Danzo’s Visit

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"Quickly, stop Kitsuchi! Don't let Muzan die here because of his mission!"

"Damn, what do we do now!"

The phrase "Doctors don't heal themselves" echoed in their minds as they looked at the blood on the ground. The severity of the attack was more dangerous than they had anticipated. There were no medical ninjas present to treat him immediately.

"If I hit him with full force, he should definitely be dead," Kitsuchi said confidently, certain that no one could survive such an injury.

From the rear, Hizashi activated his Byakugan and could see Muzan in an unusual state.

Kitsuchi's terrifying attack had indeed injured Muzan, tearing all the muscles in his body and shattering his bones. But to everyone's shock, Muzan's body was already repairing itself, and the chakra radiating from him showed that his strength hadn't diminished.

"This is the scariest thing about Muzan," Hizashi thought, his eyes narrowing in concern. "He possesses near-immortal regenerative abilities! With such rapid recovery, any normal attack seems meaningless."

He finally understood why Muzan could survive a Tailed Beast Bomb and still battle the Mizukage.

The Caged Bird Seal, Hizashi mused, acts on the brain. But if the entire head is cut off, wouldn't it just grow back?

"Pain!"

Muzan stood up from the ground, trembling. If he had to describe the sensation just now, it was like being hit by a high-speed train. The brief moment of soaring through the air had almost caused Muzan's brain to shut down. However, the searing pain and burning scratches on his back were vivid reminders of how powerful and terrifying the opponent was.

After taking a few breaths, Muzan had fully repaired his body.

Looking at Muzan, who stood up again—despite the rags he was wearing—the onlookers were stunned. They even doubted whether the attack had been real.

Even Kitsuchi, the one who delivered the blow, was in a state of shock. He stared at Muzan and the bloodstained staff in his hand, unable to believe that Muzan could stand up after such a devastating attack.

"Did you use some kind of forbidden technique?" Kitsuchi muttered, trying to rationalize how Muzan could recover so quickly. Everyone knew that using forbidden techniques came with dire consequences. He was convinced that Muzan was only pretending to be okay and was actually running on empty.

"How long can you last using forbidden techniques?" Kitsuchi said, gripping his staff once more. If he could knock Muzan down once, he could do it again.

"Don't worry," Muzan said with a hint of a smile, "I'm still very strong."

The fact that it was night—the natural battlefield for Muzan—and that it was just after midnight gave Muzan confidence. There were still at least five hours before dawn, more than enough time to defeat his opponent.

Kitsuchi was not the Third Raikage, an unstoppable force of nature. Typically, ninja battles were short and intense. A battle lasting several hours was exhausting both physically and mentally, and one mistake could turn the tide.

"Earth Release: Rock Pillar Spears!"

Towering earth spears erupted from the ground like pillars, blocking the area and restricting Muzan's movements. At this moment, Kitsuchi had made up his mind. No matter what, he had to keep Muzan here!

With rapid hand seals, the ground was imbued with Kitsuchi's chakra, and a multitude of pillars descended from the sky, changing the landscape and further limiting Muzan's ability to move quickly.

---

Meanwhile, in the area surrounding Iwagakure, a large number of ninja were being mobilized to the front lines, leaving the village slightly vulnerable. However, no one dared to attack at this time because Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, was still in the village.

At this time, Iwagakure received an unexpected visitor. Ōnoki, who was working, sensed someone approaching and instinctively reached out to grab the intruder. However, seeing Shimura Danzō emerge from the shadows, Ōnoki's surprise was evident.

Ōnoki and Danzō had both lived through the same era, so they naturally knew each other.

"Shimura Danzō," Ōnoki said, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Ōnoki wasn't worried that Danzō would suddenly attack. After all, Ōnoki was the Tsuchikage, and if a fight broke out here, Danzō would certainly not survive. But he was surprised by Danzō's sudden appearance and immediately asked, "This is not a place you should be. Konoha is under attack from us. If you're killed here, it would be a significant blow to Konoha."

Muzan would definitely agree with that sentiment.

But Danzō showed no fear and directly stated his purpose: "Your army attacking Konoha has been blocked at the border of the Land of Fire."

"If you continue to drag this out, can you really afford the cost?"

Ōnoki had been thinking about this matter. Wars never had true winners—only losses and gains. Otherwise, he wouldn't have started the war in the first place. But with the battles between Kumogakure and Sunagakure winding down, only Iwagakure remained caught in the whirlpool of war. This was not what Ōnoki wanted to see.

The ninja army had already advanced into the Land of Fire. Abandoning the campaign now would mean that the lives lost and resources spent would be for nothing. He was caught in a dilemma.

Whether to retreat or not was the question that plagued Ōnoki. If he did retreat, the sacrifices made so far would be in vain.

"Now there is a way for you to make a significant gain," Danzō said, noticing Ōnoki's hesitation. A smirk crept onto Danzō's face. As long as Ōnoki hesitated, Danzō knew his plan was halfway to success. He believed his persuasive skills would convince Ōnoki.

Ōnoki was indeed wavering, weighing the feasibility of Danzō's proposal. His gaze sharpened as he looked at Danzō and asked, "If Konoha provides reasonable compensation, I can order the army to withdraw."

Danzō had already discussed compensation in detail with the Third Hokage before leaving Konoha. War always came with a price, but Danzō wasn't satisfied with compensation alone.

He unfurled a map and spread it on the table, pointing to one of the fronts. "If the compensation is reasonable, I'll discuss it with the Hokage. Secondly, as an old rival, the Raikage is now leading his forces back."

Danzō couldn't help but sneer. What he needed now was to keep the villages at each other's throats, ensuring that the balance of power remained precarious.

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