From the banks of the Heaven-Piercing River, Kabuto Yakushi set out on a road of no return!
In Urashiki's body, he carried the Divine Mandate Banner-Tally through the Branch Family's territory beneath Mount Hiba!
Along the way, he looked neither left nor right. The members of the Branch Family were beneath his notice. His objective was clear: before his collected supply of Basara's blood ran out, he would use Divine Illumination's Shikigami to eliminate as many powerful gods as possible!
His passage was unimpeded until Tian Mani, the head of the Branch Family, blocked his path with the scepter symbolizing his authority!
Kabuto spoke in Urashiki's voice. "Tian Mani, why do you bar my way!"
Tian Mani said, "Stop pretending. You're not Lord Urashiki. I saw everything through my crystal ball. You're an outsider who infiltrated our clan, a traitor! Put down the Divine Mandate Banner-Tally and surrender!"
Kabuto sneered. "So there really is a reason people die young. Why couldn't you just live out what little time you had left? Since you're so determined to die, I'll oblige!"
-Divine Illumination!!!
After killing Tian Mani as easily as crushing an ant, Kabuto murmured, "What a pity. None of the Branch Family's four hidden experts showed themselves. Otherwise, I could have dealt with them too..."
No one else blocked his way beneath Mount Hiba.
But Tian Mani's death had also exposed Kabuto beyond doubt.
Crossing Mount Hiba, he arrived on Awazaki Plain, the territory of the former Head Family, now the Post-Original Main Family.
Kabuto killed everyone he encountered. Along the way, he slew dozens of prominent Main Family members, until the rest fled from him in terror!
Carving a bloody path, he traveled from Awaki Plain over Mount Kagu, Mount Masaka, Mount Oto, Okuyamatsu, Kurayamatsu, Shigiyamatsu, Hayamatsu, Haramatsu, Toyamatsu... and