Chapter 4 A Heart's Bargain

"Do you feel it?" the intruder taunted, a smirk playing on his lips. "The weight of your own inadequacy? The fear of being utterly powerless?" He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, filling the space with a sinister energy. "This is my world now, and here, your powers mean nothing."

Hashirama's jaw tightened. This wasn't merely a physical confrontation; it was a battle of control, and right now, they were losing. The man radiated confidence, as if he thrived on their helplessness. Hashirama took a deep breath, steeling himself.

"We won't let you get away with this," he declared, his voice steady despite the fear clawing at his insides. "Whatever you think you can do, we'll stop you."

Mito nodded, drawing strength from Hashirama's words. "You may have taken our powers, but you haven't taken our will," she added, her voice growing stronger, laced with defiance. "We will fight you, no matter the odds."

The man chuckled, his laughter echoing in the tense silence. "How cute. Such determination in the face of despair." He raised his hand, and shadows began to swirl around him, coalescing into dark tendrils that reached out like snakes. "But that won't save you. I have come to collect what is mine, and I won't be denied."

Hashirama felt a surge of anger mixed with fear as he watched the dark tend...

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