chapter 12 : Jashinists

In an underground laboratory in the forest, Merlin can be seen holding a glass tube filled with blood spinning it counterclockwise . 'There is no difference between the blood of cult members and normal humans. So, how did Hidan achieve the state where he is still alive after cutting off his head? I need more information about them.'

"system! Record this to the database."

Walking out of the laboratory, Merlin muttered the words "Purifex Charm." The next moment, the blood on his clothes and hands disappeared. "If I am able to find out how they achieve immortality, I have a premonition. I can further improve my Regeneration rune," he thought.

Leaving the forest, Merlin returned to the village without anyone noticing.

Back at the village, he went to his destination, an antique shop, hoping to find any unexpected treasure. Upon reaching there, Merlin was greeted by the store owner. Most of the items displayed were ornaments, pots, and paintings. Merlin then started to skim through the objects that were collected, seeing there was nothing noteworthy. Merlin decided to leave the shop; however, his attention was quickly caught by a mask hidden behind a painting.

"I want to purchase this mask and the painting. How much will it be?" asked Merlin.

"That would be 2000 yen, sir," replied the shop owner.

Paying the money, Merlin came out of the shop. Then he looked at the mask one more time. The mask was colored in black with red horns on its forehead, and it also showed a demonic smile.

'What exactly is this mask? It gives me a threatening feeling. Could it be a mask from the Uzumaki village?' " System begin analysing of the mask."Stopping any further inspection, Merlin quickly put the mask in the bag and went back to the inn where he is staying.

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Next morning, Merlin left the village early. Flying through the forest, he went to the location where the Jashinists were reported.

Reaching the destination Merlin released several ladybugs to the surrounding. This is one of his latest inventions. After remembering about the ability of Aburame Clan member's. Merlin development this new bug's by combining the knowledge he got from the memory of wizard Ambrose and Insect technique of the Aburame Clan. Even though it is not suitable for compact, it's scouting ability cannot be ignored.

Closing his eyes Merlin instructed the AI to connect him with the bug's. Right now Merlin can see the entire forest in his mind ." System, draw a map of the surrounding using the feedback of the bug's."

After finding the location of cult member's. Merlin let few of his bug's go inside the camp to assess the strength of cult member. " A total of 7 genin 4 chunin and 3 jonin." Merlin then created a clone send it to the entrance of the camp.

At the camp the cult member's can be seen kneeling in front of a statue. Suddenly one of the member came running to the cult member who is kneeling closest to the statue." Master, we found a shinobi at the entrance."

"What! how did they find us. How many shinobi are there." asked the irritation leader aggressively.

" We only found one person" replied the member.

"Then what are you waiting for go and capture him right now." As the leader finished speaking he heard a loud explosion. alerting the other members how were kneeling.

Soon roots started to sprout out of the ground, capturing a few of the members. The experienced jonin managed to avoid them. Running out of the camp, they found their camp surrounded by a huge wall of earth, trapping them in. When the members looked up to the sky, they saw a figure covered in a grey cloak pointing his fingers towards them.

"Ember Blast."

In the sky, a dozen magic circles were formed, releasing fierce red embers aiming towards the ground. Without any mercy, Merlin started to bombard the ground, creating an explosion each time the spell hit the ground. The earth beneath the cult members shook. After the spell ended, a few dead bodies could be seen lying on the ground. Most of the chunin were dead, and the remaining jonin were able to escape the explosion by using earth release to create a dome covering them from the explosion.

"What do you want why are you attacking us." Yelled the leader of cult who survived the explosion

"Give me the research of your cult technic. You will be spared or die." replied Merlin

Hearing the demand, the cult leader said nothing and looked at the figure floating in the sky. "You want our technique, die!" yelled the leader and released 'great Fireball Jutsu' towards the sky.

Seeing the huge fireball Merlin casted 'Ethereal Barrier' creating a translucent barrier around him. Soon the fireball hit him creating a smoke around him. Seeing the attack was successful the jashinists yelled " long live lord jashin ".

"Shadow Strike."

Soon the cheering jashinists stopped and looked at the long dark tentacles forming in the air. Directing the tentacles Merlin slaughtered the remaining jashinists. Making sure everyone is dead Merlin came down to the ground. " You would have survived if had given me what I wanted. " leaving the bodies Merlin went inside the camp.