With One Blade, Overturning Konoha!

Nagato Uzumaki!

When this name echoed across the central tower, the spectators were left in confusion.

The Uzumaki clan.

A clan mysteriously destroyed during the Second Shinobi World War.

However, several Kage from the Five Great Shinobi Villages, seated at the front, knew exactly what had happened.

Terumi and A.

It was a hidden chapter of history—unlocking the sealed clues revealed a brutal truth.

The Uzumaki clan was too powerful. Every member was a perfect Jinchūriki.

Beyond their potential as Jinchūriki, it was their unique Fūinjutsu and extraordinary physical constitutions that truly captivated others.

Uzumaki?

Minato sighed.

He had just settled the girl named Uzumaki Karin, and now, he saw that familiar red hair again.

It was a tragic clan.

As Hokage, he knew a thing or two about the massacre of the Uzumaki clan.

After all, his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, was a survivor rescued by Konoha during that event.

Minato had been young during the Second Shinobi World War.

But over the years, he'd learned some secrets from Kushina.

For instance, the Uzumaki clan had sought Konoha's help more than once during their attacks.

But they received no response.

At first, Minato had assumed it was because, during the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha's forces were all deployed in the Land of Rain and thus unable to provide support.

But after carefully considering the time period when Kushina Uzumaki came to Konoha, Minato reached a conclusion.

At that time, the battle in the Land of Rain was merely at a stalemate.

The decisive final battle, where Jiraiya-sensei earned his title as one of Konoha's Sannin, was still far off.

Yet, Konoha still made no move to send reinforcements.

It wasn’t until the very last moment, under remarkably fortunate circumstances, that Kushina was brought back.

Whether it was due to an inability to help or a deliberate choice, Minato never asked the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, about it.

That too was Konoha’s buried history. No one knew the exact events or what the Third Hokage had truly thought back then. It no longer mattered.

At least Minato knew this now: many orphans of the Uzumaki clan still existed in the ninja world.

The Uzumaki clan still lived on in this world!

But as for the fate of the Uzumaki clan, some still knew who the true culprit was.

After all, when the battlefield in the Land of Rain reached a stalemate, neither Kirigakure nor Kumogakure intervened.

The only ones capable of wiping out the Land of Whirlpools were them.

“Nagato...?”

In a corner of the viewing platform, Jiraiya leaned against the wall. Hearing the name, he froze, gripping the railing as he looked down.

Nagato Uzumaki was his student!

Had he not perished under the Hakken's attack?

Then why was he now wearing the forehead protector of Otogakure?

According to Minato's intel, wasn’t Otogakure actually founded by Orochimaru?

And Nagato had even become a genin, taking the exams!

Relief, confusion, and disbelief filled Jiraiya’s mind.

Not far beside him, two maids from the Mitarashi household sat chatting.

When Uzumaki Nagato’s name was mentioned, Konan’s body stiffened slightly before she returned to her usual calm demeanor.

“Hmm, I thought you’d just jump down and have a chat with him.”

The adorable cat-eared girl, Yugito, blinked, looking somewhat puzzled.

“Chat about what?”

Konan remained expressionless, calmly leaning against Yugito’s shoulder. “Tell him the truth? Or calm him down?”

“I don’t know why he’s here either.”

“But the Akatsuki’s Haku Byakugan user Konan is dead. The one alive is Konoha’s Kenpachi’s maid.”

“Since she’s Konoha’s Kenpachi, if he wants to destroy this village, he’s probably my enemy.”

“She’s changed.”

Yugito opened her mouth but then just tucked Konan’s head into her embrace.

This change didn’t happen overnight.

How difficult must it have been to sever all ties to the past—Yūki and Konan, both maids, could deeply empathize with this.

When Konan first arrived, she reminded Yūki so much of herself when she first came to Konoha.

But as you gradually stop caring about everything, you realize that you’ve already become a part of this village. Whether your heart resists or not, the life you live now is the one you’ve come to want.

If anything, it was the peace-loving Nagato in Konan’s heart that had changed the most.

Just like the intense killing intent radiating from him now as he stood on the stage.

So utterly unfamiliar.

But whether Konan had truly let go, Yugito didn’t know.

“I have an ominous feeling.”

Far away, Black Zetsu and Obito stood at the highest point, exchanging a glance. Black Zetsu scanned Hakken Yoru on the field and couldn’t help but speak.

“Mother’s aura!”

What’s going on?

Everything has gone off course.

Infinite Tsukuyomi, Akatsuki, Obito’s plans—everything had to change.

He was utterly bewildered, especially by Hakken Yoru below.

Mother’s aura felt so familiar, so comforting.

Yet this familiarity emanated from that man.

“Damn it, Nagato’s identity’s been exposed.”

“Bloody hell, his aura changed drastically—how did they see right through it?”

Obito clenched his fists, his face full of confusion.

Looking at the bewildering situation, they clearly had no idea what to do next.

“Well, might as well play along with Orochimaru’s act for now.”

With that, Black Zetsu withdrew into the wall.

If things got desperate, he’d just have to force Black Zetsu to assert his presence!

This chapter of ninja history—Black Zetsu’s Mission to Save His Mother—couldn’t possibly unfold without him!

“The Sound Village truly is a breeding ground for talent. They even have members of the Uzumaki Clan.”

From his seat in the center of the viewing area, Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled as he spoke to Orochimaru beside him.

“Not at all. It can’t compare to Konoha.”

Orochimaru, who had jogged over to secure a spot beside the Third Hokage, glared at Hiruzen with a cold expression.

So close now.

Briefly glancing around, Kabuto confirmed his position. The Sound Five were assembled.

All that remained was for the battle below to intensify. Then, the Konoha Collapse Plan would commence!

“Sarutobi-sensei. Your life... has entered its final countdown.”

“It’s a pity you still haven’t recognized me.”

“Sarutobi-sensei. I stand right before you.”

“How much do I resemble my former self?”

...

The expanded center of the Forest of Death, within a tower several times larger than its original counterpart.

Under the watchful eyes of Konoha's elite and the leaders of various ninja villages, two figures finally stood facing each other across the distance below.

Hakken Yoru and Uzumaki Nagato.

It seemed that nothing this man did was arbitrary; a strong sense of purpose had driven him to settle this grudge here.

After all, when a Rinnegan user went berserk, the damage inflicted could be classified as area-of-effect devastation.

The stage was protected by a barrier, but this paper-thin shield was utterly useless against attacks of that magnitude.

Yet Hakken remained confident. Here, no one could stir up trouble.

His true purpose was to eliminate Nagato as a threat, then leisurely savor Orochimaru’s offerings meant to please him.

On the field, both figures halted.

Nagato slowly raised his head.

His hood fell back, revealing striking crimson hair.

An unstable aura seeped from him, and the Rinnegan in his pupils appeared savage.

“Nice eyes. Nice gaze.”

“But alas, the chatterboxes of the Ōtsutsuki Clan lack a unique sense of aesthetics.”

Holding his sword, Hakken closed his eyes and slowly opened them again. The Kāma on his arm extended over the blade, while the profound mystery in his pupils resembled a vast universe, causing Nagato’s eyelids to twitch.

“Do you find this pleasing? It’s blue.”

Tenseigan!

An eye equal to the Rinnegan in function, yet fundamentally different.

“What about Konan?”

Nagato couldn’t be bothered with the man’s superfluous chatter.

Standing here now, he desired only to destroy this village—the village he despised.

The more Konoha resembled the peaceful vision Yahiko had once imagined, the more repulsive it became to him.

That peace was utterly contrary to his own ideals!

To acknowledge this village would be to deny his very existence!

And Hakken wasn’t Naruto.

He wouldn’t forgive someone simply because they were Jiraiya’s student.

Well, he hadn’t done anything yet.

But there was nothing between them.

“Konan?”

Hakken calmly took a sip of sake.

“My maid. No need for others to worry.”

“The only thing I can tell you is that she’s happy.”

Glancing at Nagato’s legs, Hakken sighed.

Hashirama’s cells, combined with White Zetsu, plus the legs of Uchiha Shin’s clone.

This poor kid really went all out.

Probably only his will remains his own; the rest of him is long gone.

Is living like this truly worth it?

(chff)

“A sack of rice...”

Seemingly provoked by Hakken’s words, Nagato’s eyes flashed with malice, and he immediately offered to sell rice!

“Hold on.”

Tilting his head, Hakken’s gaze swept toward a figure in the distant spectator seats.

The maid had shifted from resistance to compliance.

Turning back, Hakken fixed Nagato—with his desire to sell rice—with a stern look.

“I’m giving you a choice. From today onward, live as an ordinary person.”

“Abandon your self-proclaimed divine status. Find a quiet place to cultivate rice properly. Sell it regularly to Konoha. Sustaining yourself won’t be a problem.”

“What do you say?”

From god, back to being human.

Live well.

Consider it doing Jiraiya a favor.

After all, in some ways, he and this kid were kindred spirits.

The opportunity was offered.

The choice was Nagato’s alone.

Yet the only response Hakken received was cold indifference.

And Nagato’s body slowly began to rise.

This Nagato no longer relied on the Six Paths Pain to fight—or rather, he himself was the Six Paths Pain.

Feeling the pain?

Those earlier words were wasted, weren’t they?

Hakken smiled faintly, making no move to stop Nagato’s ascent.

He raised his Zanpakutō high and plunged it into the ground.

“Land of Divine Tears!”

Hum!

A tangible barrier instantly expanded, enveloping the entire arena in mere moments.

The invisible barrier and domain were undeniably real.

The Shikai ability of Hakken's own Zanpakutō!

Absolute Domination!

His spiritual pressure now engulfed the entire arena.

Agony.

Let the world taste suffering!

“Holy crap, that guy just flew up?”

“What kind of move is that?”

“Damn, Master, have you never heard of a palm technique that strikes from the heavens?”

Whispers of curiosity rippled through the spectator stands.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru’s expression in the center seat abruptly hardened.

Nagato actually intends to unleash this from the start? He wants to kill even us!

Run?

In that instant, Orochimaru felt the urge to flee.

“Calm down.”

“Leader of Otogakure.”

Just as Orochimaru wavered, a hand seized his arm.

It was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

“You may not know the man who fought your village's ninja, but I do.”

“With him here, no one can harm Konoha's villagers. That much I am certain of.”

“So, leader of Otogakure, there’s no need for panic. This is merely a minor skirmish.”

The Third spoke calmly, but the gleam in his eyes sent a sudden chill through Orochimaru's heart.

He tried to break free from the Third’s grip, only to find the pressure overwhelming.

Trying to restrain me?

Hmph!

Let me show you how far your disciple has come!

With a cold sneer, Orochimaru launched his counterattack.

“Please release me, Third Hokage.”

Straining his voice to sound delicate, Orochimaru clamped his legs together, adopting a coy expression.

“Men and women should not touch each other. Please let go.”

This left Sarutobi flustered.

The surrounding gazes turned toward them, growing more intense at Orochimaru’s words.

“Damn, I’ve heard the Third Hokage of Konoha is indecent, using crystal balls to spy on the women’s baths. Never thought he’d sink so low as to grab the female leader’s hand.”

“What’s he doing? What’s he doing? Is he going to do it right here?”

“Sarutobi? That shameless old man.”

The surrounding murmurs reached the Third’s ears, and his aged face flushed crimson.

Even for someone as shameless as him, being accused of taking advantage in public was unbearable.

With no other choice, he finally released her hand.

Yet the strange look in his eyes left Orochimaru utterly perplexed.

Could it be… he’s figured out my identity?

...

Nagato's body continued to rise.

The crowd looked up, their eyes fixed on him.

From a great distance, they could almost make out the pale violet eyes.

The Rinnegan!

“How many floors does it take to carry a sack of rice?”

The air seemed to fall into silence, yet Nagato's voice pierced the quiet, crystal clear.

“It takes two floors to carry a sack of rice.”

Under the night sky, a breeze ruffled Nagato's hair.

His striking red hair slowly turned white, but as it did, his legs twitched slightly, and then returned to their usual red.

Vitality replenishment.

“How exhausted I must be from a single sack of rice.”

“A sack of rice demands I wash it clean.”

His body paused, still under the absolute control of Hakken, then trembled violently.

“I washed so much mud off that sack of rice!”

“Every grain had mud on it!”

“Who even gave you a sack of rice?!”

“Shinra Tensei!”

Hum!

A violent repulsive force erupted.

Visible ripples in space sent the spectators recoiling in panic. But just as the immense repulsion peaked, a pillar of light shot upward from beneath the ring! A gentle aura immediately nullified the terrifying force. The source of this content ɪs noveⅼfire.net

The repulsive force exploded but failed to penetrate the absolutely controlled domain!

Instead, the ground within the barrier began to crumble, turning into dust.

Violent tremors spread from the central tower, and the onlookers stared in horror at the deep pit at the very bottom.

Such destructive power...

What would have happened if there had been no barrier?

No!

“Hakken-sama!”

“Where is Hakken-sama?”

Those who regained their senses looked frantically at the billowing dust.

They were outside the barrier, but within it stood Konoha's pillar of spirit!

The Kage of the major villages secretly rejoiced.

Konoha's ninja were filled with worry.

But when the dust finally settled, the unbroken, upright figure stood tall. Konoha's ninja breathed a collective sigh of relief.

How could a living legend fall to an attack of this caliber?!

Konoha's Kenpachi, invincible!

“Seems you haven’t improved much either.”

In the pit, Hakken remained in his drinking posture, defiantly looking at the sky.

He brushed the dust off his shoulder, stretching lazily.

“Damn.”

“I recall mentioning this last time in Amegakure.”

“Use some muscle!”

“This old man is struggling!”