As Fuma accelerated, the massive floating fortress gradually revealed its full form.
Fuma examined the completely transformed fortress with a hint of surprise, sincerely impressed by Orochimaru's efficiency.
"I merely suggested turning the fortress into a guard station, and Orochimaru has already achieved this transformation in just a few days… His efficiency is remarkable."
It's worth noting that as long as it doesn't involve modifying his own body, Orochimaru's aesthetic sense remains impeccable.
The original floating fortress created by the Land of Sky had a peculiar architectural style, constantly oscillating between the technological and the mystical, making it look bizarre.
Despite the ingenious engineering design of the Land of Sky, the building materials were lackluster, with the entire fortress constructed from massive slabs of bluestone and very little steelwork, making it seem like a relic of the Stone Age.
Compared to steel, these stones had no advantages—they weren't corrosion-resistant, and their density and hardness were subpar. This impractical choice was perhaps linked to the Land of Sky's peculiar beliefs.
However, Orochimaru had no such scruples. With sweeping reforms, he replaced most of the bluestone with high-grade steel used in crafting ninja blades.
The fortress was reborn as a modern marvel, exuding sophistication and grandeur.
Now, the floating fortress had shifted from its original cube-like shape to a massive triangular bipyramid, carrying an otherworldly aura that blended mystery and advanced technology.
Atop the fortress, the Uchiha clan's fan-shaped emblem was prominently displayed, accompanied by bold characters on a plaque that read, "Uchiha Fortress".
If not for the constant wars plaguing the ninja world, Orochimaru might have become a successful "infrastructure tycoon" in times of peace with such capabilities.
The Kaguya clan members on Fuma's back stared in awe at the technological marvel before them. To a clan still adhering to the old ways of the Warring States period, this scene was as alien as an average person encountering a spaceship.
After a long silence, the Kaguya clan members let out a collective sigh, their gazes turning meaningfully toward the stunned Muzuki Kaguya.
Feeling the pressure, Muzuki's face darkened, and he grumbled discontentedly, "Sorry for being such an incompetent clan leader. My apologies for disappointing you…"
Upon entering the fortress, Muzuki's eyes widened as he took in the familiar faces bustling within.
The rogue ninjas of Kirigakure were busy transporting the Greylel Stones, while others, sweat towels over their shoulders and tools in hand, worked on reinforcing the walls. Their skilled movements made them resemble construction workers from the Land of Waves.
Under Orochimaru's direction, everyone worked in an orderly manner, strengthening the fortress with bustling efficiency.
Muzuki swiftly scanned the ninjas present, mentally taking note of their identities.
The other Kaguya members, however, looked visibly awkward. Unlike Muzuki, who could feign ignorance of past grievances, their simple-mindedness made it hard to forget the grudges they had against these rogue ninjas.
If not for Fuma's timely intervention, the Kaguya clan would have launched a full-scale assault against these Kirigakure deserters, igniting a massive conflict.
"Crystal Release ninja Guren? A Hyoton ninja from the Snow Clan? And even a few Yoton ninjas from the Terumi Clan? Adding us from the Kaguya Clan… It seems Fuma-san has nearly hollowed out Kirigakure's foundation."
"So, the mysterious organization sheltering these Kirigakure defectors was supported by Fuma-san all along. We were on the verge of a disaster…"
Muzuki felt a chill as he recalled how close he had been to making a fatal mistake. If he had recklessly ordered an attack back then, the Kaguya clan's fate would have been precarious.
As Muzuki's gaze shifted, he noticed a red-haired woman extending several chains from her back, striking a large sword.
"That's an Uzumaki clan ninja! And she's already mastered the Adamantine Sealing Chains. Is that… Samehada?"
In one corner of the fortress, Kushina Uzumaki had Samehada tightly bound in her chains. She patted the sword with her delicate hands, seemingly disciplining it.
"Alright, the *Hidden Four Symbols Seal* is complete. If you misbehave and upset Minato again, you'll face serious consequences…"
Hearing this, Samehada shivered in fear, its mouth opening wide as it wagged its forked tongue in submission. The sealing marks etched onto its blade exuded an ominous aura that made its threats palpable.
Ever since Minato obtained Samehada, the blade had been prone to rebellion, frequently attempting to drain his chakra.
Minato, however, never relented, promptly handing it over to Kushina to teach the blade a harsh lesson about the ninja world's dangers.
When it came to taming unruly foes, the Uzumaki clan were natural prodigies. After all, if Kushina could subdue the Nine-Tails, a mere sword like Samehada was child's play.
Minato approached Kushina with a warm smile, gently nuzzling her cheek before taking the subdued Samehada in his hand.
Swinging the sword playfully, he remarked, "It's finally behaving, huh? You're quite the coward, aren't you? Let's work together, and I promise you won't run out of chakra. Just play nice…"
Samehada hung limply, resigned to its fate. It couldn't understand why humans were so vengeful—wasn't stabbing him with a few spikes just a joke? Did it really warrant such an elaborate sealing jutsu?
Fuma observed the unique sword with interest, commenting, "What a fascinating weapon. If it ever comes to sacrificing Samehada, let's hope it does more than seal half a bridge."
Minato rolled his eyes and quipped,
"Do you think I'd waste such a powerful seal on inanimate objects? This is for emergencies—if we face an unbeatable enemy, this could save the day."
Meanwhile, Muzuki, who had been silently observing, felt increasingly numb. Over the past two days, he had witnessed techniques and items that shattered his perception of the world.
Adamantine Sealing Chains, Hidden Four Symbols Seal, Flying Thunder God, Sharingan, floating fortresses, Samehada, and ominous blood mist…
For the first time, Muzuki began questioning the value of the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku. In the face of such overwhelming resources, their once-prized kekkei genkai seemed almost irrelevant.
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