The New Era Has No Ship to Carry You (Parts One and Two)

Just then, a line of text suddenly appeared in Qingyu's mind.

[Collectible trait detected: Pharmacist's Hand]

[D-Rank Trait: Pharmacist's Hand]

[Effect: Increases potion-making speed by 30%.]

[Synthesis: Independently completing the blending of five Antidote will upgrade to a higher-level trait.]

Qingyu closed the trait panel and casually took a bottle of medicine that Tsunade.

"Kid, don't forget to drink it."

"Tsunade said."

"Okay, Sister Tsunade."

Qingyu said.

Although he also possesses toxin-resistant properties, the toxin in Hanzo of the Salamander is no ordinary toxin.

After taking the Antidote, it will naturally be safer.

Qingyu then opened the medicine bottle and took it.

Tsunade was relieved after seeing that Qingyu had drunk it.

"Your potion-mixing skills have improved quite a bit. I originally thought it would take at least two hours, but now it's all gone."

"It's all Sister Tsunade's excellent teaching."

Qingyu smiled.

"Come on, I haven't taught you any pharmacology."

Tsunade said this, but she was secretly very happy.

After all, Qingyu really didn't know anything at the beginning.

All her medical skills and knowledge were passed down to her.

Tsunade found the feeling of watching her own legacy grow quite enjoyable.

She knew in her heart that Qingyu's talent in Medical Ninjutsu was no less than hers; he just needed some time to accumulate experience.

Meanwhile, outside the cave, the relentless rain experienced a brief respite.

Thick clouds piled up on the horizon, heavy as lead, with occasional rumbles of thunder coming from the depths of the clouds.

The members of Akatsuki looked tense.

It'll rain again in a while.

Whether they will be able to see the sun the next day remains to be seen.

The reputation of Hanzo of the Salamander was far too terrifying for them.

They all grew up listening to the legend of Hanzo of the Salamander.

In the Land of Rain, Hanzo of the Salamander is undoubtedly the uncrowned king.

Every Land of Rain knows of Hanzo of the Salamander.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the cave.

Qingyu looked up and saw Nagato walking quickly towards her through the lingering mist of the rain.

Several Akatsuki members followed behind him, their clothes soaked and their expressions exhausted, clearly having traveled a long way back from a distant place.

"Konan!"

As soon as Nagato entered the cave, he saw Konan leaning against the stone wall, and his pace quickened immediately.

He walked up to Konan, squatted down, and carefully examined her complexion.

His lips parted, then closed again, finally managing to squeeze out only, "It's good that you're alright."

Konan smiled at him and shook her head.

"I'm fine, thanks to Lord Qingyu and the others."

Nagato then turned to look at Qingyu and Tsunade, remained silent for a moment, and then looked at Qingyu, saying, "Thank you for saving Konan."

Qingyu glanced at him.

Nagato looked thinner than when they last met; her cheeks were slightly sunken, and her eye sockets were deep-set.

Beneath her long red hair lay a pair of "Rinnegan.

"You're welcome. Konoha and Akatsuki are allies; this is what we should do."

Qingyu said.

Nagato nodded, then looked towards the outside of the cave.

"If Hanzo of the Salamander really comes, I will stop him."

Yahiko's expression changed.

"No!"

Yahiko walked over, his tone unusually stern.

"You know perfectly well that your body can't withstand that kind of strain!"

"I can't stand by and watch everyone die."

Nagato looked at Yahiko.

Now is not the time to be stubborn.

"Can----"

There's no other way.

Nagato.

"If we can't even protect those around us, then the Akatsuki has no reason to exist."

His words silenced Yahiko.

Qingyu watched the two close friends from the side, feeling a mix of emotions.

He knew that Nagato's "stopping" meant summoning the "Demonic Statue of the Outer Path".

Once that technique is used, Nagato's body will bear a tremendous burden, and it may even drain his life force.

That's why Yahiko was so anxious. Unfortunately, Nagato was an even more extreme person than Yahiko.

In Nagato's eyes, Yahiko and Konan held a much higher status than anyone else.

Nagato did this in order to protect Yahiko and Konan so they could survive.

If they were truly surrounded and attacked by Hanzo of the Salamander, Yahiko and Konan would die.

Hanzo of the Salamander wouldn't leave any survivors.

Eliminating the root of the problem has always been his style.

"Alright, you two, stop arguing."

Qingyu spoke up, breaking the stalemate between the two.

"Let's figure out how to get out of here alive first, then we can talk about anything else."

Nagato glanced at Qingyu but said nothing more.

Qingyu felt a new change within her body.

[Collectible trait detected: Special Summoning]

[C-Rank Trait: Special Summoning]

[Effect: Increases talent in summoning-type Ninjutsu by 60%, and enhances adaptability to Special Summoning contracts.]

[Synthesis: By signing Summoning Contract with three special life forms, the trait will be upgraded to a higher level.]

Qingyu's heart stirred slightly.

This trait is like an instinct for Nagato.

However, for Qingyu, the greatest benefit is not summoning the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, but rather enhancing his control over the Summoning Contract.

If combined with the "Flying Thunder God Technique," he can achieve tactical maneuvers across space, and even use the Summoning Contract as a coordinate to compensate for the distances that the Flying Thunder God cannot cover.

Just as Qingyu was pondering, Hyuga Ginka's voice suddenly rang out.

"Qingyu, the enemy has arrived!"

She stood at the entrance of the cave, her Byakugan wide open, veins bulging near her temples.

"There are a huge number of them, over three hundred, and they're closing in from both the southwest and northeast!"

"And—the ground is shaking; it must be a large summoned beast."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qingyu sensed it too.

A massive amount of Chakra surged in from afar, mixed with the cold, sharp aura unique to Amegakure Ninja.

Ten minutes later.

The earth really started to shake.

At first, it was just a very slight tremor, like a thousand horses galloping past in the distance.

Qingyu led everyone out of the cave.

The sight before them sent a chill down everyone's spine.

On the distant mountain ridge, countless figures emerged from the rain.

They wore Amegakure ninja uniforms and the same gray respirators, and they slid down from the high ground like a tide.

At the very front of the tide, a giant Ibuse was slowly approaching.

The Ibuse was grayish-black all over, with strange bumps all over its back. Its limbs were short and thick, and every step it took made the ground tremble.

Its mouth was large, and purple poisonous gas constantly escaped from between its slightly open lips.

Above the head of the Ibuse, the Hanzo of the Salamander cross-legged.

He crossed his arms and looked down at everyone below.

That posture was just like the haughty one when the titles of the Sannin were bestowed upon them.

"This is Ibuse the Hanzo of the Salamander— "

Konan's face turned pale.

Although she had long heard of Hanzo the Hanzo of the Salamander's infamous reputation, she only truly understood the oppressive feeling when she stood in front of him.

The other members of Akatsuki were also on high alert, with some unconsciously taking a half-step back.

"Is this the strength of Amegakure?"

"Idaten Kyūsuke murmured, cold sweat beading on his forehead."

"How can there be so many people?!"

"Everyone, cheer up!"

Yahiko suppressed his inner tension and gave a low shout.

Yahiko wasn't afraid of Hanzo of the Salamander; he was afraid he wouldn't be able to protect the others.

Yahiko was heartbroken at the thought of losing so many comrades today.

"Don't be nervous, Hanzo of the Salamander didn't bring all the ninjas!"

Qingyu looked at Hanzo of the Salamander, then at the dark mass of ninjas behind him, and pondered to himself.

This scale is no less impressive than in the original story.

In the original story, it was Obito instigated Danzo Shimura Danzō plot against the Akatsuki, interfering and causing the Akatsuki to suffer even greater losses.

But right now, Qingyu estimates that Obito is still training.

It seems that the information Shimura Danzō to Hanzo of the Salamander increased Hanzo's attention to the Akatsuki.

However, Obito did not appear as expected.

Qingyu's senses swept across the entire battlefield, confirming that there was no Obito's Chakra nearby.

However, there were some subtle Chakra scents hidden among the rocks and trees.

White Zetsu.

Qingyu's [Malice Perception] can sense their presence.

"Is Madara Uchiha looking over here? Is it because I made contact with Nagato?"

Qingyu pondered.

After all, Nagato's eyes Madara Uchiha; without those eyes, it would have been difficult for Madara Uchiha to be resurrected as a living person.

Although they can be Impure World Reincarnation using Edo Tensei, they must be living flesh and blood to become the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki.

Because those resurrected Impure World Reincarnation Jinchuriki were all Jinchuriki in their previous lives.

Madara was not Jinchuriki during his lifetime; he merely used Nine-Tails as a summoning beast.

Of course, another reason is that the Ten-Tails 'Chakra is too vast, beyond what the Impure World Reincarnation body can withstand.

This was originally a life-or-death situation for Nagato, so Madara Uchiha naturally couldn't completely stay out of it.

This is our first official meeting, isn't it?

Hanzo of the Salamander's voice came from above.

"Yahiko, the leader of the Akatsuki."

"Lord Hanzo of the Salamander, why are you making such a fuss?"

Yahiko stepped forward.

"We are all ninjas from the Land of Rain, why fight each other? The Akatsuki has never intended to be an enemy of Amegakure!"

"Not an enemy?"

Hanzo of the Salamander snorted coldly.

"Your very existence is not permitted."

When he said this, he didn't even bother to glance at Yahiko.

The contempt in that tone made the Akatsuki members grit their teeth.

They never imagined that Hanzo of the Salamander, whom they had once admired, would look down on them so much.

They have made so many contributions to the Land of Rain.

Why is Hanzo of the Salamander, gritting his teeth?

Clearly, Yahiko hadn't expected Hanzo of the Salamander to say that.

"Hanzō, the Akatsuki only wants to bring peace to this country—"

"Peace?"

Hanzo of the Salamander finally looked directly at Yahiko.

"A bunch of ants who can't even protect themselves dare to talk about peace. The peace of this country can only be given by Amegakure. You ninjas who wander outside the village are the source of chaos."

Hanzo of the Salamander, shook his head.

Of course, the core reason is that they threatened Hanzo of the Salamander.

If the Akatsuki is allowed to continue growing, it will eventually rival him.

Moreover, he is getting older and older, and he can't outlast these young people in terms of time.

When he gets old enough, the Akatsuki might overpower Amegakure.

At that time, his power will also vanish.

Those around them would naturally join the stronger Akatsuki.

Then, Hanzo of the Salamander turned his gaze to Tsunade.

"Tsunade, it's been a long time."

"Snort."

Tsunade snorted coldly and did not respond.

"I spared your Sannin lives back then, and today, out of consideration for our past acquaintance, I'll spare you again."

Hanzo of the Salamander slowly opened his mouth.

"Surrender, then leave, and I'll let you return to Konoha alive."

Tsunade almost burst out laughing when she heard that.

"Hanzo of the Salamander, you're really getting more and more out of touch with reality. Back then, you didn't waste so much breath when facing the three of us, but now you have to offer me charity first. Are you scared?"

Tsunade spoke.

Hanzo of the Salamander's expression darkened slightly.

"I just don't want to engage in pointless killing."

"Yeah?"

Tsunade crossed her arms and slightly raised her chin.

"But I feel that you've lost your former edge. The 'Demigod' who dared to face the Sannin alone back then now only brings a few hundred subordinates to bully a bunch of young people from the Land of Rain."

These words were like a knife, stabbing Hanzo of the Salamander in the spot he cared about most.

His brow twitched suddenly.

His inherent pride actually made Hanzo of the Salamander feel a sense of humiliation.

But his thirst for survival and power prevented him from allowing any threat to exist.

"Tsunade, you're asking for it."

Hanzo of the Salamander angrily.

"Ibuse!"

Hanzo of the Salamander speaking.

The Ibuse beneath his feet suddenly roared, then opened its mouth wide, unleashing a torrent of purple poisonous mist that swept towards the cave.

"Use the second dose of the Antidote!"

"Tsunade shouted."

The Akatsuki members quickly swallowed the medicine that had just been distributed.

Qingyu took a step forward, and the Three-Tomoe appeared in his eyes.

"Sage Mode."

Red eyeshadow appeared at the corner of his eyes, and Natural Energy surged into his body, merging with his spiritual and physical energy to transform into "Senjutsu Chakra".

Sage Technique: Wind Release - Unrestrained Dance of Wind!

Qingyu Hand Seals and spewed out a gust of wind.

This was originally just a mainstream C-rank Wind Release Ninjutsu, but with the enhancement of Senjutsu Chakra, the scale of the gale increased many times over.

A fierce wind howled out, tearing the oncoming poisonous fog to shreds.

The purple poisonous mist tumbled and swirled in the wind, forcefully dispersed, forming streaks of purple vapor that drifted towards both sides of the mountains and fields.

"We'll join in too!"

Several Wind Release ninjas from the Akatsuki Hand Seals.

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!

Wind Release: Gale Palm!

Several wind walls converged behind Qingyu's wind, pushing the remaining poisonous fog to both sides.

However, the poisonous mist from the Ibuse was so dense that even after it was dispersed, a pungent odor still lingered in the air.

"Kill."

Hanzo of the Salamander coldly gave the order.

Hundreds of Amegakure Ninja rushed down the mountain ridge.

They bypassed the area where the poisonous fog was densest and charged toward the cave, shouting as they went.

"Konan!"

"Yahiko shouted."

Konan had already spread her paper wings, and countless pieces of paper flew out of her body like feathers, lifting her into the air.

"Paper Shuriken!"

With a wave of her right hand, hundreds of pieces of paper folded into the shape of Shuriken in the air and shot down like a rainstorm towards the Amegakure Ninja below.

"Paper Rain!"

At the same time, her body spun in mid-air, and countless pieces of paper, like butterflies fluttering in the sky, knocked down several Amegakure Ninja were charging at the forefront.

"Yahiko, don't just stand there!"

Qingyu turned around and called out.

"I know!"

Yahiko drew his Kunai and led the Akatsuki toward the defensive line.

Nagato stood still, his hands already Hand Seals.

"Nagato!"

Before leaving, Yahiko turned back to look at him one last time, his eyes filled with worry.

"Everything will be alright."

Nagato nodded at him.

Qingyu has already summoned the Slug.

"Lord Slug, I beg you."

"Yes, Lord Qingyu."

A giant Slug emerged from the white smoke, splitting into hundreds of smaller Slug that dispersed to each member of the Akatsuki, continuously supplying them with medical Chakra.

"Qingyu, the Ibuse's poison mist occurs every five minutes. Remember that time!"

"Tsunade shouted."

"Clear."

Qingyu nodded.

Tsunade then rushed out as well, her figure leaving a golden afterimage in the rain.

Heaven Kick of Pain!

She stomped on the ground, sending the three Amegakure Ninja rushed up flying.

Then, with a backhand punch, he slammed into the chest of another Amegakure Chunin, shattering all of the man's ribs.

Because her eyes were closed, Tsunade couldn't see the blood.

Having grown accustomed to fighting with her eyes for a long time, Tsunade had also become somewhat used to fighting in unseen environments.

This actually restored a lot of her strength.

The Ibuse opened its mouth wide again.

A dense purple toxic fog mixed with rainwater, forming an overwhelming toxic tide.

This time, Hanzo of the Salamander seems to have abandoned all restraint; the concentration and range of the poisonous fog far exceed those of before.

Qingyu clasped her hands together in prayer.

"Lord Slug, please entangle the Ibuse."

Leave it to me.

The Slug's body rose from the ground, its massive form moving towards the Ibuse while spewing out acidic liquid, forcing the Ibuse to retreat repeatedly.

"Well done, Lord Slug!"

"Tsunade shouted."

Qingyu used her Body Flicker Technique to leap over and land on the Slug's head.

Using the Slug's height, he looked in the direction of Hanzo of the Salamander.

Hanzo of the Salamander was also looking at him.

The two stared at each other through the thick poisonous fog and rain.

"You are Qingyu."

Hanzo of the Salamander slowly opened his mouth, his hand already resting on the hilt of his sword behind his back.

"You're so young, yet you're willing to have an old man like me do it for you. You should feel honored."

"Pleasure?"

Qingyu shook her head.

"It's an honor for you to see me."

Qingyu spoke.

The current Hanzo of the Salamander can truly be described as a "remnant of the old era."

They cling to the past achievements of the Second Shinobi World War and fail to strive for improvement.

Despite possessing considerable strength, they have regressed instead of progressed.

"A person's end is not death, but the moment he loses his faith."

Qingyu spoke calmly.

"In this new era, there are no longer any ships to carry you."

Upon hearing this, Hanzo of the Salamander remembered that these were words he used to say to his defeated opponents.

He said those words after defeating Mifune of the Land of Iron.

This brat actually dared to use those words to humiliate him!

They're utterly ignorant and arrogant!

"Arrogant!"

The next moment, Hanzo of the Salamander's figure disappeared from above the Ibuse's head.

Qingyu's Sharingan has already detected Hanzo of the Hanzo of the Salamander.

A flash of blade light appeared!

Qingyu ducked low and dodged, while simultaneously drawing Sword of the Thunder God.

The input Chakra instantly formed Chakra lightsaber.

Clang!

Swords clashed, sparks flew.

Qingyu felt a tremendous force coming from the sword.

This strength was far inferior to Tsunade's "Strength of a Hundred," but Hanzo of the Salamander possessed many techniques.

This made up for his lack of strength.

"The Sharingan —these eyes are quite suitable for the Land of Rain."

Hanzo of the Salamander sneered and swung his knife again.

Qingyu retaliated with the Sword of the Thunder God.

Boom!

Hanzo of the Salamander flying backward, his back smashing into a large tree behind him.

"Hanzo of the Salamander!"

The Amegakure Ninja gasped in surprise.

"Good."

Hanzo of the Salamander stood up from the splintered wood, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of his mouth.

He was injured by carelessness.

However, this injury did not affect his performance.

"It seems you're stronger than Tsunade back then."

Hanzo of the Salamander spoke up.

Tsunade then, Tsunade didn't have this much strength.

It was precisely because he had fought Tsunade that Hanzo of the Salamander had experience dealing with "Strength of a Hundred".