When the golden treasure was opened, the pillar of golden light that shot into the sky was nothing short of astonishing.
For the entire ninja world to see it was unlikely, but for all the people of the Land of Fire to see it — that was entirely possible!
At the same time, the Akatsuki's immortal duo, Kakuzu and Hidan, were nearby on a mission. Naturally, they too saw that shocking golden light.
Because they were so close, they also saw the domineering figure of Uchiha Madara and heard every word he spoke.
When he heard the word "treasure," Kakuzu — who valued money above all else — instantly had his eyes light up.
To be honest, if Madara were truly alive, even if Kakuzu had ten thousand hearts, he wouldn't dare be insolent in front of him.
Although Kakuzu prided himself on having once "assassinated" the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama — a claim that earned him admiration from many ninjas —
The truth was known only to Kakuzu himself.
In reality, he had merely thrown a kunai at Hashirama from 800 li away, and that alone created his so-called fame as the man who assassinated the First Hokage.
But Madara Uchiha was a ninja equal in fame and strength to the First Hokage.
And in ruthlessness, he surpassed him!
So naturally, Kakuzu would never provoke Madara.
"Even though I've lived for nearly a hundred years, I, Kakuzu, still don't feel like I've lived enough!"
However, since Madara appeared to be only a spiritual remnant that vanished after completing his task, Kakuzu began to have other ideas.
After all, this was Uchiha Madara's treasure!
How could it possibly be compared to ordinary wealth!?
Kakuzu immediately decided — he must obtain it!
"I, Kakuzu, am the ninja who assassinated the First Hokage!"
With misplaced confidence,
Kakuzu felt that aside from Hashirama and Madara, any other ninja — no matter how many came — he could kill them all!
"Hahaha! If you want to leave, hand over the treasure first!~"
Hidan shouted wildly, swinging his triple-bladed scythe, its cold gleam exuding killing intent.
Kakuzu also stared intently at Uchiha Sasuke — the youth whom Madara had clearly called his successor — and said in a deep voice:
"Leave the treasure!"
He paid particular attention to the Ryūjin Jakka and the Six Paths Heavenly Book in Sasuke's possession.
"We're too late!"
Kakashi sighed inwardly, pulling out a kunai as he quietly instructed:
"Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke — protect Tazuna. We'll deal with them!"
"Looks like we'll have to kill you first!"
Kakuzu spoke coldly, giving Hidan a meaningful glance before continuing:
"We can't drag this out. If more ninjas notice the treasure, it'll become troublesome. So…"
As he said this, Kakuzu's chakra flared. He crouched low as his back began to writhe unnaturally.
Moments later, four strange, pitch-black masked creatures burst forth, taking human form before Team 7.
Two of the masks opened their mouths, gathering vast amounts of chakra.
Wind Release: Pressure Damage!
Fire Release: Head Fire!
A hyper-dense tornado combined with searing flames to form an enormous tsunami of fire, surging toward Team 7's position.
Along the way, it destroyed everything it touched —
Leaving behind only scorched, molten ground!
"Uchiha Madara's treasure shouldn't be that easy to destroy!"
With killing intent in his heart,
Kakuzu cared only about the treasure. As for Kakashi and the others, they weren't worth worrying about.
Even though Kakashi's head could fetch a high price on the black market — and under normal circumstances Kakuzu would preserve his face for identification —
Compared to Madara's treasure, that meant nothing.
Wood Release: Tree Boundary Wall!
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!
Crack crack crack!
In an instant, a wall of wooden vines rose from the ground alongside a dog-headed earth wall, forming a double defense.
"So it's you — Wood Release Tenzo!"
Kakashi's gaze froze as he spoke quietly.
"Kakashi-senpai, hold on a bit longer. I've already sent a signal — more ANBU will be here soon!"
It was Tenzo of the ANBU — the future Wood Release user Yamato, temporary captain of Team 7.
Boom boom boom!
The combined force of Wind Release and Fire Release was no simple matter.
The two defenses barely managed to withstand the impact.
But at that moment, Hidan burst out from the flames, his body covered in burn marks — yet still energetic as ever.
Swinging his scythe to drive back Kakashi and Tenzo, he charged straight toward Sasuke.
"Die!"
He roared madly, bringing his scythe down on Sasuke.
Kakashi and Tenzo simultaneously threw kunai toward Hidan, aiming to disrupt his attack and force him onto the defensive.
But with his immortal body, Hidan didn't care about the kunai at all — instead, he attacked Sasuke even more frenziedly.
Clang!
The sound of metal striking metal rang out.
Sasuke parried Hidan's scythe with an upward slash, narrowing his eyes at the crazed look on Hidan's face.
"Even flames like that can't kill this guy?"
Sasuke thought to himself, then, feeling the hidden fire within Ryūjin Jakka, he spoke softly:
"That was just not hot enough!"
"All things in the universe! All creation reduced to ash — Ryūjin Jakka!"
He whispered the incantation, and searing flames enveloped Ryūjin Jakka, radiating an astonishing heat that even Kakuzu could feel from afar.
It was a deadly temperature!
Kakuzu instantly felt a chill in his heart.
"Hahaha! Fire? Sure, it's a bit hot, but if that's all, it won't hurt me!
I am immortal, after all!~"
Hidan sneered and roared arrogantly.
"Just that much, huh?"
Sasuke muttered quietly, and then the flames roared even higher.
Blades of Flame Reduce the Stronghold to Ash!
The flames of Ryūjin Jakka wrapped tightly around Hidan like a giant fiery hand, immobilizing him completely.
The 6,000-degree heat melted his scythe into liquid, which then evaporated into gas in moments.
And Hidan himself — before he could even scream — was reduced, like his weapon, into nothing but particles in the air, disappearing from the ninja world entirely.
With a single strike, Hidan was annihilated!
His so-called "immortal body" was now nothing but an empty boast!
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