Ora-
A battle cry from some unknown source abruptly interrupted the cackling clan member's casting.
As everyone knew, objects deformed under force, and Uchiha Takuya's instantly twisting, warping cheek illustrated that perfectly.
A purple fist bulging with veins crossed the void and slammed into his face. The mountain-shaking, rock-splitting blow stretched Uchiha Takuya's entire body into an abstract painting, sending him flying straight backward amid an explosive boom that tore through the air.
Beside Josen, the bare-chested F-kid lowered his fist. His granite-sculpted pecs bounced twice as he turned to glance at Josen.
[That's it? Why didn't you let me beat him to death?]
Josen explained quietly, "This guy's still useful. If we want to farm favor with the Senju, he's worth more alive than dead. Besides, it isn't easy for an Uchiha to level up this far. Watch how hard you hit him."
F-kid shrugged in acknowledgment.
Across from them, Uchiha Takuya woke from his baby-like slumber.
His nearly pulverized head gradually recovered. His consciousness returned from a blank void, immediately filling with question marks.
Touching his restored cheek, which still throbbed with phantom pain, he whipped his head around. He saw Josen pinned to a wooden stake, innocence written all over his face, and his gaze flickered with doubt.
"No, this isn't right. Isn't this my genjutsu world? I'm the ruler here. No one can hurt me! Urgh..."
Just as Uchiha Takuya tried to intensify the genjutsu, another punch suddenly struck his stomach.
His feet left the ground, and he hung like a piece of artwork over a heavily muscled arm.
Pfft-
He spat out a huge mouthful of blood, only for it to vanish into the air midway. Uchiha Takuya forced his eyes open, trying to see just who had beaten him into a mural, only to