Hane Genma had ventured out to attend a high-level meeting with Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, but it turned out to be a fruitless endeavor. Not only did he gain nothing, but Black Zetsu's sudden appearance in his face gave him quite a scare.
Reflecting on it, was this gathering really that crucial for Black Zetsu and White Zetsu? All it confirmed was that Indra's chakra had latched onto Uchiha Madara, something they had already suspected—perhaps even been certain of—for a while. So, what was the point of Black Zetsu holding a meeting just to parrot old news?
Genma could only conclude that he didn't quite grasp Black Zetsu's "once-in-a-millennium" mindset.
In the end, the matters Black Zetsu fretted over were beyond Genma's current reach. As for the future? He'd think about it once he had enough strength to make a difference.
For now, Genma no longer felt he'd meet an early demise. With a decent level of self-preservation and the influence of White Zetsu, he suspected his lifespan might surpass that of an average shinobi.
How much longer? That was anyone's guess—only time would tell.
After returning to Kikyo Castle, Genma spent several quiet months there. It wasn't until spring had passed that he suddenly realized his body was now sixteen years old.
He had officially shed the label of a "child shinobi" and become a proper young ninja.
In theory, this age marked the phase where a shinobi's strength grew most rapidly. But given Genma's background, he harbored no naive expectations in that regard.
Only those born into prestigious clans could expect such explosive growth.
Of course, there were exceptions—those with strong foundations who, at this age, either stagnated or regressed. A certain "anonymous" Kakashi was a prime example, a rather notable case.
Regardless, for individuals or factions in the current shinobi world, opportunities for growth or development were rare and precious.
By summer, the surrounding factions in Kawagen Country finally stirred. They began sending shinobi teams to infiltrate the region, engaging in skirmishes with the Firefly Organization.
There was no grand reason for the conflict; Kawagen Country simply seemed too stable, too conspicuous, and thus an eyesore that needed to be disrupted.
Faced with this situation, Genma adopted a strategy of both offense and defense. He tasked the battle-ready Akimichi Clan with leading teams to eliminate the infiltrators, while he personally struck out, assassinating key figures—clan leaders and pivotal combatants—of enemy ninja clans.
Given that the Firefly Organization's overall strength wasn't enough to shake the shinobi world, Genma acted with restraint to avoid drawing excessive attention.
By continuously eliminating enemy leaders, he sowed internal chaos among them, preventing further invasions and preserving Kawagen Country's relative stability.
With turmoil all around, Kikyo Castle's influence became less conspicuous.
After a month of intense conflict, the fighting subsided to a level Genma could tolerate.
What choice did the enemies have? With clan leaders falling like harvested crops, who could endure such losses?
The only silver lining of the war was the steady supply of "materials" it provided for Fuma Goro's ongoing "Curse Grudge" transplant experiments.
Moreover, an almost archaic trend resurfaced among the surrounding factions: shinobi began donning full armor again, particularly reinforcing backplates and waist guards.
Given that shinobi typically prioritized offensive capabilities, armor had trended toward lighter, less protective designs. This retro revival was utterly counter to the times.
But it was inevitable—too many had been stabbed in the back. With no way to fully guard against such attacks, they opted for armor, if only for psychological comfort.
One could only say that as Genma's strength grew, his destructive impact became undeniable… Truly, what a calamity.
In the past, Genma's stealth assassinations required utmost caution, fearing discovery and resorting to tactics like misdirection.
Now? Even if he was spotted, so what? He'd just charge in and see who could outlast whom.
As a result, Genma's reputation soared in the region, though opinions about him were polarized. Some called him sinister, a scheming villain; others saw him as bold, a fierce warrior.
The Firefly Organization's name began to spread uncontrollably as well.
Once the conflict's intensity dropped to a manageable level for the organization without his direct involvement, Genma had to set out again.
This time, it wasn't for personal reasons but to address a critical weakness in the organization—a public mission, so to speak.
During the recent battles, the Firefly Organization's lack of skilled sensory shinobi had been glaringly exposed. Initially, they were overwhelmed by the enemy's scattered attacks, crippled by their inability to gather intelligence.
Fortunately, a few members' exceptional strength allowed them to forcefully overcome this disadvantage with sheer combat prowess.
Thus, Genma's plan to form an "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio had to move forward.
It wasn't just about the "Shika" (Nara) or finding the perfect teammates for the "Cho" (Akimichi). The key was that the "Ino" (Yamanaka) were exceptional sensory shinobi, capable of serving as battlefield radars.
In many ways, the Yamanaka Clan could rival the Hyuga in piercing the fog of war and gathering intelligence.
Genma would've loved to hire Hyuga shinobi, but that was a pipe dream—out of the question.
The Yamanaka were different. Approaching them alone would likely end poorly, but with the Akimichi Clan acting as intermediaries, things changed entirely.
At dusk, atop a cliff overlooking Kikyo Castle, Genma and Uchiha Nanami stood together, gazing down at the town's twinkling lights, savoring a rare moment of tranquility brought by the night breeze.
The two had formed a team, clearing out the remaining enemies in Kawagen Country before pausing here on their way back to Kikyo Castle.
At that moment, Genma felt no fatigue—only a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Not because he had protected the people here, but because maintaining such a peaceful haven amidst the war-torn shinobi world was inherently satisfying.
The clear night sky was like a mirror, the town's vibrant lights reflecting alongside the distant stars. For anyone yearning for harmony, this scene was its embodiment.
Uchiha Nanami stood alone at the cliff's edge, silently gazing at the town, its outlines softened by the interplay of lamplight and starlight.
Genma stepped forward to her side, listening to the night's quiet for a moment before speaking. "Shouldn't you say something at a time like this?"
Nanami shook her head, remaining silent for a while longer before finally replying, "For shinobi like us, drenched in blood, this serene galaxy, this unreachable tranquility under the night's curtain… it might just be the ideal place to be laid to rest."
Genma chuckled, choosing not to respond.
Women's thoughts were a mystery not worth unraveling.
He might look youthful, and she might seem like a young girl, but with one being a reincarnated soul and the other a time-traveler, could they really see themselves as mere teenagers?
When Nanami finally snapped out of her reverie, she got to the point. "Are you heading out for that mission tomorrow?"
"Yeah, with Akimichi Jinsei," Genma replied. "I'm leaving things here to you."
"Got it."
The next morning, Genma met up with Akimichi Jinsei to search for the future partners who would be tightly bound to the Akimichi Clan.
Before setting out, Genma specifically instructed Jinsei to remove his marked headband and swap out his clan-crested armor.
After all, when operating in the field, concealing one's identity was paramount—especially for shinobi like them, with a fixed base and territory. It was a necessary precaution.
Not that every mission involved foul play, but what if circumstances demanded it?
Best to be prepared to act.
Thus, they carried nothing that could identify them. Genma even donned the last of the ninja tools he'd "borrowed" from the Sarutobi Clan.
This way, if a fight broke out, Genma could pull a "It wasn't me, I didn't do it, don't talk nonsense" denial combo. After all, didn't the weapons leave clues of their own?
After leaving Kikyo Castle, the two headed east.
Genma carried a rough map of the shinobi world's factions, with additional details filled in by Jinsei.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the Yamanaka and Nara Clans operated near what would later be the heart of the Land of Fire. A bit further east lay the "massive" territory of the Enomoto Clan—a behemoth compared to the fragmented factions around them.
The Enomoto weren't a ninja clan; they were the surname of the future Land of Fire's daimyo, so it was clear which ninja clan they backed.
"Say, Jinsei," Genma mused as they traveled, "when do you think the daimyo supporting the Yamanaka and Nara will fall?"
"They're small fries; their downfall is inevitable. It's just a matter of time."
Genma's blunt question left Jinsei speechless. "Lord Genma, can't you wish for something better?"
Why assume those daimyo, who were doing just fine, had to fall? So Genma could swoop in and take over the Yamanaka and Nara?
"Something better?" Genma smirked. "You mean like arriving at our destination just as those daimyo's forces collapse? Clan leader, you're a genius—truly wise beyond measure. No wonder the Akimichi have lasted so long…"
"But is such a perfect coincidence even possible? Isn't that a bit too idealistic?"
Jinsei's scalp tingled. That's not what I meant!
He opted for silence—a wordless protest.
The two moved swiftly, traveling in a straight line. Not long ago, when Genma led a team from the Land of Fire's central region to Kikyo Castle, they'd crept along like rats crossing a street.
Now? They weren't exactly swaggering, but they moved openly, unafraid of other shinobi picking a fight.
Strength bred confidence.
The first half of the journey passed without incident, save for Genma's mischievous curses aimed at certain daimyo.
But as they neared their destination, the sounds of battle reached their ears.
Genma glanced at Jinsei. See? No headbands, no crests—smart move. The world outside was chaos, and a good shinobi knew how to stay safe.
Maybe they could pick up some spoils—or at least gather materials for Fuma Goro's experiments. With that in mind, Genma and Jinsei cautiously approached the battlefield from the side.
Then they saw it: over a dozen shinobi surrounding a young ninja, with another comrade already down nearby.
The young ninja had taken out two or three enemies but was heavily wounded.
Genma's expression turned odd. The beleaguered shinobi was a familiar face.
Senju Tobirama, you unlucky bastard. Why is it that every time I see you, you're covered in blood?
Genma decided to lend a hand—not out of admiration, but because Tobirama was his only connection to the Senju Clan. Given the strength of the Ninja God, maintaining that tie seemed wise.
Besides, though Tobirama looked battered, with someone to cover him, the tide could turn quickly.
Time was critical. Genma weighed the pros and cons and turned to Jinsei. "That's an important acquaintance getting swarmed. I'm going in to help. Stay here, don't move. I'll signal if I need you. The enemies are strong and might counter your fighting style."
From a quick glance, Genma noted the enemies' agility and speed-based tactics, so he held Jinsei back for now.
Jinsei nodded without protest, following Genma's orders.
Genma hesitated, reluctant to fully reveal his stealth prowess, and decided to charge straight into the fray instead.
As he rushed the battlefield from the flank, the enemies quickly noticed him. He deliberately kept a steady pace at first, but as he neared one foe, steam erupted from his body, propelling him forward like a cannonball.
His fist swung—and hit nothing but air.
The enemy vanished.
Then, a short sword pierced Genma's shoulder.
He glanced back, spotting the enemy now behind him.
Huh? Flying Thunder God?
But then he saw lightning crackling around the foe.
Lightning Release?
Tobirama, having marked Genma's chakra earlier, had sensed his approach but hadn't expected him to charge in so boldly.
"Be careful—they're fast," Tobirama warned.
In a flash, Genma recalled Tobirama's parting words from their last meeting.
"Swift as the wind, flashing like lightning?"
Tobirama nodded, deflecting a kunai with his long blade. "They're from the Hagoromo Clan, skilled in Swift Release and Storm Release."
Genma: "…"
You couldn't have mentioned that sooner? I wouldn't have come if I'd known.
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