The name Ashura was too ancient.
So ancient that even the Slug Sage, who had lived for a thousand years, couldn't immediately recall it.
Actually, if speaking of familiarity with Ashura, the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku would be the one who knew him best.
After all, in the Slug Sage's memory, the Toad Sage had once trained alongside Ashura.
However.
The Slug Sage knew that what Hashirama Senju truly wanted to ask about wasn't Ashura himself.
In Hashirama's expectant gaze, the Slug Sage fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking:
"If we're speaking of Ashura, then we must mention another person."
"Who?" Hashirama's spirit stirred as he quickly asked.
"The founder of the Shinobi Religion, the existence you all call the Sage of Six Paths."
The Slug Sage's two large compound eyes narrowed slightly, its voice carrying a hint of gravity.
The Sage of Six Paths?
Hashirama's eyes flashed with astonishment and surprise.
Clearly, he hadn't expected that the name Ashura would be connected to the legendary Sage of Six Paths.
After that, it was basically the Slug Sage speaking while Hashirama listened.
As time passed, Hashirama's expression grew increasingly solemn.
To the Slug Sage, this information was nothing more than memories of the past. But to Hashirama and Konoha, it was extremely confidential intelligence.
Soon, the Slug Sage stopped.
Hashirama stood up, his face filled with gratitude:
"Thank you, Slug Sage. The information you just shared is extremely important to me."
The Slug Sage didn't speak, seemingly indifferent to the thanks.
Hashirama just smiled slightly.
A footstep suddenly sounded behind Hashirama.
Hashirama's expression couldn't help but stiffen as he slowly turned his head to look behind him at Tsunade.
"Grandpa!!"
"How much longer are you going to stay here!"
Tsunade glared fiercely at Hashirama, her tone extremely displeased as she spoke.
Right now, Konoha was being held up only by that guy, Jiraiya.
Tsunade was quite worried about Jiraiya, that unreliable guy, especially since the current shinobi world was extremely unstable.
If something were to happen, Jiraiya alone might not be able to handle it.
"I know, I know, I'll head back to the village now."
Hashirama scratched his head, looking helpless.
Seeing Hashirama's casual expression, Tsunade's fists clenched with a creaking sound.
If this guy in front of her wasn't her grandfather, Tsunade probably wouldn't have been able to resist punching him.
Land of Lightning.
Established on mountain peaks that pierced the clouds.
It was shrouded in mist year-round, and from time to time, deafening thunderclaps would sound through the air.
This was also an important reason why it was called the Land of Lightning.
On a relatively flat mountain road.
"No wonder the guys from Kumogakure are all skilled in taijutsu. In an environment like this, it's no wonder their taijutsu is so strong."
Zabuza Momochi carried his decapitating greatsword, surveying the surrounding environment.
Beside him, Ranmaru took a slight breath and nodded vigorously.
Seeing Ranmaru slightly out of breath, Zabuza slightly curled his lips.
Those who didn't know would think Ranmaru's physical stamina was weak.
But who knew that this little brat was actually the strongest in taijutsu among their Seven Swordsmen?
Turning his gaze away from Ranmaru, Zabuza's expression grew solemn as he looked at Yuto, who was walking ahead.
"Lord Yuto, are we really just going to walk directly into Kumogakure?"
Zabuza thought for a moment, trying to make his words as tactful as possible.
Was it really okay for them to be so brazen?
After all, they were already within Kumogakure's territory.
"We're not here to fight, so there's no need to hide."
Yuto looked at Zabuza with a puzzled expression, finding his question somewhat strange.
Zabuza's mouth couldn't help twitching as a helpless expression appeared on his face.
When they had left Kirigakure, Zabuza and Ranmaru had already learned of their purpose in coming to Kumogakure.
Thinking of this.
Zabuza glanced at the carefree Ranmaru beside him, and his mouth twitched again.
They were coming to Kumogakure to demand a tailed beast!
And not just any tailed beast—one that originally belonged to Kumogakure!
How could there not be a fight?
Originally, Zabuza had thought they would infiltrate Kumogakure and secretly take their tailed beast.
With Lord Yuto's strength, plus Ranmaru's Red Eye and his cooperation, there was a high probability of success.
But what was this brazen behavior?
While he was bold enough to even attempt assassinating a kage, those were all after careful planning.
Just thinking about facing the entire village of Kumogakure's ninja, Zabuza couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.
Yuto, walking at the front, didn't pay much attention to Zabuza's current thoughts. Instead, his gaze occasionally surveyed the surroundings, a faint smile playing on his lips.
At this time, Ranmaru, who was following behind Yuto, had somehow activated his Red Eye without anyone noticing.
"Lord Yuto, I've found several ninja from Kumogakure."
Ranmaru took a deep breath, speaking excitedly.
In his untransformed state, walking for such a long distance was no small amount of activity for Ranmaru.
"They've appeared already? Faster than expected."
Zabuza gripped his decapitating greatsword with one hand, his voice carrying a hint of coldness.
"Lord Yuto, should I take care of those guys first?"
Ranmaru's eyes widened slightly as he excitedly clenched his small fists.
Hearing Ranmaru's words.
Yuto glanced at Ranmaru and Zabuza, who both wore similar excited expressions, a strange look appearing on his face.
Sure enough, hanging around with Zabuza and the others, Ranmaru had been influenced by them.
"As a village that loves peace, we're not here to fight. Of course, if others make the first move, then it's permissible to kill them."
Yuto wore a serious expression as he wagged a finger, teaching Ranmaru a lesson.
"Mhm."
A look of understanding flashed in Ranmaru's eyes as he nodded vigorously.
Beside them, Zabuza's eyelids twitched violently when he saw this.
On the other side, several hidden Kumogakure ninja, seeing the completely defenseless and leisurely trio of Yuto, couldn't help but feel extremely annoyed.
It would be difficult for anyone not to notice them being so brazen.
"They're Kirigakure ninja. Why would they appear here?"
A Kumogakure ninja frowned, speaking in a low voice.
[
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