The Land of Waves, a coastal town.
Higashi Shibito knelt respectfully on the ground, his gaze serious as he looked at the short, elderly man with white hair and beard before him.
It's noteworthy that the short old man stood with his hands behind his back, hovering half a foot above the ground, gazing out at the turbulent sea.
"How is the boat I asked you to prepare?" The old man calmly inquired without turning around.
"The ship is ready, and Kirigakure has been informed in advance," Higashi Shibito replied.
After a moment's hesitation, he gritted his teeth and added, "Forgive me, Lord Onoki, but you shouldn't have come personally. What if this is a trap? Konoha and Kirigakure could be collaborating secretly. The risk is too great!"
"Who do you think I am?"
Slowly turning around, the short old man's eyes gleamed with pride. "I am Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure — also known as the Ōnoki of Both Scales!"
The elderly man floating in the air was Ōnoki, a living legend born during the Warring States Period, now over sixty years old, almost a relic in the ninja world.
When Ōnoki's name is mentioned, other Kage's first reactions are often cunning, treacherous, and sinister. Yet, what truly instills fear is his mastery of the Dust Release, praised as surpassing even bloodline limits. Ōnoki's Dust Release prowess exceeds that of his predecessors, making him a formidable figure.
Moreover, Ōnoki is among the few who can fly in the air, imposing immense pressure on ground-based ninjas, akin to a dimensional reduction attack.
Even the Third Raikage, one of the ninja world's mightiest in this era, must tread carefully when facing the formidable Ōnoki.
"A mere Mizukage and Hokage—what threat do they pose even if they join forces?"
Ōnoki sneered, crossing his arms proudly over his chest. "In my eyes, they are merely two brats."
Realizing he couldn't dissuade Ōnoki, Higashi Shibito reluctantly acquiesced. "Yes, Lord Ōnoki. Please exercise caution. You are the backbone of Iwagakure."
"I understand, I understand."
Two days later, Ōnoki pursed his lips and impatiently waved his hand: "Don't interrupt my view of the sea. Tell the boatman we're setting sail tomorrow!"
"Yes, Lord Ōnoki!"
The man lying motionless to the east slowly stood up and withdrew.
Watching the sun slowly sink into the sea, Ōnoki felt satisfied: "What a shame, such a beautiful sight only exists in the Land of Water."
He thought about the Land of Earth again. It was all mountains and rocks. He was tired of seeing them. How could it compare to the beauty of the Land of Water?
It was regrettable that no matter how beautiful the scenery, it could only be enjoyed for a brief moment. Ōnoki sighed softly, hands behind his back as he slowly returned.
He planned to stay by the sea tonight to enjoy the night view and save some trouble for tomorrow's journey to the Land of Water from here.
Back in his room, Ōnoki strolled around and nodded in approval: "Higashi found a good spot and cleaned it up nicely."
At that moment, a yellowed oil lamp thrown amidst a pile of debris in the corner caught his eye. He walked over, drawn to it.
Picking up the old oil lamp covered in rust, faint obscure symbols engraved on it could be vaguely seen under the rust, though the full picture was obscured.
Ōnoki, who had a penchant for collecting antiques, became immediately intrigued: "This thing is quite fascinating. It must have a history of at least a hundred years, haha."
Finding the oil lamp intriguing, Ōnoki placed it on the table.
Suddenly, the lamp inexplicably lit up!
In the flickering light of an oil lamp, a strange green flame burned, casting an eerie glow.
Ōnoki felt fatigue creeping over him and rubbed his eyes. "Strange," he muttered, "I'm unusually sleepy today."
Overwhelmed by drowsiness, he shook his head, attributing it to his advancing age, and decided to lie down for a nap.
As soon as he closed his eyes, darkness engulfed him.
In the dreamlike state, a black mist spread like a tidal wave, accompanied by faint stars and whispers that felt both real and unreal.
Ōnoki felt his thoughts float weightlessly like a balloon adrift on an endless sea.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself standing in a colossal cathedral.
The grand and imposing cathedral was constructed entirely from bones. Countless skulls adorned the dome, their empty eyes staring down, while the cathedral walls, adorned with translucent glass, contorted into grotesque human faces, as if trying to break free.
Directly before him stood an ancient, weathered bronze table. Across from him sat a figure enveloped in a faint aura, appearing as if composed of overlapping human forms.
Behind this figure loomed a massive bone cross, exuding an indescribable aura of strangeness.
The bizarre scene sent shivers down Ōnoki's spine. He spoke cautiously, lowering his voice, "Who are you?"
For some inexplicable reason, in the presence of the luminous figure with its overlapping forms, Ōnoki felt an overwhelming sense of dread. Instinctively, he averted his gaze, as if his very soul warned him not to stare directly.
"I am merely a 'spectator,' witnessing the unfolding of history and the future," replied Uchiha Sogetsu casually, reclining in his chair with crossed hands resting on his knees, exuding an indescribable calm and leisure.
Quietly, Sogetsu used Spirit Vision, allowing him to peer deeper into Onoki's astral body.
The colors were dark, and various emotions flickered intermittently. There was an underlying tension, mingled with a hint of fear.
Fear, not surprise.
In the dream, there stood the "Corpse Cathedral," not the true Divine Kingdom, yet it held a certain allure.
It's natural for a ninja, even someone like Ōnoki, the Kage, to feel fear when encountering something beyond ordinary logic for the first time.
"Spectator," Ōnoki muttered, pondering the word repeatedly. He sensed that this "Spectator" held a deeper significance beyond his initial understanding.
The seasoned Ōnoki quietly attempted to leave this place.
However, he soon realized this wasn't an illusion; disrupting his chakra wouldn't facilitate his escape!
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Ōnoki heightened his vigilance.
Yet, he refrained from acting hastily until he discerned the identity and strength of the other party. Maintaining composure amidst uncertainty seemed the wisest approach.
Carefully choosing his words, Ōnoki inquired, "Sir, why have you brought me here?"
"You seem to misunderstand, Tsuchikage Ōnoki."
Calmly, Uchiha Sogetsu responded, "I didn't bring you here—it was fate that guided you to my Divine Kingdom."
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