit unique to the God of Shinobi.

“How will he make me possess Wood Release?” Danzo Shimura was very curious.

Root’s Wood Release Ninja relied on Hashirama cells, but Hashirama cells should only be available in Konoha.

“If it’s him, having Hashirama cells isn’t impossible.” Danzo Shimura thought of the intelligence capabilities displayed by “Uchiha Madara” and his expression darkened.

“Uchiha Madara” entering and exiting the Root Base as if it were unstaffed truly infuriated Danzo Shimura.

If he could move freely even within his Root, stealing a bit of Hashirama cells would not be difficult.

Just as Danzo Shimura was thinking about “Uchiha Madara,” a black and white figure silently appeared behind him.