The Uchiha's Path to the Top, Starting from Konoha

Chapter 117 [Ox and Horse] Duo (7K)

As night fell, the campfire crackled in the night wind, its warm orange-yellow light dispelling the surrounding darkness. The smell of burning wood filled the air, mingled with a hint of pine fragrance.

The three hares that Sukama caught in the forest were sizzling and dripping with oil, emitting an enticing aroma.

"First-tier magic: Spice making".

Lilynet, holding a staff, chanted softly. A verdant magic circle bloomed at the tip of the staff, and the spice plants she had found in the forest instantly turned into spices. She handed the spices to Sukama, who was carefully turning a rabbit to prevent it from burning.

Lilynet then sat down next to Uchiha Takeoshi, her gaze fixed on the direction the thief and the magic caster had gone, her brow furrowed slightly. "They've been gone all afternoon, why haven't they returned yet?"

"They are all mithril-level adventurers; they wouldn't be so reckless. Perhaps they've made some new discovery, or something has held them back."

Upon hearing this, Sukama stopped turning the hare, raised her head, and a trace of worry appeared in her eyes. "But at this time, even if they can't catch up with the carriage, the magic caster or the thief will have to come back to report the news."

The firelight illuminated her face, making it appear exceptionally soft yet tinged with anxiety. She looked at Uchiha Wu'an and Lilynet, her voice low, "Young Master Wu'an, Lilynet, we might be in trouble."

If they haven't returned by now, there are only two possibilities.

A thief and a magic chanter, unable to find the stolen carriage and fearing repercussions from Uchiha Takenori, chose to flee.

The other possibility is that something happens, and there's no chance of coming back.

The former was immediately ruled out by Sukama. Eight fine horses plus a magic carriage would only cost around ten thousand gold coins, no matter how expensive. [Four Weapons] could grit their teeth and sell two or three magic weapons at a low price to raise that amount of money.

The latter could keep Mithril-level adventurers occupied, and the trouble involved was Sukama's main concern.

"No matter what trouble you are in, the most important thing is to fill your stomach first."

Uchiha Muan clearly understood this as well, and first gently comforted Sukama with a sentence: "The game of riding the cushion and the horse this afternoon was really refreshing for him. Next time, we'll wait for the real body to come and start the real riding game."

Then he pulled Lilynet, who was leaning against him, into his arms and quietly used his Ascension Points to level up.

Then, he took out a signal flare for his personal clone from his pocket and shot it into the sky.

The signal flare pierced the night sky, trailing a blinding tail flame, and burst into a ring of orange smoke, standing out conspicuously in the darkness, like a burning flower blooming in the air.

Uchiha Muan's movements were so fluid and seamless that Lilynet and Sukama were momentarily stunned.

"Let's eat the wild rabbit in peace; someone will be here soon."

Uchiha Muan reached out and gently pinched Lilynet's nose, then looked at Sukama with a smile, "I have more than just you guards around me."

Cloning a body doesn't cost much, but Uchiha Wu'an wouldn't easily discard a clone enhanced with Ascension Points.

The strength of the "Four Weapons" is still somewhat insufficient; any Jonin picked from Konoha could easily handle them.

If it weren't for the fact that the female warrior and the priestess in the original story aroused Uchiha Takeo's special interest, he wouldn't have bothered to travel with the [Four Weapons], and would definitely have made some backup plans.

"But Young Master Wu'an, such a commotion will attract other people as well."

Sukama's concerns were met with a wave of Uchiha Muan's hand. "It's better if they attract them; it'll save us the trouble of searching for them again."

"My guards are no ordinary people."

The two women relaxed and both thought of the coachman before they set off. Lilynet hooked her arms around Uchiha Muan's neck, wanting to give him a kiss, but was stopped by the noble youth who gently patted her back.

"My guards have arrived."

Following his gaze, the priestess saw a two-meter-tall toad wearing a blue cloak, with a round bead around its neck, and its entire body red. It nimbly jumped to the side of the campfire.

Under the tense and taut body of Lilynet and the watchful gaze of Sukama who hurriedly grabbed his magic axe, the giant red toad respectfully knelt before Uchiha Wu'an and spoke in human language.

"Gamakichi greets His Majesty the Führer!"

His deep, rough voice revealed a childish tone. Although he was bigger than a human, among the toads of Mount Myōboku, especially compared to his father Gamabunta, Gamakichi was still a minor.

His strength is roughly equivalent to that of a special Jonin. In the mortal realm, excluding the seemingly weak but actually powerful Lao Liu, he is strong enough to deal with a normal Steel-level adventurer.

The Jonin of Konoha have been extremely busy lately, and Uchiha Muan was too lazy to use a cannon to kill a mosquito. He found that the toads of Mount Myōboku were bored, so he decided to have them serve as guards to keep them occupied.

Since the clone's body lacks chakra, he can only summon the toad that possesses Sage Mode through other means.

The signal flare in his arms contains a summoning jutsu formula and chakra; it will automatically activate once fired.

The orange flare summoned the Third Hokage of Mount Myōboku. The Third Hokage's strength had been enhanced once by the Great Toad Sage, causing him to grow from a fist-sized toad to a towering two meters in size.

The red flare summoned the second generation of Mount Myōboku—Gamabunta and his two companions.

The first generation is the Great Toad Sage. If the Great Toad Sage were to appear, he would inevitably have to face the True Dragon King, who wields Origin Magic, together with the main body of Uchiha Muan.

"Your Majesty, the Toad Dragon has arrived too!"

A hurried voice rang out from behind Gamakichi. The three of them immediately turned around and looked over. Compared to Gamakichi's imposing and ferocious appearance, a rather cheerful-looking yellow toad jumped over clumsily.

Uchiha Muan raised an eyebrow slightly and turned his gaze to Gamakichi. "Catch Gamakichi. Don't let him make a mess of dust."

(This clumsy little brother.)

Gamakichi glanced at the three golden-brown rabbits roasting over the campfire, cursed Gamakichi inwardly, then turned and leaped up, catching Gamakichi precisely in mid-air before landing lightly on the ground and taking small steps back to Uchiha Takeoshi.

Seeing the two kneeling toads, Lilynet and Sukama exchanged bewildered glances. It turned out that the person Uchiha Muan had been talking about wasn't an ordinary person at all.

(Is it a powerful magical beast similar to the Forest Wise King?)

The two women secretly observed that the giant toad who called himself Gamakichi had significantly stronger muscles and exuded the aura of a powerful being.

The other giant toad, the Frog Dragon, was rather weak, looking like a foolish son from a wealthy family.

"There are some unexpected situations that require your attention."

After Uchiha Takeoku briefly explained the situation, Gamakichi nodded knowingly and immediately began making work arrangements.

The steady and meticulous Gamakichi went to find the person and look for possible clues.

Meanwhile, the somewhat unreliable Toad Dragon, who seemed overprotected at home, stayed behind to serve as a guard.

Seeing this, the two women knew that the two toads were safe and harmless, and they also realized that Uchiha Muan recognized their strength, so they relaxed.

Lilynet, sitting in Uchiha Wu'an's lap, gently tugged at his collar, her eyes full of curiosity. "Young Master Wu'an, why do they call you 'Headmaster'?"

"You'll understand about this issue of addressing each other later."

Uchiha Takeo answered casually, but in his heart he was thinking about how to get Uchiha Hikaru to cover for him.

Unlike the gamer Momonga who uses the identity of "Adventurer Momo" to operate outside, he openly uses his real appearance and identity, which will definitely be discovered by his wives at home in the future.

With Uchiha Hikaru as an inside man, Uchiha Takeoshi later honestly confessed that he possessed the Star Fury Power outside, and thus wouldn't suffer too much.

Sukama continued to roast the nearly cooked rabbit when she suddenly felt a large toad named Toad Dragon staring at her. Despite its cute appearance, she didn't feel very nervous.

(You can't say anything out of line or make any demands. If you want to eat something, go back to Mount Myōboku or go find Lady Minako.)

Smelling the aroma of the wild rabbit, the gluttonous and playful Toad Dragon, recalling the stern teachings of the Great Toad Sage, reluctantly shifted his gaze away from the rabbit.

His gaze shifted to the direction Gamakichi had left, and suddenly his expression tightened. His eyes were fixed on the rustling trees across the way, and he stood up from his crouching position.

The enhanced senses granted by the Sage Chakra that had modified his body allowed Gamabunta to detect the anomaly. He lowered his voice and reported, "Your Majesty, someone is approaching!"

Upon hearing this, the three were startled and looked in the direction the toad dragon was pointing, only to see a shadow.

In the firelight, the shadows distorted on the ground, as if countless eyes were watching from the shadows, sending chills down Lilynet and Sukama's spines.

"Sukama, divide up the roasted rabbit."

"Toad Dragon, you've forced out this uninvited guest."

Uchiha Muan patted Lilynet's plump buttocks, gesturing for her to get up and fetch the roasted rabbit, while casually instructing, "It'll be a perfect after-dinner entertainment."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The toad dragon opened its mouth and spat out a water ball, which flew into the shadows of the forest at the speed of a cannonball.

"Water Release: Gunfire Ball!"

With a shout from the Toad Dragon, the water sphere struck the ground, producing a deafening roar.

"Damn it!"

A hooded figure leaped out of the shadows. The spot where the figure had been standing had been blasted into a deep crater by the water ball. The splashing water scattered like pebbles, causing the figure to cry out in pain.

In the firelight, a human figure was revealed—pale skin, but a gaunt face and sharp, angry eyes that immediately reminded one of a sinister vulture, making Sukama tense when they met each other's gaze.

The female warrior, who had seen his wanted poster, narrowed her eyes and said, enunciating each word clearly, "The infamous Eight Fingers Security Department, one of the strongest Six Arms, Phantom Demon Sand Dunelont!"

Sukama dropped the rabbit in his hand, picked up the magic hand axe, and quickly stood in front of Uchiha Muan, speaking urgently.

"Lilynet, quickly take Young Master Wu'an and escape! The members of [Six Arms] are all as strong as adventurers of the Abrasive Steel level; we can't possibly fight them!"

Sukama's tone was pessimistic yet resolute, "Young Master Wu'an, although you are a scoundrel nobleman, I have truly fallen for you. If I survive, I'll be your horse to ride in the future!"

(I think you're addicted to being a horse.)

Lilynet, who was initially nervous, couldn't help but complain in her heart upon hearing this, but her hands didn't slow down. Just as she was about to pull Uchiha Takeo away, he pulled her into his arms instead.

"Sukama, I'm glad you like me, but I'm not happy with how you phrased it."

Uchiha Wu'an first gave Lilynet a look to calm down, then reached out and patted Sukama's back armor, the thumping sounds echoing around them, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"You are now my 'horse,' and there is nothing in the entire kingdom that you should fear."

"He's just a clown, leave him to Toad Dragon. You sit down right now, you're blocking my view of the show!"

Sukama, who was being pulled by Uchiha Wu'an, let out an "Eh" and fell unsteadily at the young man's feet. Her mouth, which was about to make a sound, was stuffed full of a fragrant rabbit leg.

(A nobleman with a foul mouth!)

Phantom Demon Sand Dune gave the three a cold look, especially at the loud-mouthed noble youth. He had already decided to tear him to pieces. After assessing the three's combat strength, he stopped paying attention to them.

His eyes were fixed on the toad dragon that slowly approached him. This large yellow toad, which he had never seen before, left Phantom Demon Sand Dune somewhat confused.

He thought to himself.

(Neither the torturing thief nor the magic chanter mentioned this giant toad casting fourth-tier magic!)

(However, since the feud has already begun, we'll just have to deal with them both at once. The two female adventurers are quite attractive; after capturing them and training them a bit, they might fetch a good price.)

Following the intelligence and signal flares that led him here, the Phantom Demon Sand Dunelongt glanced warily at the deep pit at his feet, then activated the enchanted boots beneath his feet, and the magical item in his hand, the [Energy Amplification Ring], also emitted magical fluctuations.

Phantom Demon Sand Dunelont drew his enchanted mithril sword and charged toward the toad dragon. As he ran, three figures identical to him, flowing with magical energy, appeared.

"Multiple afterimages!"

(You stinking toad, die by my unfathomable techniques!)

"Water Release: Gunfire Ball!"

The illusion showed no signs of life. The water ball spat out by the toad dragon flew straight towards the real body of the illusion demon, Sand Dune Lond, causing him to frown—was it luck?

The chainmail armor made of orogenic bronze, called "Cat's Grace," on the Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond lit up with magical patterns as it dodged to the side in time.

The three phantom figures beside him changed positions rapidly along with him.

As a magic caster combining the traits of a light warrior and an illusionist, their defense is lower than that of a warrior, and their stamina is also inferior to that of a warrior, but they are faster and have sharper reactions.

The light warrior allows him to dodge attacks, while the illusionist gives him more ways to get close to the enemy, and finally, with his enchanted mithril sword, he can reap the enemy's life like an elegant dancer!

(That idiot.)

Respecting the idea of ​​others to perform, the Toad Dragon quietly watched the hooded man's performance. As the man continued to charge forward, another Iron Cannon Ball was fired at his main body.

"Damn it, you stinking toad, how did you find me?!"

The second hit could not be described as luck. Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond stared at the Toad Dragon with a grim expression. The killing intent in his heart for it had surpassed that of the three nobles who were eating rabbit meat and watching the show.

"Shining Dark Spot!"

With a flick of his mithril enchantment, the Phantom Demon Sand Dunerond instantly blurred everyone's vision as he used illusion magic.

(What kind of ninjutsu is this?)

The blinded Gamabunta panicked when he realized he couldn't see anything, but he still had the basic fighting skills he inherited from Gamabunta.

"Water Release·Water Formation Wall!"

Chakra gathered in his throat and spewed out a waterfall of water from his mouth, forming a wall of water that rose from the bottom up in the blink of an eye. The toad dragon did not stop moving and, relying on his senses, fired one cannonball after another.

(The toad's magic is so powerful; this oppressive force is just one step away from reaching the hero's realm!)

Unable to break through the water barrier's defenses, the Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond struggled to dodge the swift iron cannonballs, the ever-increasing pressure forcing him to retreat continuously.

The effect of [Shining Dark Spot] quickly dissipated. Uchiha Wu'an, who hadn't seen the entire battle, pinched the big white rabbit that Lilynet had raised in dissatisfaction. Under the priestess's coquettish gaze, he waved his hand and unleashed the second-tier magic [Multi-Magic Arrow] and [Strong Acid Arrow].

"Young Master Wu'an, please have some rabbit meat."

With her side in a favorable position, Lilynet felt reassured and tore off a piece of rabbit meat with her small mouth. Then, she raised her head, blinked her beautiful eyes, and whimpered an invitation.

"You priest really know how to have fun."

Under Uchiha Muan's gaze, the smooth lips, glistening with oil, were the perfect seasoning.

While savoring the sweet and tender rabbit meat, he manipulated his magic arrows to force the Phantom Demon Sand Dune to dodge repeatedly. Under the fiery gaze of the other party, he picked up Sukama, who was casting a pleading look at him.

Three people are enjoying a serving of rabbit meat.

"Ugh, you wretched nobleman!"

Never before had the Phantom Demon Sand Dune been provoked like this. He dodged an acid arrow and a toad dragon's cannonball, and then cleaved off an incoming magic arrow.

Just as he was about to adopt the tactic of capturing the leader first, avoiding the Toad Dragon's sharp edge, and grabbing the noble youth in his hands, torturing him while threatening the Toad Dragon, a "whoosh" sounded behind him.

The strong acid arrow, gleaming with a deep green hue, pierced the vest, causing the hood connected to the vest to light up instantly. However, it also made the Phantom Demon Sand Dune stagger, almost being hit by the oncoming pyrotechnic ball.

"You've got quite a lot of magical items."

Releasing the infatuated Sukama, Uchiha Muan glanced at the Phantom Demon Sand Dune, only to be grabbed by the collar by Lilynet and a piece of rabbit meat was stuffed into his mouth.

"Toad Dragon, hurry up and capture it alive for me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sensing the urging tone in Uchiha Muan's words, Gamabunta's cute and plump toad face also darkened.

I don't want to play whack-a-mole with you anymore.

"Celestial Art: Water Cannon!"

Gamabunta's eyes narrowed, and he channeled his Sage Chakra, unleashing an extremely powerful sticky water jutsu at Phantom Demon Sand Dune.

(We're doomed!)

The massive spray of water cannons left the already exhausted Phantom Demon Sand Dune Longt unable to dodge in time. He could only run out with his upper body, while his lower body seemed to be glued to the ground and unable to move.

"Your Excellency, the mission is complete."

Looking at Uchiha Takeo, who was surrounded by women and almost overwhelmed, Gamabunta stretched out his toad paw and scratched his bald head with some confusion.

It took quite a while before the busy head of state finally gave the order.

"Well done, Toad Dragon."

Uchiha Muan glanced at Gamabunta and said, "Go interrogate that guy and find out what his purpose and background are."

"Also, how are the [Four Weapons] thieves and magic chanters doing?"

When Uchiha Muan said this, Sukama, worried about his teammates, wanted to get up and follow him, but the young man stopped her, saying, "Just leave it to Gamabunta."

(But I don't know any interrogation ninjutsu either.)

The toad dragon thought to himself, but dared not say it aloud. He could only sigh and walk toward the phantom demon, Dunelongt.

Under the terrified gaze of the other party, the Toad Dragon tried its best to squeeze out a fierce expression on its chubby face.

"If you don't tell the truth, I'll swallow you whole and let you experience the agony of your body being slowly melted by stomach acid!"

In just a few words, the spineless Phantom Demon Sandylond blurted out everything he knew.

The sheer volume and complexity of information caused the Toad Dragon, who was already ill-suited to handling complicated situations, to frown and pace around in frustration. A slap from the head then forced the Phantom Demon Sand Dune to reorganize its thoughts.

(This dead toad is really going too far!)

Phantom Demon Sand Dune cursed inwardly.

As the highest-ranking military officer of the [Eight Fingers] slave department, Phantom Demon Sandylont had never suffered such humiliation.

(Once I escape and ascend to heaven, I must find a few slaves and vent my anger on them!)

Recalling a female slave with dazzling blonde hair and an extremely strong will to survive, the Phantom Demon Sand Dune planned to torture her to death with the most brutal and cruel methods once he returned.

(Now that I'm living under someone else's roof, I can't be impatient or angry.)

Despite his burning rage, Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond managed to force a smile that was more like a grimace to appease the increasingly impatient Toad Dragon.

"Your Excellency Toad, I am a member of the Six Arms, a security division within the Eight Fingers. I have recently been employed by the Eight Fingers' Minister of Slavery to handle matters related to the buying and selling of slaves."

"The stolen carriage of Your Excellency is not far away, but my men accidentally killed the thieves and magic chanters employed by Your Excellency. I will hand those men over to Your Excellency later and await your instructions!"

"If Your Excellency requires compensation, I have plenty of female slaves to offer!"

The Phantom Demon Sand Dune, whose hands were stained with the lives of two people, did not hesitate to shift the blame onto his deputy in order to survive.

If necessary, Phantom Demon Sandhillont planned to cut off his head and give it to the noble youth upon returning, hoping to appease his anger.

If that's still not enough, there are plenty of beautiful and docile female slaves in the slave department, and he's sure that lustful young nobleman will be satisfied.

"Why didn't you just do this earlier? Why are you beating around the bush with me?"

"You want to bribe me? Who cares about your treasures and possessions?"

The toad dragon, dissatisfied, slapped the phantom demon Sand Dunelong across the face again, nearly knocking his brains out of his ear and causing him to faint while seeing stars.

Although the perception enhanced by Sage Chakra is not as clear as that of the Nine-Tails Chakra, it can still distinguish between good and evil in people's hearts.

However, the toad dragon truly sensed the lingering, almost solidified, evil intent in the heart of the phantom demon, Sand Dunelongt, and therefore attacked with all its might each time.

His elders had taught him that when facing bad people, you must not be soft-hearted; if you can't kill them, beat them to death!

"Your Excellency, we've obtained the intelligence."

Uchiha Muan patted Lilynet and Sukama, who were snuggling in his arms. The two girls obediently sat down to the side, their gazes towards the man filled with tender affection.

First came the powerful groom, then his own exceptional talent, and finally even the toad guard he casually summoned was able to defeat the renowned members of the "Six Arms" gang.

The two women were already determined to follow Uchiha Takeo.

After Gamabunta's brief explanation, combined with his memories from the original work, Uchiha Takeo waved his hand and said, "Kill him, he's an eyesore."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Under the power of Gamaryu's Water Release: Gun Ball, the unconscious Phantom Demon Sand Dune Lond merged into the land without pain.

Uchiha Muan was comforting the heartbroken Lilynet and Sukama. After all, they had been comrades for seven or eight years, and the four of them had made a name for themselves as the "Four Weapons" in Ye Naiur.

He was about to become a nobleman and marry several beautiful wives, but unfortunately, he died at the hands of the Phantom Demon, Sand Dunelongt.

Then came the sound of hooves, and Gamakichi, driving the carriage and reeking of blood, returned to the spot.

"Your Majesty, this is the lost carriage, but you said those two people are already dead."

"The Toad Dragon has already interrogated the leader of the slave group and extracted information from him, and he told me about this."

Uchiha Muan patted the two women on the waist, gesturing for them to get into the carriage first. Then, looking at Gamakichi, he asked, "What about the slave traders and the slaves they sold?"

"The slave traders tortured them to extract information and then killed them. The innocent people received a small share of the money and then went home on their own."

Gamakichi's handling of the situation earned Uchiha Muan's nod. After the two toads exchanged information, Uchiha Muan sent the two toads back to Mount Myōboku.

He then summoned his original body, who was now free in Konoha. The two switched places, and Uchiha Takeo entered the carriage, ready to quickly experience his "Ox and Horse" duo.

(End of this chapter)