Naruto: The Player's Ascent
Chapter 37

Six Cylinders vs. The Immortal Duo

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8mo ago

Time returns to five days ago.

Uchiha Liutong was also contemplating how to lure out Uchiha Madara and capture them all in one fell swoop.

In the end, he decided that committing evil deeds was the simplest and most reliable method.

Along the way, his main principle was:

"Never refrain from evil, however small."

Things like snatching a child's lollipop or popsicle, which were beneath him.

And knocking on a widow's door at midnight, sneaking into a woman's boudoir, or dancing at a wake in someone else's house – these were all ridiculous.

Most importantly.

He stole from prominent families, set fires, and often deliberately let himself be discovered, proclaiming Uchiha Madara's name.

Petty theft was one thing.

But offending someone of status by burning down the city lord's house quickly made Liutong infamous.

Thus.

A 'Uchiha Madara' with Sharingan, wearing a Tiger Skin Mask and a red cloud black robe, became famous in a short period.

The Akatsuki naturally learned of this news.

In a dimly lit room, three figures were discussing.

"Uchiha Madara, that wasn't you, was it?" Pain asked, glancing at the protagonist of their discussion, who was seated comfortably in a lounge chair, with suspicion.

"Hmph! Some unknown brat is slandering my name." Uchiha Obito, shrouded in shadow, only had his silhouette visible, but his tone revealed his displeasure.

"I'll go grind him to dust right now."

"I've already sent Kakuzu and Hidan, who are nearby, to handle it."

"I will handle it myself." 'Uchiha Madara' distorted space and vanished.

"Since someone is impersonating Uchiha Madara, does that mean the Uchiha Madara we meet is also fake?" Konan asked with concern.

In her heart, she had never fully agreed with the Tailed Beast collection plan, nor did she trust Uchiha Madara, a guy who always wore a mask and never showed his true face.

However, she would unconditionally support Nagato's plan.

Pain's cold voice replied, "Whether he is Uchiha Madara or not, the Tailed Beast collection plan must proceed. Only through the cycle of pain can peace be nurtured and born in this world. This is the plan we all agree on."

"Yes."

"However, we cannot be deceived again."

"I will keep a close eye on him."

Meanwhile, almost simultaneously.

From a distance, Uchiha Liutong sensed two individuals with abnormal chakra signatures and went to investigate.

Upon arriving, Liutong found it to be a beautiful place, with green waters and lush mountains, a scenic and auspicious location.

However, a toilet stood by the roadside, marring the beauty.

After a glance, Liutong noticed it was a luxurious toilet, even decorated opulently. Yet, a foul odor still emanated from within.

Just then, two bickering individuals emerged from the toilet – the very people he was looking for.

"Hey, you, don't be in such a hurry to kill people. At least let me spread the doctrine and win a follower for the God of Death, Kakuzu," a handsome young man in a red cloud black robe complained as he walked out.

The other, with eyes the color of money, cursed while counting his cash, "Idiot."

Looking closely at the two, Liutong realized they were both wearing red cloud black robes, likely members of the 'Akatsuki' organization.

"Sigh."

Liutong couldn't help but sigh.

That night, the 'Great Prison' was too busy dealing with Uchiha Madara and didn't have time to gather more intel on the Akatsuki in the Duel Arena, forcing him to run errands.

He had been pestered these past few days and hadn't had time to visit the Duel Arena for information.

Fortunately, he now knew of the Akatsuki's existence, and the target 'Uchiha Madara' was a member of this organization.

He had finally found his target.

He leaped into the air and was immediately captivated.

"Whoa~ you have so much money."

Kakuzu, who was counting money, suddenly heard a voice in his ear.

Turning his head, he saw a figure wearing a Tiger Skin Mask had appeared beside him at some unknown time.

"Such speed!" Kakuzu was shocked and immediately jumped away.

Hidan, beside him, was confused. Seeing the person's Sharingan, red cloud black robe, and mask, he thought he had encountered an acquaintance.

"Isn't that Tobi? Why are you acting alone?"

"Shut up, idiot, look at the mask. This isn't Tobi!" Kakuzu, wearing a mask, warned him.

Even now, a cold sweat trickled down his brow. The speed of this guy, and the quality of chakra contained within those Sharingan, made him feel deeply threatened, even after ninety years of life.

Though the newcomer's tone was relaxed, and the Sharingan in his eyes even held a clear sort of foolishness, his intuition, honed by years of combat, told him this person was incredibly strong!

This was definitely not the kind of fear someone like Tobi could inspire.

Could this be the target the leader mentioned, the one they had to deal with – 'Uchiha Madara'? It couldn't possibly be the real Uchiha Madara, could it?

"Not him?"

Hidan's face first showed confusion, then contorted into a bloodthirsty, crazed grin. "Even better! With Sharingan, you're from the Uchiha clan, aren't you? I've long wanted to taste Uchiha blood and see what makes it different."

As he spoke, he brandished his peculiar scythe and charged at Uchiha Liutong.

Liutong leaped to dodge the scythe, almost laughing with delight. "You attacked me first, so it's only natural that I strike back!"

"But... you know me?" Liutong narrowed his eyes, surprised to have gained such crucial information in such a short time.

"Tobi? Is that the name?"

"Woohoo~ Here it comes, Uchiha blood!" Hidan ignored him and attacked again with a slash. Liutong, as before, easily dodged.

Kakuzu warned him with lingering fear, "Hidan, be careful. This Uchiha is strong."

It was just a warning. Kakuzu knew Hidan's immortality all too well; he'd tried and failed to kill him many times, which was why they were still partners.

Let this guy test the Uchiha. At worst, it'll buy me time to escape.

"Of course, I know!"

Hidan shouted excitedly, "Itachi and Tobi aren't easy opponents. But that's precisely why I want to taste Uchiha blood even more!"

Seeing Liutong leap onto a tree, Hidan swung his blade.

Swish~ Crack.

A tree, large enough for two people to embrace, was severed at the base.

"What a sharp scythe."

Dodging the attack once more, Liutong decided to go on the offensive to gather more intel.

Swish-swish-swish~~~

Six shuriken, enhanced by Wind Style, broke the sound barrier and pierced directly through Hidan's chest, leaving six gaping wounds.

"That hurts, you bastard!"

Hidan merely cried out in pain, showing no other reaction. Instead, he swung his grim reaper scythe with even greater ferocity.

Seeing this, Liutong's interest was piqued. His eyes gleamed. "Oh? Immortality? No wonder you didn't dodge my attack. I didn't expect such a thing to exist in this world. You're top-grade material; even 'Boss' would drool over you."

Liutong stood straight. The tiger skin mask hid his expression, but his joy was evident in his voice.

Finding such a rare material, Boss will probably praise me again.

He completely ignored the grim reaper scythe still swinging towards him and said casually, "In that case, let's end this here."

Crack~

Countless mirror shards shattered and reformed.

"Genjutsu?"

Kakuzu exclaimed in shock.

He had five hearts within him, not only granting him a vast amount of chakra but also making its flow unpredictable. How could he fall for genjutsu?

Thanks to Detective Gin for the monthly ticket support, thanks to Book Friend 20200311234641281 for two monthly tickets, and thanks to Sansan Chronos for four monthly tickets.

Additionally, thank you to all the readers for your recommendation tickets and continued support. Thank you.

End of Chapter
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