Chapter 102: The Strongest Attack and Escape Technique

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Blue chakra flames surged into the sky like a tangible force, and fierce winds swept through the area. Even the large trees were uprooted and thrown into the air.

Samui and Pakura had never seen chakra of such magnitude before.

One of them was already a Kage-level powerhouse, standing at the peak of the shinobi world, and the other was a former direct subordinate of the Raikage who had witnessed many great events.

Samui felt that even Killer Bee in his tailed beast transformation didn't have chakra this overwhelming.

The two of them stopped dozens of meters away, unable to approach. The pressure from the chakra flames was simply too intense.

After several minutes, the transformation finally came to a halt.

The chakra flames gradually receded and eventually vanished. Yami opened his eyes, and his entire presence became restrained once more.

Only then did Pakura and Samui dare to come closer.

Pakura asked curiously, "What kind of ninjutsu were you just working on? That chakra was terrifying. I don't even think I could muster a tenth of that."

"Not working on any jutsu," Yami shook his head. "My body just went through some changes. It's become a little purer."

Pakura nodded in understanding.

She had always known that Yami had Senju blood, but she had thought it was nothing special, just that his chakra reserves were a bit higher than average.

Now it seemed… he truly was on another level.

Yami wasn't even an adult yet. Pakura couldn't imagine how much chakra he'd have once he matured.

At the same time, she finally understood why Senju Hashirama was called the God of Shinobi.

With chakra that immense, combined with the Wood Release kekkei genkai, the title was well-deserved.

The three fell into silence, while Yami began to ponder.

---

[Name: Shimura Yami]

[Gender: Male]

[Age: 12]

[Date of Birth: April 1, Year 46 (Konoha Calendar)]

[Chakra Attributes: Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Lightning, Yang (Limit Break), Yin (Ultimate)]

[Total Chakra: 3 Narutos (1 Naruto ≈ 100 Kakashi, 1 Kakashi ≈ 5 standard Jōnin chakra)]

[Chakra Control Talent: Limit Break]

[Mastered Ninjutsu: Numerous]

[Nature Transformations: Wind, Fire, Earth (Limit Break), Water, Lightning (Ultimate)]

[Special Talents: Ōtsutsuki Bloodline (Normal), Senju Bloodline (Limit Break, Developing), Uzumaki Bloodline (Ultimate), Uchiha Bloodline (Ultimate, Three Tomoe), Byakugan, Sage Perception (Good), Swordsmanship Genius, Darkness of the Ninja World, Mother-in-law's Expectation, Space Talent]

[Bond Points: 3,694]

[Evaluation: The limit of mortals, no more no less. One step further, and you will be Kami, possessing decisive power.]

---

Yami's eyelid twitched slightly as he read the system's evaluation.

He clasped his hands together and began forming hand seals.

Suddenly, the ground cracked open, and thick acid gushed out, startling Pakura and Samui.

Yami still frowned.

What's missing?

He was sure that the vitality in his body was now comparable to Senju Hashirama's in his prime. Due to his age, it hadn't fully developed yet, but it shouldn't be far off.

And yet, despite all this vitality, he still couldn't use Wood Release.

It was as if something was blocking him. Like the world itself was rejecting the use of Wood Release.

After trying a few more times, that obstructed feeling only intensified. He was clearly just one step away from activating Wood Release.

But for now, he had no choice but to give up.

However… there was another power he could test.

Yami slowly separated his hands, and a translucent, conical crystal formed between his palms.

Pakura and Samui's eyes widened in shock, both exclaiming at the same time:

"Dust Release?!"

Dust Release—the secret technique of the Land of Earth—had only been mastered by the Second and Third Tsuchikage so far. It was a bloodline elimination technique that surpassed the bloodline limit.

"Let's test its power."

Yami aimed in one direction and pushed his hands forward.

Buzz~!

The conical translucent barrier surged out and erased everything in its path, reducing it all to fine dust. A wide, empty path appeared before them.

"It really is Dust Release…" Pakura murmured.

She had seen Ōnoki use it before. Its effect was exactly the same, everything caught in its range disintegrated into base molecules or even atoms. It was undoubtedly the most destructive attack ninjutsu.

If it weren't for the high chakra consumption and limited usage, Ōnoki would've stood far above the other Kage-level shinobi.

"Do you want to learn it?"

Yami lowered his hands and smiled at Pakura. "After more than a year of exploring, I finally succeeded."

"You already meet the requirements for wind and fire chakra control and nature transformation. As long as you train in Earth Release, you'll be close. You should give it a try."

Pakura was tempted and nodded. "Alright. I'll begin training in Earth chakra when I get back."

For most Jōnin, mastering two chakra natures was almost standard. Not everyone had them innately, but many developed them through training.

Given Pakura's talent, acquiring Earth chakra wouldn't be too difficult. The real challenge would be refining it enough to fuse into Dust Release.

Seeing Samui's envious look, Yami comforted her. "Can't be helped. You don't have all three attributes. Focus on training your Water chakra first, then you can try Storm Release later."

"Yes, Yami-sama."

In order to awaken Wood Release as soon as possible, Yami completely ignored the undercurrents brewing within the village.

He currently had two options: either fuse Hashirama cells, which—given his vitality—would make him another Senju Hashirama, or pursue the other path… Yamato.

As long as the [Wood Release Entry] was triggered, the effect would be the same.

More importantly… he wouldn't have to wear Hashirama's face on his own body!

So Yami chose the second path without hesitation.

At present, Yamato's fear-based bond had reached the second stage. Both Earth and Water attributes required for Wood Release had been unlocked, and from now on, Yamato's life would be nothing short of hell.

Less than six hours of rest per day, and countless missions awaited him at the Root.

Even on his rare days off, Yami would drag him out for training. It was a fate worse than death.

Somehow, Yamato didn't seem to hate it or perhaps he just had a good temper. After nearly a year of torment, the bond still hadn't reached the third stage.

Instead, he had been completely indoctrinated and now shouted every day about returning to Root.

Kakashi was speechless when he learned about this.

But what could he do?

He was just a small team captain, one who served under Yami. There was no way to restrain a superior.

More importantly… Yami could get him Jiraiya's signed edition of Icha Icha Paradise!

For the sake of his beloved book, Kakashi could only pretend not to see anything.

His Sharingan, conveniently hidden under his forehead protector, was just for show.

Good luck, Yamato.

—

Naka Shrine.

Uchiha Itachi walked out, body weary.

The family meeting had just ended, and everyone's patience with the village had worn thin. Other than the Police Force, not a single Uchiha held a post in any department of the village. They were crammed into a narrow street on the outskirts.

Inside and outside the street were like two separate worlds.

Even his father, who had always tried to maintain balance like him, had flames burning in his eyes.

It was rage… and a smothered ambition reignited.

When he returned home, Sasuke had already fallen asleep after school. Itachi silently watched his brother sleep for half an hour before quietly leaving.

At the same time, Uchiha Fugaku, lying in bed, opened his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

—

In the Hokage Building, even though it was already deep into the night, the village elders led by Hiruzen were still in the office, silently waiting for someone to arrive.

Soon, that person came.

Seeing Uchiha Itachi kneel on one knee, a trace of relief flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.

This child… truly inherited the Will of Fire.

"What did Fugaku say at the clan meeting today?" Danzō was the first to speak.

After two seconds of silence, Itachi replied calmly, "The Uchiha clan's patience has reached its limit. Bloodshed is inevitable. The exact timing hasn't been decided yet."

Danzō snorted coldly and looked at Hiruzen. "What are you still hesitating for? We should gather our forces and suppress the rebellion tonight!"

"It hasn't reached that point yet."

Hiruzen shook his head. "Itachi, do you have a way to delay this? Konoha really can't afford a civil war right now."

At that moment, Uchiha Itachi's heart ached deeply. He finally understood how Uchiha Shisui had felt back then.

It was too difficult.

Should he sacrifice himself to delay the uprising?

But even if he died now, how long would that delay last?

He didn't have Shisui's influence in the clan, and the people's patience had run dry. It wouldn't work.

Most importantly… if he died, what would happen to Sasuke?

The moment he stepped into the Hokage Building, Itachi had made his decision—he had to protect Sasuke!

—

In the end, Hiruzen and Danzō failed to reach an agreement. To avoid exposure, the meeting was adjourned, and Itachi was told to await further orders.

After leaving the Hokage Building, Itachi didn't return home. Instead, he went to the area near the Root base.

As expected, Danzō soon arrived with several guards.

This had become routine.

Every time after meeting the Hokage or the elders, Itachi would report to Danzō.

"Don't be fooled by the Third Hokage's kind words," Danzō said coldly. "When the time comes, he'll only protect the village."

"You understand that, don't you?"

"Yes," Itachi answered softly. "That's what a Hokage must do."

"You have only two paths."

Danzō narrowed his eyes. "First, stand with your clan and start a rebellion. Konoha will pay a price, but in the end, the village will win. The Uchiha clan will be wiped from existence."

"Second…"

Danzō paused slightly. Itachi raised his head and looked at him.

"Before anything happens, eliminate them yourself. Kill everyone in the know, root them out completely. Konoha will blame you alone. In exchange, the Uchiha name can exit the stage with dignity."

As Danzō finished, Itachi stood frozen in place like he'd been struck by lightning.

Without waiting for a reply, Danzō brushed past him.

"You don't have much time to decide. Come to me tomorrow once you've made your choice. I'll have Root seal the area so no one interrupts."

—

No one knew how much time had passed before Itachi finally returned home in a daze.

He sat on the floor all night, unmoving. When the morning sun finally shone in, a glint returned to his eyes.

"…Looks like you've made your decision."

Sensing Itachi's changed demeanor, Danzō understood immediately.

"I have one request," Itachi said.

"Go ahead."

"My brother, Uchiha Sasuke, is innocent. He knows nothing. I need him to survive. He must carry on the Uchiha name. That's all I ask."

Danzō nearly laughed.

Your brother is the only one who's innocent?

So all the other Uchiha children and civilians deserve to die?

This is politics. There's no such thing as innocence.

"Fine. I promise. The village will guarantee his safety."

Letting Sasuke live also ensured they had a leash on Itachi moving forward.

"Thank you, Danzō-sama."

Itachi appeared grateful, but he didn't trust Danzō's words. After everything was done, he planned to speak with Hiruzen directly.

"I'm not strong enough to kill the entire clan on my own. I'll need that masked Madara. I want to probe his true identity.

After betraying the village, I'll join the rogue organization he belongs to."

Danzō narrowed his eyes. "Fine. I'll have Yami go with you and provide support."

Itachi's heart turned cold.

He knew Danzō had sent Yami to monitor him.

But he had no right to refuse.

—

After leaving Konoha, Itachi arrived at a forest where he used to train as a child. He practiced shuriken throwing like always.

Even distracted, he never missed the bullseye.

"…How rare."

That familiar, low voice echoed behind him. "At a time like this, you're still playing childish games?"

Whoosh!

A kunai passed through Uchiha Obito's intangible body and struck the target dead center.

"I was just waiting for you."

Itachi stopped. "I agree to your terms. I'll join Akatsuki."

"Oh?" Obito clapped lightly. "That's great news."

"But I need your help."

"Come with me. Let's slaughter the entire Uchiha clan."

(To be continued.)

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