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Whether Haku could undergo a second evolution depended on his abilities. His current Blood Demon Art was already formidable, but achieving further evolution would require significant time and effort.
Haku had found his path to becoming stronger, and Muzan guided him in developing his Blood Demon Art while integrating ninjutsu training. By merging his Ice Release kekkei genkai with the Blood Demon Art.
To study Haku's abilities further, Muzan decided against rushing back to the Land of Waves. Instead, he found a quiet location where, using Haku's ice abilities, he constructed a house of ice and snow. The crystalline structure shimmered in the light, exuding a cold, otherworldly aura. Muzan provided Haku with a large amount of demon blood to awaken the latent potential of his Ice Release.
"Blood Demon Art: Ice Rain!"
The results were impressive, though they still fell short of Muzan's expectations. Nevertheless, he allowed Haku to rest from training rather than pushing him too hard.
"Training here will only take you so far," Muzan remarked, his tone contemplative.
Considering Haku's current level and the environment, Muzan decided that the Snow Country in the northernmost region of the ninja world would be a more suitable training ground.
"Go. When we meet again, I expect significant improvement," Muzan instructed, his voice carrying a commanding authority. He had no interest in accompanying Haku to the Land of Snow. The supposed treasures of that region were of little consequence to him, especially given the Land of Waves' current state.
"Yes, Lord Muzan," Haku responded with deference.
After returning to the Land of Waves, Muzan maintained a low profile, avoiding unnecessary conflict until his strength was fully restored.
The experiments continued in silence. Muzan discovered that Hidan's blood could not offset the inherent weaknesses in demon blood. However, there was a strange energy within it that captured his curiosity.
"This is... unusual. Muzan-sensei, could there truly be gods in this world?" Kabuto Yakushi asked, holding a vial of Hidan's blood, his gaze fixed on its swirling contents. It was unclear whether he was questioning Muzan or musing to himself.
"Perhaps. The nature of these so-called gods remains a mystery," Muzan replied coolly. "This world is far more vast and enigmatic than we can imagine. If the Akatsuki's plans succeed, ancient beings might emerge from the Pure Land. Then, we will see their grandeur firsthand."
Kabuto paused, digesting Muzan's words.
"You seem to know more than you reveal. But before that time comes, we must address the demons' fundamental weaknesses," Kabuto said, his voice resolute. Although the experiment with Hidan's blood had failed, he was far from deterred. He turned his focus to Yang Release chakra, theorizing it might be the key to resolving Muzan's limitations.
"Yang Release Chakra... interesting," Muzan mused. He had conducted similar experiments using various forbidden techniques, yet none had yielded satisfactory results.
Before he could consider further possibilities, footsteps approached from outside. Muzan set down the test tube and turned as Yamasatsu entered, holding a letter in hand. Muzan took the letter, scanned its contents, and a subtle smile curled his lips.
"They've made their move," he remarked.
The letter detailed recent developments in the ninja world. The Akatsuki, dormant for some time, had begun their operations again, this time targeting the Hidden Cloud Village. Weakened from its ongoing conflict with the Land of Waves and the near-fatal poisoning of the Eight-Tails, the village was ill-prepared.
"The Eight-Tails may have survived my poison, but it won't recover fully," Muzan said. However, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, had been captured by the Akatsuki, dealing a severe blow to the Hidden Cloud. The operation was led by Sasori of the Red Sand, with Deidara providing aerial support, causing massive destruction.
"Tsunade has upheld her bargain, refraining from healing Killer B. But if the Eight-Tails isn't in Kumogakure, where could it be?"
From a single letter, Muzan deduced several critical points. Whoever had treated Killer B would be a notable figure in the ninja world, narrowing the possibilities. Muzan's gaze shifted west, toward Sunagakure. Aside from Konoha, only Sunagakure possessed expertise in poison treatment.
"Could it be that old hag Chiyo?" Muzan muttered, his eyes narrowing in distaste. His memories of being cornered by Chiyo and the Fourth Kazekage during the Third Great Ninja War remained vivid.
" Yamasatsu, head to Muchuan Territory and have Pakura reinforce the defensive lines!" Muzan commanded.
If Konoha, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure allied, the remaining two villages would follow suit. This meant the Five Kage Summit was imminent. Muzan knew he needed to prepare for the worst.
As Muzan anticipated, the Akatsuki's plan to capture the tailed beasts was underway. During this period, the Raikage had escorted Killer B to Sunagakure for treatment, leaving Yugito Nii and other elite shinobi to defend Kumogakure. However, the Akatsuki's swift capture of Yugito blindsided the Raikage.
Learning of this, the Raikage sought out the Fourth Kazekage.
"Fourth Kazekage, I agree to convene the Five Kage Summit. But our priority is locating the Akatsuki's base," the Raikage declared.
The Kazekage, though cautious by nature, could not refuse. After all, his son—Sunagakure's Jinchūriki—was at risk. His credibility as Kazekage was already under scrutiny after previous attacks by the Akatsuki.
"Then we must prepare Konoha and the other villages," the Kazekage announced. "The next battle could mark the beginning of a new ninja war!"
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With the Raikage personally taking action, Konoha and Sunagakure quickly aligned their efforts. The remaining two villages, Iwagakure and Kirigakure, could no longer afford to stay neutral. Even Ōnoki, who preferred to manipulate events from behind the scenes, sent his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, to participate in the talks.
It was becoming evident that the Fourth Great Ninja War was on the horizon.
This time, however, the conflict wasn't between the villages. The five major ninja villages were forming an alliance to stand against the Akatsuki organization and the growing threat of the Twelve Kizuki. The entire ninja world was dividing into two factions, and no shinobi could afford to remain uninvolved.
Preparations for war began in earnest. Although the Five Kage Summit was agreed upon, turning it into action required extensive negotiation. The Raikage's primary demand was the rescue of Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki. After an exhaustive investigation, Jiraiya of the Sannin pinpointed the Akatsuki's hideout.
The Kage decided to deploy their strongest shinobi for a surprise attack. Despite the Akatsuki's fearsome reputation, they believed a united front could overwhelm even the most powerful adversaries, including those wielding the Rinnegan.
Meanwhile, as the larger villages deliberated, smaller villages descended into chaos. Rogue shinobi took advantage of the turmoil, looting towns and spreading fear. During this time, the Land of Waves quietly began gathering orphans and displaced children from across the regions, bringing them back to its territory. Kabuto Yakushi oversaw their education and training, instilling loyalty to the Land of Waves.
"Sensei always leaves everything to me," Kabuto muttered, surveying the assembled children. His responsibilities spanned rebuilding the Land of Waves, recruiting teachers, and caring for war-orphaned children. It often felt like his purpose here wasn't research but raising a nation from the ashes.
Despite the overwhelming workload, Kabuto didn't resent it. Seeing these frightened children reminded him of his own past—lost and aimless in a world of conflict. He had been fortunate to meet Muzan after his time in Konoha.
"What Teacher Muzan taught me, I will now teach you, so you can carry the future of the Land of Waves!"
Kabuto divided the children into groups based on their potential. Those with kekkei genkai were prioritized for specialized training.
"Hm?"
While observing a sparring session, Kabuto noticed a particularly intriguing girl. She was around seven or eight years old and had already awakened her bloodline ability.
"A unique kekkei genkai... I believe Muzan-sensei will find this fascinating," Kabuto thought, examining the red crystal she had created. Inside the crystal, a small insect was perfectly preserved.
Unbeknownst to Muzan, this recruitment would bring a future ally of Orochimaru's inner circle into his ranks.
Holding the crystal, Kabuto smirked. "This child's abilities are remarkable. With proper training, she could produce material useful for our experiments."
Their laboratory equipment was custom-made and expensive to procure. These naturally formed crystals could provide a stable, resilient alternative. Muzan, glancing at Kabuto, allowed a faint smirk to cross his face.
"Still just a child yourself, aren't you?"
Kabuto faltered for a moment. Though his cold, calculating nature often masked it, he was only a few years older than these children. Muzan's words struck an odd chord within him.
" Muzan-sensei, your observations are always so sharp…" Kabuto muttered before regaining his composure.
Adopting his usual analytical tone, Kabuto continued, "Her kekkei genkai has immense potential. With the right guidance and as a Blood Demon Art user, she could easily rise to the ranks of the Upper Moon."
Muzan's recruitment strategy always emphasized strength and loyalty. "Our next generation of warriors will come from these children," he stated decisively.
The girl, Guren, looked puzzled as she left the laboratory. She didn't yet understand what the "Upper Moon" were, but Kabuto turned to her as they exited.
"You have great potential, Guren. Train hard, and you'll gain the strength to shape your own destiny," Kabuto said. His tone softened slightly. "This is the same advice Muzan-sensei gave me. I'm passing it on to you."
Guren stared at Kabuto, the young man not much older than herself. Despite her confusion, his words gave her a sense of purpose.
Kabuto, however, had little time to spare. Realizing most of the children couldn't even read, his hope for a "relaxed" assignment was dashed.
Meanwhile, Muzan, engrossed in his experiments, paid little attention to the political maneuvering outside. The Five Kage Summit was unlikely to resolve quickly. The growing strength of Konoha remained a concern.
Konoha's new generation, led by Kakashi Hatake, had reached formidable levels. Known as the "Copy Ninja," Kakashi was a symbol of the village's resurgence. Similarly, the Uchiha clan had rebuilt itself after near annihilation, tightening its internal structure. Though Konoha appeared weakened on the surface, Muzan knew better. United, the village could pose a significant threat.
As the major villages prepared for war, Muzan knew the coming conflict would reshape the ninja world. He had to ensure his plans were adaptable—or risk being swept away by the storm to come.
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