Becomes a Rebel Ninja After Annihilating the Hyuga Clan

Chapter 65

From the first day he met the masked man, Zabuza had been searching for information about "Hashirama Senju," but all accounts about the death of this Shinobi God were vague. They only mentioned that he passed away shortly after his final battle with his archrival, Madara Uchiha, at the Valley of the End.

Given the era in which Hashirama was active, he would be over a hundred years old if he were alive today. So when Zabuza saw the man remove his mask, he was utterly shocked.

The masked man’s face was indeed that of a young Hashirama Senju, identical to the portraits Zabuza had seen in his research. However, the other half of his face was covered in a layer of writhing white substance, looking particularly eerie.

No wonder he wore a mask…

Is this the price of longevity?

Zabuza frowned.

His mind raced with thoughts: perhaps the Shinobi God disfigured himself in a quest for immortality, or Hashirama conducted dark experiments to gain power, or maybe there was some Konoha conspiracy that forced him to fake his death…

In any case, seeing a once legendary figure reduced to this state was mind-boggling.

Hashirama replaced his wooden mask without explanation and spoke calmly:

"The next plan is for you to monitor Kirigakure, seize opportunities, and recruit or turn any potential allies among the Kirigakure ninjas, preparing for our future ‘correction' actions."

The plan was reasonable, and no one objected, especially after confirming that the masked man was indeed the legendary Shinobi God, Hashirama Senju. Haku remained silent, while Zabuza stifled his arrogance and hesitated before asking:

"How do we stay in contact?"

In response, Hashirama took out two silver rings from his robe, each set with a snow-white eyeball that blinked occasionally.

Hashirama explained:

"These are the Eye Rings. By using them, you can activate a shared visual space. Each of you will have one, and I'll teach you a technique to activate it. No matter where you are, you can use it to see other Eye Ring holders."

"We will communicate this way."

Haku examined the ring in his hand, noting that the white eyeball seemed to look around curiously.

Is this thing… alive?

Haku recalled the writhing white substance on Hashirama’s face after he removed the mask.

Where did he get these things from?

He pursed his lips, glancing at Hashirama.

A truly bizarre Shinobi God…

Exchanging a look with Zabuza, both of them put on the rings.

After teaching them how to use the Eye Rings, Hashirama suddenly looked out the window, a strange smile forming on his face.

Seeing their curiosity, Hashirama chuckled and said:

"Some Kirigakure hunter-nin have sneaked onto my island. What do you think?"

Zabuza’s expression darkened. So they had finally caught up to them?

Ignoring how Hashirama discovered the hunter-nin, Zabuza stood up with Haku and coldly said:

"They're after me. I'll handle them."

"Can't they be persuaded?" Hashirama’s drawling voice came from behind.

"No way." Zabuza shook his head slightly before stepping out.

The hunter-nin of Kirigakure were unwaveringly loyal to the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. Encounters with them always ended in death, leaving no room for negotiation.

…

At sunset, by the seaside estate.

The last rays of sunlight filtered through, swaying the palm trees. Hanabi widened her eyes at the sight of the approaching figure.

"Neiki-nii-san, you’re finally back!" Hanabi cried, rushing into Neiki’s arms, her eyes glistening with tears.

This was the first time they had been apart for so long since coming to the Land of Waves, nearly seven or eight days. Hanabi had been worried that Neiki had abandoned her, which had caused her much anxiety.

Neiki smiled, patting Hanabi’s head.

"Let’s go to the training ground. I want to see if you’ve been slacking off while I was away."

"Mm!" Hanabi nodded vigorously. She knew the real Neiki was in the basement, and this was just a clone, but even so, she was happy.

"Did you know there’s a new ninja village called Ken'in Village on the island, Neiki-nii-san?"

"I took an aptitude test there, and it showed I have S-level ninja talent…"

"Many villagers want to meet me. Hehe, Inari’s grandfather said I’ve become a star overnight…"

"In the end, the masked leader insisted I join Ken'in Village, but I refused. I think Neiki-nii-san teaches better."

As she showed Neiki her training progress, Hanabi chattered about her experiences in Ken'in Village. She was especially proud of having declined the leader’s invitation.

"Oh, as expected of Hanabi, a true gem. You attract the right kind of attention wherever you go," Neiki praised casually.

Hanabi executed the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven smoothly. After completing the move, her smile became even brighter.

She had learned this technique in just three days, faster than any other jutsu, which satisfied her. She hoped for more praise from Neiki.

However, Neiki only nodded slightly and asked, "Not bad, but what about the Eight Gates? How long can you maintain it?"

At the mention of the Eight Gates, Hanabi’s expression fell. She glanced at Neiki and whispered, "About… about 30 seconds."

Opening the first gate, and only 30 seconds?

Neiki stroked his chin, finding the progress slow but not unexpected. Hanabi was still young. Neiki planned to cultivate a subordinate who mastered the final gate within twenty years, providing an unexpected advantage against powerful foes like the Otsutsuki who were immune to ninjutsu. It was a long-term goal.

He wasn't in a hurry.

"Show me. Let’s see how well you’re doing." Neiki said.

Hanabi nodded and was about to concentrate when "poof," the Neiki clone beside her vanished in a cloud of smoke.

Hanabi froze, then became anxious. Did something happen to Neiki-nii-san in the basement?

Reaching the basement door, she was about to speak when a figure emerged.

"Don’t worry, continue at the training ground." It was another Neiki clone.

"Oh, okay, Neiki-nii-san." Hanabi sighed in relief.

In the basement.

Neiki’s real body looked at the special kunai in his hand with a complex expression.

"The Flying Thunder God Technique… it is challenging."

The Flying Thunder God Technique, recorded in the Scroll of Seals, was an advanced space-time ninjutsu created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and perfected by the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

The analysis progress of this technique had reached 46%. This resulted in Neiki starting the analysis as soon as he obtained the Scroll of Seals, even setting aside the 75% analyzed Sword Arts.

But even so, Neiki felt he wasn’t mastering it quickly enough.

For the upcoming actions against Kirigakure, Neiki’s main enemy wasn’t the puppet Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, but the mastermind who created the Bloody Mist to avenge Rin Nohara.

On the outskirts of Konoha, Neiki’s sword clone had already clashed with this opponent. It was clear that taijutsu was inherently disadvantageous against someone who could phase through attacks.

The Flying Thunder God Technique was specifically chosen by Neiki to counter this opponent.