Chapter 52: Manda, You’re a Bit Too Loud

"Status panel!"

With a thought, Uchiha Mirai summoned a translucent screen in front of him.

[Name: Uchiha Mirai]

[Physique: 315]

[Mental Strength: 302]

[Chakra: 311]

[Bloodline Limit: Sharingan! Magnet Release: Gold Dust!]

[Ninjutsu: …]

[Other: …]

Seeing all his attributes above 300, Mirai's lips curled into a slight smile.

In just half a month, he had plundered over 300 attribute points. Coupled with the enhancements from his Uzumaki body, his body had reached terrifying heights.

Even compared to the Raikage of Kumogakure, his physical prowess wasn't lacking. In terms of chakra and mental power, he might even surpass him.

And this was far from his peak. Given time for his Uzumaki body to fully mature—and with more plundered points—Mirai couldn't begin to imagine just how powerful he'd become.

"Mirai-sama, Orochimaru has requested your presence."

"Understood."

Following the shinobi outside, Mirai arrived at Orochimaru's tent and entered alone.

The two exchanged a glance, tactfully avoiding any mention of what had happened a few days prior.

"Orochimaru, what's this about?" Mirai asked.

Orochimaru gave a twisted smile. "Mirai-kun, intelligence reports show a large Kumogakure force stationed in the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Sound. Our outposts in both regions have been overtaken.

"It seems they're preparing for an all-out war."

The Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fields were buffer nations between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire. As nations without shinobi villages, they often became battlegrounds in times of conflict, a kind of unspoken truce among the great nations to keep war from their own borders.

Weakness invites aggression—a harsh reality in this turbulent shinobi world.

Now, with Kumogakure ninjas clearing out Konoha's bases, an invasion of the Land of Fire seemed imminent. To prevent the flames of war from spreading, they would have to drive Kumogakure's forces back from the border.

"What's your plan?" Mirai asked, seated and looking calmly at Orochimaru.

If Orochimaru had come to him, he likely already had a strategy in mind.

"Mirai-kun, I just need you to back me up at a critical moment. That's all."

Knowing Mirai's strength, Orochimaru now saw him as an equal, his tone a request rather than a command.

"Agreed."

"Go ahead with your plan. I'll step in when the time is right."

Relieved, Orochimaru nodded. With Mirai on his side, he no longer feared an attack from Ay and Killer Bee.

"When do we move?"

"Tonight!"

...

Deep in the night.

Thick clouds blocked the moonlight, and darkness enveloped the land.

With his three-tomoe Sharingan active, Mirai moved swiftly and silently, eliminating every Kumogakure sentry he encountered with lethal precision—swift, precise, ruthless.

Under his Kagura Mind's Eye's heightened perception, Konoha's forces crept ever closer to Kumogakure's camp.

As they neared within a kilometer, Kumogakure's camp suddenly lit up. Chaos broke out as Orochimaru launched a flare into the sky.

Bang!

Bright lights exploded, illuminating the surroundings as Konoha's ninjas charged.

"Attack!"

The battle cries echoed into the sky as Konoha's forces crossed the distance in the blink of an eye, breaking through Kumogakure's formation and causing instant casualties.

However, Kumogakure's shinobi quickly regrouped, their discipline befitting one of the Five Great Villages.

"Damn it, it's those Konoha rats! Kill them!"

"Enemy attack! Get up and fight!"

"You sneaky Konohas—feel my wrath!"

With Kumogakure's forces reorganized, the clash intensified, signaling the start of all-out war.

On a hill nearby, Orochimaru observed the battlefield below, his face grave.

"Mirai-kun, it's time for us to step in."

"Got it. I'll follow the plan." Mirai replied calmly.

Biting his thumb, Orochimaru performed a summoning jutsu.

Boom!

A massive snake with purple markings appeared, glaring down at Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru, what do you want at this hour?" Manda growled, "Do you believe I won't just eat you?"

Orochimaru, unfazed by Manda's anger, replied, "When this is over, I'll prepare extra sacrifices for you."

"Hmph, that's more like it." Manda sneered. "What's the target?"

"Head to the battlefield and break their formation. Kill as many Kumogakure shinobi as possible."

Glancing in the indicated direction, Manda snorted. "Keep your little worms out of my way—I won't waste my time distinguishing them."

"Understood. Just take us there."

As Orochimaru climbed onto Manda's head, Manda suddenly noticed he wasn't alone.

"Orochimaru, who's this brat on my head?" Manda growled. "Think anyone can just ride on me?"

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain on his head as a figure appeared in front of him—black-haired, red-eyed, and radiating a chilling, malevolent aura.

Looking into Manda's eyes, Mirai spoke coldly. "Manda, you're getting on my nerves."

"Those… Uchiha eyes…"

Manda's instincts flared as a shiver ran down his spine. His gut told him not to mess with this kid.

Making a split-second decision, Manda decided to let it go. Without a word, he surged forward toward the Kumogakure forces.

Orochimaru, seeing Manda's reaction, was stunned. He knew Manda's temper well—he'd challenge anyone, even him, over the smallest slight.

But now, after being struck by Mirai, Manda showed no reaction.

The only explanation was that in Manda's senses, Mirai posed an even greater threat than Orochimaru himself.

Could it be that… Mirai had been holding back all along during their previous sparring match?

Such rapid growth, such power—just what had this kid been doing?

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Pls drop some Power Stones

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