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The transition was immediate and disorienting. Horyu found himself in a twisted, otherworldly landscape. Shadows moved independently of the light, and the air was thick with an oppressive energy. The ground beneath him was cold and unyielding, and strange, ghostly figures flitted at the edges of his vision.
Horyu looked at the Phantom Brigade standing on their knees before him, their spectral forms barely visible, like wisps of smoke in the dim light. "Master," they all saluted in unison, their voices echoing in the eerie silence of the Realm of Specters. The one at the head, with a more defined and authoritative presence, spoke up. "It is not good, Master. You are brimming with life force, and the emotions you carry are like a beacon in this realm."
The Spectral Realm was unlike anything Horyu had ever experienced. Shadows twisted and shifted constantly, creating an ever-changing landscape of darkness and eerie light. The ground beneath his feet felt both solid and insubstantial, as if he was walking on a thin veil of reality.
He felt a cold sweat trickle down his back, a stark contrast to the heated battles he was accustomed to. His senses were on high alert, every instinct screaming that this place was hostile, that he was an intruder in a realm not meant for the living. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, pushing down the rising tide of fear and anxiety. This was not the time to falter.
Horyu's gaze then focused on the portal that was still swirling, anchored in existence and connecting this strange realm to the human realm. The swirling vortex pulsated with a malevolent energy, casting eerie shadows that danced around its edges. Tendrils of dark energy snaked out from the portal, almost as if they were alive, reaching out to grasp anything nearby. The air around it buzzed with a low, ominous hum, making it clear that this was no ordinary gateway.
"Why is it not closed yet?" Horyu demanded, his eyes narrowing in frustration.
The head phantom, his form barely visible in the dim light, spoke with a voice as cold as ice. "Master, you opened the door of Rashomon. It won't be easy to close."
At that moment, a system message flickered in front of Horyu's vision:
[Unlock Conditions:
The Path to Unveiling the True Power of the Rashomon Gates and their Link to the Plane of Specters is Shrouded in Mystery. These Conditions are Yet to be Discovered and Fulfilled. Conditions Met...
Protect Plane of Specters from Mortal Enemy.]
Horyu cursed under his breath, "Fuck you, Tobirama. Because of you, I am not the savior of Specters." He glanced at Kurenai and Shisui. Shisui was gasping on the ground while Kurenai lay unconscious. Moving quickly, Horyu knelt beside Kurenai and shared his life energy with her, his chakra flowing into her body. Thanks to his Uzumaki Seed, his life force was stronger than ten humans, and a little bit wouldn't make a difference. But in this strange realm, his life force was like a lighthouse in the darkness, attracting attention.
Roars echoed around them, the sounds of specters drawn by the potent energy. The Phantom Leader stepped forward. "Master, we need to move," he urged, his voice tense.
Horyu nodded, scooping Kurenai into his arms. "Assist Shisui," he ordered, pointing to the gasping shinobi. The phantoms moved to support Shisui, helping him to his feet.
As they started to move, Shisui managed to gasp out, "What about the door?"
"Let those outside worry about it," Horyu snapped, still seething with anger. Many innocents would die because of his decision, but he had long since stopped caring about collateral damage. His priorities were clear: himself and those he cared about came first.
The group moved swiftly through the dark, twisted landscape of the Spectral Realm. Shadows loomed and shifted around them, creating an ever-present sense of unease. Horyu's Sharingan scanned the surroundings, watching for any threats. The oppressive atmosphere pressed down on them, making each step feel like a struggle.
"Master," one of the phantoms said, "we must find a safe place to rest. The specters are closing in."
Horyu nodded, his mind racing. He needed to find a way to stabilize their situation. The Phantom Brigade was loyal, but they were weak compared to strong enemies of Plane of Specters. They were merely Soldier Rank. They had to find shelter and regroup.
Spotting a cluster of ancient, twisted trees that seemed to offer some protection, Horyu led the group toward them. "Over there," he said, pointing. "We can set up a perimeter and rest for a moment."
As they reached the trees, Horyu carefully laid Kurenai down, checking her pulse and breathing. She was stable, but still unconscious. Shisui, with the help of the phantoms, managed to sit down, his breathing ragged but steadying.
"We need to figure out a plan," Horyu said, looking at his spectral allies. "This realm is dangerous, and we can't stay here long. Any suggestions?"
The Phantom Leader, his eyes glowing faintly in the dim light, spoke up. "There is a place deeper in the realm, a sanctuary where the specters cannot reach. We can take you there, but it is a perilous journey."
Horyu considered this, weighing their options. "How far is it?"
"About a day's travel," the Phantom Leader replied. "But we must move quickly and carefully."
Horyu nodded. "We have no choice. Lead the way." Although he was weakened due to ritual and hundreds of days of excessive thinking with millions of clones, he could still move.
The group moved out, keeping a tight formation. The phantoms scouted ahead, their spectral forms blending into the shadows. Horyu carried Kurenai, his senses on high alert. Shisui, though weakened, kept pace, his eyes scanning for threats. The oppressive atmosphere sapped their strength, and every step felt heavier as they ventured deeper into the Realm of Specters.
"Keep moving," Horyu urged, his voice a low growl. "We can't afford to stop."
The journey was grueling. Strange sounds echoed around them, the flickering shadows playing tricks on their minds. The phantoms moved silently, their presence barely noticeable except for the occasional shimmer in the dim light. Horyu's Sharingan picked up every movement, every shift in the darkness, ensuring they weren't caught off guard.
As they pressed on, the terrain grew more treacherous. Jagged rocks jutted out from the ground, and the air grew colder, a chilling wind cutting through them. Shisui stumbled, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Horyu glanced back, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Can you keep going?" Horyu asked, his voice firm but not unkind.
Shisui nodded, though his face was pale. "I can manage," he replied, though it was clear he was struggling.
Horyu frowned but didn't argue. They didn't have the luxury of resting. They continued forward, each step taking them further into the unknown.
Hours passed, the oppressive atmosphere only growing more intense. The phantoms remained vigilant, their eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. Horyu's grip on Kurenai tightened as they navigated through the twisted landscape. The air was thick with an eerie energy, making it hard to breathe.
"Master," one of the phantoms whispered, appearing beside Horyu. "We're being followed."
Horyu's eyes narrowed. "How many?"
"Too many to count," the phantom replied. "We need to move faster."
Horyu cursed under his breath. "We need to find that sanctuary. Now."
The group quickened their pace, the phantoms moving ahead to clear the path. Horyu could feel the presence of the specters growing closer, their malevolent energy palpable. The ground beneath them seemed to shift and writhe, making every step a struggle.
"Shisui, stay close," Horyu ordered, his voice tense.
Shisui nodded, his determination evident despite his weakening condition. "I'll be right behind you."
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