Chapter 181: The Two Courting Death

Outskirts of the Leaf Village, a forest.

A deafening silence pervades the area, an intense atmosphere that seems to halt the very air.

The tension arises from a stand-off between two groups.

On one side, thirty elite shinobi from the Hidden Mist Village, hands poised on the hilts of their weapons, ready to unsheathe their blades or perform a jutsu at a moment's notice. All of them are in a battle-ready state.

Their gazes are firmly fixed on the opposite side.

Their captain, "Byakugan Assassin" Ao, has been taken as a hostage by the enemy.

Ao, at this moment, is clutching his bleeding left arm, his face pale as a ghost. The excessive blood loss makes him sweat profusely and gasp for air. His situation does not look good.

Behind Ao stands a man with short black hair, his facial features sharp and rugged. His demeanor is cool and ruthless, imbued with a bizarre charisma.

The man stands tall at two meters. Despite his loose, high-collared blue robe, it can't conceal his broad and muscular physique. His biceps are thicker than the thighs of the Mist shinobi, his entire being imposing, exuding an overwhelming pressure.

It's hard to breathe.

What instills the greatest fear are the man's distinct crimson eyes, presenting a Yin-Yang pattern that is mysterious and unpredictable.

Mangekyou Sharingan.

The reputation of these eyes, along with the name "Uchiha", is well-known throughout the ninja world.

Possessing them means mastering powerful and strange ocular powers, and the so-called "Power of the Gods" - Susanoo.

Of course, there's also the terrifying illusionary power.

These eyes can not only control the Nine-Tails but also manipulate human shinobi with ease.

This fact is all too clear to the likes of Chojuro from the Hidden Mist Village.

After all, their revered Fourth Mizukage Yagura was controlled by Uchiha Obito's Mangekyou Sharingan for six long years.

Therefore, when the man's crimson orbs move to scan the shinobi of the Mist, they all instinctively avoid his gaze.

They dare not make eye contact with him.

In hushed whispers, they discuss among themselves.

"So this is Uchiha Dan? I heard he's the strongest in the Uchiha Clan. Looks like good prey," Zabuza Momochi licks his lips, drawing a large cleaver from his ninja pouch, looking eager to fight.

Upon hearing this, Haku tilts his head in confusion, "Huh, didn't the Uchiha Clan sever ties with the Leaf Village and leave? Why did Dan stay in the Leaf? Did he betray his own clan?"

Chojuro, with a serious expression, offers a calm analysis: "According to our intelligence, there was a split within the upper echelons of the Leaf Village. Dan has been dismissed from his position as advisor to the Hokage by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

"His current stance is unclear. We should not act rashly. Let's see what his intentions are.

"Moreover, our captain is now held hostage by Dan. We should try to rescue him peacefully."

Ao feels a prickle on his skin. An invisible pressure emanates from behind him, enveloping him from head to toe, leaving him completely still.

Because Ao knows, he's locked in Dan's chakra.

Any sudden movement from him might invite a devastating blow from Dan, which could end his life instantly. Even a god couldn't save him then.

It's only then that Ao realizes.

The stone piece Dan had thrown at him had not missed its mark. It was deliberately aimed away from his vital parts.

Using Ao, Dan had successfully located the vanguard of the Hidden Mist.

But, would Dan dare to follow them alone, facing so many elite shinobi from the Mist? Wasn't he being overly confident?

What to do? Should he order Chojuro and the others to attack Dan all at once?

Ao's mind races with these thoughts.

Then, a thud.

A large hand lands on his right shoulder, instantly weighing him down, causing all his muscles to tense up involuntarily.

Ao turns his head stiffly to look back. The Byakugan hidden beneath his eyepatch is activated, and the veins near his eyes bulge, forming a network.

He charges his ocular power, wary of Dan's genjutsu.

To his surprise, after patting Ao's shoulder, Dan makes no further moves and casually says:

"You know what they say, 'Every guest is welcome.' You're here already, why the rush to leave? Why not stay for a cup of tea?"

His seemingly casual tone only makes Ao sweat more profusely.

"Apologies, I unintentionally trespassed into Uchiha territory. It was a misunderstanding," Ao tries to explain, feigning calmness.

In response, Dan simply smiles:

"No problem, I forgive you.

"By the way, is your arm okay? Why don't you come with me and let Tsunade treat it?

"She's a master in medical ninjutsu. People say she's the greatest medical ninja in the world. You must have heard of her, right?"

Dan notices that Ao's entire left arm is limp, soaked in blood. Blood continuously drips from his fingertips, forming a pattern of plum blossoms on the ground.

If it continues like this, Ao's left arm might be ruined.

Faced with Dan's "kind" invitation, Ao swallows hard, enduring the pain from his wound, and hurriedly says:

"No need, I'm fine. Thanks for your kindness."

Unexpectedly, Dan simply nods and lifts his hand from Ao's shoulder.

He's... letting me go?

Ao is surprised and cautiously begins to walk towards his companions from the Mist.

Ten meters, five meters, three meters, he's getting closer.

Finally, he makes it back to his comrades but can no longer hold on. He collapses due to excessive blood loss.

"Captain!"

Two members of the Mist's ANBU rush to him, using medical ninjutsu to stop Ao's bleeding and disinfect, suture, and bandage his wound.

During this time, the rest of the Mist shinobi maintain their guard, remaining in a stand-off with Dan.

Dan's gaze sweeps across the crowd. Based on his memories from the original series, he recognizes many of them.

Zabuza Momochi, with his brutal gaze and rebellious demeanor; the seemingly cute but ruthless Haku; and the smiling, carefree Hozuki Suigetsu.

The young prodigies of the Hidden Mist Village are all here.

Finally, Dan's eyes land on the red-haired Mei Terumi at the forefront of the crowd. He addresses her:

"You're Mei Terumi, right? I have a few questions for you."

Among the group, this woman seems to be the most mature and calm, appearing the most like a normal person.

As for the others, they don't seem like the type you

can have a reasonable conversation with.

Hearing Dan call her by name, Mei is surprised.

Though she has some renown in the Hidden Mist Village, her name shouldn't have reached the Leaf Village, especially not the ears of someone as important as Uchiha Dan.

It's not just Mei who's surprised. The others from the Mist Village are also taken aback and turn their gazes towards her.

Mei thinks quickly.

Judging by Dan's decision to let Ao go, he doesn't seem to want to be enemies with the shinobi from the Mist. If that's the case...

"Alright, please ask away," Mei nods at Dan. She wants to figure out what Dan is really after.

To her surprise, Dan straightforwardly asks:

"How's your Mizukage doing? No problems, I hope?"

Upon hearing this, Mei's heart....

"Surprisingly, Mei remained calm and responded, 'The Mizukage is fine, thank you for your concern.'"

"Did you... discover that the Mizukage was being manipulated by Obito using genjutsu?" Dan asked abruptly.

"How did you know?!" Mei finally lost her composure.

Dan chuckled.

He had speculated that after Obito's escape, he likely went to the Hidden Mist Village, manipulating the Fourth Mizukage from behind the scenes and stirring up chaos in the shinobi world.

It seems his guess was right.

Observing Mei's reaction, Dan continued:

"It seems you've already dispelled the genjutsu from the Mizukage. Let me guess, Pain informed you of this, didn't he?"

The ones who were at odds with Obito were not only Dan, but also Pain and Konan.

They had once gone to the Hidden Mist with Obito, and knowing what he did, they naturally wouldn't let Obito comfortably pull the strings from behind the scenes, messing with the village.

When Mei heard Pain's name from Dan's mouth, her face changed again.

This Uchiha Dan seems to know everything, fully aware of the situation on the side of the Allied Shinobi Forces.

"That's right."

She nodded. Since she couldn't hide anything from him, there was no need to conceal anything.

Upon hearing this, Dan's eyes flashed, and he muttered to himself:

"It seems Pain has come to join the fun as well. Which means, Nagato's true body is near Konoha. Then, the Rinnegan..."

For a moment, many plans appeared in his mind.

"That's enough, I've asked all my questions."

Dan collected his thoughts, left a remark, and turned to leave.

He didn't have much interest in these people from the Hidden Mist.

The so-called geniuses in their ranks, such as Zabuza Momochi and Suigetsu Hōzuki, were simply not in his league.

Moreover.

These people came with the intention to destroy Konoha, and Dan's attitude towards this was...

...welcoming.

Therefore.

In the stunned gaze of the people of the Hidden Mist, Dan left them his back view, gradually moving away.

Just like that?

The crowd came to their senses, feeling somewhat strange.

The infamous Uchiha Dan merely asked a few questions and let them go just like that?

They were on high alert as if facing a formidable enemy.

At this moment, a cold light flashed in Zabuza's eyes, and he coldly said:

"You bunch of idiots, you've been scared stiff by Uchiha Dan. He's clearly feeling guilty and didn't dare to make a move against us. We absolutely can't let him leave so easily!"

Ever since he learned that the Fourth Mizukage had been controlled by Obito's genjutsu for a full six years—

Zabuza developed a strong desire for the Mangekyō Sharingan of the Uchiha.

He wanted Dan's eyes.

However.

Just as Zabuza finished speaking, Mei refuted him.

She frowned and sternly said:

"Zabuza, don't make things complicated! According to current intelligence, Uchiha Dan's strength is unfathomable. Even if we all attack together, we may not be his opponent."

Her words calmed everyone down.

But there was one person in the crowd who shared Zabuza's thoughts, and that was—

Suigetsu Hōzuki, known as the top genius of the Hidden Mist.

Ignoring Mei's warning, Suigetsu smirked dismissively.

"Zabuza is right. It's too dull to let Uchiha Dan leave like this. Why don't... let me test the depth of his strength."

Confidence spread across his face as he spoke, taking out a summoning scroll and spreading it out.

With a "pop".

A peculiarly shaped large sword appeared in Suigetsu's hand as the smoke cleared.

The Hiramekarei.

As the name suggests, the sword is made up of two completely symmetrical blades, looking like a flounder.

As the head of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, only the strongest among them have the privilege to wield the Hiramekarei.

Seeing the actions of Suigetsu and Zabuza.

"You guys…"

Mei was anxious, but powerless to stop them.

So.

Suigetsu and Zabuza exchanged glances, then rushed out together, catching up with Uchiha Dan.

Swoosh swoosh.

The two of them, one from the left and one from the right, attacked Dan from behind.

"Take this!"

Suigetsu jumped up, swinging the Hiramekarei in his hand, and the two circular holes in the blade instantly emitted a dazzling light, forming a chakra aggregate.

Hiramekarei ·Release.

The large sword wrapped in chakra light had an astonishing momentum and slashed directly at Dan.

Suigetsu had once used this move to split a building.

He was confident that no one could take this blow.

However.

Dan stood still, his robes flapping as if in the wind.

Shhh shhh shhh.

At this moment, he released a large amount of chakra from his acupoints all over his body, and in the blink of an eye, a semi-transparent golden bell more than two meters high formed around him.

Yang Release: Golden Bell Shield.

Ding~ a clear and melodious sound.

Suigetsu's Hiramekarei was not only solidly blocked by the Golden Bell Shield, but a tremendous rebounding force also made blood seep from his hands.

Bang!

He could no longer hold the heavy sword, letting it fall to the ground.

Moreover, a strong numbness quickly spread from his hands to his entire body, immobilizing him.

How could this be.

Just as Suigetsu was shocked, Dan's large hand had already reached out towards him.

Yin Release: Illusion Body Technique, activate.

Hum hum.

Suigetsu was instantly affected and stood still on the spot, his neck grabbed by Dan's hand, picked up like a chicken.

Zabuza's pupils shrank.

In his eyes, the Golden Bell Shield around Uchiha Dan emitted a majestic golden light, setting him off like a Buddha, invincible.

Even the twinsword could not break Dan's defense.

Zabuza couldn't help but lower his head, glance at the Kubikiribōchō in his hand, and without hesitation, threw it to the side.

Swoosh.

He leaped back, distancing himself from Dan, and quickly formed hand seals with both hands.

Ox, Monkey, Rabbit, Rat... Water, Rat, Pig, Rooster.

Zabuza made as many as forty-four seals, and a lifelike water dragon rose from behind him.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique.

"Roar!"

The water dragon let out a deafening roar, and came crashing down from the sky towards Dan.

To this, Dan's comment was just four words:

"Showy but ineffective."

As soon as the words fell, he raised his left hand and threw a punch.

Explosive strength unleashed.

Boom!

This punch set off a powerful airflow, creating a fierce air cannon.

Not only did it instantly blow up the water dragon, but the remaining power also heavily hit Zabuza, sending him flying dozens of meters.

Crack.

Zabuza snapped a large tree at the waist, blood spurted from his mouth, and he fell to the ground and didn't get up.

In just a few seconds, Dan had completely defeated Suigetsu Hōzuki and Zabuza Momochi, who had foolishly challenged him.

Among them, the time Zabuza spent making hand signs took up almost ten seconds.