Konoha: Muzan of the Hatake Household — Hiruko
To select true powerhouses from the vast Shinobi World, both ninjutsu and willpower had to be exceptional. Only then could one become a Twelve Kizuki feared by all.
Following Muzan's will, the powerhouses of the Shinobi World learned of this from the Land of Waves. For a time, many strong fighters gathered, for the strength of the Twelve Kizuki was obvious to all. Combined with their nearly immortal healing abilities, it could greatly increase one's strength.
However, their lives and deaths would need to be controlled by Muzan, which deterred many people. Those rogue ninja had grown used to freedom and were unaccustomed to being commanded.
"Lord Muzan, Konoha has recently begun abandoning large areas of territory and is preparing to hold its final line of defense."
Kamizuru Poison Butterfly entered the tent and reported what she had discovered.
Hearing her words, it seemed Konoha was planning to reduce the scale of the war during this period. Muzan also needed time to consolidate the territory he had seized and arrange the selection of the Twelve Kizuki.
"Delay the offensive. Don't push Konoha too hard."
With the openings for the Twelve Kizuki announced, many powerhouses could be seen entering Mukawa Territory. Most were bounty ninja. They watched one another warily, afraid that someone would stab them in the back and cause them to fail the trial, only to become someone else's payday.
"I didn't expect so many powerhouses to come this time."
As usual, Muzan stood by the sea in the distance, looking down at the gathered candidates for the Twelve Kizuki. It was like raising venomous insects—only the final strongest survivor could obtain Muzan's blood. The strong, or those with a Bloodline Limit, could unleash even greater power when paired with the