(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The soldiers of the Land of Demons witnessed an unforgettable scene.
The puppet warriors, previously indestructible, melted away as swiftly as ice under a scorching sun.
When the blinding lightning faded, only the scattered remains on the ground proved what had just transpired.
"Go... God..."
Staring in awe at Colt as he slowly descended from the sky, some onlookers couldn't help but regard him as a deity.
Colt's feet wobbled, and he nearly lost his balance.
After all, he wasn't some middle school boy like Nagato, so he didn't need such an embarrassing title.
"I'm a ninja sent by Konoha. Where is your priestess?" Colt asked directly, without unnecessary pleasantries.
A burly warrior wielding two swords approached him.
"Greetings, sir. I'm Zoro. The priestess has been awaiting your arrival."
Colt's mouth twitched.
"Your name is fitting. Your swordsmanship must be impressive."
Zoro had a smile on his face.
"I'm not much, you're the truly exceptional one."
He called a soldier and instructed him to escort Colt to the 27th Palace in the Land of Demons.
Meanwhile, in a secret base, Yomi opened his eyes, a flash of disbelief crossing his face.
"Impossible. Who could have destroyed so many undead ninja legions?"
Yomi, or more precisely, the spirit that had possessed Yomi's body, was deeply shocked.
These undead were created using his own power, supposedly as immortal and indestructible as himself.
For the first time, a hint of unease crept into his heart.
The Land of Demons.
Despite its name, it was merely a collection of villages plus a capital.
This country lacked renown. The priestess was the nominal supreme ruler, and even the neighboring Marsh Country was her subordinate.
A proper example of privilege and wealth.
However, at this moment, the privileged priestess was under siege by four of Yomi's underlings, with her loyal guards falling one by one.
Originally mere wandering ninjas, these four had received power from Yomi, allowing them to freely use ninjutsus of fire, earth, water, and wind.
One of them could even continuously replenish the others' chakra.
Shion watched with a blank expression as her guards fell one by one, a trace of sadness flashing in her heart.
She knew these deaths were because she had foreseen her own demise, and they willingly sacrificed themselves to protect her.
But she couldn't change it.
"Priestess, we must relocate," urged Taruho, the priest who had long served at her side.
At this rate, the guards would soon be overwhelmed.
"No need, Taruho. Flee by yourself. This is my destiny," Shion replied, her white pupils unwavering.
She had grown weary of such days.
Boom!
A massive blue skeletal arm burst through the wall, seizing one of the four attackers and crushing him instantly!
"What?!" Shizuku, skilled in Water Style, exclaimed, her face contorting in shock.
"Don't worry, you'll all be joining him soon," Colt said as he strode in through the palace gate, accompanied by the guard who had led him there.
"Retreat!" Kusuna, the leader of the four, immediately ordered a withdrawal. The enemy was too formidable.
But it was too late.
The skeletal [Susanoo] further evolved, developing flesh and blood. Two additional arms emerged from its body.
It wielded a bow and a sword.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three energy arrows, flickering with black flames, shot out, striking the three targets with precision.
Even Gitai, the most adept of them at the Earth-style defense, was pierced through.
"Hm? [Hydrification Technique]?" Colt observed.
Though Shizuku had been pierced, her body transformed into a puddle of water, allowing her to escape.
A secret technique similar to that of the Hōzuki clan in Kirigakure, it granted near-immunity to physical attacks.
"[Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear]!"
Colt's right hand extended, his index finger pointing as a lightning spear rapidly formed, enveloping the water stains on the ground.
(T/N: You won't believe it but the legendary 'Jade-chan' appeared in this line. It was originally: Colt's jade-white right hand…)
The high temperature from the electric current instantly vaporized them.
"Priestess, are you alright?!" The guard who had led Colt rushed to Shion's side, asking anxiously.
Shion's eyes widened as she gazed at Colt in astonishment.
In her vision, many guards were supposed to die before she could continue living.
But why had the future changed now?
"You're the priestess, right? I heard you have the ability to foresee your own death. Now that I'm here, can you still predict your demise?" Colt approached, looking at her.
He was also curious about this mystical ability.
Hearing this, Shion also wanted to understand what was happening.
She activated the ability inherited from the priestess clan.
Her white pupils, similar to Hinata's, transformed into bright, crystal sapphire blue, shining brilliantly.
'She is indeed cute,'
After a long moment, Colt was surprised to see that Shion hadn't recovered.
"Did you foresee how you'll die later?"
The blue light in Shion's eyes gradually faded.
She looked at Colt in horror.
"H-handsome... so handsome and cool!"
Colt: ???
Something was definitely wrong with this priestess!
Meanwhile, in Konoha.
After receiving Tsunade's signal, Jiraiya abandoned his next plan and returned to the village.
"You mean, this might all be connected to Amegakure?" Tsunade's expression was solemn after hearing his report.
Amegakure held special significance for the Sannin.
There, the three of them had been defeated by Hanzō, the shinobi world's so-called demigod, who had bestowed upon them their title.
Initially, this title wasn't a mark of glory, but rather a source of shame for Tsunade and her comrades.
However, as the three gradually grew stronger, the nature of this title changed, becoming legendary.
"I didn't quite believe it at first, but the more I investigated, the stranger it became," Jiraiya explained.
"Hanzō hasn't appeared in public for many years."
"It's very likely he's been defeated and someone else has taken control."
Jiraiya's voice was low as he revealed that Amegakure's leader now called himself a god.
And those who conveyed his will were called angels.
These weren't titles ordinary people would dare to use.
"Let's put this on hold for now. When Colt returns, you can discuss some countermeasures and decide how to proceed from there," Tsunade advised.
"He specifically told me not to let you go out to gather intelligence alone."
After relaying this to Jiraiya, Tsunade brought up another matter.
"Naruto's strength has reached a plateau. Colt wants you to take him to Mount Myōboku to train in the Sage Mode."
"Sage Mode?" Jiraiya looked serious. "That's quite dangerous… but the kid is tenacious if nothing else"
"I understand. Tomorrow, I'll take Naruto to Mount Myōboku."