I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 318 A man doesn't easily shed tears, unless you pluck his nose hairs.

The sudden loss of balance caused Hozuki Gengetsu to show a rare expression of surprise and even fear, which seemed much more genuine than when he said, "I, I'm dead~"

In just a moment, half of Hozuki Gengetsu's body was pulled into the swamp. The indescribable burning sensation and the pain of being devoured made Hozuki Gengetsu's face contort.

"The art of water transformation!"

He instantly turned into a puddle of water, and Chenma's hand that was holding him suddenly slipped away, his entire body sinking downwards at an even faster speed.

After a short while, a pool of water condensed and transformed back into the shape of Ghost Lantern Crescent Moon. However, he was quite disheveled at this moment, grimacing and panting as if trying to relieve the pain in his body.

His body surface was constantly hydrating, and each time the hydration ended, the corroded and swollen skin would improve slightly, but the solemnity in his eyes did not ease at all, and even became more solemn.

He stared intently at the spot where Tatsuma had fallen, his expression heavy and complex. He truly didn't want "Takasugi Shinsuke" to die, and even wanted to lend a helping hand.

But Hozuki Gengetsu also understood that "Takasugi Shinsuke" was aiming to kill him. At that moment, any rational and clear-headed person would not have refused his help.

But Takasugi Shinsuke refused, and even tried to use his last breath to drag him down with him. If it weren't for his water-transformation technique, Hozuki Gengetsu knew he might really be in trouble.

If he had simply refused his help, "Takasugi Shinsuke" would have been beyond saving.

Gengetsu Hozuki looked at the swamp beneath him, then glanced back towards Kirigakure. He had to go back to the village, whether to reseal the Six-Tails or to investigate the matter of "Takasugi Shinsuke."

He wanted to understand what this child named "Takasugi Shinsuke" had gone through. With such outstanding talent, he should have been respected and nurtured, if not pampered by the village.

According to his close friend's description, that junior named Yagura was not as good as "Takasugi Shinsuke," yet he was frequently mentioned in letters, and the words were full of praise and favoritism.

It's like ignoring delicious oysters and clams and letting them spoil, while preferring foul-smelling beef and mutton—it's hard to understand.

Hozuki Gengetsu wanted to figure out what made this person so disillusioned with the village that he would rather die than accept his help.

If there were villains causing trouble, Hozuki Gengetsu narrowed his eyes, and his naturally smiling lips began to droop.

He was an opponent of the Blood Mist Village policy, and even went so far as to distance himself from close friends to demonstrate his political stance.

Hozuki Gengetsu realized long ago that his best friend's idea was too idealistic. Eliminating the bloodline limit ninjas and raising the average combat strength of the entire village by means of one-on-one battles could indeed ensure the stability of the combat strength level.

However, the Blood Mist Village policy was too bloody, and blood could wash away evil and also cover up a person's conscience. When the whole village fell into a bloody frenzy, turmoil was inevitable.

Indeed, in recent years, the number of ninjas who have defected has been increasing, and more and more ninjas have opposed the policies of their close friend.

However, his close friend also fell into radical political struggles, began to deviate from his original intentions, and even became intolerant of other people's opinions, as if his close friend had unknowingly become a stranger.

A large number of ninjas loyal to Kirigakure were abandoned and replaced by ninjas who were equally radical but not necessarily in the best interests of the village, forcing the loyal ninjas to turn to betrayal.

Hozuki Gengetsu speculated that perhaps "Takasugi Shinsuke" never even caught his best friend's eye, not because his best friend had high standards, but because he was deceived.

The defection of "Takasugi Shinsuke" may also be related to those crazy people. In recent letters, his close friend even said that he, who was far away from the village, had been impeached and even suggested to be included in the list of traitorous ninjas.

Although the Third Mizukage treated these things as gossip, and Hozuki Gengetsu hadn't cared much before, at this moment, he suddenly realized that because of their friendship, even if their political stances differed, he would still be protected by the Third Mizukage.

But what about the others? "Takasugi Shinsuke" doesn't sound like he has a ninja clan background, and in terms of fighting style, Hozuki Gengetsu couldn't find anyone to match him, since those he was familiar with were all high-ranking members of the village.

In other words, "Takasugi Shinsuke" should be a genius without any background or support. Such a genius is dazzling, but he also makes others feel dazzled.

"What a pity."

Hozuki Gengetsu murmured one last time.

Tatsuma felt like he was in excruciating pain. The last time he felt this way was when he was hit by the Third Raikage, A, but the feeling only lasted for a brief moment.

And now, in a detailed and lengthy manner, he felt as if his mouth and nose were being poured with that highly corrosive liquid.

Sometimes, plucking a single nose hair can send a rush of pain straight to your brain, making you cry uncontrollably. But Chenma felt as if his entire body was covered in nose hairs, which were being plucked one by one in the most painful way.

The pain was so intense that even the effects of the [White Demon] physique couldn't eliminate it. If it weren't for his physical exhaustion, he would probably be writhing like a dying maggot.

Just as he was about to collapse, he suddenly felt a surge of power within him, nourishing his body like water. He tried to breathe, but his airway was completely blocked.

The feeling of suffocation made Tatsuma open his mouth wide and even start swallowing. The corrosive liquid entered his stomach as he swallowed.

In an instant, the pain intensified again, but the liquid seemed to contain chakra, including his own chakra and the chakra of the tailed beasts.

These chakras were extracted from the liquid and merged into Chenma's body, which restored much of his strength.

The pain, coupled with the will to survive, caused Chenma to concentrate intensely. At the same time, the tiny particles of natural energy that he had deeply inhaled were also releasing natural energy outwards.

Physical energy, mental energy, and natural energy are not actually in balance, but when Chenma is in the water, his body begins to regulate itself.

The body begins to absorb more and more energy, and the natural energy within the body is gradually flowing out of the body. The consciousness in the mind begins to rise and fall like a boat.

Suffocation can cause mental depression, but pain can invigorate him.

The three energies were like gears with mismatched speeds, grinding against each other. In the process, their forces began to transfer to each other and gradually converge.

Finally, in an instant, the three energies reached the same baseline, and in a state of equilibrium, they began to mix.

"Coo coo coo~"

Just as Hozuki Gengetsu was about to leave, he suddenly heard what sounded like coming from below the swamp. He put down his foot and looked back at the swamp.

"Bang!"

The swamp suddenly exploded, and a muddy figure shot into the sky, one hand still holding up his pants.

Hozuki Gengetsu opened his mouth slightly, somewhat disbelieving that someone could survive for so long at the bottom of the swamp.

Of course, this is on the premise that the chakra is almost exhausted. If the chakra is abundant and preparations are made, any Jonin has the means to stay in the swamp for a period of time.

However, he knew Takasugi Shinsuke's previous condition well. He had exhausted his chakra and needed to use that unknown drug to stimulate his body. Moreover, when he fell into the swamp, he had no chakra protection around him at all.

The corrosiveness of the swamp was so great that even Hozuki Gengetsu himself suffered some injuries after only a short contact, let alone Takasugi Shinsuke, who was inferior to him in both strength and condition.

"Why is your hair curly now?"

Upon seeing "Takasugi Shinsuke" "resurrected," Hozuki Gengetsu wanted to chat with him, but... that curly hair that even muddy, damp soil couldn't smooth out was too jarring, and Hozuki Gengetsu blurted out...

Tatsuma ran his fingers through his hair with his other hand and found it to be really curly. However, he also seemed to realize that Hozuki Gengetsu didn't seem to recognize his true identity.

Although his entire body is now covered in swamp, Hozuki Gengetsu has seen his face and knows his hair color, except that it has changed from being tied up to having curly hair. With just a little association, he can figure out Tatsuma's true appearance.

It's not that Tatsuma thinks he's a household name, but as a high-ranking member of the ninja village, is it really acceptable for him not to know about the village's young talents? Isn't Sakamoto Tatsuma handsome?!

Tatsuma shook his head in anger, removing the mud from his hair and revealing his signature scarlet eyes and blue-and-white bird's nest-shaped curls, but Hozuki Gengetsu still did not react.

He had already left the village long before Tatsuma "debuted," and since Kirigakure's ability to gather information from overseas was not very good to begin with, no one had mentioned Sakamoto Tatsuma to him.

His close friend, the Third Mizukage, did mention the genius who had appeared in Konoha in their correspondence, but there were no photos or descriptions of his characteristics, since the two villages didn't have much opportunity to interact.

Hozuki Gengetsu's lips twitched a few times as he said, "You not only have curly hair, but you also have tattoos? And on your face? What were you thinking?"

Chenma touched his tear trough. His current state was very peculiar. He had experienced it before; this was Sage Mode.

However, Hozuki Gengetsu was oblivious to the value of his work, and Tatsuma didn't want to explain anything to him. He formed the Opposing Mudra with one hand, and his curly hair began to grow again, the controlled strands getting caught on his tattered pants.

Tatsuma was finally able to free his hands and quickly adapt to the strange power within his body.

He had not systematically studied Sage Mode and Sage Arts; both times he entered Sage Mode were accidental. However, he could still use some of his instincts in Sage Mode.

"Splash splash splash~"

Suddenly, five Vajra chains emerged from Tatsuma's body, drilling downwards to Hozuki Gengetsu's astonishment. At the same time, Tatsuma's eyes fell on Hozuki Gengetsu, and he said:

"I have to admit, you are a formidable opponent. Even now, I am not entirely confident of defeating you."

He did enter Sage Mode, but he didn't have much Sage Chakra left. Not understanding Sage Mode, he also had difficulty controlling his own endurance.

Gengetsu Hozuki looked at Tatsuma and said, "Although I don't know what you want to do, the chains on you remind me of some bad memories. You must be a descendant of the Uzumaki clan."

No wonder you betrayed us; you must know about what happened six years ago.

Tatsuma narrowed his eyes, not denying it, but saying, "From what you're saying, you were involved in that incident?"

Those who personally participated in the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools back then, including the leaders of each village, were all eliminated by Hatake Sakumo. Hozuki Gengetsu was most likely not one of the executors, but perhaps one of the planners.

"Aside from this amazing ability, there are no traces of the vortex on you anymore. There's no need for you to hate your true comrades because of those distant relatives."

Hozuki Gengetsu didn't answer, but still wanted to persuade Tatsuma. However, his honest but unwelcome advice was destined to be useless, because Tatsuma was not a ninja from Kirigakure.

At that moment, the chains binding Tatsuma suddenly stopped, and he smiled, saying, "Although I may not be able to handle it, I don't want to let such a powerful opponent like you go. Let's cause a ruckus!"

"boom!"

At this moment, the entire swamp resembled a constantly turbulent sea.

(End of this chapter)