Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 174 Dark Susanoo

Upon approaching the Box of Bliss, Danzo Shimura decisively unleashed the power of those eyes, instantly condensing a dark green Susanoo tens of meters tall.

He stretched out his palm and placed it on the Box of Bliss, and the dark power swirling around the box actively invaded it.

The originally dark green Susanoo hand instantly turned pitch black and spread rapidly upwards.

Danzo Shimura was cautious and would disconnect from the affected area if the energy showed signs of going out of control.

Dozens of elite members from the Root Sect assisted from the sidelines, ready to unleash sealing techniques to defend against the attack.

Although sealing techniques cannot perfectly seal that extreme dark power, they will eventually be eroded.

But at least it can suppress it for a period of time, thus preventing Lord Danzo from being harmed.

Pharmacist Nonou was also watching from the side, ready to use medical means to adjust the arm, or even cut it off.

The energy in that box was too extreme and domineering. Many experiments had been conducted to try it, but all of them ended in failure.

Whether Susanoo can carry it now is uncertain; we can only try once.

As it turned out, Danzo Shimura's guess was correct. Susanoo was indeed very compatible with that kind of extreme dark power. The energy did not go berserk, but merged perfectly with Susanoo and transformed into a kind of dark chakra.

What Shimura Danzo didn't know was that much of this dark energy was separated from the Sharingan power accumulated by Tamura Hao from the Uchiha clan, and also from the Ten-Tails.

Since they are of the same origin, they can naturally blend perfectly.

Soon, the originally dark green Susanoo turned into a dark black, as if it could devour all light.

At the same time, Susanoo's size increased significantly, and a pair of black wings grew from its back. Even the Mangekyou Sharingan transplanted into the eyes of the First Hokage turned into an ominous black, like two black holes, which looked very creepy.

That wasn't all. The dark chakra, aided by the Mangekyou Sharingan, spread across the arm, forming dark lines that eventually covered the entire arm.

Danzo Shimura noticed that the power remained stable, so he did not release it and let it spread.

As the dark chakra spread and eroded, the properties of the First Hokage's cells changed, and even the Adamantine Sealing Barrier turned into a dark black.

At the same time, the power of the First Generation Cell and the power of the Kaleidoscope were integrated by that dark chakra, becoming more stable.

This wasn't the end. After corroding the arm, the black lines continued to spread towards the shoulder. Shimura Danzo decisively severed the connection with the Box of Elysium.

Without the source of power, the encroachment of dark chakra had to stop.

"Hahaha……"

Feeling the power in his arms, Danzo Shimura laughed, his laughter growing louder and more exhilarating.

This is the power he desires—absolute, invincible power.

Everyone around breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that Danzo Shimura had succeeded.

Thankfully, it worked!

However, Yakushi Nonou was quite worried, as that kind of extreme power was not easy to control and was even more terrifying than the power of the tailed beasts, especially its corrosive nature.

After hesitating for a while, and waiting for Shimura Danzo's laughter to stop, Yakushi Nonou finally mustered up the courage to speak.

"Lord Danzo, this power should be sealed away for now."

As soon as he finished speaking, the elite members of the Roots all turned around, their eyes filled with hostility.

Even Danzo Shimura looked over with a cold gaze.

"Based on previous research data, the power of this box primarily erodes the mental and consciousness level. Even if one can withstand it temporarily, it will inevitably be slowly eroded, eventually leading to a drastic change in personality, and one may even cease to be oneself..."

Forced to speak her mind, Yakushi Nonou expressed her analysis and concerns, not wanting Shimura Danzo to get into trouble, otherwise she and Hiten-kun would have little future, and even Hiten-kun might be in danger of being exposed.

Danzo Shimura's eyes flashed with a cold light, and it took him a while to calm down.

"You're right, this kind of power is indeed difficult to control."

After feeling the damage to his right arm, Danzo Shimura accepted this assessment.

This power is indeed difficult to control, and he is not confident that he can resist it for a long time.

Is there a solution?

He didn't want to seal this power; in fact, he might even need it to end the war and help him become Hokage.

Seeing that Danzo Shimura had agreed with his analysis, Nono Yakushi breathed a slight sigh of relief and then said, "Use a sufficiently powerful force to resist and slow down the erosion of that dark power."

That power is too corrosive. There is currently no power that can suppress it. We can only try to slow down the erosion and buy Danzo time to work on and control that power.

"Go on."

Danzo Shimura became interested.

Without delay, Yakushi Nonou began to explain her ideas.

"I previously studied the arm that Lord Orochimaru created, including the process of Lord Orochimaru's creation."

I think we can take this a step further and use a summoned beast with magical powers as a vessel to transplant first-generation cells for erosion.

Sage Chakra is inherently stronger than ordinary chakra, enough to resist the erosion of the First Hokage's cells to a certain extent. In addition, the First Hokage himself possessed Sage power, so if one is lucky, one can completely activate the Sage power of the First Hokage's cells.

It is also possible to summon the First Hokage through the Impure World Reincarnation technique and use his chakra to stimulate and strengthen the power of the First Hokage's cells.

Then there's the Sharingan, which can summon all the Uchiha spirits we can obtain, gather their chakra and ocular power into a pair of eyes, and then transplant them into the summoned beasts, ultimately sealing them within Lord Danzo's body like tailed beasts.

Using it as a carrier to bear the power in this arm, minimizing the erosion on Lord Danzo's body.

Moreover, the human body is too fragile, and its size and total number of cells are limited, but summoned beasts are often enormous, so we can do more experiments on them and transplant more power into them...

This was the inspiration she got from that arm. If she could successfully sculpt it, she could then transplant more power into the spirit beast.

The reason for this risky suggestion is to further demonstrate or even enhance one's own value in order to improve one's position within the organization.

Ritianjun is working hard outside, so I can't fall behind.

"You can use all the resources and manpower of the Root. Suitable summoning beasts will be sent to you as soon as possible. I need to see results as soon as possible."

After thinking for a while, Shimura Danzo agreed to the plan and even had more ideas.

It's not advisable to try the Oni-Garuru technique directly on yourself, but you can try it on a compatible summoning beast first, and then indirectly let your body adapt through sealing. This way, you'll definitely have a better chance of merging with those immortal bloodlines in the end.

"Yes, Lord Danzo!"

Yakushi Nono breathed a sigh of relief and quickly and respectfully agreed.

The elite members of the root force standing nearby exchanged knowing glances, realizing that this man would soon be the second-in-command of the organization.

Danzo Shimura was pondering a suitable target. The three holy lands were basically the only places that possessed Sage Mode summoning beasts, but that wouldn't be easy to deal with.

Let's not even talk about Mount Myoboku and Shikkotsu Forest; they're very difficult to capture, and once exposed, it would be quite troublesome.

Ryuchi Cave is not to be trifled with, and obtaining it from Orochimaru would require paying a hefty price.

However, it can be modified using magical seals.

Unbeknownst to Shimura Danzo, who was deep in thought, a pair of eyes were silently watching him from a dark corner—it was one of Black Zetsu's clones.

"That little girl's idea is promising. Let's see if my brother has any plans to get involved."

Black Zetsu's clone felt that the plan still needed to be handled by his younger brother. He also wanted to make Shimura Danzo stronger so that he could become a qualified pawn.

At the same time, Jiraiya, far away on the front lines in the Land of Grass, received orders and was carrying out the handover work, but he was very reluctant to leave.

After all, Tsunade wasn't there.

"You've been dawdling for days."

After examining Jiraiya's transplanted legs again, Tsunade said that she could tell Jiraiya didn't want to leave and that he was sincere, but he was really not her type.

Moreover, due to issues between their families and teachers, they have already argued many times, making it even more impossible for them to take things further.

"That's a front dominated by the Uchiha clan. I didn't even have anyone to talk to when I got there."

Jiraiya remarked, "I really don't want to go there."

"Who gave you permission to spy on the women's bathhouse in the village?"

With a disdainful look in her eyes, Tsunade knew very well that the main conflict between this guy and the Uchiha clan was not about his relationship with the old man, but rather that he had been caught spying by the police too many times, and the conflict had been brewing for a long time.

"I was gathering material for my writing."

Jiraiya blushed and stubbornly corrected him.

How can you call it voyeurism when it comes to the affairs of cultured people?

Tsunade's disdain deepened, making Jiraiya lose face, and he quickly changed the subject.

"The Uchiha are too weak; they only fought one match before someone took one of their members down."

"It wasn't Uchiha Mizuki; someone leaked their information to Kumogakure, and they were targeted during the battle."

The Uchiha were also furious, and only after they threatened to retreat did the old man allow you to go and provide support.

Speaking of this matter, Tsunade couldn't help but suspect that teacher. Now, only the old man and a few others have that motive and ability, especially Danzo.

Jiraiya was taken aback, then seemed to understand something and fell silent. He couldn't help but doubt the teacher.

At least the teacher must have been involved in what happened in Uzushiogakure back then, so it is indeed very likely that he tricked the Uchiha in this way.

"Don't be reckless in the past, and don't let Mount Myōboku influence you to fight to the death. The Hidden Cloud Village is very strong, especially the Third Raikage. My grandmother said that his strength is already very close to the level of my grandfather back then."

The Uchiha clan can't be trusted either, especially now that they harbor anger and resentment.

After giving a final reminder, Tsunade left behind a scroll containing numerous emergency medications before getting up and leaving.

Jiraiya remained silent for a while before finally putting away the scroll, quickly packing his belongings, and setting off for the Land of Hot Springs.

Arriving in the Land of Hot Water as quickly as possible, Jiraiya did not immediately go to the ninja army camp. Instead, he used his transformation technique to infiltrate a city in the Land of Hot Water that was close to both sides of the battle line and began to gather intelligence.

"They don't look like they've been through a war."

Walking on the bustling street, Jiraiya couldn't help but sigh.

After three years of war, the Grass Country was basically destroyed. Countless people died directly or indirectly, and most of the people fled. White bones were everywhere.

In contrast, the Land of Hot Springs, which was also a major battlefield, was peaceful and showed no signs of war.

After wandering around and enjoying a hot spring bath, Jiraiya arrived at a Kabukicho district and chose a beautiful woman with a magnificent figure.

"Judging from the customer's accent, they don't seem to be from around here. Are they here to do business?"

Seeing that Jiraiya was easygoing, the woman chatted with him. She was already used to seeing outsiders like him.

"Some small businesses, but the peace and tranquility here has surprised me. I was originally planning to make a fortune here."

Jiraiya displayed a sense of frustration and doubt, vaguely revealing that he was a cunning merchant who wanted to profit from the war.

"Guests who come here to make their fortune are mistaken. After the Hidden Cloud Village came to our country, it established strict rules and wiped out and captured those thugs, bandits, and robbers long ago. The Land of Hot Springs is much more peaceful now than before."

The woman chuckled, her expression conveying a sense of ease and gratitude towards Kumogakure.

Regardless of the Cloud Village's motives, it has undeniably brought them benefits in recent years.

For example, when I was in this line of work, I had to pay protection money to the gang in charge of this area, and most of my income was forcibly taken away.

But ever since the Hidden Cloud Village wiped out all those evil forces, no one has come to collect money from him anymore, and his life has become much more prosperous.

In particular, the ninjas of Kumogakure are very disciplined. Even during wartime, they never disturb ordinary people like themselves, and most battles take place in deserted wilderness.

The woman smiled easily, but Jiraiya was not feeling well inside.

The more Cloud Village behaves this way, the greater its ambitions become.

That kid once said that the war mission given to Kumogakure by the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning was to occupy the Land of Hot Springs.

This arrangement is likely a preparation for the occupation of the Land of Hot Springs.

At least the people of the Land of Hot Water don't reject the Hidden Cloud Village, which is crucial.

Just as he was worrying, he suddenly looked toward the door of the private room as if he had a premonition.

The door opened the next moment, and a young man with white hair walked in.

How did you find me?

Upon seeing that boy, Jiraiya felt completely disoriented.

How did this brat manage to find us?

"Big sister, we need to talk to you about something. Could you please do us a favor?"

Tamura Hiroshi did not answer, but instead took out a stack of bills and handed them to the woman.

Upon seeing the stack of banknotes, the woman's eyes lit up instantly, but she still maintained some professional ethics and did not respond immediately, instead turning to look at Jiraiya.

This is my guest for today.

"You go ahead, I'll talk to him."

Jiraiya waved his hand dejectedly; the following conversation was indeed not suitable for ordinary people to hear.

"You guys chat!"

The woman got up with a happy expression, took the money, and left, considerately closing the door behind her.

"You're really strange. You clearly like Tsunade, but you're unwilling to go with her. You're always so indecisive and wavering. In the end, you'll definitely get nothing."

Tamura Hao sat down and couldn't help but complain. The woman he had just met not only had a magnanimous heart, but also had blond hair. It was no coincidence that Jiraiya chose her.

It's pretty obvious to everyone that this guy has feelings for Tsunade, but unfortunately, the two of them can't be together.

It wasn't that Tsunade disliked his lewd nature; the main issue was the conflict between Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Senju clan. Jiraiya, being a respectful person, generally sided with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

This creates a certain degree of conflict with Tsunade.

The reason Tsunade didn't return to Konoha in the future was because of the destruction of the Senju clan. She only let go of some of her resentment after learning of Hiruzen Sarutobi's death.

"What would a little kid like you know about adult matters?"

Jiraiya deactivated his transformation jutsu and glared at the other person, but his heart was filled with bitterness and turmoil.

He understood the principle, but making a choice was incredibly difficult.

On one side is the person I like, and on the other is the mentor who taught me; I can give up either one.

"Occupying the Land of Hot Springs will not benefit you. Without this place as a buffer, it will be easier for conflicts to break out in the future."

With a serious expression, Jiraiya changed the subject to the matter of the Land of Hot Springs.

"That's a matter for the Daimyo's mansion, not something our ninja village should worry about. As ninjas, we only need to follow orders."

Tamura Hao demonstrated the excellent qualities of a ninja. We, the Hidden Cloud Village, are just a bunch of tools. If you're unhappy, go find our Daimyo. Who gave the order for the war mission?

Seeing the boy's face like that, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a pang of pain in his liver.

"As you wished, Minato has been having a very difficult time lately."

When the topic was changed again, Jiraiya's eyes were filled with resentment, even complaint.

He returned to the village some time ago and could see the changes in Minato, as well as a vague sense that the teacher's attitude towards Minato seemed to have changed.

In addition, his teacher's sudden order to select the Fourth Hokage based on war achievements made him very worried.

"Are you deceiving yourself and wanting Minato Mirai to do the same?"

He's different from you. When you encounter problems, you can run away from the village to escape, but he's destined to become Hokage, so he can't escape and can only face them.

It's always better to prepare now than to react hastily and make mistakes, or even cause tragedy, when problems arise in the future.

Looking sideways, Tamura Hao had high expectations for Minato Namikaze's future growth.

In particular, Mito Uzumaki sealed the Yin Nine-Tails inside Minato Namikaze, making him the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki.

Given Minato Namikaze's abilities, mastering the Kurama Mode is only a matter of time.

Such a powerful Minato Namikaze was far beyond the control limits of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, and he didn't believe that Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others could tolerate it.

It would be even better if some conflict were created.

"Some problems don't disappear just because they're covered up."

Tamura Hao said meaningfully, knowing that Jiraiya was a smart man who saw things clearly, but often chose to pretend to be stupid and avoid them. Tsunade, who would leave Konoha in the future, would be the same.

These words silenced Jiraiya and gave him a headache.

He naturally understood the reasons behind it and knew the situation in the village, but he didn't like that kind of thing and didn't want to get involved.

"Why did you kill Wen Tai and the others last time? They had no grudge against you."

Changing the subject again, Jiraiya questioned with a hint of anger.

The deaths of Wen Tai and the others were a source of pain for him, and he felt guilty and remorseful for them.

Although the problem is mainly on their side, the Hidden Cloud Village is too ruthless.

Killing Bunta wasn't the end of it; he even used his own flesh and chakra to summon Gamaken and Gamahiro to kill them.

That's outrageous!

"Who said we have no grudges? Isn't that a spirit beast you summoned?"

At that time, you were prepared to attack us. Since we are enemies, we should naturally eliminate our forces to the greatest extent possible.

"Besides, it was you who plotted against us that time. If it weren't for the Third Hokage's timely rescue, we would probably have died in Konoha long ago. After all that, how can you say we have no grudges against each other?"

Tamura Hao retorted with a cold laugh, "We're all enemies now, don't you find it ridiculous to say such things?"

These people really think of themselves as absolute righteous people. Over the years, those toads have killed quite a few people for Jiraiya, especially on the battlefield in the Land of Grass.

You can kill others, but others can't kill you. Don't go too far with your double standards.

In fact, everyone has the habit of double standards; it can be considered a kind of instinct to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, but saying it out loud is a bit awkward.

These words made Jiraiya's face darken. He couldn't refute them. The cause of this matter was indeed himself and his teacher. The Third Raikage and the Cloud Village ninja were also angry.

"You shall await the wrath of Mount Myoboku."

After leaving behind a single sentence, Jiraiya rose and departed.

Now that we've been targeted, we can no longer hide and gather intelligence; it's time to head to the camp.

Fortunately, White Fang will be there, so I won't be all alone.

(End of this chapter)