The Mindset of Being Outmatched (Thanks to Shiqimoji for the Tip)

Ōnoki gave Minamoto Takuya a long, deep look, as though he wanted to carve his figure into his very bones.

His gaze was incomparably complex, mingling unwillingness, humiliation, and fury before ultimately turning into profound exhaustion.

"Wait a moment."

He rasped out those words, then said nothing more. His body rose heavily into the air and flew toward the village. He had to personally find Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, and explain the reason.

Minamoto Takuya silently watched the aged figure depart, his expression utterly unchanged.

He had no need to worry whether the other man would gather forces within the village, lay a trap, and launch a counterattack.

That certainty came from the absolute power he now possessed, power enough to look down upon everything.

It was the absolute confidence granted by strength.

As his thoughts drifted, the corner of Minamoto Takuya's mouth lifted almost imperceptibly, carrying a hint of self-mockery.

Not long ago, he had still been troubled over how to capture Ōnoki alive and force him to reveal the secrets of Dust Release.

Looking back now, that concern seemed laughable.

"Looks like my way of thinking hasn't caught up with the pace of my growing strength."

He murmured silently to himself.

His leap in power had been too rapid, making his usual methods of planning seem somewhat unnecessary.

Before absolute strength, all maneuvering and scheming lost their meaning.

If he wanted Dust Release's research scrolls now, why would he need to go to such lengths? It was merely a matter of saying the word.

But at that moment, his gaze became sharp and focused once more.

Before the dust settled, his foremost task was to obtain the Five-Tails' chakra.

After a brief silence, two figures reappeared in Minamoto Takuya's field of vision.

The one in front was Ōnoki's