Chapter 177: The Resurrected Oni San!

Chapter 177: The Resurrected Oni San!

"You there, you're Suigetsu Hozuki, right?"

A man's voice echoed from a distance as a floating ghost fixed its gaze on Suigetsu Hozuki.

However, Suigetsu had no idea who this ghost was.

"And who are you?" he asked curiously, flashing forward to face the ghost.

"Well, it doesn't matter who you are. Just go die now!" Suigetsu declared confidently, raising his zanpakutō and slashing at the ghost.

To his astonishment, the ghost caught the blade with his bare hand!

"You've really forgotten, haven't you? Though, I can't blame you. I'm just one of the countless ninjas you've slaughtered. But I'm different—I'm a powerful spirit!"

The ghost's voice grew louder and more animated, causing the other spirits around him to back away. A white mask began forming on his face.

Seeing the eerie, menacing mask, Suigetsu felt a chill run through him, momentarily stunned.

What kind of monster is this? Just a mask, and it's this terrifying? Could it be making me feel fear? This is ridiculous! I'm a Kage-level ninja, and I have a special zanpakutō created by Lord Ishihara.

Not far away, Haku observed the ghost intently, sensing a strange unease. This development intrigued him. These things had only appeared less than a month ago, and yet there was already someone this powerful among them? He decided he must report this to Lord Ishihara—he would surely find these creatures fascinating.

While Haku analyzed the situation, Suigetsu made his move. He yanked his zanpakutō back with great effort and swung it directly at the ghost.

"Aren't you going to ask for my name first? Or do you think you can handle me as easily as before?" the ghost sneered.

Suddenly, a blade extended from the ghost's arm, clashing with Suigetsu's attack.

"Still, I can't let you die without knowing who killed you. Remember this name—Oni San!"

Hearing the name, Suigetsu froze. The name triggered memories of a certain man.

Years ago, during a mission in the Land of Wind, his target had been a special jōnin with mid-chūnin-level skills. After killing the jōnin, a lowly genin had dared to confront him. That genin, who had introduced himself as Oni San, had been relentlessly persistent despite being beaten down repeatedly. In the end, annoyed, Suigetsu had killed him.

Could this Oni San before him be that same child?

"Oh, it seems like you remember now, don't you? Hahaha! You killed my mentor and nearly killed me!" Oni San exclaimed excitedly, as if already savoring his vengeance.

"I didn't die that day, but I realized I could never catch up to you in this life. Then, recently, I discovered that after death, people become spirits. Spirits are inherently much stronger than ninjas and can grow by devouring others. The stronger the grudge, the stronger the spirit. And someone like me, who burns with the desire to see you dead, is bound to become one of the strongest spirits in existence!"

As he finished speaking, Oni San charged at Suigetsu, his blade slashing toward his neck.

Startled, Suigetsu raised his right hand, blocking the attack with a sharp clang.

"If that's all you've got, your revenge attempt is going nowhere," Suigetsu smirked. Though Oni San was undeniably stronger than him, his lack of combat experience was evident.

"Oh, really? Then how about now?" Oni San retorted, suddenly kicking Suigetsu in the stomach. Before Suigetsu could react, he was sent flying.

Witnessing this, Haku instinctively moved to intervene, but a towering, two-meter-tall spirit stepped in his way.

"That's Oni San's duel. Don't interfere," the spirit growled in a deep, gravelly voice, making Haku frown.

This giant spirit's strength rivaled Oni San's, making it clear that this was going to be a tough fight.

"I don't want to fight you. You're strong, and battling you would be too costly," the giant spirit said hastily, noticing Haku's readiness to attack.

But Haku wasn't about to let this opportunity slip. The stronger these spirits were, the more Ichibi chakra they had absorbed!