Leveling Up My Shadows(Fixed)

[VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Some readers have asked why I didn't acquire the World Eater as a shadow. I intended to address this in a later chapter, but it's crucial enough to explain now. First, let me say that this is my second fanfiction, and I'm a huge fan of overpowered (OP) protagonists. In my first novel, I made the protagonist incredibly powerful—one of the strongest OP main characters out there.

However, here lies the issue with OP protagonists: fights quickly lose their meaning. The tension dissipates early because most OP protagonists never face any real threat or even struggle during battles. As a result, one of the most exciting aspects of storytelling—the fight scenes—becomes dull. What remains are interactions with other characters, romance, and how the protagonist deals with villains from the worlds they visit.

But I wasn't satisfied with that approach. Writing became tedious for me, which is why my first novel ended rather abruptly. I dislike leaving projects unfinished, so I decided to take a different route this time. Here, I introduced the "World Guardian" plotline. This allows me to create an OP protagonist who dominates all other characters and villains across various anime worlds while still maintaining tension and mystery about the enemies he'll face when defending those worlds. It also lets me explore how he struggles against these threats.

To balance his overwhelming power in the anime worlds, I've designed certain foes—like those encountered during world-defending quests—to be immune to becoming shadows. These enemies range from easy to deadly, serving as a counterbalance to his OP status. This ensures that the stakes remain high and the story engaging.**

I will provide an in-universe explanation for why shadows cannot be created from such enemies in this chapter. I hope this clarifies my perspective and vision for the novel. Thank you all for your continued support!

[Ajamu POV]

I woke up to my senses screaming danger. Using my enhanced perception, I traced the source of the threat back through recent events. Obito had emerged from his dimensional pocket, consumed by rage and desperation after losing the Rinnegan—the key to reviving both the Ten-Tails and Madara, as well as enacting his genjutsu-induced "peace." Knowing he couldn't challenge me directly, he'd gone all-in, rallying the current Akatsuki members under false pretenses (likely claiming Pain ordered the attack) and mobilizing the entire White Zetsu army of 100,000 soldiers. Their destination? Here.

Why? Simple—they were after my eyes. Seeing that the attackers possessed Sharingan and noting our numbers, Obito deduced we were the only possible source.

Miko entered my room, breaking my train of thought. "My lord, an army approaches. Permission to deploy our forces and engage?"

Standing up, I adopted a commanding posture and issued mental orders to my shadows. "All shadows except Yamato's unit are to advance toward the incoming army. I will not participate in this battle. This is an excellent opportunity for the rest of our clan to awaken their Mangekyō Sharingan. Gaku, ensure the Konoha forces do not interfere; instruct them to remain within the village boundaries."

Turning to Miko, I added firmly: "Since their primary target is my eyes, once I step out with you all, they'll focus solely on us and halt their advance. Miko, I'm entrusting Obito—the one with the orange mask—to you. Use your Mangekyō to lock him in space. His phasing ability won't save him then. THIS IS YOUR FIRST SOLO COMMAND. ALL OFFICERS REPORT TO POSITIONS!"

Once my orders were relayed, the named commanding officers took charge of their respective units and began forming up alongside Miko and Gaku. Gaku left a shadow clone behind in Konoha to monitor the situation and prevent interference. As the head of the army, I watched them march toward the advancing enemy.

As for me, I sent a clone along with them—not a true shadow clone, mind you. For some reason, the system doesn't allow me to use the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu. Instead, it recognizes the ability as simply 'Clone,' creating an illusionary duplicate that emits my presence but lacks actual strength. Satisfied, I headed to shower and enjoy a quick meal prepared by Miko's shadow clone, who managed household duties in her absence.

By the time I finished eating and sat down in the courtyard to savor the weather, notifications began flooding in—my shadows had engaged Obito and his army.

[3rd Person POV – Near the Borders of Konoha]

A massive war raged near the outskirts of Konoha—a clash between an army of over 100,000 versus a mere 2,400. Yet, astonishingly, the larger force wasn't winning. From above, the battlefield resembled pure chaos: eleven towering Susanoo constructs, summoned beasts courtesy of Pain, and countless jutsu flying everywhere, decimating the White Zetsu horde.

Amidst the carnage stood a red cube containing two figures locked in combat. Inside, a masked man lay battered and broken, his body riddled with injuries, while opposite him stood a woman who appeared utterly unfazed.

[Inside the Red Cube]

Obito, his mask shattered and blood dripping from numerous wounds, panted heavily. Desperation filled his voice as he shouted: "You fools! I sought to bring peace to this world—true peace! Years of planning, sacrifices made to fix this broken reality and bring happiness and justice. Who could you possibly fight for? Someone who opposes that?"

Miko regarded him indifferently, as though dealing with a petulant child throwing a tantrum. "A foolish boy chasing a naive dream. A pawn pretending to be a king. You know nothing of how vast this universe truly is."

Her dismissive attitude enraged Obito further. "Do you even know who I am?! I AM MADARA UCHIHA! I WILL BRING TRUE PEACE TO THIS WORLD!" He frantically searched for an escape route within the confines of her red cube.

Miko burst into laughter at his proclamation. "You? Madara Uchiha? That's about as believable as you being my mother. Let's end this. You brought an army to our doorstep—an insult that can only be repaid with your life."

With that, she charged a Chidori and lunged forward. Obito attempted to defend himself, but his fighting style had always relied on his intangibility technique. Without the ability to phase through attacks—neutralized by Miko's spatial imprisonment—he was reduced to a sitting duck. Her strike pierced cleanly through his torso, ending his life instantly.

[Back on the Battlefield]

Outside the cube, the tide of battle had shifted decisively. During the skirmish, many of Ajamu's Uchiha shadows leveled up, awakening their Mangekyō Sharingan and unlocking new abilities. Now, 300 Susanoo constructs dominated the battlefield, turning the fight into a rout.

Ajamu received updates on the situation: Obito was defeated, 300 Uchiha shadows had awakened their Mangekyō, and the remaining two-tomoe users had advanced to three tomoe.

Finishing his meal, Ajamu leaned back in the courtyard, enjoying the serene weather. Taking a deep breath, he murmured contentedly: "Today is a good day."