Chapter 255
After a period of rapid development, Whirlpool Country had grown into a massive stronghold. With darkness swallowing the surface world, the only remaining sanctuaries for ninjas were in the sky or underground.
The residents who had once joined the Whirlpool Country couldn't help but admire their foresight. Now, people were fighting tooth and nail just to earn a spot in Whirlpool Country's sanctuary. Some had even abandoned their humanity in the process.
Neji had his reasons for allowing certain people in. Zixu had once said he wanted to create an equal world. Now that the giant serpents had turned the earth into chaos and disrupted the world's order, it was time to rebuild.
Although Zixu and the others had vanished, Neji never doubted they'd return. So, he kept the city in order—waiting.
Guren's Crystal Release proved invaluable. Not only was it a prime material source for the research division, but she had also accidentally discovered her uncanny ability to detect ore. That was why Zixu rarely sent her to the front lines. She was more useful elsewhere.
Thanks to talents recruited from all over the world, the Whirlpool Country's technology had exploded in progress. From advanced weapons to experimental tech designed to kill the giant snakes, even nuclear weapons—an idea Zixu had envisioned long ago—were now a reality.
Suddenly, a robotic voice echoed through the command center.
"Target detected. Matching data... Match found. Target matches Orochimaru with 97% certainty..."
Standing at the heart of the steel fortress, Neji monitored the battlefield through a long-range drone. On the screen, Zixu and the others were locked in a fierce battle.
Zixu glanced up at the drone—just a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Then he made a subtle hand sign: hold fire.
Neji understood instantly.