The night air of the Land of Hot Water carried the distinctive sulfurous scent of natural hot springs, mingling with the earthy aroma of mountain forests. Kenji stood at the edge of a cliff overlooking the valley below, his crimson eyes scanning the scattered lights of small villages and inns that dotted the landscape like fallen stars. The moon hung full and bright overhead, casting everything in silver relief.
Three days had passed since his departure from Uzushiogakure.
"System," he murmured, feeling the familiar stirring of his template system responding to his focused intent.
**TEMPLATE SYSTEM ACTIVATED**
**Host: Kenji Nakamura**
**Template: Muzan Kibutsuji (73%)**
**Twelve Kizuki:**
**Upper Ranks:**
- Upper Rank 6 – Daki and Gyutaro
**Lower Ranks:**
- Lower Rank 1 – Enmu
- Lower Rank 2 – Rokuro
- Lower Rank 3 – Wakuraba
- Lower Rank 4 – Mukago
- Lower Rank 5 – Rui
- Lower Rank 6 – Kyogai
**Primary Abilities:**
**1. Biological Manipulation** – Can restructure body at will; create weapons, grow limbs, alter organs.
**2. Cellular Regeneration** – Instantly heals from wounds, even decapitation (unless hit by specific weaknesses).
**3. Sensory Perception** – Can detect other demons and humans over vast distances.
**4. Poison Generation** – Lethal toxins infused in blood attacks. Effective but more situational; depends on toxin resistance.
**5. Shapeshifting** – Alters appearance, size, and voice. Good for deception and stealth but limited in direct combat use.
**6. Physical Augmentation** – Boosts strength, speed, reflexes to superhuman levels. Great for one-on-one combat but more straightforward.
**7. Absorption** – Consumes and assimilates others' abilities. Power-scaling on the fly. Adds new powers mid-fight—very dangerous.
**Special Traits:**
**Immortality** – Cannot age or die naturally.
**Sunlight Weakness** – Incinerated by direct sunlight.
**Bloodline Control** – Can kill, punish, or communicate with demons he created via a mental link.
**Ultimate Technique:**
**"Perfect Demon Physiology"** – Full release of body manipulation, enhancing all attributes and spawning countless whip-like appendages capable of shredding enemies instantly.
The new ability called Absorption sent a thrill through Kenji. Now he could assimilate physical Kekkei Genkai like the Byakugan or Sharingan. Once he acquired a Sharingan, he could resolve the problem created by his lack of ninjutsu knowledge.
Kenji closed his eyes and extended his supernatural senses. His Bloodline Control trait allowed him to communicate with the Twelve Kizuki via telepathic contact.
The first connection formed in his mind: *Lower Rank 3 – Wakuraba.*
*My lord,* the mental voice carried undertones of respectful fear mixed with genuine loyalty. *We await your arrival at the Moonlit Springs Inn, as instructed.*
*Good,* Kenji replied across the telepathic link. *I will arrive soon. Have you prepared for the new additions to our organization?*
*All preparations are complete, my lord. Lower Rank 4 stands ready to receive your commands.*
The connection faded, leaving Kenji alone with the night wind and his thoughts. Behind him, three figures emerged from the treeline with the fluid grace of predators accustomed to moving through darkness.
**Lower Rank 1 – Enmu** appeared first, maintaining his human disguise—a young man with an unsettling smile and eyes that seemed to hold dangerous secrets. The dream manipulator had proven invaluable during their journey, using his abilities to extract information from travelers without leaving witnesses.
**Lower Rank 2 – Rokuro** followed, his lean frame moving with deadly precision. The chains that were his signature ability remained hidden beneath human flesh, coiled like serpents waiting to strike.
The third figure was **Upper Rank 6**—Daki in her stunning human form, elaborate obi sashes concealed but ready. Her brother Gyutaro remained dormant within her, though Kenji could sense his malevolent presence just beneath the surface.
"The inn is two miles southeast," Kenji informed his companions without turning from his contemplation of the valley. "Wakuraba and Mukago await us there, along with reports on our expansion."
"My lord," Daki spoke with carefully modulated respect, her voice carrying the musical quality that made her human disguise so effective. "Shall we eliminate any obstacles we encounter?"
"Only if necessary," he replied, finally turning to face his subordinates. "Our goal is controlled expansion, not mindless slaughter. We need information networks, not ghost towns."
Enmu's smile widened with anticipation. "Of course, my lord. Though I confess, the dreams of shinobi will be particularly fascinating to explore. Their minds are so carefully trained, yet what secrets might they harbor in sleep?"
"Focus on the mission," Kenji commanded, his voice carrying an edge that immediately sobered the conversation. "We have work to do."
The four demons began their descent toward the valley, moving through the darkness with supernatural grace. Kenji took point, his enhanced senses scanning for potential threats. The others followed in a formation that maximized their strengths—Enmu ready to handle human encounters, Rokuro prepared for combat, and Daki maintaining surveillance through her extended sashes.
The mountain path wound through dense forest, ancient trees creating a canopy that filtered moonlight into shifting patterns. Occasionally, they passed abandoned campsites or the remnants of travelers' fires, but the night was theirs alone.
As they descended, Kenji's mind turned to strategy. The Land of Grass represented their next phase of expansion—a region destabilized by ongoing conflicts between major nations. Perfect conditions for an organization like his to take root and flourish.
## Moonlit Springs Inn - Two Hours After Midnight
The inn occupied a strategic position at the crossroads of three major trade routes, its buildings constructed around natural hot springs that provided both luxury and cover for clandestine activities. Steam rose from various pools, creating shifting curtains of vapor that would conceal movement and conversation.
Kenji approached the main building, noting the subtle signals indicating his subordinates had prepared properly. Certain windows showed specific patterns of light and shadow—their established code confirming the absence of unwanted observers.
The inn's night clerk, a middle-aged man whose careful disinterest suggested appropriate compensation, handed Kenji a room key without eye contact.
"Fourth floor, eastern wing," the clerk murmured, accepting payment with practiced efficiency.
Kenji led his group up the wooden stairs, noting the inn's solid but unremarkable construction. The constant ambient noise from the hot springs would help mask their conversation—another advantage of this location.
The fourth floor corridor was dimly lit by paper lanterns casting dancing shadows. Kenji located the specified room and knocked in their identification pattern. The door opened immediately, revealing **Lower Rank 4 – Mukago** in her merchant's daughter disguise.
"My lord," she said quietly, stepping aside with a precisely calibrated bow. "Lower Rank 3 awaits within."
The room was spacious by inn standards, with sleeping areas separated by screens and a central meeting space. **Lower Rank 3 – Wakuraba** rose from his position near the windows, his samurai disguise impeccable.
Both established demons immediately dropped to one knee as Kenji entered, heads bowed in submission that was both genuine and theatrical. The newly arrived demons observed these protocols with interest.
"Lord Muzan," Wakuraba and Mukago spoke in unison, their voices carrying perfect reverence and fear.
"Rise," Kenji commanded, settling into the room's most comfortable chair. "Report on your progress."
Wakuraba moved to a low table covered with scrolls and documents. "Yes, my lord. We have established intelligence networks across the Land of Hot Water and made initial contact with assets in neighboring regions."
He unrolled a detailed map marked with symbols—red for informants, blue for safe houses and supply caches. The coverage was comprehensive without being obvious, focused on information gathering rather than territorial control.
"Excellent work," Kenji observed, studying the strategic placement. "What of our primary objective?"
"The Land of Grass presents optimal opportunities," Mukago reported with careful precision. "The ongoing conflicts have destabilized the region significantly. Local authorities are overwhelmed by refugee movements and struggling to maintain basic services."
She produced a second map showing three potential base locations, each offering different strategic advantages. One near the Land of Fire border, another in the central mountains, and a third near the Land of Earth.
"Lower Rank 5 – Rui and Lower Rank 6 – Kyogai are currently operating in the central mountain region," Wakuraba continued. "They've been conducting reconnaissance while establishing our presence among locals. Minimal interference from major villages so far."
"Before we proceed," Kenji said, "formal introductions are required." He gestured to his three companions. "Lower Rank 1 – Enmu, Lower Rank 2 – Rokuro, and Upper Rank 6."
The three demons arranged themselves respectfully. Kenji could sense the established members' curiosity about their new colleagues.
"Enmu possesses dream manipulation abilities invaluable for intelligence gathering and elimination without evidence," Kenji explained. "He will coordinate with your information networks to extract deeper intelligence from high-value targets."
Enmu's unsettling smile widened as he bowed. "I look forward to working with you both. The dreams of merchants and innkeepers often contain the most surprising secrets."
"Rokuro specializes in assassination and combat operations. His blood demon art creates weaponized chains capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously."
Rokuro acknowledged the introduction with a precise nod. "I serve Lord Muzan's will."
"Upper Rank 6 represents our most significant combat asset," Kenji continued.
Daki's human disguise shimmered away, revealing her true demonic form—elaborate obi sashes flowing like living serpents, otherworldly beauty both alluring and terrifying. More significantly, Gyutaro began emerging from her body.
The emaciated demon materialized with predatory movements, his mottled skin and blood-stained sickles speaking to lethal capability that transcended appearance. The Lower Ranks stepped back involuntarily, their instincts recognizing the vast power differential.
"Impressive," Wakuraba murmured, genuine respect in his voice.
Daki and Gyutaro resumed their combined form as Kenji continued. "Now, current status of our Land of Grass preparations?"
Mukago consulted her coded notebook. "Rui and Kyogai have established a forward operating base in the primary mountain location. They've created evidence of conventional bandit activity while eliminating actual threats and acquiring resources."
"Resistance from local authorities?" Kenji inquired.
"Minimal," Wakuraba responded. "The Land of Grass lacks resources to properly patrol mountainous regions while managing refugee crises. Local officials are grateful for any assistance with 'bandit problems,' and Rui's spider abilities create convincing evidence of conventional attacks."
Kenji nodded approval. By carefully staging scenes to suggest bandit attacks or animal predation, his demons could operate without triggering large-scale investigation.
"Timeline for full establishment?"
"One week at current operational tempo," Mukago estimated. "We have supply lines established, communication networks in place, and local population pacified through controlled elimination of genuine threats."
"Excellent." Kenji stood, his crimson eyes gleaming in the lantern light. "We proceed with the one-week timeline. By month's end, our base of operation should be ready in Kusagakure."
The demons bowed in unison, understanding the weight of their lord's ambition. The next phase of expansion was about to begin, and with it, the true test of their growing organization's capabilities.
# Three Hours After Midnight
The formal briefing concluded with decisive authority. Kenji dismissed his subordinates, his crimson eyes reflecting the weight of what they were about to undertake. The journey to the Land of Grass would mark a turning point in their shadowy organization.
"Wakuraba, Mukago." His voice cut through the pre-dawn silence as he addressed his most experienced demons. "Complete any unfinished job you have here. Then depart immediately."
Both demons bowed with synchronized precision. "Yes, my lord."
"Enmu." The dream manipulator's perpetual smile widened as Kenji turned to him. "Travel independently using your abilities. Gather information on your way. More importantly, I want you to establish our intelligence network in the Land of Grass. Build it carefully."
"It will be my pleasure, my lord," Enmu replied, his tone carrying eager anticipation.
"Daki, Rokuro—you accompany me on the direct route."
"We will depart in one hour," he announced. "Finalize your human disguises. We reconvene in the Land of Grass in three days."
---
Six hours before dawn, the Moonlit Springs Inn stood eerily quiet. Wakuraba and Mukago had already left. Enmu had departed shortly after.
Now Kenji stood with his remaining companions in the inn's courtyard. "Three days," Kenji murmured as they began their journey. "Three days to reach the Land of Grass."
Behind them, the inn faded into pre-dawn mist. Ahead lay the uncertain roads of a world sliding toward war.
---
The border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Grass marked itself through gradual transformation—rolling hills gave way to steeper mountains, hot springs yielded to fast-moving rivers, and the air carried pine forest scents rather than sulfur.
Their three-day journey had been deliberately uneventful, exactly as planned.
As evening shadows lengthened across mountain valleys, they approached coordinates where Rui and Kyogai had established their forward base. The location demonstrated tactical brilliance—a natural valley hidden among peaks that provided both concealment and defensive advantages.
"Movement ahead," Rokuro reported quietly, his enhanced senses detecting what normal humans would miss entirely.
Kenji extended his telepathic abilities, confirming familiar demonic auras. "Lower Ranks 5 and 6. Right on schedule."
Lower Rank 5—Rui—emerged from the largest building as they approached. His human disguise maintained the appearance of a pale young man whose delicate features concealed monstrous strength. Lower Rank 6—Kyogai—followed, his bulkier frame and elaborate clothing suggesting a prosperous merchant or craftsman.
Both demons immediately bowed as Kenji descended from their wagon.
"Lord Muzan," Rui spoke with his characteristically soft voice. "We have prepared as instructed. The base is secure, supply lines established."
"Let's see the base first," Kenji commanded.
---
The tour revealed the full extent of his demons' achievements. The abandoned mining town's surface buildings had been carefully maintained to appear derelict from external observation, while underground mine shafts had been converted into a sophisticated base of operations.
Former ore storage areas now served as sleeping quarters for up to twenty individuals. A communications center utilized the mine's natural acoustics to coordinate with agents throughout the region. Training facilities took advantage of reinforced walls designed to withstand industrial stress. Most crucially, secure holding areas provided containment for prisoners awaiting conversion or interrogation.
"Impressive work," Kenji acknowledged as their underground tour concluded. "Anything to report?"
Kyogai consulted notes written in his distinctive angular script. "We have identified seventeen candidates suitable for maintaining our base. All are individuals whose disappearance will not trigger immediate investigation—refugees without family connections, minor criminals fleeing justice, the forgotten and overlooked."
"We also eliminated twelve individuals who presented security risks," Rui added with quiet satisfaction. "Our reputation has attracted some unwanted attention, which seems to be a little troublesome."
The reports continued for nearly an hour. By the time full darkness settled over the mountain valley, Kenji was satisfied. His demons had accomplished the target perfectly.
---
Three days later, another meeting convened in the converted mine's command center—what had once been the facility's administrative offices now served as the nerve center of their expanding operation.
Kenji sat at the center, surrounded by his demon subordinates as reports flowed in.
Enmu spoke first, having arrived with intelligence gathered during his journey. "Dream infiltration of key targets has provided significant intelligence on the hidden villages' current state. Konoha is mobilizing for extended conflict, focusing particularly on securing eastern borders against potential Kumogakure aggression."
The dream manipulator's abilities had proven invaluable. By infiltrating the dreams of low-level officials, he could extract information impossible to obtain through conventional espionage.
"Iwagakure shows similar preparations along borders with both Konoha and Kumogakure," Enmu continued. "Their Tsuchikage appears positioned for defensive warfare while preparing to exploit opportunities if other nations exhaust themselves in mutual conflict."
"What of Sunagakure?" Kenji inquired.
"Officially neutral, but they haven't mobilized their ninja forces. However, they've been purchasing weapons in bulk quantities," Rokuro reported.
The intelligence painted a picture of a ninja world balanced precariously on the edge of comprehensive warfare. Each major village prepared for conflict while positioning themselves for maximum advantage when fighting began.
"Our immediate objectives remain unchanged," Kenji announced after absorbing the reports. "We establish this base as our primary stronghold, expand our network throughout the Land of Grass, then gradually extend toward the Land of Fire."
---
"Tomorrow, we begin expansion operations," Kenji continued, his voice carrying the authority of absolute command. "Rui and Kyogai will focus on mass bounty hunting—clean operations that build our reputation while generating revenue. Wakuraba and Mukago will target those with established reputations—we need to demonstrate that our organization can handle significant threats."
"Enmu remains responsible for maintaining our intelligence network and information gathering. Your dream abilities are too valuable for direct confrontation at this stage."
"Daki and Rokuro will remain at base for additional support and security," Kenji concluded. "The Land of Grass may appear weak, they possess an artifact from the era of the Sage of Six Paths. I would like to have it. But for now, we can't provoke them much."
As his subordinates dispersed to their quarters and assignments, Kenji remained in the command center. Alone with his thoughts, he took out some seals and started studying—he will enforce their base with fuinjutsu.