Naruto: I, the villain template, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 167 It's a pity, you're not qualified.

The Nara clan was one of the founding families of Konoha.

It can be said to be one of the largest pharmaceutical giants in the entire ninja world, mainly responsible for maintaining the normal operation of the entire Konoha medical system.

His achievements in medicine are unparalleled; even Tsunade surpassed him only in the field of medical ninjutsu.

Together with the Yamanaka clan, which symbolizes "pig," and the Akimichi clan, which symbolizes "butterfly," they are known as "Ino-Shika-Cho."

In battle, the Nara clan, who possess shadow imitation skills and have extremely high intelligence, are generally responsible for tactical planning and core control, while the Yamanaka clan, who are skilled in perception and mind control, are responsible for perceiving the target and connecting the thoughts of the three. Finally, the Akimichi clan, which has powerful destructive capabilities, delivers the final attack.

In other words, one is for support, one for defense, and one for attack.

However, even in a family that is positioned as a support group and has been close to and supportive of the Hokage for generations, there have still been a few oddballs over the decades.

Take, for example, the rogue ninja in front of us, codenamed "Shadow".

"Shadow Stealth Technique".

Looking at the "shadow" struggling in the black water, the man in black robes said indifferently, "It is indeed a secret technique born for assassination. Unfortunately, you're unlucky to have your hands on us."

"Ever since you infiltrated this place, your every move has been under our watchful eyes, like a clown performing a ridiculous one-man show."

Goo, goo, goo!

As he suffocated, "Shadow's" face gradually turned ashen, staring at the black-robed man whose mouth kept opening and closing as if he were saying something.

He didn't understand why such a dangerous guy would appear in such a small place, and he didn't understand what kind of ninjutsu this guy was using.

Water Release? The ultimate "form transformation"? Or is it the "black lightning" ninjutsu developed by the Hidden Cloud Village using "nature transformation"?

Bloodline limit is a technique created by the fusion of two chakra nature transformations. The technique used by this guy in front of me looks similar to a bloodline limit, but even the Nara clan has no records of black water release.

It can only be said that even the wisest person can make a mistake.

No matter how cautious and careful he was, he could never have anticipated that the defenses here were so tight, with even the area outside the city under surveillance. He also could never have imagined that the target he thought he had a sure thing of capturing was actually a deeply hidden den of thieves.

"Coo coo, coo coo."

As "Shadow" was analyzing intelligence and trying to find a way out, a white pigeon actually landed on the black-robed man's shoulder, and very humanely moved its claws to whisper in his ear.

"...I see. Is it related to Konoha?"

The man in black robes seemed to have received some message and murmured in a low voice. Upon hearing this, the "shadow" widened its eyes.

How is that possible?

How could this guy possibly know?

"What a pity."

The eyes etched with "Upper Moon" and "Fifth" flickered, meeting the eyes in the water that suddenly filled with fear. The man in black robes said regretfully, "It seems you are not qualified to be one of us."

However, this is for the best.

No need to worry about future conflicts with colleagues.

Thinking this to himself, the man in the black robe gave the shadow no further chance and clenched his outstretched hand tightly.

Bang! !

The dark water sphere suspended in mid-air suddenly exploded, and under A-She's dazed gaze, it was like a paint ball that had been crushed by a hand, spraying blood that was half red and half gray in all directions.

The scarlet, viscous liquid, like a vibrant flower, bathed the dimly lit alleyway in the colors of the setting sun.

"...Ugh!"

Looking at the pale corpse with some flesh and blood still clinging to it on the ground, A-She, who was splattered with blood, felt his stomach churning. He subconsciously covered his mouth, his face turning red as he tried to hold it in.

For someone who had never killed anyone before, this first experience was far too stimulating.

"Have you seen enough?"

The man in black glanced at the terrified Ah She, ignoring his sudden stiffness, and said indifferently, "If you've seen enough, you can get lost now, brat."

As he spoke, the black water surrounding him gradually dissipated, and the drizzling rain began to fall again.

"Huh?"

Hearing that he was going to let him leave, A-She was stunned for a moment, but then he remembered his parents, and his face tightened instantly. He blurted out, "Wait, wait a minute, excuse me, my father...?"

As he spoke, as if grasping at the last straw, he subconsciously reached out and grabbed the hem of the black-robed man in front of him.

But the next moment, his outstretched hand froze in mid-air.

The black raindrops transformed into sharp needles, their cold glints lingering before his eyes, causing his pupils to gradually shrink to slits.

"Hmph." The man in black robes didn't even glance at him, but said coldly with his back to him, "If you don't leave, you'll die."

Ashe suddenly shivered and came to his senses, staggering back a few steps away from the rain needles, and subconsciously looked at the silent girl beside him.

"Don't worry." Nono gave a faint smile, her tone as gentle as ever. "Uncle and Aunt are fine. They escaped, they were just a little frightened. Let's go to the hospital to see them."

Are Dad and Mom alright?

Upon hearing this, Asahi's face lit up with barely suppressed joy, but he forced back the urge to turn and run away and said, "Nonou-neechan, then you..."

"I have something to do." Before he could finish speaking, Nono interrupted with a smile, "You should go back first, Wataru."

Asa hesitated for a moment, glancing at the black-robed figure with his back to her. Finally, she met Nono's gentle gaze and nodded, saying, "Well, I'm leaving now. Be careful on your own..."

After the life-or-death crisis subsided, his rationality returned, and he quickly understood many things.

Although the man in black robes was very fierce and hostile, he was undoubtedly on their side. The arrival of Nono Ue was no coincidence; he clearly had an identity unknown to Nono Ue.

Since that's the case, it's alright.

After figuring everything out, Asahi left the alley, looking back every few steps, under the watchful gaze of Nono.

As the figure disappeared completely from sight, Nono's smile faded, and she turned to the black-clad figure, asking, "Aren't you going to tell him? After all, it's Asahi; it's okay if he knows."

"...Let's forget about it. After all, the changes are too drastic, and I'm afraid that kid won't be able to accept it. Let's talk about it another time."

Upon hearing this, the man in the black robe smiled helplessly, lowered his large hood, and revealed a face that looked to be in his thirties or forties but was somewhat weathered.

If A-She were still here, he would definitely recognize this face that bears an eight or nine-tenths resemblance to his father. If the group of boatmen taken in by Yun Chuan were here, they would also recognize this old buddy who used to pull the boat together.

But they will definitely wonder if they have mistaken someone for someone else.

After all, in their minds, he was just a forty or fifty-year-old boatman with gray hair, who would only bow his head and smile humbly, leading the boatmen from the south of the Rain Kingdom to this place in order to survive.

Shuiyu, a nameless and unremarkable person, or rather, that was his name, just like his personality.

However, he now looks more than twenty years younger, his originally lean figure has become much broader, and even his temperament has undergone a dramatic change.

Those demonic eyes engraved with "Upper Moon" and "Fifth" are enough to show that his identity is no longer what it used to be, and he is now one of the stronger demons.

Without a doubt, everything he has now is a gift from Yun Chuan.

Of course, this is on the premise that his body, will, and beliefs can withstand the "blood" that is enough to make him the Upper Moon Five.

"Compared to the 'ghosts' who guard in the night, learning and mastering breathing techniques to kill enemies in the sunlight is more suitable for that kid." Shuiyu smiled and murmured, "I believe he can definitely do it."

As he spoke, the pigeon perched on his shoulder turned its head, and its black pupils turned scarlet.

Immediately afterwards, a detached voice came from the pigeon's beak.

"Shangwu, how are things on your end?"

Upon hearing this voice, Shuiyu's expression turned serious, and he whispered, "Yes, Lord Nagato, it's been resolved."

"Is that so?" The pigeon continued indifferently, "Looks like you're luckier than the others, running into a self-righteous fool."

"And on my side, it's a bunch of brainless idiots."

On the other side, Nagato stood in an alley, staring blankly ahead.

Although it was raining as usual, the weather was actually quite nice today.

As evening approached, through the light mist, the round, red sun cast a blood-red glow, illuminating the buildings of Dawn City.

Naturally, some of the sunlight also shone through, reddening the depths of the sparsely populated alley where Nagato was located, bathing him in the glow of the setting sun.

In this deep and narrow alley, in front of and behind Nagato stood a group of figures dressed in black samurai armor.

"Dark Warriors?"

Nagato's eyes were covered by a black cloth, yet the feeling of being stared at by a pair of cold, devoid of any warmth caused the group to tremble and become alert.

This blind kid seems a bit off.

The leader of the black warriors was not wearing a helmet, but only a light suit of armor, revealing his face covered with deep wrinkles.

Looking at the sickly-looking blind boy before him, he frowned, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, and said hoarsely, "You... know us?"

It seems things aren't as simple as he thought.

However, since it was the Tsuchikage's mission, it was normal for it to be somewhat difficult, and he did not intend to leave immediately.

But upon hearing the brat's next words, a chill flashed in his eyes, which had been as murky as still water.

"Of course I know," Nagato said coldly. "A product of the old era, a pack of stray dogs driven out of the Land of Iron."

The Black Warriors, a bounty hunter team of nearly a hundred people, are all samurai skilled in swordsmanship. It is said that they left due to disagreements with the new general of the Land of Iron, "Mifune," and Mifune seems to have tacitly accepted this rumor.

In reality, he was simply defeated by Mifune's subordinates, thus losing his chance to seize power, and was kicked out of the Land of Iron like a homeless stray dog.

However, since they are a team qualified to take on Onoki's mission, besides Kurogane, who was the leader and narrowly lost to Mifune, there are indeed quite a few troublesome swordsmen.

"..."

Kurogane glanced at the short sword sheathed at Nagato's waist, narrowed his eyes, and sneered, "I heard that the master of this city killed that old 'Sword Saint'."

"Although Musashi hasn't wielded a sword in a long time, the one who can defeat him must be no ordinary person. I'm here to find that person named Tsukimi-sato Kumokawa."

"Kid, do you know where he is?"

Unlike the samurai under Mifune, these Black Knights were not bound by many rules. They loved fighting and killing, and would not only challenge the strong but also attack civilians without any scruples.

As for money, it's just an excuse they use to justify their killing.

In Kurogane's view, a sword becomes incredibly dull if it's not stained with blood; even he could have killed that elderly Musashi.

"……Oh."

Nagato remained silent for a long time before suddenly smiling, but his laughter lacked any warmth. "You said you came to see your brother?"

As he spoke, he gripped the unsheathed dagger at his waist and sneered, "Hearing my brother's name from your mouth really annoys me."

This feeling...

Sensing the chilling killing intent, Kurogane's expression turned solemn. He slightly lowered his center of gravity, gripped the katana sheathed at his waist, and prepared for a draw slash.

"Aren't you going to draw your sword?" he asked, looking at Nagato who was still standing in the same spot.

The moment the words left his mouth, Nagato's figure had already vanished.

boom! !

Behind that swiftly approaching figure, the ground was stomped on and cracked into a net-like pattern.

Almost in the blink of an eye, Nagato arrived in front of Kurogane, the short sword at his waist tumbling into the air and landing in his hand. He raised the short sword and slashed at Kurogane's throat.

Flash Sheath·Sitsuji!

However, Kurogane was faster. He drew his katana from his waist, deflected the short sword that was aimed at his throat, and then twisted his wrist to slash diagonally down, intending to cut Nagato in two from his neck to his left waist.

Clang!

Nagato sheathed his sword and returned to defense; their blades clashed, sparks flying.

The next moment, after a brief eye contact, a series of explosions rang out.

"this……"

From the perspective of the other samurai, the two figures were almost blurry, and sparks rained down on the ground.

The air was filled with a dense, continuous cacophony of sounds: the sharp, piercing screech of sword blades rubbing together, and the sharp gusts of air generated by the clash of short swords and katanas leaving behind conspicuous traces of the rampage of wild beasts.

Even though the samurai stared intently at the two figures, they couldn't tell who was who. The two figures would change positions four or five times in an instant, leaving the samurai holding their swords at a loss for what to do.

puff! !

Just then, a spurt of blood sprayed onto the ground, and the two figures that had been tearing at each other suddenly stopped and then separated.

"..."

Blood slowly gathered from the side of his cheek to his jaw, and Nagato expressionlessly raised his hand to wipe it away.

Looking at the black iron in front of him with three tiny cracks at the corner of its eye, neck, and ear, the slight interest that had been rising on Nagato's face turned into boredom.

"How pathetic," he said indifferently. "You're not even a samurai now."

(End of this chapter)