The Black Lightning Inheritance Hall held a special position within Kumogakure. Its destructive power, reputedly surpassing ordinary Lightni
The Black Lightning Inheritance Hall held a special position within Kumogakure.
Its destructive power, reputedly surpassing ordinary Lightning Release, was considered a crucial marker for a Raikage successor.
However, since the fall of the Second Raikage, the Black Lightning had lacked an heir. The stringent selection process deterred many younger ninjas.
Despite this, hopefuls continued to test their luck daily.
The massive black iron tower, a full thirty meters tall, was covered in intricate seals and runes.
Periodically, lightning bolts would strike its peak, emitting deafening roars.
Two Kumogakure Anbu guarded the entrance, constantly scanning their surroundings, appearing diligent.
However, in their eyes, the Hall's location within Kumogakure, combined with the notoriously difficult inheritance process, meant no outsider would expend the effort to try their luck here.
Furthermore, the Hall was open to all Kumogakure shinobi, making any attempt at forceful entry unthinkable.
"Elder Mokkaku, what brings you here?" The two Anbu, initially relaxed, were startled by the elder's appearance, their expressions turning suspicious.
In their eyes, Mokkaku, as an elder of the clan, was rarely seen by outsiders due to his age. Only Anbu under specific orders would immediately recognize him.
"Ho ho, this Black Lightning Inheritance Tower has always been open to the public. My arrival shouldn't be a problem," Mokkaku chuckled. "Or has the Fourth Raikage issued an order to oppose our clan?"
The two Kumogakure Anbu's expressions changed abruptly.
The Yotsuki Clan's aggressive nature, and the past rebellion of Kinkaku and Ginkaku, had indeed caused dissent within Kumogakure.
However, as one of the village's major clans, unless they were prepared for a complete break, and a significant weakening of the village's overall strength, it would be difficult to replicate Konoha's handling of the Uchiha clan—a single Uchiha Itachi effectively limiting the damage to the Uchiha clan alone.
Since the Kinkaku and Ginkaku incident, the Yotsuki Clan had appeared restrained and low-profile.
However, this had allowed them to secretly cultivate even greater strength.
Even after being weakened on the battlefield, the clan, under this elder's leadership, remained one of the most powerful in Kumogakure.
"What? Are you refusing passage?" Mokkaku's face hardened, his voice sharp.
The Anbu, startled, quickly responded, "Elder Mokkaku, you misunderstand. We were only concerned for your health. Any incident would deeply distress the Fourth Raikage."
"However, since you've made your decision, we can't stop you."
As they stepped aside, Mokkaku moved instantly. His weathered hands shot out from his sleeves, revealing gleaming blades that sliced towards the Anbu's necks.
Before they could react, blood spurted, and they fell, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Hmph, so-called Anbu are nothing more," Mokkaku sneered. Seven or eight figures appeared silently behind him.
"Elder, Black Lightning possesses the power to seal and suppress tailed beasts, but no one has ever successfully inherited it. Are we truly confident in this?" a burly man asked gravely.
As Kumogakure shinobi, they had all attempted the Black Lightning inheritance trials. Every clan member was required to participate.
Success would be the closest and quickest path to becoming Raikage.
However, after personally experiencing the refinement within the Lightning Pool, they understood the excruciating, arduous nature of the process.
"Hmph, rest assured. I've dedicated most of my life to researching the Lightning Seal.
Combined with your unique physiques, there's a forty percent chance of successfully implanting the Black Lightning seed," Mokkaku said coldly. "Are you, my elite warriors, afraid to sacrifice for the clan's sake? Or do you doubt my methods?"
"Elder Mokkaku, please don't misunderstand. We simply want to understand the risks. Kinkaku and Ginkaku are already preparing the plan; any failure could be a nightmare for our clan," the burly man explained urgently.
"Kuro, rest assured, the refinement will only take place at the periphery. As long as you don't venture into the depths, the Lightning Seal will ensure your safe return," Mokkaku said, his tone softening. He knew that no one truly welcomed death, especially facing near-certain death.
The clan members, initially apprehensive, relaxed slightly after hearing this. As Kumogakure shinobi, they knew the Lightning Pool's dangers. Staying at the edge meant at most severe injuries, not death. If Mokkaku's Lightning Seal worked, a safe return was indeed possible.
Seeing their apprehension ease, Mokkaku continued, "Since we all believe this is feasible, let's proceed."
"Elder Mokkaku, allow me to open the gate," Kuro said solemnly, stepping forward to the heavy iron gate.
The moment his hands touched the gate, black lightning crackled, rapidly spreading towards Kuro.
"Hmph!" Kuro snorted, his muscles rippling as he ignored the arcing black lightning and forcefully threw open the heavy gate.
A deafening roar echoed.
Black lightning surged outwards, some striking towards them like venomous snakes. The intensity was suffocating.
Their expressions changed drastically. Kuro shouted, "Damn it! What's happening? The Black Lightning within the tower… it's rampaging!"
This wasn't their first time encountering the tower.
The Black Lightning was usually concentrated in the Lightning Pool, with the periphery significantly weaker.
This uncontrolled surge of lightning directly towards the entrance was unheard of.
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