Chapter 5:I quit!

Boom.

Accompanied by a deafening roar, a yellow phantom erupted from Shinji's body, shattering the demon's grip in an instant. It transformed into a towering skeletal phantom, half-formed from bones.

Standing beneath this colossal apparition in the swirling dust and smoke, Shinji appeared godlike. His scarlet pupils reflected a swirling pattern of three intertwined ink circles, emanating a palpable aura of menace.

The demon recoiled in shock. "What... what are you?"

Before it could finish, Shinji summoned Susano'o, delivering a powerful blow that shattered the demon's seemingly solid form. The impact sent flesh and blood scattering across the already bloodied courtyard.

Moments later, the scattered remains began to squirm and coalesce, swiftly reforming the demon's shape.

"As expected of 'light'!" the demon cackled, covering its mouth mockingly. "You can't kill me! You can't!"

"Cut!" Shinji wasted no time, commanding Susano'o to strike again.

Once more, the demon was pulverized by Shinji's relentless assault. This time, Shinji didn't wait for the demon to fully regenerate. With each attempt to reform, Shinji struck again, preventing the demon from fully recovering.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Susano'o's relentless barrage created a deep pit in the ground, causing nearby buildings to collapse in its wake. Even a corner of the distant main hall crumbled under the onslaught.

After a relentless assault, Shinji ceased his attack. Despite the demon's accelerated regeneration, it had shrunk considerably compared to when it had consumed hundreds of guards.

"Curses!" The demon's earlier bravado melted away, replaced by profound fear. It hadn't anticipated facing such a formidable opponent. The sight of Shinji's Mangekyō Sharingan filled it with dread.

Desperate to escape and replenish its strength, the demon's thoughts were thwarted by Susano'o, blocking any avenue of retreat.

Trembling, the demon took a step back. "No, without a blade, you cannot end me!"

Shinji approached steadily. "You still don't grasp where you are. Soon, you will learn the wrath of the Sun and the Nichirin Swords."

Realizing Shinji knew its weakness, the demon's resolve shattered. "He... he knows... I'm doomed!"

Seizing the moment, Shinji struck swiftly, unleashing Susano'o with another devastating blow that obliterated the demon's form.

This time, the demon's remains dispersed into the air like ash.

"Intrusion successfully neutralized."

"The breach is sealed."

Relieved, Shinji collapsed to the ground as Susano'o dissipated around him.

"Why must I, a remnant of the Uchiha clan, be tasked with guarding the ninja world?"

He now understood the situation: creatures like the hand demon were invaders from other realms threatening the ninja world. The 'light' referred to by the demon likely denoted his duty to purge these interdimensional threats and safeguard their realm.

Though he understood, conflict gnawed at his heart. He had been thrust into this battle without reason or choice. Were it not for his Mangekyō Sharingan, he might have perished within the demon's belly.

"Fine, I concede this time. No more!"

Though unsure if the mysterious voice heard his plea, Shinji cried out.

"Scanning for loot."

"Analyzing loot."

"Acquired: Breathing Technique - Water Breathing."

From the scattered ashes of the demon, a faint light materialized.

"Loot remains?"

Approaching the light, Shinji recognized it as the Water Breathing technique. This technique, integral to Demon Slayers, enhanced physical prowess through disciplined breathing, empowering humans against demons.

Without altering Chakra nature, it offered substantial benefits to Shinji's current abilities. He reached out, absorbing the technique's memories into his mind.

The trophy for defeating the demon, Water Breathing, made sense. The demon had devoured numerous swordsmen versed in this art, absorbing their skills into its being.

"Reward calculation in progress."

"Rating: E."

"Obtained: Ninja Gift - Chakra (small amount)."

Countless lights converged upon him, infusing Shinji's body.

"Ahh!" The sensation resembled soaking in a warm spring, evoking a sigh of contentment.

"More rewards?"

Yet, the label 'small amount' rankled. It had doubled his Chakra reserves in an instant. Did 'small' truly apply here?

Recalling the voice's words, Shinji pondered. Had the invasion's impact downgraded his rating? Or had its duration influenced the outcome?

Click.

A sound broke the silence nearby.

"Survivors?"

Turning, Shinji spotted a small figure peering from the ruins of the main hall, wide-eyed and curious.

"Oh no."

Realizing his Mangekyō Sharingan was exposed, Shinji tensed. If discovered, Danzō or Orochimaru would not overlook this transgression. Others coveting his ocular power would hunt him down.

Hastening forward, he recognized the gray figure.

"Shion?"

The child blinked, peering at him from the wreckage.

"Oops..."

He muttered, recognizing Shion's distinctive purple eyes.

"So this is the Witches' Palace in the Demon Kingdom."

Shinji mused, conflicted.

End of chapter.