This puppeteer is a bit... well...

Chapter 255 Red and Night, Moyang and the Master

The enemy can sense and contact the situation inside and outside the city, but they cannot... Shisui's meaning couldn't be simpler: this squad has fallen into a disadvantage due to the asymmetry of information and support.

"Therefore, we must be careful in our actions. Once we are discovered, we will be surrounded by a constant stream of enemies, and we will have no support," Kakashi said seriously.

The expressions of everyone else... even Obito, became very serious.

Kakashi nodded and ordered, "Nakakichi, find the shortest and most concealed route to the control system."

"clear."

Zhongji nodded slightly, then formed a hand seal, closed his eyes, and began to sense the surrounding area, which shrank continuously until it became a sandbox-like entity in his mind.

From a bird's-eye view, Zhongji searches for the path to his destination through a series of complex alleyways.

Although the control system was outside his perception range, he still knew the direction to the target through the map provided by the spy... and then searched for the best way to get there from within his perception range...

"Found it!"

Seeing that Chukichi had opened his eyes, Kakashi didn't ask any questions and immediately gave the order, "Stealth."

"Understood." Zhongji nodded slightly, his hand seals changing, "Ninja Art: Frost Concealment Technique!"

Suddenly, the air dropped sharply, frost formed, and the entire area turned white.

Kakashi and the others disappeared into the white frost.

……

The Sand Village members exchanged glances, then looked at the Third Kazekage floating in the air.

The Third Kazekage's expression was solemn, his gaze fixed on the First Hokage. After a long while, he finally spoke: "They've joined forces against us, and now they want us to surrender and hand over our core leadership when the war is at a stalemate... You're a Kage too, yet you make such a demand."

"Although this is excessive, it is the best option for you to minimize your losses."

"Stop the loss?" Looking at the First Hokage trying to persuade him, the Third Kazekage couldn't help but sneer. "No one or no force can have a smooth journey to become stronger. If I were to give up halfway, I wouldn't have chosen this path in the first place."

Because Hashirama Senju distributed the Tailed Beasts to balance the power of the ninja world, the five great ninja villages, though some were stronger and some were weaker, were generally on the same level.

However, Sunagakure's actions have disrupted this balance and have gone far beyond the scope of the Five Great Shinobi Villages... This behavior is bound to arouse the suspicion of other forces in the shinobi world, thus leading to an encirclement and suppression... The Third Kazekage had foreseen this from the very beginning.

Although he did not expect Sunagakure to develop so quickly, he still chose this path.

It is the responsibility of a leader to lead their forces to grow stronger, even if the path is not always smooth.

"I understand your desire to make the village stronger, but the balance of power in the war has already tipped in favor of the Allied Shinobi Forces. Continuing to fight will not change the outcome; it will only increase casualties on both sides."

"Won't the outcome change?"

A playful voice came from the left side of the battlefield.

Everyone looked over at the sound and saw a man with red hair, black eyes, delicate features, and a handsome appearance like Ryuji Ayaki slowly walking towards them.

No, he's not just handsome like Ryuji Ayaki, he is Ryuji Ayaki.

Looking at the newcomers, the Ninja Alliance members all showed fear on their faces.

Especially the experts, their faces were filled with solemnity.

Sunagakure, on the other hand, showed joy and relaxation, as if there was nothing to worry about.

Sensing the change in atmosphere, the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and others also became serious.

"Ryuuji Ayaki..."

"You're right."

The First Hokage was about to say something when the other party interrupted him, and the content of the other party's words shocked them even more.

Ryuji Ayaki chuckled softly and continued, "That's right. No matter what, the outcome of the war will not change. Your Allied Shinobi Forces will inevitably be defeated!"

As he spoke, he raised his right hand to his side.

"Bang!"

With a loud crash, a shockwave from Long Er's palm rippled outwards.

"As a Shadow, to resort to such petty tricks is truly shameful!" Long Er clenched his right hand and flung it forward.

Suddenly, the air churned, and a figure wrapped in bandages was revealed, flying backward.

It was none other than the second-generation Tsuchikage.

After carrying the sniped Onoki into the forest, he did not reappear in the public eye. Instead, he carefully hid himself using his ability, waiting for the leader of Sunagakure to appear so that he could ambush and kill him in one fell swoop, thus avenging Onoki.

But the sneak attack failed.

"No, there was no failure!"

Adjusting his posture without being thrown backward, he brought his hands together, aiming at Ryuji, and unleashed, "Dust Release: Particle Style!"

A dazzling beam of light suddenly shot out, and a bloodline ninjutsu that could break matter down to the atomic level, combining a barrier with three attribute transformations, approached.

But Ryuji simply raised his hand, and the beam of light struck, sucking them all in like lambs to the slaughter.

However, despite the ninjutsu having no effect, Mu laughed.

Because two figures appeared behind Ryuji.

Minato Namikaze and Tobirama Senju!

While everyone's attention was drawn to the frontal attack, the two used their superhuman teleportation ability to appear behind Ryuji and then deliver the decisive blow.

"You might as well die here!"

As the Second Hokage spoke, he slashed down with his sword first.

Minato Namikaze was a step ahead of him, pressing the Rasengan much earlier.

But as if he had eyes in the back of his head, Ryuji crouched down to dodge their deadly attacks, and as they passed overhead due to inertia, he suddenly raised his hands and grabbed their wrists.

Next, scroll down.

"Boom!!"

The two men crashed heavily onto the metal city wall.

Before the smoke cleared, Long Er quickly stood up, grabbed the two men's wrists, spun them around, and then threw them away.

"kill!"

At the Third Hokage's command, the Allied Shinobi Forces launched another attack. The Sand Village ninjas, not to be outdone, also took up their weapons and charged into battle.

"I'll deal with him!"

The First Hokage controlled the wooden puppet to grab Ryuji.

But just as the hand was halfway out, a beam of red light descended from the sky, grabbing the wooden figure's hand and slamming it hard against the city wall.

The First Hokage paused for a moment, looking at the rising dust as a red figure rushed towards him along the wooden doll's arm, moving as fast as a beam of light.

"Is this what red is?"

Although the opponent was as fast as a beam of light, the First Hokage could still easily see who it was.

It was a woman.

He had regular features, a gentle face, and long, flowing, wine-red curly hair—the Sand Village needed to be wary of him; the Allied Shinobi Forces had warned him beforehand. Therefore, the First Hokage recognized him at a glance.

Furthermore, he noticed the flame-like markings at the corners of the other person's eyes, which indicated Sage Mode.

In the blink of an eye, Kurenai leaped onto the wooden dummy's head, her right arm turning to metal, and slammed towards the First Hokage with a swift step.

The First Hokage remained calm and met the attack with a fist clenched.

In terms of strength, he has never been afraid of anyone.

"boom!"

The fists collided, unleashing a violent hurricane that blew away everyone within a hundred-meter radius, whether they were from the Allied Shinobi Forces or the Sand Village ninjas.

The First Hokage and Kurenai were locked in a stalemate, neither gaining the upper hand.

"That's really amazing!"

Hong exclaimed in admiration.

She unleashed a powerful punch while her arms were hardened with Steel Release, but it was blocked by her opponent using only that punch, which is enough to show that there is a difference in chakra between the two.

"You're quite impressive for using one technique while using another." The First Hokage also praised Kurenai.

At the same time, he yelled at those around him, "Don't come near this battle if you don't want to die!"

After he finished speaking, he formed a hand seal with his free hand.

Suddenly, branches sprouted from beneath Red's feet, attempting to entangle her.

But Hong vanished in a blur.

"Swift Release..." The First Hokage stared at Kurenai, muttering, "Is there truly anyone in this world who can simultaneously master seven bloodline limits?"

"Not seven, but thirteen!" Red replied while forming hand seals. "Over the past few years, I've mastered several more attribute variations. Let me show you something we didn't know about!"

"Ice Release: Ice and Snow World!"

A chill burst forth from Hong's body, then swept outwards, instantly freezing an area of ten miles in frost, turning it into a world of ice and snow, and snow began to fall from the sky.

"The Snow Clan's Ice Release!?"

The First Hokage was taken aback.

Although both types of bloodline limits can be used by fusing two attributes, some bloodline limits require certain external factors to fuse.

For example, he needs the power of the Divine Tree to use Wood Release.

Otherwise, even if one successfully fuses earth and water chakra, the only thing that can be used is other bloodline limits.

The same applies to Ice Release.

Although he didn't know exactly what was needed besides the fusion of wind and water style chakra, only the Yuki clan possessed it in the entire ninja world.

Although something similar exists in the Land of Snow, it is not a bloodline limit, but a ninjutsu that relies on the environment and tools to be used.

But the red one was successfully integrated. What does that mean?

Is she a member of the Snow Clan?

No, absolutely not.

Although the Yuki clan doesn't possess distinctive features like the Byakugan or Sharingan, they possess a serene and pure aura, even among those who are mixed with other races.

Red, of course, did not.

Since she is not from the Yuki clan, yet she has fused with the Yuki clan's unique Ice Release technique, it means that Kurenai's talent is not simply due to her good innate abilities.

"I've always wondered, no matter how talented you are, mastering seven... no, thirteen bloodline limits simultaneously is impossible," the First Hokage said. "You must be hiding another secret, a secret that allows you to master so many bloodline limits!"

"You're right," Hong said calmly. "I can freely adjust my genetic code to change my talents. I can possess any talent that humans can have. Although I don't yet have all the advantages and talents of humans due to my lack of self-awareness, it's only a matter of time. That's why my master calls me the perfect human."

"Hiss~"

Upon hearing Kurenai's answer, the First Hokage couldn't help but gasp.

She can freely adjust her gene chain and possess all the talents that humans can have... With this abnormal ability, as long as she has time to grow, she will be invincible.

However, he didn't quite understand...

"Since they are perfect humans, possessing such potential and strength, why should they serve others as their masters?"

"That's my master, not someone else!" Kurenai coldly stared at the First Hokage, warning, "Everything I have is given to me by my master, and my value lies in serving him. Don't try to sow discord between me and my master!"

"Given by my master..."

The First Hokage muttered something Kurenai had said, then seemed to realize something, and his expression turned grim.

"Looks like you understood!"

Accompanied by the sound, Ryuji slowly walked out from behind Hong.

"Hong said something similar before, but everyone assumed that there was something between me and Hong, and no one ever thought that I created her."

"So that's how it is!" The First Hokage gritted his teeth and said, "Ryuji Ayaki, you are far too dangerous. Your existence will plunge the ninja world into endless turmoil. I will seal you away!"

"Sealing me? Isn't that killing me?" Ryuji couldn't help but sneer. "After going to such lengths, you still want to act like a hypocrite?"

"Phew~"

The First Hokage took a deep breath, then slowly walked away, his gaze sharp as he stared at Ryuji. "No matter what you say, I will eliminate the root of chaos in the ninja world."

"Me too!"

"Hate me if you must!"

After saying that, the First Hokage clapped his hands together, shouting, "Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"

……

Time moved forward slightly.

Just as Kurenai appeared and confronted the First Hokage, the Jinchuriki outside the city also began their operation.

Their first thought was to help the First Hokage defeat Kurenai or capture Ryuji, so as to end the war with minimal losses.

However, fearing accidental injury, he did not use the Tailed Beast Ball, but instead prepared to rush up to help.

But just then, a voice reached their ears.

"Wood Release: Great Forest Technique!"

"Bang bang bang bang..."

Thick vines burst forth from the ground, binding the seven human pillars tightly.

"What's going on!?"

"Why is Wood Release binding us!?"

"Wasn't the First Hokage fighting on the city wall?"

Just as the seven Jinchūriki were in a panic, a black-haired, black-eyed boy with an ordinary and unremarkable face slowly approached them.

Upon seeing the boy, Kushina couldn't help but exclaim, "Yomori!?"

Yoru glanced at Kushina, then looked at the other Jinchuriki and said calmly, "You all just stay here and wait for the war to end!"

"Hey, what do you mean?"

Killer Bee withdrew from his tailed beast form and returned to human form, but the vines tightened as his size shrank, leaving him no chance to escape.

He looked at the Konoha headband on Ye Moyang's head and asked, "You're a Konoha ninja, right? Why are you blocking our way?"

"Yes, Yoru no Oo, why?" Kushina couldn't help but ask.

"All of this is for Master, Lord Ayaki Ryuji!"

"Owner?"

"Ryuji Ayaki?"

Everyone stared wide-eyed, their expressions filled with disbelief.

Especially Kushina.

Since Yoruichi awakened Wood Release, the Third Hokage personally taught him and had renowned masters from the village take turns guiding him.

Throughout this process, everyone treated each other with kindness, showing the best side of Konoha to Yoru.

And at the end of the night... that once withdrawn and introverted little boy gradually emerged from the shadows of his past and became cheerful.

but……

"Why do you call that bastard master?!" Kushina roared like a madwoman.