novelraw Chapter 180 The Light of Purification
Chapter 180 The Light of Purification
Chapter 180 The Light of Purification (Please Subscribe!)
A morning in Kirigakure.
Uchiha Itachi sat quietly in a chair in the room, his expression calm, but his eyes revealed a hint of complexity and worry.
At that moment, Tobirama picked up a cup of hot tea and slowly handed it to Itachi.
"Itachi, Sasuke is now being personally mentored by Madara Uchiha."
Upon hearing this, Itachi Uchiha's eyes flickered slightly, and his expression immediately became more serious as he said in a deep voice, "I know."
Seeing that he didn't seem to show much emotional fluctuation, Tobirama relaxed a little, but continued in a serious tone, "Actually, I'm not at ease with Sasuke being personally trained by Madara Uchiha."
Upon hearing this, Itachi Uchiha's expression immediately turned serious. After a moment of silence, he finally nodded slightly and said, "You're right... Lord Madara's thoughts are extremely dangerous. I'm worried that Sasuke will be influenced by him and eventually become uncontrollable."
As Tobirama watched Itachi Uchiha solemnly and warily guarding Madara Uchiha, a subtle self-mockery rose in his heart.
In terms of danger, there are probably few people in the entire ninja world who can surpass this man who once personally slaughtered his entire clan.
Due to the circumstances, Tobirama still needs to continue to appease the people and temporarily unite all forces to fight against Konoha.
Then, Tobirama paused slightly, and then said in a calm but solemn tone, "Itachi, don't worry. After the Konoha War is over, I will work with Hashirama to find a way to take Sasuke back from Madara Uchiha. At that time, we will hand him over to our own Konoha forces for training and guidance."
Upon hearing Tobirama's promise, Itachi Uchiha nodded slightly, though he still didn't show much emotion.
But a clear sense of approval and agreement was evident in his eyes, clearly indicating that he preferred to follow the Hokage's arrangements.
Seeing this, Tobirama's expression became even more serious. He moved slightly closer and lowered his voice: "There's one more thing. Zetsu is probably the embodiment of Uchiha Abyss's consciousness."
"Is there concrete evidence?"
Tobirama slowly took out a scroll from his robes and unfurled it in front of Itachi Uchiha.
The painting vividly depicts a highly impactful scene.
Black Zetsu stood atop the ruins, his hands raised high as if reverently embracing a hazy and mysterious figure in the sky—the legendary Goddess of the Rabbit.
This painting is not the original, but a forgery created by Tobirama based on the real painting. The real painting is currently still in Kakashi's possession.
However, in order to make Itachi Uchiha fully understand the danger of Black Zetsu, Tobirama deliberately portrayed Black Zetsu as more fanatical and extreme in the painting, and his intention was obvious.
Looking at Itachi's serious expression, Tobirama said in a low voice, "Rin, Black Zetsu's true purpose is to summon the Egg Goddess in order to completely destroy the entire ninja world. This is the real plan that Uchiha Gen used Black Zetsu to carry out."
At this point, Tobirama paused slightly before adding...
"I arrived at this information through repeated deduction and speculation using many ancient books and fragmented materials. Although the legend of the Goddess of the Rabbit is vague, her existence must have been one of the greatest disasters in the history of the ninja world. Black Zetsu has a very special connection with her, and we must not take it lightly."
"His level of danger is probably no less than that of Madara Uchiha, and may even be greater."
After a long silence, Itachi Uchiha nodded.
Seeing that Itachi finally agreed with his point of view, Tobirama reminded him, "We must also pay special attention to Black Zetsu when we conquer Konoha."
"I always felt that he was the biggest threat that Uchiha Abyss would truly remain in this ninja world."
Uchiha Itachi slowly exhaled and nodded solemnly in response: "Understood, Second Hokage. I will be extra careful."
""
Tobirama patted Itachi's shoulder gently with satisfaction, his eyes showing a hint of relief and trust: "Good, Itachi, with you by my side, I do feel much more at ease."
"Itachi, the responsibility on our shoulders is growing heavier and heavier..."
"But no matter what, I will continue on this path until the day I personally bring the ninja world back on track. Itachi, would you be willing to be a part of it? To participate in the mission to save Konoha as an Uchiha?"
Uchiha Itachi's eye power surged dramatically in an instant...
These words made him completely devoted to Tobirama.
Hiruzen's office...
Kosuke Maruboshi has gone missing...
As one of his four Buddha allies, Maruboshi Kosuke represents not just a ninja clan, but a will.
Compared to the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Maruboshi Kosuke was the true mole, deeply cultivated and secretly plotted by Hiruzen.
On the surface, he was just an inconspicuous genin who had been around for thousands of years, but in reality, his strength was unfathomable. He was a key force that Hiruzen had carefully cultivated and relied on for many years.
Over the years, Kosuke Maruboshi has never made any mistakes, and even Hibiki himself has unwavering faith in his loyalty.
How could such an absolutely trustworthy and extremely capable subordinate suddenly and without warning lose contact?
Hiruzen felt an unprecedented unease rising in his heart.
I vaguely sensed that something unexpected or dangerous had happened behind the scenes that I was unaware of.
Just as Hiruzen was filled with worry and carefully considering how to deal with the situation, Nara Shikaku hurriedly entered the office, solemnly reporting another unsettling piece of information: "Hokage-sama, Amegakure launched a surprise attack on Kumogakure this morning... and successfully kidnapped the Two-Tails Jinchuriki of Kumogakure en route."
Hiruzen's brows furrowed suddenly, and a deep gloom filled his eyes.
His voice became extremely low, even revealing a hint of shock and anger!
"How dare Amegakure attack Kumogakure so decisively? And completely disregarding Konoha's reaction. It seems... they have truly formed a close alliance with Kirigakure."
Last time, before Kirigakure had formed a strong force, Amegakure attacked Iwagakure, and Konoha did not react at all.
Things are different now...
After listening to Hiruzen's analysis, Nara Shikaku remained silent for a moment before cautiously offering his advice.
"Lord Hokage, now that Amegakure and Kirigakure have formed an alliance, our situation has become even more difficult..."
"Perhaps we should take the initiative to contact Kumogakure and Iwagakure to express our clear attitude and stance. In this way, they will do their best to restrain Amegakure's actions and reduce the pressure on Konoha."
After listening to Nara Shikaku's suggestion, Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly: "Now that things have come to this, Konoha has become the target of everyone's criticism. However, Iwagakure and Kumogakure will consider the suggestion to unite with us for the sake of their own ninja village interests."
Nara Shikaku silently lowered his head, his heart also filled with helplessness and bitterness.
He was well aware that the fact that Konoha had been demonized was known to almost everyone in the ninja world. Konoha's reputation and prestige had plummeted, and the difficulty of rebuilding trust and alliances was unimaginable.
Hiruzen-sama is a bit obsessed now.
It's been several days since Iwagakure had its Tailed Beasts taken by Amegakure. Have they contacted Konoha yet?
In their eyes, Konoha is now a demonic hell.
As for Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village)...
I'm afraid their attitude will only get worse; the Hokage is being a bit wishful.
The Hiruzen of the past would not have been unaware of this; his thought process was already quite different from that of humans.
Looking at Nara Shikaku's strange expression.
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
It's obvious he already had his own plans.
The Nara family is no longer a trustworthy ally for him.
The only pity is Maruboshi Kosuke...
Faced with such a dire situation, Nara Shikaku could only reply in a low voice, "Hokage-sama, no matter what, we can only do our best and try our best to do what we can."
Inside the Fire Temple, the previously quiet air suddenly became heavy.
In an instant, a light of fear and ferocity flashed in Maruboshi Kosuke's eyes. His chakra surged, a gale arose around him, and countless leaves of Konoha began to spin wildly around him.
In an instant, a strange and complex paint appeared on Maruhoshi Kosuke's face, and his pupils emitted a cold and deep red light, officially entering the state of Demon Transformation!
"Illusion Sword Technique: Leaf Willow Flow!"
With a low roar, his sword flashed like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, hurtling directly towards Otsutsuki Genji.
This Illusion Sword Technique requires no hand seals; it is a top-tier secret technique that perfectly blends illusion and swordsmanship.
In close combat, it can instantly transport the enemy into a psychedelic world.
In Otsutsuki Gen's vision, Maruboshi Kosuke's figure seemed to disappear among the countless leaves fluttering in the wind, while the real attack was hidden beneath this magnificent illusion, silently darting out from behind a blind spot.
However, in that split second, Otsutsuki Gen slowly opened his eyes...
Its snake-like eyes, one gold and one blue, exuded a chilling aura.
His figure remained motionless, his expression as calm as ever. He gently raised his arm and precisely caught the longsword that was hurtling towards him!
With a clang, the sword stopped abruptly, and Maruhoshi Kosuke stared wide-eyed in disbelief!
He never expected that his opponent would block his strongest attack so effortlessly.
Unwilling to give up, he hurriedly activated the specially made jade bottle in his hand. In an instant, a powerful water-style energy, like a raging river tide, poured down towards Otsutsuki Genji.
Despite the overwhelming onslaught, Otsutsuki Genji remained completely still, allowing the torrent of water-style techniques to wash over his body.
There was no change whatsoever; not even the hem of her clothes was disturbed.
He simply stood there quietly, his gaze fixed on Maruhoshi Kosuke through the raging curtain of water: "It seems the negative emotions and resentment you've accumulated inside are quite substantial..."
Maruhoshi Kosuke was stunned, his face immediately turning ugly and angry: "What...what nonsense are you spouting?!"
However, Otsutsuki Gen seemed completely oblivious to his rebuttal, continuing to smile to himself, his tone revealing a hint of understanding...
"You've protected Konoha for so many years, willingly living a quiet life as a genin. Your unwavering will is truly admirable... But as time has passed, darkness and resentment have gradually grown in your heart..."
The words struck at the deepest darkness in people's hearts, causing Maruhoshi Kosuke to momentarily lose focus.
At that moment, Otsutsuki Gen's figure appeared behind him as if by teleportation, and his warm hand gently rested on Maruhoshi Kosuke's shoulder.
The voice was gentle and warm, as if filled with healing power: "Don't worry... I can help you, drive away the darkness in your heart, and let you return to true kindness and purity."
"True kindness...and purity?"
Maruhoshi Kosuke repeated the words in a low voice, his eyes filled with deep confusion and struggle.
However, Otsutsuki Gen showed an even gentler and more tolerant smile, and said in a warm and sincere voice, "Yes..."
Let your heart return to true kindness, and let your soul once again be bathed in purity and light.
Having said that, Otsutsuki Gen gently raised his hands, and a massive amount of natural energy suddenly gathered in the sky. The two powers of Fire Release and Storm Release intertwined and merged, transforming into an incomparably dazzling and holy giant pillar of light.
It descended from the sky, completely enveloping Maruboshi Kosuke's body!
Within that pure and dazzling light, Maruhoshi Kosuke instinctively tried to struggle and resist, but he soon discovered...
The deep-seated negative emotions, resentment, and darkness within me were gradually washed away and dissipated under the light...
"What...what kind of power is this..."
Maruhoshi Kosuke felt an unprecedented shock and astonishment. He felt as if his body and soul were being embraced and purified by some warm and sacred power.
His face, which had been twisted and grotesque due to the demon-to-immortal transformation technique, gradually returned to peace and kindness at this moment.
The originally violent and cold aura gradually became gentle and peaceful under the cleansing light.
"Can you feel it now? This is what I mean by true kindness and purity... It can completely dispel the darkness in your heart and bring you back to your original desire to protect Konoha."
Maruhoshi Kosuke's knees buckled, and he slowly knelt down, his expression dazed and complicated as he murmured, "I...I've been lost for so long..."
"It's okay, everyone gets lost sometimes, but as long as you're willing to turn back, I'll help you find your way back."
Gen Otsutsuki's voice was as gentle as the wind, carrying warmth, comfort, and forgiveness.
Maruboshi Kosuke finally let go of his inner resistance and allowed the light to completely purify his heart.
He felt his heart gradually becoming clear and peaceful, as if he had returned to the simple and selfless self he was in his youth.
At this moment, the gloom and negative atmosphere above the Fire Temple completely dissipated, leaving a clear and bright sky, as if it had been revitalized with vitality and hope.
Gen Otsutsuki slowly walked to Kosuke Maruhoshi's side, gently extended his hand, helped him up from the ground, and said with a smile, "Now, return to your kind self... Do you have any insights?"
At this moment, Kosuke Maruboshi seemed like a completely different person.
His demonized face had long since vanished, replaced by a kind and peaceful countenance.
The originally ferocious painted patterns disappeared, and the lines on his face became gentle and soft.
Even his eyes became pure, devoid of any coldness or malice.
At this moment, he seemed to have forgotten his past evil deeds and darkness, and had completely transformed into a truly kind person with a heart full of compassion and good intentions.
Although those past memories still exist for him, they seem to belong to someone else's life. He can only look at them indifferently, unable to feel any resonance or empathy anymore.
At this moment, Otsutsuki Gen stood quietly in front of him, his body radiating a soft and warm light, like a sacred sun shining on the person before him.
A deep sense of gratitude and devotion welled up within Kosuke Maruhoshi!
He slowly knelt down, his eyes filled with piety and reverence, his hands clasped together, and he bowed deeply to Otsutsuki Genji before him.
To him, Otsutsuki Genji had transcended the mortal body and was a true god, a true redeemer and guide.
His voice trembled slightly, but was filled with immense gratitude and awe: "Thank you...you helped me see myself clearly, you gave me a new life."
Upon hearing this, Otsutsuki Gen smiled gently, his expression tender and kind.
He slowly reached out and gently helped Maruhoshi Kosuke, who was kneeling on the ground, to his feet: "There's no need to thank me. The darkness and kindness in your heart are of the same origin. Now you are able to return to the light because of your own strength and will."
Maruhoshi Kosuke slowly rose, his gaze still filled with piety and reverence, but his expression gradually calmed down.
Seeing that Otsutsuki Gen had turned to leave, Maruhoshi Kosuke quickly asked, "Excuse me, is there anything I need to do next?"
Upon hearing this question, Otsutsuki Gen paused slightly, turned to look at him, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"You don't need to do anything special, just continue to have good intentions and do as many good deeds as possible."
He glanced around at the Fire Temple and continued softly, "This Fire Temple has endured many calamities, bearing much sorrow and resentment. Now that it has finally regained its tranquility, it cannot be allowed to fall into disrepair again. You shall continue to stay here, cultivate in peace, and protect the peace of this place."
At this point, Otsutsuki Gen continued, "I just used a Five Elements Immortal Art purification technique on you. Continue to cultivate this technique here so that you can cleanse more lost sheep in the future."
The natural energy generated by Yang Dun (a method of escape/retreat).
However, Maruboshi Kosuke didn't understand why he suddenly grasped this Sage Mode escaping technique after hearing a single sentence from Otsutsuki Gen.
as if...
It already exists in general.
Maruhoshi Kosuke nodded solemnly, his tone sincere and earnest: "I understand. From now on, I will definitely keep your teachings in mind, train hard at the Fire Temple, and strive to spread your compassion and light to more people."
Genjiro Otsutsuki looked at the completely reborn man before him with satisfaction: "Very good. As long as you continue to maintain the purity and kindness in your heart, you will be able to truly attain peace and freedom."
After saying this, he said no more, slowly turned around, and walked out of the Fire Temple with light and leisurely steps.
As Kosuke Maruboshi watched Gen Otsutsuki's retreating figure, a deep sense of emotion and reflection welled up within him.
Watching Otsutsuki Gen's figure gradually disappear into the distance, Maruboshi Kosuke finally turned around, looking at the Fire Temple behind him with a devout and gentle expression.
At this moment, the Temple of Fire is bathed in sunlight, exuding an unprecedented tranquility.
Otsutsuki Genji stepped out of the Fire Temple, dressed in a white robe of the Ninja Clan.
Step by step, they walked out of Daming Prefecture...
"Demons, the dead... this world is too hopeless... but the seeds of hope are also born in despair..."