Far away on Turtle Island, Kazuyama Gekkō received his anticipated reward right on schedule.
[Ding! Detected that the host has abducted the Two-Tails Jinchūriki of Kumogakure, Yugito Nii, along with Turtle Island, causing the would-be Fourth Raikage to faint from anger once again—Strength +5, Speed +5.]
[Ding! Detected that the host has abducted the Two-Tails Jinchūriki of Kumogakure, Yugito Nii, along with Kame Island, causing the elite Kumogakure Jōnin, Dodai, to spit blood in fury—Taijutsu +3, Genjutsu +3.]
Kazuyama, who had been in the middle of lecturing Yugito, suddenly received a 16-point attribute boost and was elated.
This was the first time two attributes had increased simultaneously—it seemed that the would-be Fourth Raikage and Dodai had been truly enraged.
Kazuyama Gekkō
Affiliation: Konohagakure, Gekkō Clan Jōnin, Jinchūriki (Seven-Tails)
Kekkei Genkai: Transparent Escape (Perfect Mastery), Crystal Release (Initial Mastery)
Ninjutsu: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Eight Inner Gates, Flying Thunder God Technique, Fire Release Ninjutsu (Fireball, Phoenix Sage Fire Technique), Earth Release Ninjutsu (Earth-Style Wall, Double Suicide Decapitation Technique), Wind Release Technique (Protective Wind, Great Breakthrough, Wind Cutter), Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, One Thousand Years of Death (11% increase in power, special characteristic: Rotation), Summoning Technique (Snake), Five-Layered Rashomon Gate
Senjutsu: Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu (Not Activated), Natural Energy (Beginner Level)
Tailed Beast: Chōmei
Affinity: 100%
Tailed Beast Transformation Progress: 100%
Tailed Beast Ball (Mastered, Optimization Progress 20%, Activated Skill: Handheld Ability)
Stats
Strength: 77
Speed: 80
Chakra: 95
Stamina: 82
Ninjutsu: 96
Taijutsu: 59
Genjutsu: 64
Hand Seals: 78
Although his attributes hadn't improved much, the Crystal Release, Five-Layered Rashōmon Gate, and Tailed Beast Ball had significantly enhanced his abilities. Kazuyama was very satisfied with his current strength.
If he included Chōmei, he could walk through the Ninja World with confidence.
Just as he was indulging in his fantasies, Yugito's voice suddenly rang out with contempt.
"Hey, what are you laughing at? That was a really wretched laugh."
Hearing this, Kazuyama immediately suppressed his smile and coughed lightly.
"It's nothing. Did you remember what I just told you?"
"You need to face your own dark side bravely, got it?"
Yugito nodded, her already arrogant little face looking even more conceited.
"It's just the Dark Side. Watch how I take care of it."
Seeing Yugito's eagerness, Kazuyama smirked. He had read the original work and knew that the Dark Side wasn't easy to deal with. Since the brat wanted to suffer, it would be entertaining to watch.
Just then, Chōmei suddenly spoke up.
"Kazuyama, are you trying to trick her? I don't think you have good intentions."
Chōmei had been with Kazuyama for a long time. If this task were truly beneficial, Kazuyama would have taken it himself instead of handing it over to a kid. Something was definitely off.
"Hey, hey, Chōmei, you're right. This Dark Side is no joke."
"We'll just watch the show."
"I doubt it'll last long."
At that moment, Yugito had already leaped onto the raised platform in front of the waterfall, staring intently at the cascading water.
Soon, a dark figure emerged from behind the waterfall.
As it stepped forward, it revealed itself—another Yugito. But this one wore a devilish grin, and her eyes gleamed red, giving her an eerie presence.
"Hehehe... Yugito..."
"You, so full of inferiority—what makes you think you belong here?"
"Your arrogance is just a façade! You crave recognition and friendship! Otherwise, why would you have accepted the Two-Tails and become a Jinchūriki?"
Yugito, who had been brimming with confidence, froze the moment her Dark Side spoke. Her eyes widened in shock at the red-eyed version of herself standing across from her.
"No... I don't feel inferior! I want to become the strongest!"
"Hehe, weakling. You'll never become the strongest! Just give up and go home! Or I'll beat you to death!"
The Dark Side stepped forward slowly. Though it was the same age as Yugito, it was already walking on water, proving it could use chakra.
Seeing this, Yugito instinctively took a half step back. She was afraid. The other version of her had voiced her deepest insecurities, and its terrifying appearance only made her fear worse.
"Ah! Don't come any closer!"
At this moment, Yugito was on the verge of breaking down. She hadn't yet become a ninja and had always deceived herself, suppressing her true thoughts behind a facade of arrogance.
But in front of the Falls of Truth, all her pretenses crumbled into nothing.
She slowly crouched down, wrapping her arms around her knees, her body trembling slightly.
Seeing this, Kazuyama let out a small sigh. So, it was all just a front...
She longed for strength, willingly accepting the Two-Tails and becoming Matatabi's Jinchūriki, chasing after power…
The Dark Side continued its advance, and Yugito was powerless to resist. Watching this, Kazuyama slowly raised his right hand, his chakra transforming into a gentle breeze that lifted Yugito from the ground.
"That's enough. Let's stop here."
With precise control, the wind carried Yugito away from the waterfall. The moment she left, the Dark Side gradually faded.
Kazuyama crouched down beside the still-trembling Yugito.
"Kid, I already know—you want to be strong. Follow me, and I'll give you everything you desire."
"With my help, along with the power of the Two-Tails within you, I guarantee you'll become strong—someone others will look up to."
He seized the moment. There was no way Kazuyama would let such an opportunity slip away.
If he could win Yugito over in one move, making her his loyal follower—his future right hand—why wouldn't he?
Yugito slowly lifted her head, her reddened eyes filled with fear… but even more so, an unshakable obsession. The obsession to become strong.
Kazuyama laughed. "Hahaha! Brat, I like that look in your eyes."
"It's just the Dark Side. Let me show you how insignificant it really is."
Without hesitation, he leaped forward, landing in front of the Falls, staring straight at his reflection, waiting.
Soon, the shadowy figure within the Falls emerged once more.
Kazuyama Gekkō's Dark Side took form. It resembled him, yet its expression and eyes told a different story.
The crimson pupils were expected.
But the face—twisted with sheer, unrestrained madness!
Seeing it, Kazuyama wasn't the least bit surprised. Of course. It's my Dark Side, after all.
But the moment it opened its mouth—
Kazuyama could no longer hold back.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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