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The Land of Fire. Under the golden sunlight, the endless sea of trees was adorned with a beautiful veil, swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze.
If the Land of Wind was characterized by its deserts and wastelands, the Land of Lightning by its high-altitude plateaus, the Land of Earth by its mountains and rocks, and the Land of Water by its numerous islands, then the Land of Fire, located in the heart of the ninja world, was known for its vast plains and forests.
This land, blessed with exceptional natural and geographical conditions, formed the foundation for the Land of Fire's prosperity and the strength of Konoha.
However, its advantageous position also made it a target of envy and ambition for other great nations over the decades.
In the three previous Great Ninja Wars, Konoha had always been on the defensive, constantly finding itself surrounded and attacked by multiple enemies.
Konoha's deep foundation allowed it to endure, but the cost was the heavy loss of many ninjas.
Even the once-mighty Senju clan, hailed as the strongest ninja clan in the Warring States period and producing three Hokage, had dwindled significantly in the era of Konoha.
Added to this was the Uchiha clan, which Konoha had also brought to ruin.
In a sense, Konoha had broken down the old class monopoly.
Of course, new monopolies had emerged as well.
At this moment, walking along a long mountain path halfway up the mountain, Gensou looked down at the sea of trees below, feeling a touch of nostalgia.
"Gensou-sama, where are we going?" Sasuke, who had been holding back his curiosity since their departure, finally asked, seeing that the mountain path ahead was still long.
"Fire Temple," Gensou replied calmly, returning from his thoughts.
"Fire Temple?" Sasuke's face showed confusion.
But temples were typically built near villages and towns to receive offerings.
Why had the monks of the Fire Temple built their temple on such a remote and difficult-to-access mountain?
Such a place would hardly attract any pilgrims throughout the year.
Unfamiliar with the concept, Sasuke asked for clarification.
"The Fire Temple is the national temple of the Land of Fire. It doesn't lack for offerings. Additionally, the Fire Temple can be considered a ninja organization. The monks there have always been allied with the Konoha ninjas," Gensou explained casually.
"Konoha? Allied?" Sasuke pondered for a moment before understanding. "So, the monks of the Fire Temple train like ninjas and have considerable combat power."
"Yes," Gensou nodded. "The monks here possess a special ability known as the Talent of the Sage Clan. I'm here to see it for myself."
"Hopefully, they won't disappoint me."
Gensou looked forward to seeing the grand entrance of the Fire Temple in the distance with a hint of anticipation.
His development in sage techniques had reached a bottleneck.
This trip to the Fire Temple was not only to probe Konoha and draw their attention but also to investigate the Talent of the Sage Clan.
With the word "Sage" in its name, it might have some commonalities.
Five minutes later, Gensou and Sasuke had finished the long mountain path and arrived at the gate of the Fire Temple.
Despite its remote location on the mountain, the imposing iron gate and the massive, majestic statues on either side stood out.
Seeing this, Sasuke understood what it meant to be a national temple.
"There seems to be no one to greet us," Sasuke frowned after waiting for a while and seeing no sign of the gate opening.
Gensou glanced at the iron gate and the statues, saying calmly, "The outer walls of the Fire Temple are protected by barrier ninjutsu and sealing techniques. Ordinary people can't get in. Only the monks with the unique chakra of the Talent of the Sage Clan can pass through. It seems the monks inside are not very hospitable."
"Do we need to force our way in?" Sasuke asked, looking at Gensou.
Gensou nodded, "Since our hosts don't want to be polite, we don't need to be either."
With that, Gensou walked up to the iron gate, clenched his fist, and punched it without hesitation.
Boom! The barrier shattered instantly under the immense force.
The massive statues on either side collapsed, and the thick iron gate was reduced to countless fragments, scattering backward and kicking up a cloud of dust.
With the gate now open, Gensou calmly stepped inside.
Sasuke followed closely, his eyes burning with determination at the scene of devastation.
Such immense power was what he sought!
Konoha could not provide it.
Only with Gensou, if he worked hard and persevered, he was sure to achieve it! Tap. Tap. Tap. Their footsteps echoed through the spacious courtyard.
Soon, the sound was drowned out by a cacophony of running footsteps.
"What happened?"
"The temple gate collapsed! The iron barrier was broken?"
"Intruders!!"
"Quick! Capture them!"
Gensou looked up to see a large group of shining, bald monks rushing towards them from behind.
Seeing the shattered iron barrier and the two strangers walking in arrogantly, even the calmest of monks would be incensed.
The martial monks immediately prepared to fight, ready to subdue the intruders.
Gensou ignored the small fry.
Sasuke gripped his sword, ready to clear the way for Gensou.
Suddenly, a voice called out among the monks, "The enemy is not simple. I will engage them. Everyone else, support me."
At these words, the indignant monks calmed down and respectfully stepped aside, allowing the speaker to come forward.
The person who stepped up was Chiriku, the head monk of the Fire Temple and one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
Chiriku's gaze swept over the thoroughly destroyed iron barrier and then the two uninvited guests. After glancing at Sasuke, he focused on the man wearing the white whirlpool mask.
Having faced countless life-and-death situations, Chiriku felt a heavy pressure from this man.
"Who are you?" Chiriku demanded.
Gensou didn't waste words: "I heard the Fire Temple possesses the Talent of the Sage Clan. I've come to see it for myself."
"So, you're thieves coveting the power of the Fire Temple. If you wish to see it, come and experience it firsthand," Chiriku said, assuming a fighting stance.
Seeing this, Sasuke, eager to test his strength, asked, "Gensou-sama, let me handle him."
Gensou looked at Sasuke and, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm, nodded in agreement.
In the next moment.
Clang~~ Sasuke drew the ninja sword from his waist, activated the Body Flicker Technique, and with a swift "whoosh," slashed towards Chiriku at great speed.
Chiriku remained calm.
As Sasuke approached, he moved his hands slowly, chanting:
"Raigo: Senjusatsu!"
(End of Chapter)