Azrael's desire to expand his repertoire into other card systems stemmed from his existing possession of several cards with exceptional growth potential. Furthermore, he naturally had access to all the materials available throughout the Empire of Aetherlight.
Looking at the newly acquired materials spread before him, he sighed softly. "What a shame. There's still nothing suitable for Seireitei upgrades or the Prison Blue series."
"But at least there are materials suitable for the new system, so the trip wasn't wasted."
His eyes flickered as he surveyed the materials laid out on his workbench.
Diamond-grade [Supreme] (Red), Diamond-grade [Sage's Son] (Red), Diamond-grade [Hero of Troubled Times] (Red), Diamond-grade [Eye of God] (Red), and several Emerald-grade materials for complementary cards.
"I'll just have to wait and see if I can find suitable materials for the other upgrades."
Azrael felt a momentary sense of frustration at this thought. He had originally planned to create two Diamond-level cards directly, but diamond-grade materials were incredibly scarce, even with his connections and resources.
Shaking his head, Azrael temporarily suppressed the chaotic thoughts swirling through his mind and immediately entered his Lore Cardian space.
[Please begin to compose your story.]
[In an age of endless warfare, various ninja clans hired themselves out to anyone willing to pay for assassination and annihilation missions. Even young children were sent to die on the battlefield, and Hashirama Senju was no exception.]
[Through countless battles and rivers of blood, Hashirama dreamed of a world where children would never need to fight. Alongside his childhood friend Madara Uchiha, he founded the hidden village of Konohagakure, a sanctuary of peace.]
[But dreams of peace shattered against the harsh reality of human ambition. When Madara turned against the village, Hashirama faced the most painful choice of his life.]
[In the end, Hashirama defeated Madara Uchiha in a legendary battle that reshaped the landscape itself. The location of their final confrontation became known as the Valley of the End, a monument to both their friendship and its tragic conclusion.]
The entire Lore Cardian process took Azrael surprisingly little time compared to his usual Diamond-level creations. His mental capacity had grown tremendously since reaching Diamond rank himself.
He gazed at the card floating before him and breathed a sigh of relief, then carefully stored it away.
[Ninja God·Hashirama Senju]
Rank: Diamond
Quality: Red
Category: Creature
Skills:
[Ninja General Skills]: Hashirama Senju is proficient in basic ninja techniques, including but not limited to the Body Replacement Technique, Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, and expert shuriken throwing.
[Super Strength]: The Senju clan possesses the ability to precisely concentrate chakra into specific areas of the body, unleashing devastating bursts of raw physical power that can shatter boulders and reshape battlefields.
[Kekkei Genkai: Wood Release]: Hashirama Senju simultaneously transforms the nature of his Earth Release and Water Release chakras, creating the legendary bloodline limit known as Wood Release. This unique ability allows him to generate and manipulate wood and plant life on a massive scale, from individual trees to entire forests.
[Sage Mode]: Hashirama Senju can instantly enter Sage Mode without requiring any preparation time. In this state, he harnesses the power of Senjutsu Chakra generated by natural energy to dramatically enhance his attack and defense capabilities, while also significantly increasing his natural regeneration.
Note: Upon entering Sage Mode, [Kekkei Genkai: Wood Release] transforms into Sage Art: Wood Release.
Features:
[Shodai]: As the founder and First Hokage of Konohagakure, Hashirama Senju's presence serves as an inspiration to all who follow the village's ideals. All Konoha-affiliated cards receive a significant power increase while Hashirama is present.
[God of Shinobi]: As the strongest ninja who ended the Warring States Period and ushered in an era of villages, Hashirama Senju is undeniably the God of Shinobi. His power increases proportionally based on the number of ninja-type cards present on the battlefield.
[Power of Asura]: As the reincarnation of Asura Ōtsutsuki, son of the Sage of Six Paths, Hashirama Senju possesses an immense reservoir of chakra that dwarfs most other shinobi. This influence also dramatically enhances his cellular activity, granting him regenerative abilities that border on the supernatural.
Introduction, "No one got hurt, right?"
Bonds:
When appearing with characters from the [Madara Uchiha] series, the effect [Love and Hate] is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [Tobirama Senju] series, the effect [Foolish and Unhappy] is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [Tobirama Senju] and [Hiruzen Sarutobi] series, the effect [Vangeance of Fire] is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [First Tsuchikage, Ishikawa] series, the effect [Ninja Alliance] is activated.
In terms of raw card strength alone, Hashirama Senju ranked among the absolute top tier of Diamond-level cards. If a normal Diamond-tier Lore Cardian had created a card of this caliber, they'd probably wake up laughing from their dreams for weeks.
But who was Azrael?
Think about the enemies he'd faced after reaching Diamond tier himself.
Jin, the Destroyer of Nations, and Chris, all Master-level opponents.
Without any special tactical advantages or bond activations, Hashirama Senju would clearly be somewhat outmatched against these overwhelmingly powerful foes.
'If only I could create Madara too,' Azrael thought wistfully.
The legendary Susanoo Buddha combination, two men who could conquer an entire nation. Since Sasuke and Naruto could both summon the Nine-Tails in the original series, it seemed reasonable that together Hashirama and Madara could manifest the True Several Thousand Hands technique.
Unfortunately, he was still short one crucial material for that particular creation, so he could only imagine the spectacular scene in his mind for now.
"Fortunately, I prepared well for the support cards."
Azrael turned to examine the remaining six Emerald-grade materials carefully arranged on his workbench. While suitable Diamond-grade materials might be frustratingly scarce, Emerald-grade materials were still relatively plentiful, at least for someone with his resources and connections.
With such an abundant supply of materials at his disposal, Azrael naturally planned to create two Naruto-themed cards to complete several of Hashirama's bond requirements and maximize the system's potential.
With this thought firmly in mind, he closed his eyes and immediately began crafting the other two cards simultaneously.
With Azrael's incredible mental capacity, honed through countless card creations and battles, he could easily accommodate the mental strain of two Diamond-grade cards, let alone two Emerald-grade ones.
Of course, this didn't mean he could accommodate an unlimited number of simultaneous creations. There was always a practical limit, determined by concentration, spiritual power reserves, and mental stamina.
Otherwise, Azrael could theoretically create every single card that appeared in his bond requirements all at once, which was clearly impossible even for someone of his prodigious talents.
[Please start compiling.]
[Please start compiling.]
Although he had made three cards in succession, Azrael remained in excellent mental condition. Not to mention three cards, he could create thirty now, provided there were sufficient materials and time.
Azrael breathed a sigh of relief, then carefully stored the two new cards floating before him.
[Ninja Scientist·Tobirama Senju]
Rank: Emerald
Quality: Red
Category: Creature
Skills:
[Ninja General Skills][Super Strength][Ninjutsu Mastery][Water Release]
[Flying Thunder God]: A revolutionary space-time ninjutsu developed by Tobirama Senju himself that enables instantaneous movement between the caster and any location marked with the caster's chakra seal. This technique forms the foundation for all subsequent space-time ninjutsu in the ninja world.
Features:
[Nidaime]: While lacking the overwhelming raw power of his older brother Hashirama, Tobirama Senju laid the essential structural and political foundation that allowed Konohagakure to flourish. While he's present, the power of all other Konoha-affiliated cards receives a moderate boost.
[Ninja Scientist]: Unlike his older brother who relies primarily on overwhelming force, Tobirama Senju has developed numerous innovative ninjutsu throughout his lifetime, significantly increasing the power, accuracy, and activation speed of all his techniques.
[Evil Uchiha Brat]: When a member of the Uchiha clan is present on the battlefield, Tobirama Senju becomes instinctively hostile, slightly increasing his offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, the Uchiha clan members present become wary and alert, slightly increasing their defensive capabilities.
Description, "As Hokage, I must maintain a ruthless attitude toward threats."
Bonds:
When appearing with the [Hashirama Senju] series, the [Foolish and Unhappy] effect is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [Hashirama Senju] and [Hiruzen Sarutobi] series, the [Vangeance of Fire] effect is activated.
Activated Bond: [Foolish and Unhappy] (2/2)
Bond Effect: When Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju are present simultaneously on the battlefield, due to the natural compatibility between their ninjutsu styles, Hashirama's Wood Release techniques are significantly enhanced by Tobirama's Water Release, creating devastating combination attacks.
[Vangeance of Fire] (3/7)
Bond Effect, "Wherever Konoha dances, fire shall spread." While this bond is activated, each time a Hokage-affiliated card falls in battle, the remaining Konoha ninja present receive an equal percentage bonus to all their combat statistics.
[Impure World Reincarnation: Minato Namikaze]
Rank: Emerald
Quality: Red
Category: Creature
Skills:
[Ninja General Skills][Flying Thunder God][Sage Mode]
[Rasengan]: Minato Namikaze's signature technique, created through his analysis of the Tailed Beast Ball. Depending on the amount of chakra channeled into it, different variations of the Rasengan can be generated, from standard sphere to devastating variants.
[Kurama Mode]: Possessing half of the Nine-Tails' chakra sealed within him, Minato Namikaze can actively enter Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, dramatically boosting all of his combat statistics and granting him access to the Nine-Tails' immense power.
Abilities:
[Yondaime]: A legendary hero of the Third Shinobi World War, Minato Namikaze's mere presence on the battlefield significantly boosts the morale and combat effectiveness of all Konoha-affiliated cards.
[Yellow Flash]: As the undisputed master of space-time ninjutsu, Minato Namikaze earned the fearsome epithet "Yellow Flash of the Leaf." Therefore, when he receives critical damage that would otherwise be fatal, he automatically uses Flying Thunder God to instantly retreat to a safe location. This ability can activate up to three times per day.
Note: This trait requires at least one usable Flying Thunder God seal marker to be present on the battlefield.
[Naming King]: Perhaps he'll find common ground with Zoro regarding their shared struggles with naming conventions.
Introduction, "Am I not too late?"
Bonds:
When appearing with characters from the [Jiraiya] series, the [Master-Disciple Inheritance] effect is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [Naruto Uzumaki] series, the [Impure World Reincarnation Doesn't Cry, But Father Does] effect is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [Tobirama Senju] and [Hiruzen Sarutobi] series, the [Vangeance of Fire] effect is activated.
When appearing with characters from the [Kushina Uzumaki] series, the [Couple Mixed Tag Team] effect is activated.
Activated Bond: [Vangeance of Fire] (3/7)
Tobirama and Minato were strategically chosen because they possessed numerous bond connections that could be triggered across multiple card combinations.
After all, Tobirama alone could trigger both [Foolish and Unhappy] and [Vangeance of Fire] bonds simultaneously when properly deployed.
As for Minato, Azrael was naturally preparing for the upcoming Master-level cards he planned to create. After all, if the annihilating fox demon eventually appeared as an enemy, he needed proper countermeasures.
Besides, Ichigo and Luffy already had their signature power-ups. That meant Naruto obviously couldn't be left behind either.
"Come to think of it, the Nidaime doesn't have any skills specifically related to Impure World Reincarnation," Azrael muttered thoughtfully as he reviewed Tobirama's information one final time.
But he quickly understood the reasoning behind this apparent omission. After all, in the Naruto universe, Impure World Reincarnation functioned primarily as a summoning technique that recalled souls from the Pure Land afterlife. Earth didn't possess an equivalent supernatural underworld infrastructure to support such abilities.
Azrael wasn't particularly obsessed with resurrection mechanics anyway. And since he already possessed such extraordinary powers at this stage of his development, there might eventually come an opportunity for him to step into the River of Time itself and gaze down upon eternity, perhaps even cosplay as Emperor Ye from those cultivation novels.
Although, given the current power scaling situation, even if the entire planet of Earth were somehow unified against him, it probably wouldn't pose any significant threat to his capabilities at this point.
"Almost there. Now I just need to wait for the materials to create Madara."
At this comforting thought, Azrael couldn't help but breathe another sigh of relief.
Australia, within the hidden city-within-a-city.
Jin and his two Master-level allies looked grimly at the conference table belonging to the Fallen Cult members gathered in the meeting room.
At this tense moment, the hook-nosed elder, known as the Destroyer of Nations, frowned deeply and calmly asked one of the Diamond-level Fallen Cult members present, "You said Chris still hasn't returned to Europa yet?"
Hearing this direct question, the man nodded emphatically, then said in a dry, nervous voice, "My Lords, something catastrophic must have happened to Master Chris."
Like the Crimson Oath Society, the Fallen Cult naturally maintained its own internal communication networks and emergency contact protocols.
Unfortunately, despite repeated attempts through multiple channels, they still hadn't been able to establish any contact with their supreme leader.
Anyone with even a reasonable degree of intelligence could deduce that something terrible had happened to Chris.
Upon hearing this grim confirmation, Jin and the other two Master-level Lore Cardians exchanged troubled glances, their expressions clouded with uncertainty.
After several moments of heavy silence, the Skinner whispered ominously, "Chris is probably dead."
The Fallen Cult members present visibly paled at this blunt assessment, their faces draining of all color.
The brutal truth was that the only reason they hadn't been completely eradicated from Europa was specifically because of Chris, their Master-level card creator who served as both symbol and shield.
Now that Chris was confirmed dead, the Fallen Cult teetered precariously on the verge of complete extinction. Their only hope for organizational survival lay in one of their Diamond-level members successfully breaking through to Master-level before their enemies moved against them.
However, the Skinner completely ignored the mounting despair of these Fallen Cult members. After all, in her ruthlessly pragmatic opinion, without Chris's overwhelming power backing them, the cult possessed absolutely no remaining strategic value to their alliance.
She simply turned to regard Jin with her cold, calculating gaze. "If I remember correctly, Lord Lioren hadn't actually attacked Chris before we strategically retreated from the secret realm, correct?"
The woman paused deliberately, then asked with barely concealed suspicion, "And doesn't our subsequent intelligence clearly indicate that the traitor from your organization, President Jin, somehow managed to survive the entire ordeal?"
"Could it possibly be...?"
After such a catastrophically significant incident two days ago, Jin and his two Master-level companions obviously couldn't simply retreat and ignore the aftermath entirely. Through their intelligence networks, they'd confirmed that Azrael hadn't died at Chris's hands as originally anticipated.
But at the time, they'd simply assumed Chris had strategically retreated first after failing to eliminate the target, which explained how Azrael survived the encounter.
However, based on the current intelligence assessment, it seemed increasingly likely that the troublesome young man had somehow survived long enough for Lord Lioren to personally enter the secret realm and provide critical support.
The three Master-level Lore Cardians honestly didn't seriously consider the possibility that Azrael himself had killed Chris. After all, Azrael was merely a Diamond-level Lore Cardian, and his greatest confirmed achievement so far consisted of severing one tail from the Nation-Destroying Fox under specific circumstances.
The notion of a Diamond-level Lore Cardian actually killing a Master-level opponent remained firmly in the realm of absolute fantasy.
Hearing the Skinner's pointed observations, Jin couldn't help but sneer contemptuously. "I explicitly told Chris to exercise extreme caution. After all, that little bastard has survived my personal attention before."
"Looks like he completely disregarded my warning."
Thinking back to Azrael's remarkably unharmed condition after tanking a direct blow from Hermes, his Master-level summon, the old man's deeply wrinkled face twitched involuntarily with frustration.
But he quickly composed his features back into their usual calculating expression.
"Forget it. Chris is dead, so be it. He was never truly on the same side as us anyway, merely a temporary ally of convenience."
"Besides, we've essentially achieved our primary strategic objectives this time."
Jin didn't particularly care about Chris's death from a strategic perspective. After all, the secret realm that was supposed to descend into their world had finally manifested as predicted, and they'd gained valuable intelligence regarding Lord Lioren's current physical condition and limitations.
From this point forward, they simply needed to follow their established procedures and execute the next phases of their long-term plan.
Hearing this pragmatic assessment, the Skinner nodded slightly in agreement. "That's certainly true from a strategic standpoint."
"As for you remaining cultists..."
She cast her merciless gaze toward the Fallen Cult members standing nervously nearby, clearly contemplating whether to simply eliminate these now-useless witnesses.
Just as the woman was seriously considering mass execution, Jin suddenly interjected, "Leave them to me."
With a casual gesture, he produced and threw out a dozen thick, official-looking contracts.
"Choose carefully."
"Sign these binding agreements."
"Or die immediately."