Boom!!
A clash of water-blue and dark crimson—
For a brief moment—
The entire world seemed to fall silent.
Then—
BOOM!!
A deafening explosion erupted from the point of impact!
The power within Hoshino Yoru's fist burst forth like a volcanic eruption—
While Hiruzen Sarutobi's Adamantine Staff, reinforced with Water Prison Technique, released its full might!
Crack! Crack!
The ground beneath them split apart like a spiderweb—
The earth itself fracturing under the pressure.
Whoosh—
Both figures were blasted backward—
Their boots scraping violently against the ground.
"…Ah… ah…"
Yoru collapsed onto the ground without any concern for appearances, waving lazily with one hand.
"That's it for me, Hokage-sama. I'm out of stamina."
"You really are amazing."
Hiruzen, slightly out of breath, looked at him with black lines forming on his forehead.
Is this kid mocking me…?
Compared to him, have I lived all these years for nothing?!
After checking his own chakra—
Hiruzen realized nearly half had been consumed.
Even knowing how monstrous Yoru was—
He was still shocked.
By the later stage of the fight—
He hadn't held back at all.
And yet—
Yoru remained completely unharmed.
Only his stamina and chakra had been exhausted.
What did that mean?
It meant—
In this world—
It was almost impossible for anyone to kill him.
A true monster.
As the man known as the strongest Hokage—
Hiruzen was confident.
If even he couldn't seriously injure Yoru—
Then no one in the ninja world could.
Poof!
Smoke burst out as the staff reverted—
Into Enma.
"Hiruzen! Who is this kid?!"
Enma stared in shock.
"That hurt like hell just now!"
"He's Tsunade's disciple."
Hiruzen smiled bitterly.
"He should be about nine years old."
"N-Nine?!"
Enma pointed at Yoru in disbelief.
"I thought he was at least fifteen or sixteen!"
Well—
After breaking through his physical limits and constant nourishment—
Yoru now stood around 165 cm tall.
It wasn't strange to mistake him for older.
"…Nine years old, and this strong."
Enma's gaze flickered.
"He reminds me of someone."
"…Yeah."
A trace of nostalgia flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.
That towering figure—
Like a mountain.
"Truly a genius of the same caliber…"
"Well then, I'll take my leave!"
Poof!
Without waiting for a reply—
Enma returned to the summoning realm.
Whoosh—
Hiruzen appeared beside Yoru using Body Flicker.
Looking at the boy standing before him—
He still found it hard to believe—
Such a small body could hold such terrifying power.
"Hokage-sama."
Yoru stood up.
"Did I pass your test?"
"…Yes."
Hiruzen smiled warmly.
"You did."
"I approve."
"You may go to the Land of Rain battlefield."
"YES!"
Yoru suddenly hugged him.
"Thank you, Grandpa!"
At this moment—
He looked like nothing more than a child who had achieved his goal.
"Hahaha…"
Hiruzen patted his back.
"This is the result of your hard work."
Despite everything… he's still just a child.
Just as Hiruzen was thinking this—
"...Hokage-sama."
Yoru's tone suddenly changed.
His expression turned serious—
A trace of sorrow in his eyes.
"…What is it, Yoru?"
Hiruzen immediately sensed something important.
"My parents…"
"They died on the same mission."
"And it happened not long after receiving a ninjutsu reward from the village."
Yoru's voice grew heavier.
"Don't you find that strange?"
Hiruzen's pupils shrank.
"I've obtained some information."
"The clan head of the Hoshino clan—Hoshino Ichiro—coveted that reward."
"So he tampered with the mission."
"Causing my parents' deaths."
Yoru's eyes turned cold.
"I request permission—"
"To avenge them."
Yes—
With war about to begin—
Yoru intended to settle all past grievances.
To him—
Hoshino Ichiro was nothing more than an insect now.
But—
He never left enemies alive.
Hiruzen did not doubt him.
Given Yoru's current status—
Obtaining such information was entirely possible.
Some shinobi might even have revealed it intentionally—
To curry favor with this rising star.
Without hesitation—
Hiruzen spoke firmly:
"The village will never tolerate those who betray their comrades."
As for investigation?
Unnecessary.
A minor clan leader—
Was insignificant compared to Yoru.
"I want several barrier-type ninja assigned to me."
Yoru's gaze was icy.
"I will take revenge personally."
"No problem."
A cold glint flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.
"But Yoru…"
"When you cut weeds—"
"You must remove the roots."
Yoru hesitated deliberately—
Before his eyes hardened with resolve.
"…Understood."
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