Two years had passed since the First Great Shinobi War began. The conflict showed no signs of ending, with battles intensifying across multiple fronts. Konoha's survival under such pressure was remarkable, considering they now faced all other Great Villages simultaneously.
Sunagakure had officially joined the war six months ago, making the conflict truly global. Kumogakure remained the most aggressive participant, fighting as if they had no other purpose. Their Second Raikage A had engaged Tobirama Senju in direct combat multiple times, though the Hokage's Flying Thunder God technique made him virtually untouchable.
Kirigakure and Iwagakure maintained their own conflict, though it lacked the intensity of other fronts. Both villages seemed more focused on their individual wars with Konoha than destroying each other.
## Twelve Kizuki Base - Midnight
Kenji stood alone in his chambers, studying the system interface that had appeared before him.
**TEMPLATE SYSTEM ACTIVATED**
**Host: Kenji Nakamura**
**Template: Muzan Kibutsuji (80%)**
**Twelve Kizuki:**
**Upper Ranks:**
- Upper Rank 5 – Gyokko
- 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** – Restructure body at will; create weapons, grow limbs, alter organs
2. **Cellular Regeneration** – Instant healing from wounds, even decapitation
3. **Blood Demon Arts** – Tentacle-like whips slicing flesh with precision
4. **Sensory Perception** – Detect demons and humans over vast distances
5. **Poison Generation** – Lethal toxins infused in blood attacks
6. **Shapeshifting** – Alter appearance, size, and voice
7. **Physical Augmentation** – Superhuman strength, speed, reflexes
8. **Absorption** – Consume and assimilate others' abilities
9. **Demon Creation** – Turn others into demons, creating loyal subordinates
**Special Traits:**
- **Immortality** – Cannot age or die naturally
- **Sunlight Weakness** – Incinerated by direct sunlight
- **Bloodline Control** – Mental link with created demons
**Ultimate Technique:**
**"Perfect Demon Physiology"** – Full body manipulation release, enhancing all attributes
'Finally,' Kenji thought as he dismissed the interface. 'Eighty percent integration. The progression has slowed considerably since seventy percent, but the reward justifies the effort.'
The demon creation ability changed everything. For too long, his organization had consisted of only seven of the Twelve Kizuki. The captured humans served maintenance purposes but held no real value. Now he could expand properly.
Gyokko's addition was equally significant. His Blood Demon Art centered on porcelain pot manipulation - teleportation, creature summoning, water attacks, and trap creation. In his true form, he became a scaled serpent with enhanced physical capabilities.
'Where do they come from when summoned?' Kenji wondered. 'Does the system maintain an internal space? And why only the original Twelve Kizuki? What about their replacements like Kamanue and Kaigaku?'
The questions led nowhere. He dismissed them and focused on immediate concerns.
'The war should end within a year or two if it follows the expected timeline. This presents an opportunity.'
Kenji had never used his Absorption ability. It had seemed unnecessarily cruel before, but that reluctance was fading. Each percentage increase in template integration altered his perspective, making such concerns seem... inefficient.
'The Sharingan and Byakugan. Both would provide significant advantages when assimilated. The battlefields are perfect for collecting them.'
## Three Nights Later
Daki and Gyutaro knelt before Kenji in the main hall. The candlelight cast dancing shadows across their forms as they awaited orders.
"Lord Muzan," Daki said, her voice carrying appropriate reverence and fear. "You summoned us."
"Indeed." Kenji's tone carried the authority befitting his position. "You will travel to the Iwagakure battlefield. Your target is to capture an Uchiha clansman with a three-tomoe Sharingan."
Gyutaro's scarred face twisted into a grin. "Any specific requirements for the capture, Lord Muzan?"
"I just need him alive. The eyes must remain undamaged. Avoid unnecessary attention." Kenji's crimson eyes fixed on both demons. "Failure is not acceptable."
Both demons pressed their foreheads to the floor. "We understand, Lord Muzan," they said in unison.
"Depart immediately. Report back within seven days."
After they vanished into the night, Kenji summoned Enmu and called forth Gyokko.
The newly summoned Upper Moon materialized in a swirl of ceramic fragments, his pot-like lower body gleaming in the candlelight. Multiple eyes dotted his pale flesh as he immediately prostrated himself.
"Lord Muzan," Gyokko hissed, his voice carrying both worship and terror. "This humble servant awaits your commands."
Enmu entered the hall and knelt beside Gyokko, his perpetual smile never faltering despite the reverence in his posture. "Lord Muzan, you called for me."
"Gyokko, this is Enmu, Lower Moon One. You will work together." Kenji gestured between them. "Your mission takes you to the Kumogakure battlefield. Capture A Hyuga clansman - preferably main family members to avoid complications with the caged bird seal."
"The Byakugan," Enmu said with understanding. "An excellent choice, Lord Muzan."
Gyokko's multiple eyes focused on Kenji. "What methods are permitted, Lord Muzan?"
"Whatever proves effective. The bloodline limit must remain intact, but the carrier's survival is optional once extraction is complete." Kenji's expression remained impassive. "Enmu will handle strategy and planning. Gyokko, your abilities provide tactical advantages in combat and escape."
"We shall not disappoint you, Lord Muzan," Enmu bowed deeper.
"See that you don't."
Both demons acknowledged the order and departed into the darkness.
Alone again, Kenji considered the implications of his actions.
'The Sharingan's and the Byakugan's visual prowess. They will help him solve the lack of ninjutsus.'
He moved to the window overlooking the courtyard where Rui supervised the base's human servants. The Lower Moon had proven reliable despite his failure at the prisoner exchange two years ago.
'Iwagakure's infiltration of that operation confirmed their intelligence network extends into Kirigakure. Useful information for future planning.'
The war's progression followed predictable patterns. Each village sought individual victory rather than forming lasting alliances. Their mutual hatred prevented effective cooperation against common threats.
Kenji returned to his desk and began planning the next phase of operations.
The Kamizuru clan member Hachiro had remained imprisoned for two years. His abilities - explosive bees, is quite unique.
'Once Daki and Enmu return with their targets, I'll begin the my next moves.'
Outside, the moon reached its zenith, casting silver light across the base. In a few hours, dawn would force the demons into shelter, but the night still offered time for preparation.