Taking Control of Chakra Masters

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The Hiruzen clone continued, "You see, I am one of the masters of chakra from the southeastern part of this continent, or as you may know it, the Five Elemental Nations—the five most powerful superpowers in the world."

As he spoke in a serious tone, the Chunin masters and others, who were already under his subtle influence, widened their eyes in shock.

The Chunin master hurriedly spoke,

"Are you from the legendary Five Elemental Nations spoken of in the old legends?"

The clone was taken aback and thought, Is it really so legendary? Why do I not seem to think so?

Soon, he spoke, "Yes, the Five Elemental Nations. It seems you know something about them."

The Chunin master's voice trembled with terror. "We have some records about the Five Nations in the Takahara Clan.

During the war with the Sukuna Clan, an unknown master spoke of these Five Nations.

He claimed, The power I wield is not even worth mentioning in front of the Five Elemental Nations.

They have tens of thousands of masters at their command—just like me—and even thousands of others far stronger.

And above all, the five leaders of those armies are said to be the strongest masters the world has ever known. A single attack from them can level mountains and reduce cities to rubble.

"...But," he hesitated before continuing, "at the time, no one believed him, and he was killed.

The other clans thought he was boasting and paid no attention. Even his arts were stolen, but we do not know which clans took them."

The clone chuckled. "It seems that Sukuna Clan master gained some kind of inheritance or knowledge about the Five Nations.

But didn't the other clans or cities send scouts to investigate?"

The Chunin master nodded. "Yes, we sent many soldiers and even some of our mysterious masters.

But none of them ever returned. After that war, further attempts were made, but with little success. Eventually, we stopped trying."

The clone nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm... what the Sukuna Clan master said was indeed correct. The Five Nations have tens of thousands of shinobi at his level and thousands above it.

If a proper ninja had been present in that war, he alone could have secured victory for the Sukuna Clan.

And above them are the hundreds of elite-tier shinobi, far stronger still.

Then, at the top, are the Kage-level shinobi—more than twenty in total. Each one is capable of destroying mountains and leveling cities."

The Chunin master and the other Genin masters struggled to comprehend the scale of power described.

Their breathing hitched, and they gasped in disbelief. The Chunin master swallowed hard before hesitantly asking,

"Is… is this all really true? H-how can they be so much stronger than us?"

The clone chuckled. "Haha… yes, it is true. What we have here is not even worth mentioning in their eyes. There are clans in the Five Nations that have existed for over a thousand years.

Even back then, they were so powerful that no one could oppose them. If not for the Warring States Period—a thousand years of war—there might only be Five Nations in this world today."

One of the Genin hesitantly asked, "What kind of war could last a thousand years? And how much resources would they need to sustain a war for so long?"

The clone's expression turned serious. "When beings of great power disagree, they wage war to establish their dominance."

Then, shifting the topic, he continued, "Anyway, I am one of those Kage-level shinobi.

After losing interest in the Five Nations, I came here to build a village and unify this land. So, I must ask—who among you is willing to join me?"

Another collective gasp filled the air. The 21 chakra masters were utterly shocked, their minds struggling to process the immense revelation.

The Chunin master fell deep into thought. If he is as powerful as he claims, then this time, he will undoubtedly unify the Land of Crystal.

He recalled the previous Sukuna Clan master, who had alone killed hundreds of masters and thousands of soldiers.

This man's single fireball was three times stronger than that master's most powerful attack. What should we do?

Suddenly, an idea struck him. He spoke with courtesy, "Esteemed sir, please allow us to lead you to the Takahara residence to meet Lord Takahara. He will certainly be able to support you."

But the clone did not budge.

At that moment, twelve of the chakra masters stepped forward. One by one, they knelt on the ground and declared in unison,

"If the lord would allow us to serve under him, we pledge our loyalty and will follow your command, my lord."

The Chunin master's face turned red with rage. "You… how dare you betray the Takahara Clan?!" he roared as his chakra flared, putting pressure on them.

One of the twelve kneeling masters, a Chunin, raised his head and responded,

"Don't act as if we don't know the truth. Our pay is less than theirs. Our treatment is worse. First priority is always given to the eight members of your clan.

On top of that, we are forced to hand over more than 60% of our earnings from missions. Do you take us for fools?"

The enraged Chunin master scoffed. "Oh? Then whose resources and techniques did you use? Who provided you with missions to complete?

You should be grateful! And yet you traitors betray us the moment you see someone stronger?!"

The clone smiled inwardly. Well done. This Chunin master is certainly a potential recruit. But his attitude must be corrected.

He then spoke, "Very well. You twelve will serve under me." Then, pointing at the Chunin master, he continued,

"As for you, I do not have the time to go to your clan and wait for them to greet me. If you wish, summon your master here.

And remember—if your clan surrenders before I finish speaking with the other clans, you may earn the privilege of being the first recruit."

A heavy silence fell over the group. Then, the clone flared his chakra slightly.

A tremendous force rippled through the ground, cracking the earth apart over a ten-meter radius. Fear gripped the twenty-one remaining masters.

The Chunin master, now fully aware of the overwhelming gap in power, hurriedly replied,

"Do not worry, my lord! I will notify the City Lord and Lord Takahara immediately and have them come here!"

With that, he, along with eight others, turned and ran back towards the city.

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A/N: First of all I am sorry for ghosting all of a sudden, a week ago i got fever after eating ice cream in changing weather, and it didn't stop at that and then i got typhoid also, so couldn't even move and all from the bed, laying down all day, grabbing my head which hurts like a bitch, and yell in my mind, but but, here i am once again with a brand new chapter, as they say its never too late.

Once again I am sorry and all.