Golden Mountain Temple!

"Hum~"

The phantom of an ancient golden Buddha took shape in an instant.

It enclosed the chosen young warrior monk, shielding him completely.

The young monk stood inside the golden Buddha.

Around him flowed mysterious Buddhist script, imbued with the true meaning of compassion and protection.

Fervor filled his face.

Then he slipped into an indescribable state of enlightenment.

"So... this is what it feels like to be struck by the Mercy Blade?!"

"I understand! I really understand now!!!"

His voice trembled with excitement.

He waved his arms and kicked his feet.

He could hardly wait to sit down and meditate.

The other monks' eyes reddened at the sight.

They stared at Guy longingly, their gazes all but saying:

"Honored Head! Strike me! Strike me next!"

Guy ignored the monks' fervent stares, as though they were ready to fight over him.

His aura shifted quietly.

He turned his head, his calm gaze settling on Itachi Uchiha.

He slowly raised the ordinary monk's blade in his hand.

Itachi froze.

Is he going to... strike me?

The thought flashed through his mind, leaving him at a loss.

Beside him, Chiriku wore the envious look of someone watching a young man stumble into incredible luck.

He patted Itachi on the shoulder, then promptly moved well out of the way.

He left the space entirely to Itachi.

Itachi hesitated.

After all, anyone would instinctively feel uneasy with a gleaming blade pointed at him.

But the surrounding monks looked as though they would give anything to take his place.

And the young monk from moments ago had emerged unscathed—and attained enlightenment on the spot beneath the golden Buddha's protection.

Itachi's nerves gradually eased.

In their place rose a boy's intense curiosity.

What does it actually feel like to be struck by that blade?

Driven by