Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template-Chapter 156

Onoki was wary, fearing he might fall into some kind of illusion if he opened it.

"Just open it, and you'll know," Mei Terumi said, not thinking too much about it. She believed she had a way to deal with it. Besides, she didn't believe Zixu would cause trouble on such an occasion.

"Hmm... a sword training scroll? I don't quite understand it. Mangetsu, take a look."

Mei Terumi didn't know much about swordsmanship. She was a traditional ninja, skilled in ninjutsu but unfamiliar with other forms of combat.

"...It's a good thing. If a ninja masters this, their combat effectiveness will increase significantly," Mangetsu Hozuki, carrying the beheading sword on his back, examined the scroll and nodded in approval.

"Hey, you should be able to use this," Chiyo, who had been silent, rolled her shoulders. Age had made her body less flexible, and perhaps she sensed the helplessness of her grandson struggling in the forest.

"Yeah." A turned and left. This time, he was truly leaving.

Contestants from other villages also returned home one after another. Apart from the Cloud and Sand ninja, there were no major casualties. The Mist and Rock ninja were less fortunate, having been hit by Deidara's bombs, resulting in significant losses.

"Hyuga Chinano, think carefully. Do you feel like you were under an illusion?" Zixu pulled Hyuga Chinano from the crowd and used an illusion-removing technique on her.

"Hmm... that might be true. We were too ruthless toward the Cloud ninja back then." Hyuga Chinano looked thoughtful. She had wanted to establish authority, but under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have ordered the complete destruction of an enemy force. She must have been affected.

Zixu nodded, signaling his understanding, then instructed them to rest.

As the contestants returned to their villages, Zixu sent word for the daimyos to gather—he had an announcement to make.

The venue had been cleaned up. The main battlefield had been outside the village, so there was no damage within. Kisame had been knocked unconscious and was now locked up, while Kakuzu had been captured.

When the ninja from each village lined up according to their respective affiliations, and the Kage and daimyos arrived, Zixu finally spoke.

"Everyone, the preliminary round had some unexpected incidents. As you all saw, the Akatsuki organization has become desperate in their pursuit of the Tailed Beasts." Zixu's voice, though not amplified, carried like thunder, reaching everyone clearly.

"The conflict between the Cloud ninja and our team was also instigated by Akatsuki. They used genjutsu to influence both sides without their knowledge, creating unnecessary chaos. As a result, the Cloud ninja became cannon fodder for the Akatsuki organization..." Zixu looked somber, his expression filled with apparent grief.

"Akatsuki now dares to attack us, even with all Five Kage present. Who can guarantee they won't strike while we sleep in our own homes? And it's clear—they have a terrifying conspiracy centered around collecting the Tailed Beasts. Once they complete their objective, their power will surpass anything we can resist."

Zixu's words made the daimyos visibly thoughtful, and a subtle smirk played at the corner of his lips.

"The root of the problem lies in Akatsuki's existence as a mercenary organization. They sell war and serve as weapons for hire in every village. Even if Akatsuki is destroyed, similar groups will rise to take their place."

Jiraiya was the first to catch Zixu's deeper meaning. Sensing an underlying message, he asked, "In that case, what do you propose?"

"Simple. We must create an alternative to replace Akatsuki—a more controlled, tempered force." Zixu smiled. This was his true goal.

"Heh, you don't intend to put your own organization in charge, do you? That would just be an excuse to expand your power. The Land of Whirlpools claims to love peace; such actions contradict that claim," Onoki sneered. The old man was wise and had already guessed Zixu's motives, blocking his path with a single statement.

"Who else but us? What organization is more suitable? With the widespread adoption of firearms, civilians can now participate in battle, reducing the need for ninja wars. They understand the horrors of conflict better than anyone and won't allow it to spread. Our Baishou organization follows a philosophy of protection, not active engagement in battle. We merely provide security."

Zixu's voice carried confidence, delivering a speech filled with conviction.

"Moreover, we are a newly established country. We have no grudges with other villages. Who could be a fairer force than us?" Zixu continued without giving them time to react, swiftly shifting the topic.

"So, our priority now is to eliminate Akatsuki. I organized this martial arts tournament to enhance the quality of ninja. Without constant tempering, ninjas will only grow weaker. This tournament provides a place to exchange experiences. Here, in the Land of Whirlpools, you need not worry about outside attacks—we will ensure your safety."

Chiyo frowned. Something felt off. Wasn't this just a way to lure ninjas from other villages to the Land of Whirlpools? Wasn't this just recruiting?

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"Safe? I won't deny that the Land of Whirlpools has advanced technology, but it's still not enough to face Akatsuki. Furthermore, the Land of Whirlpools has already fallen once. How can you guarantee history won't repeat itself?" Onoki challenged. The old man was as sharp as ever, never holding back when criticizing others.

Zixu knew this was the moment to prove his strength. No matter how eloquently he spoke, no one would believe him unless he had the power to back up his words.

The ninjas below watched Zixu with skepticism. He spoke grandly, but could he—a seemingly ordinary man—truly protect the Land of Whirlpools?

Perhaps they saw Zixu as just another daimyo—equivalent to an emperor—while the Kage were the true warriors, akin to generals. After all, emperors rarely donned armor and led armies into battle. If a war required the emperor himself to fight, then it was already lost.

Zixu, however, was a rare exception—both a leader and a warrior.

Without another word, flames erupted around him, lifting him high into the sky. The crimson fire burned with an intensity that rivaled the sun, radiating a blinding brilliance.

As he hovered, silhouetted against the light, his form began to shift. The moment everyone realized what was happening, the sun itself seemed to disappear. Darkness spread across the land, swallowed by an enormous, otherworldly presence.

A massive dragon emerged from the blinding flames, its sheer size dominating the sky. It was as if all the light in the world had been consumed, leaving only the titanic beast looming over the gathered crowd.

There was no longer any question—Zixu's power was undeniable.

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