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Strangely enough, even by today, there was still no sign of any member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. It was as if they had simply vanished into thin air.
The threat of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had been neutralized. While many were aware of the news, only a select few knew the actual truth. Under such circumstances, what valuable intelligence could Kirigakure possibly dig up?
Despite his doubts, Mangetsu Hozuki followed the orders of the Third Mizukage. Along with the other Mist Ninja assigned to suppress Ronglin, he departed from the camp.
"We're mobilizing this many people just to corner one person?"
"Isn't this a bit of an exaggeration?"
"Hmph, what do you know?! The person we're hunting is Konoha's super genius, Uchiha Ronglin. This guy has killed a significant number of our people over the last two days. Don't you think he deserves some serious attention?"
"It's not just here, either. On the Land of Wind battlefield, he was a major player. Do you really think someone like that is easy to deal with?"
While some of the high-ranking officers had been briefed, most of the rank-and-file ninja remained completely bewildered.
Why are we sending out so many people?
Only after asking around did they realize the target was the super genius Uchiha Ronglin.
However, once they learned that everyone sent out over the last two days had met a gruesome end at his hands, shock rippled through the ranks. How could a mere kid like Uchiha Ronglin possess such terrifying power?
Along with the shock came a boiling rage. This Uchiha Ronglin had killed so many of their comrades!
He was utterly unforgivable.
Driven by a mix of complex emotions, the Kirigakure ninja sprinted toward Ronglin's location. They moved in a fan-shaped formation, slowly closing the distance. As long as Ronglin engaged one group, he would inevitably be encircled by the others.
"Kirigakure really thinks highly of me. There must be several hundred of them by now, right?"
Using the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and the Byakugan simultaneously, Ronglin's detection range had reached its absolute maximum. He kept a constant watch on every movement around him. Discovering that Kirigakure had deployed hundreds to besiege him, Ronglin let out a chuckle, feeling as though he was receiving "special treatment."
Thinking back to the original story's account of the Third Raikage, now that was a spectacle!
Ten thousand Iwa-nin had hunted him down, relentlessly wearing him away that was a true feat of endurance.
Given the Third Raikage's speed and physical durability, he likely killed over a thousand Stone Ninja during that pursuit. Over a thousand... many ninja don't kill that many enemies in their entire lives.
Unfortunately, the Third Raikage was eventually exhausted to death, which felt like a rather stifling way to go. There was one thing Ronglin couldn't quite wrap his head around: when the Kage is in danger, shouldn't the guards be the ones staying behind to block the enemy?
How did it evolve into the Kage staying behind as a meat shield while the subordinates ran away?
Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, had done it, and later, the Third Raikage did the same!
Leaving your subordinates to flee while you cover the retreat... maybe it made a bit of sense for Tobirama Senju, as he was protecting his disciples, the next generation of Konoha.
But what about the Third Raikage? He was ambushed while on a mission.
Who were the people accompanying him on that mission?
Did he really need to be the one to stay behind? What were those so-called Raikage guards being paid for?
The Kage of each village is its pillar, its representative. To be worn down and slaughtered like that how frustrating must that be?
Dying such a miserable death not only stripped the village of its dignity but also left it in a state of chaos.
Fortunately, the Land of Lightning was quite unified internally. It wasn't like some other villages where power struggles and greed ran rampant and Konoha was no exception.
Just look at the scramble for power when the Third Hokage considered abdication, or the panic of Danzo and the bitterness of Orochimaru after Minato's death. It was all a dramatic mess.
And yet, it seems I've become one of them now, Ronglin thought with a wry smile.
As expected, conflict was human nature. Few could avoid it. People naturally strive for higher positions, just as water flows downward. No one willingly gives up what they believe they are entitled to, and Ronglin was no exception.
He wondered what those people who sacrificed everything for the sake of the "village" that flimsy excuse were actually thinking. People like Shisui, and especially Itachi...
If it were anyone else, would they really slaughter their own parents, family, and lovers? To hell with Danzo, and to hell with the village's "development and future." If a person can't even protect their own family and loved ones, what is the point of living?
Sacrifice yourself to fulfill others?
Ronglin wasn't that noble. It seemed Itachi was still quite young, and Shisui was currently being "molded" by him.
Danzo, I'd really like to see whose hand you'll try to use to exterminate the Uchiha this time.
In his past life, Itachi had been one of Ronglin's favorite characters. Unfortunately, what Ronglin could never understand was how he could personally kill his parents, his clan, and even his lover for the sake of the village.
It wasn't just Ronglin; most people who watched Naruto found that part hard to stomach.
Admittedly, a Uchiha coup might not have stood a chance against the village, but doing the deed yourself was truly hard to watch.
"Oh, they're here."
Interrupting his wandering thoughts, Ronglin glanced back.
Dozens of figures had appeared within his line of sight.
"I hope you're not too fragile. Otherwise, this is going to be very embarrassing."
He glanced at the KubikiribÅchÅ in his hand. His only hope was that the Executioner's Blade wouldn't be as flimsy as its reputation suggested; otherwise, this battle would be meaningless.
Based on his memories and his own intuition, the KubikiribÅchÅ wasn't exactly sturdy. It had been shattered countless times. If not for its unique ability to repair itself using blood, the blade would have been retired long ago.
"Uchiha Ronglin!!!"
Dozens of Mist Ninja appeared around Ronglin, surrounding him completely.
"Your speed could use some work," Ronglin said, stretching and letting out a yawn. "I was waiting so long I almost started dozing off."
"Arrogant brat!!"
"What shameless boasting!!!"
Ronglin's casual yawn made the Mist Ninja turn red with fury. Waiting so long you fell asleep?
You're literally surrounded by us right now. Where do you get the nerve to talk like that?
"Heh..."
The group erupted in curses, some even throwing insults at the entire Uchiha Clan.
I hope you can still curse once I draw this blade.
Ronglin let out a cold laugh and tightened his grip on the hilt. That simple motion sent a shock through the Mist Ninja, causing them to instinctively recoil.
A person's reputation is like the shadow of a tree without real skill, one couldn't forge such a massive name for themselves.
Moreover, the hundreds of people he had killed over the past two days hadn't died for nothing.