[Ajamu POV]
It had been a few days since I acquired the key to the Uzushiogakure dungeon. Now, under the cover of night, I stood before its entrance alongside all my troops—even Yamato and his group, as they too needed to level up.
I hadn't rushed here immediately after obtaining the key. Instead, I took time to rest and explore Konoha and its surroundings. During my exploration, I grew fond of the village's vibrant food culture, indulging in local dishes that offered a unique taste compared to what I was accustomed to. My presence naturally drew significant attention, particularly from the women of this world, many of whom attempted to catch my eye. However, my position and the ever-watchful escort of Madara and two Commandments deterred them from approaching.
Madara had initially requested permission to use a Transformation Jutsu to alter his appearance, fearing recognition. But I dismissed the notion, assuring him it wasn't necessary. Even if people recognized him, I cared little for their opinions. Most would likely assume he was either a descendant or an admirer trying to emulate the legendary Uchiha. Sure enough, some villagers did recognize him but quickly shook it off, chalking it up to coincidence or mimicry.
During one of my outings, I encountered young Naruto at Ichiraku Ramen. His life had vastly improved thanks to Gaku's intervention. Following my instructions, Gaku had ordered Jiraiya to return to the village to care for Naruto—a responsibility the Toad Sage should have embraced long ago. Jiraiya returned reluctantly at first, surprised by the revelations about his former sensei's actions. Though he tried to justify neglecting Naruto due to his duties as a spy, learning how the boy had been mistreated—kicked out of orphanages and ostracized—left him guilt-ridden. Once assured that maintaining his spy network was no longer essential, Jiraiya accepted custody without hesitation.
Additionally, Gaku informed Naruto of his parents' legacy and the truth behind the villagers' animosity toward him. He also granted Naruto access to his family's assets, ensuring the boy wouldn't lack for anything moving forward.
Meanwhile, Itachi and Sasuke began their rigorous training regimen under Piety and Love. Their progress was remarkable, especially considering Sasuke's unconventional path—I decided against sending him to the academy. To ensure he developed friendships, I arranged for Naruto to join them during training sessions. Afterward, I instructed Piety and Love to guide the boys around the village, allowing them to interact with other children their age in shops, playgrounds, and various locales. If any parent discouraged their child from befriending Naruto or acted hostilely, my shadows were authorized to intervene accordingly.
[Present Time – Dungeon Entrance]
Now, standing before the dungeon gate, I saved my unnamed shadows into my inventory, leaving only my named ones—including the Ten Commandments—by my side. Reaching out with the key, I turned it, unlocking the gateway. As the portal opened, I stepped through, followed closely by my shadows. On the other side, I found myself facing the gates and walls of Uzushiogakure—not far ahead, an army of 12,000 Uzumaki ninjas awaited us, battle-ready and brimming with hatred and bloodlust.
Ajamu: "Well, it seems we're thrown straight into the action." Sensing Madara's eagerness, I smirked. "Madara, go dance."
Without missing a beat, Madara surged forward like an arrow piercing flesh, cutting through the enemy ranks with savage efficiency. Yet, despite his ferocity, he only engaged a few hundred foes, leaving the remainder to advance toward me and my group.
Seeing this, I commanded: "ARISE!" From my shadow emerged my army of 2,500 shadows. Sending a mental order, I instructed them: "Go kill them all and level up."
War cries erupted as the clash between the two armies commenced. Powerful jutsu lit up the battlefield—Fire Destroyer Jutsu, Lightning Storm Jutsu—and soon the terrain shifted dramatically when Madara unleashed Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence , engulfing the battlefield in dense vegetation that attacked the enemy forces.
Taking flight, I ascended above the chaos to observe. Watching the Uzumaki utilize sealing techniques in combat filled me with admiration. They decimated large numbers of my weaker shadows, wielding chains and even attempting forbidden techniques like the Reaper Death Seal against my stronger units, such as Madara and the Commandments. Fortunately, I'd forewarned my shadows about these abilities, preventing any catastrophic losses.
Despite the initial onslaught, only 2,000 of my shadows fell, whereas over 10,000 White Zetsu had perished during similar encounters. This spoke volumes about the Uzumaki's prowess.
Glancing at Madara, I noted he refrained from using devastating attacks like Meteor Strike, opting instead to let the others gain experience.
An hour passed, and I refilled my MP reserves as the weaker shadows continued to fall. The EXP gained and leveling process proved fruitful—I leveled up five times, allocating my stat points into Strength and Agility, my weakest attributes at the moment.
[Updated Stats]
Name: Ajamu Alger Uchiha Ōtsutsuki
Level: 85
Job: Shadow Monarch
Fatigue: 10
Title: Slayer of Angron (+5)
// Other Titles Include ('Chosen Guardian of Lusis', 'Head of the Uchiha Clan', 'Orc Slayer', 'Sage of the Six Paths', 'Great General OF Aasura') //
// Slayer of Angron Title Effect: +20 to All Stats & 35% Extra Damage to All Attacks //
// Bonus stats are added separately and do not factor into totals unless the title is equipped. //
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
Strength: 259 (+20)
Vitality: 340 (+20)
Agility: 260 (+20)
Intelligence: 500 (+20)
Sense: 400 (+20)
Remaining Points: 0
Throughout the battle, I identified and collected talented fighters among the fallen enemies, raising 1,000 new shadows. For now, I held them in reserve, waiting for the opportune moment to deploy them. With my current status granting space for 5,200 shadows—including 200 extra slots provided by my title—I received a system warning advising caution. If I filled those additional 200 spots, I'd be unable to unequip the title later unless I released those specific shadows. Thus, I aimed to cap my count at 5,000 for now.
By this point, I commanded 3,506 shadows. When the last remnants of the Uchiha clan awakened their Mangekyō Sharingan, I deployed the newly risen Uzumaki shadows—approximately 1,500 strong—into the fray. Only 4,000 enemies remained. Giving my shadows permission to unleash their full potential, including Susanoo activations, the tide turned decisively in our favor.
Half an hour later, the battle concluded. I meticulously handpicked the strongest survivors, releasing weaker shadows with limited growth potential. The dungeon boss, the Kage of Uzushiogakure, led a contingent of elite ninja. Assigning Madara and the Ten Commandments to handle them, they swiftly joined my ranks upon defeat.
I named the Uzushiokage "Uzu" for simplicity. Clearing the dungeon rewarded me with a scroll containing all of Uzushiogakure's sealing techniques and jutsu, along with two additional levels (three more for eliminating the remaining enemies). Distributing my newfound stat points, I prepared to depart.
Opening gates for my shadows to return to their respective duties—particularly Yamato's group—I created another portal directed toward Orochimaru's hideout. Accompanied by Madara, Obito, and Uzu, I stepped through.
[Final Updated Stats]Name: Ajamu Alger Uchiha Ōtsutsuki
Level: 90
Job: Shadow Monarch
Fatigue: 25
Title: Slayer of Angron (+5)
// Other Titles Include ('Chosen Guardian of Lusis', 'Head of the Uchiha Clan', 'Orc Slayer', 'Sage of the Six Paths', 'Great General OF Aasura') //
// Slayer of Angron Title Effect: +20 to All Stats & 35% Extra Damage to All Attacks //
// Bonus stats are added separately and do not factor into totals unless the title is equipped. //
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
Strength: 264 (+20)
Vitality: 340 (+20)
Agility: 265 (+20)
Intelligence: 520 (+20)
Sense: 400 (+20)
Remaining Points: 0