Chapter 360: A Cosmic Treasure
The Shinobi World was a strange and broken place. Though it held extraordinary power, its highest authorities were a collection of powerless, ordinary humans. The very ninjas, who wielded the power to reshape landscapes and topple armies, still served these mortals without question. They had become dependent on their rulers to sustain them, forgetting that the origins of the Shinobi Order allowed them to survive through their own power, fueled by chakra.
In fact, the belief that a change of Hokage required the approval of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was a farce. Only a feeble Hokage like Hiruzen Sarutobi would hide behind the Daimyo's authority, leaning on his title like a crutch to demand respect.
As Kakashi unified Konoha, he dispatched its strongest genjutsu users to control the Fire Daimyo and the other nobility. The result, as expected, was swift and smooth. Kakashi had taken Ye Wen's teachings to heart, especially one phrase: "In times of prosperity, the people suffer; in times of ruin, the people suffer." This would be a war of the Shinobi, and he would not drag innocent civilians into its path.
Under Kakashi's leadership, Konoha continued to prepare for battle with perfect order. But with no more intrigue left to watch, Ye Wen decided it was finally time to attend to his business elsewhere. Before departing, he instructed Kakashi to recognize Naruto Uzumaki as his sworn brother and announce his true identity to all of Konoha. People would know the level of depravity Hiruzen Sarutobi had reached.
Now firmly resolved, Kakashi immediately removed Sarutobi's face from the Hokage monument, declaring that a man like him was unworthy of the people's reverence. When Jiraiya returned briefly and saw his teacher treated this way, he tried to persuade Kakashi to show mercy for his sensei's legacy. But Kakashi had hardened, driven by his single minded vision of a new world, unyielding even to his own mentor. Left speechless, Jiraiya ultimately retreated from the village, resuming his search for his "Child of Prophecy."
The Shinobi World was actually quite small. A strong enough ninja could circle the world in a month, which is why, after leaving Konoha, Ye Wen soon found himself crossing an arid desert. In the vast universe, with its uncountable stars, there were innumerable wonders yet to be discovered. And one such wonder lay hidden beneath this sand.
The Dragon Vein a legendary treasure capable of transcending time itself.
Such treasures held a special designation in Ye Wen's universe: "Cosmic Treasures." Cosmic Treasures were incredibly rare phenomena, formed under unique, unreplicable circumstances, which made them all the more precious.
Even though Ye Wen had dominion over time and space, he could not visit the past himself. Yet, the Dragon Vein had the potential to fulfill this desire.
"So, this is Roran… The energy beneath this place is indeed overwhelming," Ye Wen murmured in awe, taking in the strange forces at work. The dense energy here had crystallized, pooling in an area devoid of life. When disturbed, it could even distort time, sending one into the past or future.
"There's something peculiar about this… It isn't just formed from the natural energy of the Shinobi World; it's connected to a flow of primordial energy from across multiple timelines. No wonder it qualifies as a Cosmic Treasure."
Ye Wen's thoughts drifted, trying to imagine how he might transplant this rarity into his own world, the Douluo Dimension. As he pondered, a faint surge of divine energy reached his awareness.
"This presence… it's Zhuqing."
At that moment, a slender, alluring figure appeared before Ye Wen. Zhu Zhuqing, cold and graceful, bowed before him, her voice soft but respectful.
"Master, I have captured the special target you assigned. Please advise me on the next steps."
The "special target," of course, referred to Otsutsuki Isshiki. In the current timeline, Isshiki was the only person worth Ye Wen's attention.
Although Otsutsuki Isshiki was formidable, his fighting style was straightforward, relying solely on brute force. In comparison, Kaguya's abilities as the Ten Tails Jinchuriki were far more versatile. However, no one could deny Isshiki's strength. Even at partial power, he had given the main characters an extreme challenge.
But this time, he had encountered Ye Wen's elite expeditionary forces.
Zhu Zhuqing's natural talent, while impressive, had only brought her to the peak of a Level One God. Even so, her title as the God of the Underworld Death itself meant she was still a force to be reckoned with. Her skill with the Shadow Ghost Assassination Art made her a master of stealth, and armed with Ye Wen's divine artifact, the Nether Judgment, she was formidable enough to keep even gods wary. She had led the mission to locate and subdue Otsutsuki Isshiki. Now, she had returned in success.
"Release Isshiki," Ye Wen ordered calmly.
Otsutsuki Isshiki was known for his extraordinary ability to escape, yet Zhu Zhuqing had been confident he wouldn't evade Ye Wen's reach. Without hesitation, she removed him from the containment device Ye Wen had prepared.
Isshiki's skin was pale, his single horn and unique golden eye with a cross pattern strikingly eerie.
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