Chapter 244 : Uchiha?

The Orochimaru standing before him was scorched black, but it was Takeshi's newly acquired wooden avatar, perfectly replicating Orochimaru's breath. 

Even Uchiha Madara's eternal Mangekyō Sharingan had failed to detect it, allowing him to conceal it from the sharpest eyes.

During the recent lightning strike, Orochimaru had been skillfully redirected by Takeshi, avoiding a direct hit altogether. The thunderbolt, powered by Takeshi's true essence, had unleashed a tremendous force, devastating everything in its path, including C.

C, oblivious to the subsequent appearance of Orochimaru, was still reeling from the aftermath. The ingenious feature of the Wood clone was its resilience; even when injured, it wouldn't easily dissipate. 

Hashirama's Wood clone had strategically sacrificed an arm to deceive Madara Uchiha, showcasing the incredible versatility of Wood clone.

Although the Lightning Release aftermath had left the clone in a somewhat pitiable state, it was not enough to obliterate it.

"Orochimaru, it's a relief you're unharmed. That Cloud Ninja is beyond our current capabilities. Even Lord Kagami Uchiha has fallen. Look at us..."

Jiraiya spoke of loyalty, but his pragmatism overrode any blind determination. If the Sannin were merely at a disadvantage, Jiraiya might consider fighting on, but the opponent was overwhelmingly powerful, and unnecessary sacrifices seemed futile.

"Cough, it seems we've attracted the attention of a formidable foe. I wonder who it is..."

Takeshi clone feigned concern.

"Neither of those two powerhouses can match us. The newcomer probably isn't targeting C. We insignificant beings need not concern him. Let's depart."

"Yes, Orochimaru, it's a relief you understand. We'll leave now. They won't bother with us."

Jiraiya, fearing Orochimaru's unpredictable temperament, felt relieved that suggesting retreat hadn't provoked him.

Uchiha Kagami was dead, and if there were consequences, Jiraiya was willing to bear them, but he wasn't ready to die.

"We're just leaving like this?"

Tsunade, still infused with the immense Yin seal Chakra, gazed at "Orochimaru" in disbelief.

My Yin seal has been undone. Will you just let me go like this?!

However, the emergence of two formidable auras in the distance overshadowed Tsunade's concerns.

"Then... let's go!"

"Make a run for it!"

Ultimately, their trust in Orochimaru prompted them to release the summoned beasts and face the seemingly invincible C. Yet, now, they saw wisdom in retreat.

.....

"Hmph, whoever you are, appearing in front of me means you're destined to die!"

Although C was uncertain about the identity and motives of the Uchiha before him, the recent attack made it clear that a heart-to-heart conversation was not the intention.

"There can be only one battle!"

The Uchiha Kagami: the Uchiha clan head, vanquished by my hands. What weight do you carry, illusionist?

"Haha, just as I desired!"

Takeshi raised his head, emitting a raspy laugh, and uttered a single word.

"Soul Fusion!"

Crackling! 

As if lightning from the void, Takeshi's form flickered for an instant, Orochimaru and Takeshi merging once again.

"Hush!"

No dramatic spectacle accompanied this fusion; instead, it seemed an effortless melding. Yet, the aura released compelled C, who sought to strike first, to abruptly alter his expression and exercise restraint.

Under the voluminous black robe, Takeshi's fair skin radiated a subtle azure glow, akin to a coiled force.

Unruly and elegant, white and purplish hair peeked out from beneath the cloak.

Two blue-purple protrusions adorned his head, resembling dragons, their tips reaching towards the distant sky. Behind him, a dim green snake tattoo slithered.

Cloaked in Horcrux attire, C couldn't discern the specifics; he only sensed a sudden seriousness from the opposing party.

Given that power, he dared not be careless!

"The Uchiha you dispatched earlier was merely the leader of those failures. I am the true Uchiha."

Takeshi spoke calmly, his voice hoarse and defiant.

"Hey, who do you think you—!"

C intended to mock this unfamiliar figure but witnessed Takeshi slowly lowering his head. Under the mask, two scarlet eyes with intricate patterns stared at him impassively, rotating leisurely.

"You... is that... a Mangekyō Sharingan?!"

Nine tomoe, resembling flower petals, stacked together. The largest centered, diminishing towards the outer edges in a spiral arrangement, appearing grotesque, mysterious, and formidable.

Gazing into those eyes felt as if one's soul might be consumed.

C's expression changed drastically. Though Hashirama and Uchiha Madara had become taboo in the ninja world, shrouded in silence, C had lived through that dark era. He remembered the fear-inducing dominance.

Ninja gods earned their title by transcending mortal realms.

Before gods, no matter how numerous, all were mere ants awaiting obliteration!

C recalled that the powers of Ninja Shura Madara Uchiha originated from their eyes, the Mangekyō Sharingan's power!

The eyes before him...!

"I severed ties with the clan early on. After Hashirama exterminated Uchiha Madara, the clan turned a blind eye, disillusioning me completely."

Takeshi feigned the role of a rebellious lone wolf, a wanderer in the ninja world.

"I departed the clan because I couldn't stomach them living in harmony with our adversaries. In Konoha, what have these people achieved? Mere lambs awaiting slaughter!"

Takeshi spoke with passion, and with his skills honed from a previous life, coupled with his three decades of experience, C couldn't discern any flaws.

"I sought strength diligently, aspiring to reach the heights of my seniors and revive the Uchiha clan beyond the towering walls of Konoha!"

Takeshi gestured wildly, a fervent believer in his cause.

"At last, I've obtained this power!"

"Humph! What's the point of telling me this?" C stared coldly at Takeshi, who seemed like a fanatic, but his thoughts were rudely interrupted by C.

He couldn't fathom the purpose of the person in front of him. Was he merely venting his frustrations?

"Is it just complaints?"

After putting in all the hard work, one finally achieves great success, only to have someone come along and stir up trouble?

This lunatic! Yet, unquestionably, an exceedingly dangerous lunatic!

Faintly, C found himself considering retreat.

"Hehe, I want to showcase the might of the Uchiha clan to the ninja world and declare war on the Senju Clan. Of course, I need the prestige to match."

Takeshi gazed coldly at C, his smiling mask oddly unsettling.

"The reputation of a ninja is built upon a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood."

Yet, over the years, those Uchihas held captive have forgotten the glory of their ancestors.

The blood in the sea of blood has dried up, and the mountains where corpses were piled have decayed. It's time to find some people to fill them up.

And you, killed Kagami Uchiha!"

"You bastard! How dare you seek me out! You lunatic, I'll make sure you don't even get a proper burial!"

C was finally enraged!

The person before him was just a remnant of the Uchiha clan, but he possessed considerable strength, and fate had brought them together.

Was he trying to use me as a stepping stone? I won't allow myself to be disgraced!

If that's the case, then it's time for a battle to the death!

"Ha ha."

Takeshi chuckled, "The reason I spoke so much nonsense is just to spread news of my existence through your mouth. It'll be quite amusing to let the folks in Konoha know about me!

And there's Black Zetsu, I need him to understand who I am.

"Remember to report me after you die; I am Uchiha Dragon!"

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