Hanzō of the Salamander, the Demigod from the original story, had left Hui somewhat disappointed.
However, Hui didn't mind.
His decision to change the world and lead it inot a new era was simply unwavering.
In the end, the ideals, ambitions, or plans of others would become irrelevant.
Hui's will was unstoppable.
He was the tide of history of this world, and the destined momentum of the future.
…
After leaving the Land of Rain, Hui resumed his journey of spiritual refinement.
His understanding of the shinobi world deepened, but it still wasn't enough. There were many places he hadn't explored and truths he hadn't fully grasped.
Thus, Hui continued his travels through the shinobi world.
During his journey, he encountered various shinobi, unique bloodlines, and extraordinary jutsu.
Some bloodline abilities amazed even Hui with their peculiarity. He met a shinobi with the Swift Release, whose speed rivaled lightning.
Another possessed the Steel Release, making their body as hard as steel.
One had the ability to petrify those they touched, slowly turning them to stone.
There were shinobi who could control the weather and even some who could transform into beasts.
The shinobi world was vast—far beyond what a single manga or anime could fully depict. Even during the Fourth Great Ninja War, not every shinobi participated; countless remained unseen.
This period of exploration greatly broadened Hui's horizons, sparking numerous new ideas in his mind.
These ideas were brewing in his mind, waiting to be implemented once he became the hokage.
…
One day, while wandering aimlessly, Hui arrived at an unfamiliar place.
The area was peculiar, rich with natural energy far surpassing that of other locations.
A faint smile appeared on Hui's lips.
He knew he had arrived at one of his intended destinations.
"Is this Ryūchi Cave or the Shikkotsu Forest? It doesn't matter—they're essentially the same," he murmured, heading toward the source of the natural energy.
The path was difficult to traverse, requiring one to leap across cliffs, cross rivers, and traverse swamps.
For ordinary people, such terrain was impossible to navigate—not just because of the geography but also due to the ferocious beasts along the way.
However, after overcoming the hazards, Hui reached a tranquil place that resembled a hidden paradise.
Surprisingly, near the center of the natural energy, there was a village.
Curious, Hui entered.
The villagers stared at him from a distance, their eyes filled with curiosity. Meanwhile, Hui observed them as well.
He noticed that living in such a rich natural energy environment had greatly benefited the villagers. Both their physical and mental conditions were far superior to ordinary people.
However…
Hui's gaze grew sharp, his heart growing cold as he scrutinized the villagers.
"It's been a long time since an outsider arrived here. Young man, welcome," a middle-aged man, seemingly the village leader, approached Hui, his tone warm and welcoming.
Hui looked at him and smiled faintly.
"I stumbled upon this place by chance. I hope my arrival hasn't disturbed you," Hui replied.
He quickly discerned that the man before him was not an ordinary person—he was a sage.
Or rather, a half-sage.
The man's body contained an abundance of natural energy, altering his physical structure. He existed in a state between human and sage.
This immediately reminded Hui of Jūgo from the original story.
Jūgo had a natural ability to absorb natural energy, and this man's condition seemed strikingly similar.
Hui referred to this phenomenon as "sage transformation" for ease.
"Haha, not at all! Reaching this place a fate," the man said with a hearty laugh, seemingly unconcerned by Hui's presence.
"Besides, I can sense the natural energy within you, as well as your lack of malicious intent. Our village welcomes you," The middle-aged man said, looking at Hui earnestly.
This was the reason for his good attitude towards Hui.
Having spent a long time in an environment rich in natural energy, and with his body beginning to undergo sage transformation, he had gained a special ability.
He could perceive a person's goodness and evil.
And he could see the kindness in Hui's heart.
He knew that this young man would not bring misfortune to this village.
Hui somewhat understood, sage transformation can be seen as something of a bodies natual evolution. And this evolution brough with it some unique abilities.
And the man before him as certainly in an advanced stage when it come to this transformation. His strength could be classified in the Kage level, and even among kage's he wasn't weak in the slightest.
However, Hui, wasn't entirely convinced of the man's words.
He noticed the coldness deep within the man's eyes and subtle but dangerous expressions that betrayed his amicable demeanor.
"My name is Mochizuki Hui. It's a pleasure to meet you," Hui said, feigning trust as he extended his hand toward the man.
The man returned the gesture with a smile, grasping Hui's hand.
The moment their hands touched, everything changed.
The man's previously warm and approachable demeanor vanished. His eyes transformed, revealing vertical, amber pupils resembling snake eyes.
At the same time, a terrifying suction force and adhesive power emanated from the man's hand, rapidly absorbing the natural energy within Hui's body.
Hui's expression darkened. He opened his mouth to speak but found himself unable to produce a sound.
"What's wrong? You look unwell. Come, let's go into the village and talk," the man said, his snake-like pupils disappearing as he resumed his gentle appearance.
Supporting Hui, he led him into the village. To onlookers, they appeared to be friendly companions.
Yet Hui's body was no longer under his control. He couldn't speak or move, reduced to a puppet being led by the man.
The other villagers watched silently, their expressions unchanged, as if this was a common occurrence.
After the two disappeared into the village, the villagers resumed their activities as if nothing had happened.
…
Far away, on a cliff overlooking the village, a woman in her mid-twenties clenched her fists in anger as she watched.
"Damn it. I didn't notice that boy earlier! I have to try to save him before it's too late," she muttered, preparing to sneak into the village.
Before she could act, a pleasant voice sounded from behind her.
"So, you know what's going on here. Care to enlighten me?"
Startled, the woman spun around to find a handsome young man smiling at her—it was Hui.
"I'm Mochizuki Hui. The person taken just now was a shadow avatar. It's nice to meet you," he said warmly.
Hui had sensed something was amiss upon entering the area and had used a shadow avatar as a precaution.
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