Qingyu's renown for killing Hanzō (parts one and two)

"Next----"

Qingyu turned around and looked at Nagato behind her.

"Nagato, I want to try with you too."

Qingyu spoke.

Yahiko already possesses excellent qualities, so he believes Nagato won't be much worse.

After all, Nagato possessed the only Rinnegan in the Shinobi World at this point in time.

Other holders of the "Rinnegan" can be said to be Otsutsuki. The Sage of Six Paths is in the Pure Land, while Otsutsuki such as Momoshiki Otsutsuki are still in the universe on their way to the Shinobi World.

"You want to spar with Nagato?"

Konan frowned slightly.

Nagato's health had always been poor; every time he used the power of the Rinnegan, his body would weaken for a while.

"I won't really go all out; I'll just go enough."

Qingyu spoke.

"Alright."

Nagato nodded.

As long as he doesn't summon a "Demonic Statue of the Outer Path," he won't suffer too much damage.

"Bring it on."

Nagato.

"Nagato wishes to spar with Lord Qingyu ----"

"Hey, shouldn't we stand a little further away?"

The Akatsuki members whispered amongst themselves as they simultaneously retreated.

"Kakashi, Ginka, you two step back a bit."

Tsunade spoke.

"Lady Tsunade, you don't need to worry about me."

Kakashi said.

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him and said, "Nagato possesses a wide-area Ninjutsu; anyone within its range will be injured."

Seeing this, Kakashi had no choice but to retreat as well.

He adjusted his ninja Forehead Protector, intending to observe the battle closely.

On the open ground, Qingyu and Nagato stretched their bodies.

The Rinnegan slowly rotated within Nagato's eye socket.

The overlapping purple ripples were particularly clear under the hazy skylight.

"Let's begin."

Nagato.

The next moment, Qingyu's figure vanished from the spot.

Wow, so fast!

Nagato's heart stirred slightly.

His "Rinnegan" possessed far superior insight, but Qingyu's speed still put pressure on him.

"Rain Tiger at Will Technique"

Nagato clapped his hands together.

The cumulonimbus clouds in the sky seemed to be affected by Nagato's Chakra, and they regrouped.

Before Nagato could finish the technique, Qingyu appeared in front of Nagato and threw out a right punch.

Shinra Tensei!

Centered on Nagato, a semi-transparent repulsive wave exploded outwards.

Before Qingyu's fist could even touch Nagato, he was sent flying by that force.

His body tumbled several times in the air before landing on his back.

"Repulsive force?----"

Qingyu felt the sensation in her wrist just now, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

"Shinra Tensei" has a cooldown period after use, which is very short, but enough for Qingyu.

He charged out again.

This time, Qingyu was even faster.

Blue arcs of electricity flickered around him; it was clearly "Lightning Chakra Mode".

"Banshō Ten'in!"

Nagato stretched out his right hand, and a tremendous force pulled Qingyu towards Nagato.

Qingyu let the force pull her toward Nagato, and then, less than half a meter from Nagato, she suddenly transformed into a bolt of lightning and vanished.

Lightning Style: Lightning Body Flicker Technique!

Nagato's pupils contracted slightly.

Qingyu's figure coalesced again behind him.

"Shinra Tensei" is still in cooldown.

Qingyu struck Nagato's back with a palm strike.

"The Preta Path."

Nagato turned around and pushed forward with both hands.

A semi-transparent barrier appeared in front of him, absorbing all the Chakra in Qingyu's palm.

Qingyu's attack was thus neutralized.

"The Preta Path?----"

Qingyu's eyes narrowed.

The Six Paths Power of the Rinnegan each correspond to a completely different fighting style.

The Preta Path can absorb all Ninjutsu and Chakra, making it an almost insurmountable natural enemy for ordinary ninjas.

However, Qingyu's fighting methods are not limited to Ninjutsu.

The simplest approach is to use only "Senjutsu," in which case Preta Path's Nagato will have no effect on Qingyu.

Then Qingyu stepped forward again, and Nagato had no choice but to engage Qingyu in close combat.

The two exchanged blows, Qingyu directly Nagato in close combat.

Nagato had just used the "Preta Path" and was suffering from physical exhaustion, making him somewhat strained in the face of Qingyu's Taijutsu.

Nagato's Rinnegan's keen perception allowed him to detect Qingyu's every move, and even if his body couldn't keep up, he could still defend himself through the gaps in Shinra Tensei.

The two fought back and forth in the open space.

"Is this the Rinnegan? It can even Lord Qingyu's speed."

The Akatsuki members were completely stunned.

"Even Hanzo of the Salamander couldn't see Qingyu, yet Nagato was able to block them!"

"No, Nagato Nagato's body is under immense strain; if this continues—"

The speaker was a tall, stout ninja from the Akatsuki, his expression filled with worry.

Nagato was also aware of his physical condition.

Every second he uses the Rinnegan consumes his stamina and Chakra.

If he continues to fight Qingyu like this, it won't be long before he is defeated due to exhaustion.

"The Asura Path"

Nagato took a step back and quickly Hand Seals.

A strange Chakra surged from his body, transforming into some odd metallic mechanisms.

"Mechanical armor?"

Hyuga Ginka frowned.

"The Asura Path can transform the body, turning it into the strongest weapon."

Qingyu said.

"You know a lot about the Rinnegan?"

Nagato was somewhat surprised to hear this.

"It's alright."

Qingyu spoke.

"After all, these are the eyes of the legendary Sage of Six Paths. Isn't it normal for them to leave behind some legends?"

Qingyu smiled slightly.

Nagato, upon hearing this, also felt that it made sense.

Qingyu then deactivated "Lightning Chakra Mode" and activated "Eight Inner Gates."

"Sixth Gate - Gate of View!"

Green steam once again billowed from his body.

"The Morning Peacock!"

Qingyu unleashed a double punch head-on.

Hundreds of flames flew out from the shadow of the fist, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers, covering the sky and dazzling the eyes.

Nagato raised his hands and pushed them forward.

Shinra Tensei!

This time, he used almost all the repulsive force he could muster at the moment.

The flames of the Morning Peacock and the repulsive force of Shinra Tensei collided.

In mid-air, it looked as if countless fiery birds had crashed into an invisible wall.

The shockwave spread outwards, blasting soil and rainwater into the air, creating a huge cloud of water vapor.

As the mist dissipated, Nagato was already kneeling on the ground, breathing rapidly, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

"I lost."

Nagato knelt on the ground in Nagato voice, breathing rapidly, his forehead covered in cold sweat. Qingyu hadn't even used "Sage Mode," and he had lost just like that.

That's not how you say it.

Qingyu shook his head, deactivated the Eight Inner Gates Formation, and walked up to Nagato.

"If it's a life-or-death battle, you'll use 'Demonic Statue of the Outer Path', and then the outcome will be uncertain."

Qingyu comforted her.

Otherwise, it would be too much of a blow to Nagato.

"The power of the Rinnegan goes far beyond this."

As Qingyu spoke, he placed his palm on Nagato's shoulder and transferred medical Chakra to him.

Konan and Yahiko both breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

"You won, that's a win."

Nagato slowly stood up.

He doesn't like to make excuses for himself.

[Collectible Trait Detected: Eyes of Life and Death]

[B-Rank Trait: Eyes of Life and Death]

[Effect: Increases the speed of learning all Chakra nature Ninjutsu by 100%.]

[Synthesis: Obtaining the Eye Power of "Rinnegan" will upgrade it to a higher level trait.]

Qingyu stared in amazement at the new trait that popped up on the panel.

Eyes of Life and Death?

According to the official guidebook, "The Rinnegan is indeed the eye that controls life and death."

Have all Chakra attributes been increased?

Qingyu was surprised.

Unexpectedly, Nagato actually pulled off a major surprise.

"Qingyu, Nagato— "

Konan walked over, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.

"He just overexerted himself a little; he'll be fine after a few days of rest."

Qingyu spoke to Konan, then glanced at Nagato.

"However, you'd better think about your health before using these eyes in the future."

I know what I'm doing.

Nagato away, her red hair obscuring half her face.

"Hey, Nagato, they're just worried about you!"

Konan spoke first.

"I know."

Nagato knew that Qingyu was reminding him, and he knew that the reminder was correct.

"Rinnegan | Every time he uses it, it's as if a part of his life force is drained from his body."

But he had no choice.

Without those eyes, he wouldn't even have the power to protect Konan Yahiko.

"Alright, the sparring is over. Shouldn't we take a break?"

Tsunade walked over, her gaze sweeping over Qingyu and Nagato, finally settling on Qingyu.

"Should we continue?"

That's enough.

Qingyu said.

"I'm hungry."

"..

--"

Qingyu was speechless for a moment.

There seems to be a shop up ahead where I can get something hot to eat.

Qingyu spoke.

"That works too."

Although it wasn't Qingyu who made it, Tsunade decided to make do with what she had.

"Let's go then."

Qingyu said.

They also called Kakashi and Hyuga Ginka.

The next day.

"Woke up?"

Tsunade came out of the inner room, her hair still slightly disheveled, clearly having just gotten up.

She walked behind Qingyu and stretched.

Qingyu always felt that heavy burden was about to explode at any moment.

Are you going back to the village today?

"Yes, it's time to go back."

Qingyu turned around.

As the two were talking, Yahiko came up from downstairs carrying a wooden tray with several bowls of steaming porridge and a few slightly burnt rice balls on it.

"Lord Qingyu, Lady Tsunade, please have something to eat before you go."

Yahiko smiled and placed the tray on the table.

"I asked Konan to make this; she's actually quite good at it."

"Konan made this?"

Qingyu raised an eyebrow, picked up a rice ball, and took a bite.

The taste was surprisingly good.

"Good."

"I'm glad you like it, Lord Qingyu."

Yahiko visibly breathed a sigh of relief and pulled up a stool to sit down.

"Lord Qingyu, Lady Tsunade, thank you so much this time. No matter how the Akatsuki develops in the future, we will never forget this kindness."

"Enough of that. Go and call Konan and Nagato upstairs so we can have breakfast together."

Tsunade waved her hand.

We'll leave after we finish eating.

Before long, Konan and Nagato also went upstairs.

Kakashi and Hyuga Ginka also got up.

While the group was having dinner, yesterday's news quickly spread.

News of Hanzo of the Salamander's death spread rapidly throughout the Shinobi World after it came from spies within the Land of Rain.

The first to receive the news was Konoha.

Inside the Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by the window, holding the intelligence scroll that had just been presented by the Anbu in his hand.

When he learned that Hanzo of the Salamander had been killed by Qingyu, the fingers holding his pipe involuntarily paused for a moment.

Hanzo of the Salamander. He dominated the Shinobi World for decades, single-handedly suppressing the Land of Rain to survive between the three great nations. He also personally bestowed the title of "Konoha Sannin" upon Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade during the Second Shinobi World War.

For the entire Konoha Village, Hanzō was a formidable enemy.

The number of Konoha Ninja who died from Hanzō's poisonous fog back then was well over a hundred.

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by the window for a long time before slowly turning his gaze away.

He turned around, walked back to the table, and sat down.

Konoha must make good use of this opportunity.

The Land of Rain is geographically sensitive, sandwiched between the Land of Fire, the Land of Earth, Land of Wind, making it a natural buffer zone.

After Hanzō's death, the Land of Rain will inevitably fall into a period of internal turmoil, and all forces will be eyeing that area.

If Konoha were to choose to intervene on a large scale at this time, or even attempt to swallow up the Land of Rain, that would be the worst possible strategy.

The Land of Rain is resource-poor, with frequent rain and weak agriculture. Occupying it would not only fail to bring benefits to the Land of Fire, but would also require a continuous investment of resources and troops to maintain it.

Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't do a deal that loses money.

What he valued more was the prestige and benefits brought by Hanzō's death.

"Have the Anbu agents spread the message."

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave the order to the Anbu Ninja waiting nearby.

"Just say that Tsunade and Qingyu teamed up to kill Hanzo of the Salamander Hanzō. They have brought Hanzo's body back to Konoha, where it will be publicly displayed to console the Konoha Ninja who died under his poisonous mist."

He paused, then added, "No need for excessive embellishment, just state the facts."

"Yes."

The Anbu Ninja accepted the order and left.

Sarutobi Hiruzen relit his pipe and took a deep drag.

Qingyu.

Unbeknownst to many, this name has become a representative of Konoha's new generation.

Now even Hanzō has died at his hands. Such a feat is unmatched among the younger generation of Konoha.

"It's time to consider post-war rewards."

Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered to himself.

Such achievements are beyond the scope of a regular Jonin title.

Kirigakure.

The year-round humidity from the sea shrouded the entire village in a grayish-white mist.

The Third Mizukage sat on the top floor of the Mizukage Building, with a piece of intelligence sent back from the mainland in front of him.

"Hanzo of the Salamander —is he dead?"

His voice was low, tinged with surprise.

"Yes, the news has been confirmed. It was Qingyu and Tsunade from Konoha who made the move, and Qingyu delivered the fatal blow."

The Anbu Ninja beside him knelt on one knee, his head bowed.

The Third Mizukage remained silent for a moment.

He was tall, and his eyes were slightly narrowed, as if he were lost in thought.

"As expected of someone valued by that lord."

The Third Mizukage spoke slowly, his tone ambiguous, whether it was a sigh or a sense of apprehension.

The "that person" he was referring to was naturally Madara Uchiha.

Qingyu was the one personally chosen by that adult.

In just a few short years, he first killed the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, then beheaded Hanzo of the Salamander. This speed of rise has already surpassed...

The category of "genius".

"Mizukage, should we do something?"

The Anbu Ninja asked cautiously.

"Not for now."

The Third Mizukage shook his head.

"The Kirigakure and the Konoha Village are separated by the sea. We have no need to provoke Qingyu for the sake of a dead Hanzō. Issue the order..."

Go, the patrols on the eastern front should continue to withdraw; avoid any clashes with Konoha's forces.

"Yes."

The Anbu Ninja accepted the order and withdrew.

The Third Mizukage stood up and walked to the window.

The fog was still very thick, and even the sea was not visible.

Meanwhile, in another corner of Kirigakure.

Mei Terumi stood at the edge of the training field, the water balloon in her hand not yet fully formed, before it scattered into a spray of water due to her distraction.

"Have you heard? That Qingyu from Konoha killed Hanzō from the Land of Rain."

"How could I not have heard—it's all over the place now, even the Mizukage has been alerted."

"It hasn't been that long, and even Demigod has died at his hands—that Qingyu, how old is he this year?"

"Sigh, living in the same era as this kind of person, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse."

Several Kirigakure Ninja passing by were whispering among themselves.

Mei Terumi turned her back to them, expressionless as she regrouped her Chakra.

The water sphere reformed in her palm, crystal clear, like a bound crystal.

"Qingyu ----"

She lowered her head and looked at her reflection in the water sphere.

That face, compared to before, has lost much of its youthful innocence.

Qingyu has now truly reached a height that Qingyu could never attain.

She once thought that as long as she worked hard enough, she would be able to catch up one day.

But now it seems that the distance between them can no longer be bridged by "effort".

Mei Terumi gripped the water balloon tightly, and with a bang, the water balloon exploded, soaking her face.

The chill made her shiver, which actually made her more awake.

"We can't give up. Even if I can't beat Qingyu by myself, I can call on everyone to join me after we've changed Kirigakure."

Mei Terumi pondered for a moment, then changed her approach.

If you can't win one-on-one, then just gang up on them.