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

Chapter 170 The Funeral Crows, the Ringing Death Knell

Although his life was now in Yun Chuan's hands, Shen Nong did not consider him a kind or good person.

Shennong knew very well that Yun Chuan possessed an incomparably terrifying malice and an incomparably pure desire; the blood on his hands and the methods of killing he had used were far more numerous and cruel than those of most ninjas.

Such a person doesn't even know if he can keep his own wild words; what he says sounds more like an unfulfillable lie.

However, it is something that is clearly impossible to do, yet it makes people unable to refute it.

Even Shennong couldn't help but feel a little moved after hearing those words.

Even slogans as pale and powerless as Hanzo's are met with countless refugees willing to join for a full meal.

It is entirely conceivable how many men, suffering greatly from war, might impulsively choose to sacrifice their lives for a goal whose truth or falsehood is unknown.

Even if the way to achieve this goal is also "war", as long as he can produce even a little bit of "results", countless civilians who have lost their families, been separated from their spouses and children, and have no ties due to the war will be willing to become his cannon fodder.

Of course, Shennong didn't think he would end up like that, after all, he considered himself very rational...

"By the way, Shennong."

Yun Chuan seemed to suddenly remember something, turned to Shen Nong with a smile, and said, "Have you heard of 'Takamagahara'?"

Shennong, whose thoughts were interrupted, paused for a moment and subconsciously said, "Of course I've heard of it. It's the place where the legendary god of the origin of the world, 'Ame-no-Minaka no Nushi,' and the sun god, 'Amaterasu Ōmikami,' reside."

In mythology, at the beginning of the formation of heaven and earth, the first to appear in "Takamagahara" was "Ame no Minaka no Sumeru", followed by "Takamō-musume-no-Kami" and "Kami-mō-musume-no-Kami".

The first to appear, Ame no Minaka, represents the foundation of the universe and the ruler who governs the center of Takamagahara. Takamimusubi and Kamimusubi represent the yin and yang of the universe. After these three gods were formed, they hid in Takamagahara.

However, legends are just legends after all.

The existence of the Sage of Six Paths is still controversial, but deities like Ame no Minaka are limited to mythology.

"Indeed, myths are overlapping; after all, the names of many things have mythological elements."

Yun Chuan murmured thoughtfully, then looked up and smiled meaningfully, saying, "'Takamagahara' is the heavenly world where the gods reside, 'Ashihara no Nakatsukuni' is the earthly continent where humans live, and 'Yomi no Kōjun' belongs to the dead underground."

"Do you think these three worlds are somewhat similar to our current situation? Or is it possible for us to create such a world?"

"..."

After a long silence, Shennong suddenly gasped, forcibly suppressing the tremor in his heart, and lowered his head, saying, "You are truly a terrifying person."

No, it's more like the legendary devil that tempts people's hearts and desires.

His ambition to make the Sky Country stand shoulder to shoulder with the Five Great Nations is utterly pathetic compared to "Takamagahara"!

If we're going to do it, we'll make this fortress into "Takamagahara," standing above the entire ninja world, and building it into a heavenly world inhabited by "gods."

Shennong had to admit that he was truly tempted.

Is there anything more fulfilling than turning myths into reality and creating a "heavenly world" with your own hands?

No.

This is the future he has always dreamed of, cherished, and is willing to strive for!

He instantly understood the refugees who flocked there one after another, driven by nothing but a single hope.

Then, because of Yun Chuan's words and blueprint, they have persisted until now.

"Lord Shennong, Upper Moon Five has dealt with the 'Shadow,' but Upper Moon One has encountered a special situation."

A ninja in front of the monitoring station looked up at Shennong and said calmly, "Upper Moon One encountered the Black Warriors on his way to deal with the 'Monks'. We need to mobilize the barrier team to assist in sealing them off."

"Um?"

Shennong snapped out of his daze and frowned slightly: "With that brat's strength, does he really need a barrier to seal him off? Oh well, since he wants it, let's send a small team over."

"Also, regarding the 'Monks'..." Sora hesitated, "Although the one brought by Upper Moon One, En Miyagi, has already helped deal with it, we're not sure if he's reliable. What if he's cooperating with the 'Monks'..."

Shennong pondered for a moment, then looked at the ninja sitting beside him in the deputy seat and said, "Tsubame, take the new ninja tool developed by the Research Institute based on Lord Yunchuan's design drawings and go there. You can also test its accuracy while you're at it."

"If that Miyajo En makes any unusual moves, just kill him too."

After saying that, he picked up the metal box on the table in front of him and casually tossed it at the thrush.

Well, so they want me to be their guinea pig?

With a sigh, the thrush caught the metal box, stood up somewhat helplessly, and replied, "Yes, Lord Shennong."

Click.

As the thrush departed, the control room door closed.

Shennong withdrew his gaze and looked up at the red dot that was gradually disappearing in the city projection, his heart filled with fervor.

Even Zero-Tail, whose internal energy supply was barely maintained in balance to provide power to the fortress, felt large amounts of dark chakra being fed back from Shennong.

"Takamagahara, Amanomichi, the Lord, it's truly exhilarating!" Shennong felt as if he had rediscovered the original aspiration and desire that led the Sky Ninja Village forward.

His initial ideal of standing shoulder to shoulder with the five great nations was too weak. He wanted to make this fortress a "Takamagahara" that surpassed all of humanity!

He wants to help Yun Chuan become the "Master", the "Heavenly Master"!

"Ten" means heaven, which is the meaning of "Takamagahara". "Michu" means the center. "Nushi" means the lord.

"Ame no Michu Nushi" means "the ruler who resides in the heavens".

----------

Click! Pfft!

If someone happens to pass by this alley, they can hear sounds that sound like they are coming from hell.

However, despite being located within Dawn City, it seemed to have attracted no attention whatsoever, remaining as quiet as a deserted, isolated zone.

"No, no, please... ah!!"

It is unknown how much time passed, but with a final, humble plea for mercy and a terrified wail, Nagato was surrounded by the mangled corpses of his samurai.

puff.

The thorns behind Nagato were pulled from the bodies of the corpses, and the blood at the tips of the thorns gathered into teardrop-like beads of blood.

Apart from the remaining bloodstains, there was no trace of flesh or blood in the entire wide alley.

"Ho ho! Ho! Monster, monster!"

Black Iron's wrinkled face was now filled with fear and pain, completely devoid of its previous composure. Tears, snot, and saliva streamed down its face, and it even appeared somewhat deranged and insane.

He watched helplessly as his warriors were drained dry by the monster before him, their mournful roars echoing through the air.

He tried to escape when he realized something was wrong, but after running a few dozen meters, he ran into an invisible barrier and was pulled back by one of the terrifying thorns.

"Ha! You, who exactly are you...?"

Black Iron was lifted into the air by the thorns wrapped around its neck, struggling helplessly with its eyes filled with fear and despair.

How could such a monster possibly appear in a place like this?!

"Are you still unwilling to accept reality?"

Nagato stared at him expressionlessly, the entwined thorns gradually tightening, and said indifferently, "Truly a piece of trash."

Bang!

Kurogane's corpse lay in a pool of blood at Nagato's feet, his aged and withered face stained with crimson mud.

If he had used a sword from beginning to end, Nagato might have been interested in sharpening his blade.

Unfortunately, he was not pure.

This old man has long since abandoned his beliefs and swordsmanship; he is now just a ninja who disguises himself as a samurai.

Perhaps, ever since his defeat at the hands of Admiral Mifune, he had lost faith in the sword in his hand and the courage to be victorious.

Thinking this, Nagato, carrying the withered head of the black iron, walked out of the wide and quiet alley.

Outside the alley, all was still deathly silent, as if shrouded in a domain, making it feel like another world.

There was no sound of voices, no sound of wind, not even the chirping of insects; it was as quiet as if it were dead.

The only sounds were the footsteps of Nagato on the ground and in the water, and the colorless barrier that he perceived covered a large area.

After Nagato walked out of the alley carrying the black iron head, the barrier gradually faded from top to bottom, and the sound of pigeons flapping their wings and swirling in the wind rang out. Several figures standing in the four directions also appeared.

"Lord Nagato."

The group of people dressed in identical white robes bowed their heads respectfully. A gentle breeze lifted the white cloth in front of them, revealing a head of red hair somewhat similar to Nagato's.

"Hmm." Nagato simply nodded to these clansmen and "relatives." "I'd appreciate your help in sealing off and handling the scene."

"You're welcome, Lord Nagato. It's our duty." The group shook their heads in unison.

"Hmm...right."

As if remembering something, Nagato picked up the withered head in his hand and offered it to the group, saying indifferently, "Tell the others to keep the intruder's head, pack it up, and have a few blood pigeons deliver it to Iwagakure..."

Upon hearing this, the hearts of several members of the Whirlpool Clan skipped a beat, and they stared in astonishment at the red-haired youth in front of them.

However, Nagato suddenly paused, remembering the age of that old man Onoki, and hesitated for a moment.

After all, that old guy is quite old. If he wakes up at night or in the morning and suddenly sees several heads staring straight at him, wouldn't he just die?

A little intimidation might work, but if it scares the Tsuchikage to death, it would mean a complete breakdown in relations with Iwagakure.

Now is not the time to start a war.

After taking power, Onoki of Iwagakure has been developing military capabilities. He has probably accumulated and trained tens of thousands of Iwagakure ninja. Even if he wins a war now, it will only be a Pyrrhic victory that results in heavy losses for both sides.

But in their future plans, they need a resounding victory, and an undisputed one.

They must take the initiative to declare war on the major powers and assert their presence to the entire ninja world.

So let's be kinder to the elderly before that happens.

Thinking of this, Nagato waved his hand and changed his mind, saying, "Forget it, there's no need to send him to Iwagakure. I'm afraid that old man Onoki might not be able to catch his breath and die."

Several members of the Whirlpool Clan twitched at the corners of their eyes, gaining a deeper understanding of the personality of this fellow member from another country, but they still secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Nagato's next words sent chills down their spines.

"Then let's treat the heads of these idiots with lime nitrate and hang them outside the city as a warning to all."

Nagato said coldly, "Let those malicious bastards see the ugly faces of these 'seniors,' and let our Tsuchikage see the fate of his rabble."

Although I don't intend to break off relations right now, I still need to deter those petty scoundrels. Flies and rats may not be worth paying attention to, but if there are too many of them, it will become a nuisance.

The members of the Whirlpool Clan exchanged glances, understanding the significance of this action, and bowed their heads to accept the head.

While the others went to deal with the body, Nagato looked up at the sky.

"Coo coo".

A large white dove, comparable in size to a raven, descended from the sky, folded its wings to its sides, and gently landed on Nagato's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek affectionately or rather, in a fawning manner.

A smile appeared on Nagato's usually expressionless face. He casually extended a finger and brought it to the pigeon's beak, saying, "Drink less. Your size is seriously out of proportion. Go back and digest it after the mission."

Upon hearing this, the white dove, which had been eagerly opening its beak wide, immediately drooped its head, but still obediently closed its beak slightly to indicate that it would not drink too much.

Seeing this, Nagato cut a gash in his finger, and a drop of deep red blood slowly seeped out, finally landing precisely in the white dove's mouth.

"Coo coo".

The white dove opened its beak and swallowed, its eyes glowing even redder. It smacked its lips in a human-like manner, seemingly still wanting more.

"Go."

Nagato extended his healed fingers and patted the white dove's head, saying indifferently, "Go and keep an eye on that guy, Miyajo En. He should have found the monks by now."

"Those old bald monks from the temple in the Land of Fire are troublesome, but if Oyajo En can't even handle them, then let the others kill him and those old bald monks together."

His elder brother gave him extremely high authority when he left, perhaps he had already foreseen that this scene would unfold.

This is a test. He must guard this place and achieve a perfect score before his brother returns.

He wanted his older brother to know that he was now capable of handling things on his own.

"Coo coo".

The white dove, which had been fed "blood" by Nagato for a long time, had become able to communicate with him telepathically. After nodding, it spread its broad wings and flew away from Nagato's shoulder into the distance.

Just then, the tallest clock tower rang its evening bells.

Boom!Boom!Boom!

Dozens of white doves circled and soared in the dim, yellow sky, enveloping the city and a radius of a kilometer around it under the wings of the doves and the sound of the evening bells.

Like crows mourning someone's death and a tolling funeral bell.

(End of this chapter)