Chapter 156

As a result of Hitoshi's actions, the land of Kaze no Kuni underwent tremendous changes in the unseen corners that ordinary people couldn't perceive. The vast reserves of Natural Energy stored in the Ryumyaku space, which could transcend time and space, began to enhance the land of Kaze no Kuni.

Given the vastness of Kaze no Kuni, the immediate impact of the Natural Energy from the Ryumyaku space was limited. However, in terms of quantifying the quality of the land, if the previous land quality of Kaze no Kuni was rated as one, it had now improved to a rating of five. Though it was an average value, Hitoshi was already quite satisfied with this improvement.

Apart from Hitoshi, there were only three individuals in Kaze no Kuni who could sense the change. Rikudō Sennin, who concealed himself in the shadows, Bunpuku, the One-Tails Jinchuriki, and Yasuke, who had trained in Sage Mode.

Due to Iwagakure's withdrawal from the war, there was no longer a need for the border defense, and Hitoshi was not stationed within Sunagakure. As a result, Sunagakure required protection, leading to Bunpuku being immediately transferred back by Shamon. Shamon was well aware of his fighting strength and recognized that his role lay more in utilizing his intelligence. With age, physical strength diminished, and he couldn't compete with youngsters on that front.

Standing on the Heaven's Line, Bunpuku carefully felt the changes in the land beneath his feet. Shukaku's senses were strong, and he possessed considerable knowledge of Natural Energy.

"Monk, the land of Kaze no Kuni is changing. Natural Energy has improved it. The Kaze no Kuni transformation plan will advance at an accelerated pace," Shukaku's voice reached Bunpuku through his senses. Within Bunpuku's inner world, Shukaku appeared agitated.

"That damn Sāndaime Kazekage. He improved the land of Kaze no Kuni. Where am I going to live in the future?" Shukaku expressed his dissatisfaction. He didn't bother considering others and believed that only three individuals had the capability to execute such a large-scale transfer of Natural Energy: Rikudō Sennin, Senju Hashirama, and Hitoshi. However, Shukaku knew that the first two were already deceased, leaving only Hitoshi as the likely candidate.

"Don't worry. Shamon-sama mentioned that Kazekage-sama plans to demolish the island near Kaze no Kuni. When that happens, you'll be provided with a new home," Bunpuku reassured Shukaku calmly.

However, Bunpuku's calm response only furthered Shukaku's unhappiness. "What are you talking about? That island is the territory of the Three-Tails and the Six-Tails. I won't be able to live there," Shukaku replied discontentedly. He, Shukaku, the Sand Spirit, preferred arid environments and detested any other creature.

"Well, I can't help it then. I'll discuss it with Kazekage-sama later," Bunpuku said, his eyelids drooping, indicating that he had no choice but to accept the situation silently.

Within Bunpuku's inner world, Shukaku realized that Bunpuku had calmed down and ceased responding to him. He quickly realized that he had fallen into Bunpuku's trap. For a while, Shukaku fell silent.

I've truly brought trouble upon Hitoshi. If I mention his Green Shadow Transformation, it's likely he'll deliver a sandstorm punch that would knock me away. Shukaku could well imagine the sensation of being struck by Hitoshi's powerful fist—it would be both painful and satisfying.

Shukaku had long suspected that Hitoshi was not human but rather a rare beast capable of transforming into a human. How else could mortal flesh and a physical body send him flying? Even the Third Raikage, who claimed he could fight a Bijū barehanded, couldn't accomplish that with a single punch. Hitoshi could.

Hitoshi's strength lay in his pure physical prowess, capable of sending Bijū flying with a single blow.

Of course, Shukaku's speculation was correct—Hitoshi couldn't truly be classified as a human. With Irene's body capable of instant Dragonization and Hua Ye's Godhead, none of them could be considered human.

"Hitoshi, wait. The day will come when I'll hang you up and challenge you," a fire of determination blazed within Shukaku's heart. As a motivated Bijū, he wouldn't easily succumb. The current humiliation was merely a stepping stone to a better future.

"I won't believe that a Bijū like you won't have your reckoning. Hmph, when that time comes..." Shukaku contemplated, his mind filled with vivid imagery. In his fantasies, he could freely move while Hitoshi was bound by old age. It was a beautiful image, one that Shukaku couldn't help but cherish.

Of course, Shukaku had no way of knowing that due to his body's ability to Dragonize, Hitoshi was uncertain about the length of his lifespan. Hitoshi only knew that Grandpa Hua Ye had lived for 30,000 years, and he planned to reach that age himself.

Decades later, when Shukaku resided within Gaara's body, and Hitoshi still appeared handsome and full of vitality, Shukaku's certainty grew—Hitoshi wasn't a human being. Even Rikudō Sennin had encountered the issue of physical death.

In the world of Hokage, the only race capable of longevity was the Otsutsuki Clan. Kaguya had continued to survive, and other members of the clan such as Peach and Gold were also still alive.

Hitoshi understood why the Otsutsuki Clan held a disdainful view of the Shinōbi World—they saw non-longevity species as inferior. If a non-longevity species slept for hundreds of years, they would die, unlike those of the longevity species. Longevity granted them longer lifespans; it was an intrinsic advantage.

"Why would anyone value you when your lifespan can't compare?" Hitoshi pondered.

At the sea port, Yasuke sensed the sudden activation of Natural Energy beneath the earth and couldn't help but wear a strange smile.

"It's Kazekage-sama. His power truly knows no bounds," Yasuke immediately recognized Hitoshi without a second thought. He considered Hitoshi a man who couldn't be surpassed in his lifetime.

As a Kage Level Peak Shinōbi with the added ability of Sage Mode, Yasuke believed he could take on anyone. However, the enhanced senses from Ryuchi Cave Sage Mode warned him that it was best not to provoke Hitoshi. Hitoshi was like a beast of ill omen, capable of devouring him entirely at any given moment.

"Summoning Jutsu," Yasuke murmured, and Garaga, his summoned beast, appeared before him.

"Yasuke, what have you summoned me for this time?" Garaga stared at Yasuke fiercely with its large eyes.

"I need you to sense the Natural Energy underground. I can't quite make out the extent of the changes," Yasuke explained honestly. He maintained trust and respect for his comrade.

Garaga activated all its senses, establishing a connection with Yasuke. Together, they sensed the active Natural Energy deep beneath the surface.

"Damn it, this is Sāndaime Kazekage's doing. How powerful is that monster?" Garaga cursed as their senses reached the extent of the underground Natural Energy changes. If not for his fear of Hitoshi and Hakuja Sennin, he would have breathed in the fragrance of the situation. It wasn't a matter of lacking manners; it was simply too terrifying.

Garaga was confident in his abilities, and his sense range was among the highest within Ryuchi Cave. But the range of the sensed Natural Energy frightened him—it was beyond his reach, untouchable. The depth of the Natural Energy's influence gave him an uncanny feeling. It was fundamentally improving the quality of the land beneath them.

Garaga estimated that even Hakuja Sennin couldn't achieve such an operation.