[TL/N: New Book -
Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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Boom!
The blinding light overwhelmed Hashirama, crushing even his formidable power. Though Hashirama was strong, Alexander's abilities were simply overwhelming.
Shards of the wooden constructs rained down on Alexander, causing some damage. However, thanks to Avalon, his legendary artifact, all harm was nullified. The ability to deny all damage wasn't mere talk. Yet Hashirama himself wasn't so fortunate. Despite using the five-layer Rashomon defense technique, his body was obliterated into fragments.
"You're incredibly strong, young man," Hashirama admitted, his voice calm despite his defeat. "I hope you use your strength to walk the right path."
Hashirama, unsure of his surroundings or the circumstances, could sense that Alexander was extraordinary.
Alexander smirked faintly. "Don't worry. I have no interest in destroying the world—though I certainly have the power to do so."
With that, Alexander used sealing magic to release Hashirama's soul from its bound state.
In the shadows, Orochimaru, the mastermind of the Impure World Reincarnation, watched as his plans unraveled. He decided to end the summoning. If even Hashirama couldn't succeed, there was no hope for Tobirama.
"Not even the gods of the ninja world could stop him," Orochimaru mused. "Alexander, you truly are a god. Perhaps we'll meet again someday—if fate allows."
With those parting words, Orochimaru's body dissipated into dust, his Shadow Clone vanishing from the scene.
Alexander shrugged, unimpressed. "Fate, huh? The way my strength grows, next time I might just snap my fingers and wipe you out."
——
Meanwhile, Little Flandre ran up to Alexander, burying herself in his arms with an aggrieved pout. "Big brother, we couldn't catch the bad guy."
Alexander gently patted her head. "It's alright. He's strong. Sometimes you can't win, and that's okay."
"I wasn't losing!" protested Remilia, her eyes fiery. "I almost had him! My spear nearly pierced him!"
Her indignation was palpable, but she admitted grudgingly, "He's slippery—like a loach. I just couldn't pin him down."
Alexander chuckled. "Don't worry about it. We'll deal with him another time."
With that, Alexander gathered the group and left the battlefield.
——
Unbeknownst to them, a figure lingered in the shadows, observing the entire confrontation. Dressed in a black cloak adorned with red clouds and wearing a wooden spiral mask, the man sighed softly.
"Even the gods of the ninja world have fallen. What hope remains?" he muttered. "Still, I must try. I have to see if it's possible to bring her back."
With those cryptic words, the man disappeared into a swirling vortex, leaving the scene behind.
——
When Alexander returned home, a fiery red figure rushed to meet him.
"Alexander! Incredible! You actually defeated Hashirama! That was exhilarating!"
Alexander flopped onto the sofa, giving the Kurama a bemused look. "Why do you hold such grudges? Didn't I beat you too? Or do you want me to pummel you again to vent your frustrations?"
Kurama huffed indignantly but said nothing more as Alexander addressed the others.
"By the way, let me introduce someone." Alexander gestured to the woman beside him. "This is Saeko Busujima, from the world of 'Apocalypse Academy'."
Saeko stepped forward, meeting the gazes of those present with quiet determination. "Hello. Saeko Busujima. Master apprentice."
The room grew tense as her words sank in. Kurumi and Esdeath maintained their composure, but others flushed visibly.
"Apprentice? Is Alexander taking apprentices now?" Tohru asked curiously, glancing between Saeko and Alexander.
"No apprentices," Alexander replied bluntly. "She's just stubborn. And if I don't teach her a thing or two, she won't last long back in her world."
Saeko nodded slightly, her mind turning to her own world and those she needed to protect—especially Shizuka, the gentle but air-headed teacher who would struggle to survive without her.
Alexander, sensing her thoughts, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. Time is frozen in your world if you get summoned here. Once you've learned what you need, you'll return stronger—and ready to save her."
Turning back to the others, Alexander introduced them one by one.
"Let me present your mentors: Shinobu Kocho, master of Insect Breathing; and her big sister Kanae, master of Flower Breathing; Akame, a master of assassination techniques; Esdeath, a swordmaster trained in battle; Nero, Artoria…"
As Alexander finished his introductions, he looked at Saeko. "Now, it's your choice. These are true masters of swordsmanship. Decide who you'd like to learn from."