Several years had passed since Yoru's conversation with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Konoha had finally ushered in a period of true peace.
Even the Senju clan—who had suffered the most unfair treatment—remained silent. Under such circumstances, the elders of the various factions gradually calmed down as well.
Hiruzen had originally prepared himself for a prolonged struggle with the Senju elders, but to his surprise, the clan only symbolically sent a few elders to express their dissatisfaction—and that was the end of it.
Hiruzen let out a long sigh of relief.
After all, the Senju clan still held tremendous influence within Konoha. If they truly resolved to reclaim the power that rightfully belonged to them, it would be extremely difficult for him to deal with.
Seeing the Senju clan endure such injustice while still continuing to serve the village, their ninjas carrying out missions with unwavering dedication—
For a rare moment, a trace of guilt surfaced in Hiruzen's heart.
But it was quickly suppressed.
"I'm doing this for the good of the village," he told himself.
As for Danzo—
His conflict with Yoru had become a topic of casual conversation among Konoha's highest-ranking officials.
It was said that when Danzo woke up, drenched in cold sweat, he looked down—
Only to see a sea of magma.
The base he had painstakingly built had been reduced to such a state.
His already pale face flushed with an unhealthy redness as his body trembled with rage.
When he heard Aburame Ryoma relay Yoru's message—
Danzo couldn't bear the humiliation.
He roared in fury—
And fainted again.
Not long after, Root relocated its base.
Not just because of Yoru's threat—
But because the magma left behind was something they simply couldn't deal with.
It was also said that after this incident, Danzo skipped two consecutive important meetings, citing poor health.
When he finally appeared at the third meeting—
His face was dark, yet strangely flushed.
Some couldn't help but secretly laugh.
Seeing their reactions, Danzo's expression grew even darker.
His hatred for Yoru deepened further.
Meanwhile—
Yoru's life remained peaceful and fulfilling.
Every day, Mikoto and Konan prepared his meals.
From time to time, he would visit Tsunade.
Surrounded by the warmth of the four women, the restlessness in his heart gradually settled, allowing him to grow calmer.
This, in turn, enabled him to enter the "Zen" state more easily, steadily improving his Observation Haki and Armament Haki.
When he felt a bottleneck—
It meant his current physical strength and mental power had been fully converted into Haki.
To improve further—
He needed to enhance both his body and his spirit.
Thus, Yoru once again began his extreme body training.
But this time—
He focused especially on strengthening his core.
During the past half-year, his training had been aimed at fully unlocking his body's potential to develop stronger Haki. As a result, he was still some distance away from breaking through his third physical limit.
However—
After comprehending the "Zen" state—
This third breakthrough was only a matter of time.
As for his magma ability—
Yoru continued refining it.
Every few days, he would visit the Senju clan.
With the help of elite Fire Release users among their jonin, his magma gradually deepened in color.
And what delighted him the most—
Was that he had begun to touch the edge of awakening.
Though still far from truly reaching it—
He could clearly feel that awakening was no longer just a dream.
This was the benefit of entering the Zen state.
Only by fully understanding every aspect of his magma ability—
Could he ascend to the next level.
By Yoru's estimation—
His magma was already devastating in large-scale combat.
Any ninja below Kage level—
Wouldn't even qualify to face him in battle under the overwhelming assault of his magma.
As for Kage-level opponents—
Previously, Yoru had avoided fighting them.
Because he knew—
His magma ability lacked sufficient single-target killing power.
But now—
Things were different.
With the growth of his Observation Haki—
And his mastery of Armament Haki coating—
He was confident in defeating ordinary Kage-level opponents.
Why such confidence?
Because in this world, most strong shinobi relied on combat experience—
Essentially instinct honed through countless battles.
But Yoru was different.
His Observation Haki allowed him to foresee his opponent's next move—
And counter it precisely.
While others fought blindly with instinct—
He fought with foresight.
Naturally, he held the absolute advantage.
Moreover—
With elementalization—
Yoru could confidently say—
In the current shinobi world, no one could kill him.
Of course—
That was assuming the gap in strength wasn't overwhelming.
After all, if the difference in speed and power was too great—
His body wouldn't be able to react in time.
Even against Ōnoki's Dust Release—
Yoru estimated that with full-force Armament Haki defense, he might barely withstand it.
Of course—
That was only a rough estimate.
He wasn't stupid enough to stand still and take it.
The moment his Observation Haki detected the activation of Dust Release—
He would immediately retreat.
After all—
Dust Release consumed an enormous amount of chakra.
As long as he avoided it once or twice—
The advantage would shift to him.
Because Ōnoki had no idea—
That something like Observation Haki even existed.
In short—
Yoru had already stepped into the ranks of the top-tier powerhouses of the shinobi world.
"Hokage-sama! Urgent report from the frontlines!"
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was calmly smoking and reviewing documents—
A communications ninja burst into the office in a panic.
"Bring it here."
Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat.
This ninja was a veteran of the communications unit—someone who knew the rules.
For him to barge in like this—
Something major must have happened.
Hiruzen took the report.
His pupils shrank sharply.
Sunagakure and Iwagakure—
Had declared war on Konohagakure!
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