Chapter 45: A Real Man Fights Head On.

As early as when he took action to kill White Zetsu, Zenkichi had already planned to leave Kirigakure. Madara Uchiha had targeted him and plotted against him. Although Madara did not succeed, Zenkichi was not the type to let things slide—he would repay Madara Uchiha one way or another. However, the Third Mizukage wanted a thorough investigation of spies within the village—an order that ruffled many feathers. Especially among the major clans in Kirigakure, who already had strained relations with the village's top brass. If not for Zenkichi, a powerhouse keeping things in check, the Third Mizukage would likely feel insecure. Now that the Kaguya clan had stepped out of line, Zenkichi didn't mind using them as an example to instill fear. When it came to the Kaguya clan, Zenkichi had no hesitation. The other two great families—the Oniden and the Mizunashi—had already offered goodwill. Mizunashi Aoki and Kito Mangetsu had become Zenkichi's subordinates as a sign of alliance. But the Kaguya clan, in contrast, remained arrogant and dismissive. This clan was made up of hot-blooded lunatics, most of them obsessed with combat. They were cold and conceited, incompatible with both civilian and other clan-based shinobi. Bloodthirsty and cruel, they didn't hesitate to kill even their own kin. They refused to follow orders—even directives from the village's top leaders fell on deaf ears. Yet their strength was undeniable—even without awakening their Shikotsumyaku, they were still fearsome. A clan of battle maniacs—being strong was in their nature. Due to the Kaguya's military prowess and their sensitive relationship with the village, the higher-ups had long turned a blind eye to their conduct. But that only made the Kaguya even more arrogant and out of control. Just like now. While the Mizunashi and Oniden clans had agreed to cooperate, the Kaguya clan defiantly resisted the orders of the Third Mizukage. But this time, they were about to run into a wall. Because Zenkichi would crush their pride—completely and absolutely. --- At the Kaguya clan residence... Several senior members of the Kaguya clan gathered with expressions full of disdain. "The Third Mizukage is really losing his touch." "Issuing such a ridiculous order? He should step down already." "I heard he's planning to make Zenkichi the next Mizukage. That brat supposedly stirred up a storm in Konoha." "Rumors. Let's see it to believe it." "Exactly! With our Kaguya clan's strength, how could some brat compare?" "I bet all he did was hang around Konoha's gates. The Mizukage is clearly exaggerating." "The Mizunashi and Oniden clans are a disgrace—bowing to that guy over such nonsense." "I heard they even sent their talented clan heirs to cozy up to that Zenkichi. Truly shameful." "The Fourth Mizukage? That title should go to our Kaguya clan." "Right! When the Third Mizukage steps down, we'll make our move." "Will the village council agree though?" "They'll have no choice." ... Two Kaguya fools chatted enthusiastically, completely unaware of the reality of Zenkichi's strength. "Patriarch! The village leaders have sent someone again!" A Kaguya clan member burst in, shouting the report. "Again? What a nuisance." "Let's go." "Elders, it's time we make our stance clear to the village." The Kaguya clan leader sneered and rallied the elders. He wanted the village leaders to feel the pressure. --- Outside the Kaguya Clan Residence... Zenkichi stood casually at the gate, yawning lazily with a bored expression. "We've already said this, haven't we?" "The Kaguya clan will not accept inspection from the village." "We'll examine our own people—we don't need outsiders." "Even the top village officials might be compromised. Who's to say the inspection team isn't infiltrated too?" "What if a spy hides among them and uses the investigation to make a move against us? We'd be the victims then." With an arrogant strut, Kaguya Shorai, the clan leader, stepped out to meet Zenkichi. "You are... Kaguya Shorai, head of the Kaguya clan?" Zenkichi tilted his head and stared lazily at him, pulling a crumpled cigarette from his pocket. A laser flickered from his fingertip—a flash of light-style chakra—and lit it up. "That's right." "You're Zenkichi, the one making waves lately?" "Hmph! The Oniden and Mizunashi clans might grovel before you, but we're not like them." Kaguya Shorai sneered, his gaze filled with scorn. "So scary," Zenkichi replied dryly. "Everyone in the Kaguya clan is brainless." "Especially the two morons in charge. Pathetic." He flicked the cigarette away and smirked, oozing mockery. His disdainful expression only infuriated the Kaguya clan. "You bastard!" With a roar, Kaguya Shorai used the Body Flicker Technique and appeared before Zenkichi, throwing a ruthless punch toward his chest. Zenkichi didn't even dodge. His body absorbed the blow—the area around the impact flashing gold—his elemental form surged and neutralized the attack. "Scary, scary," Zenkichi said sarcastically. "Your speed's no joke—definitely worthy of the Kaguya name." "You actually pierced my body!" He looked down at the stunned Kaguya Shorai, expression full of ridicule. "What's with the sneaky tricks? A real man fights head-on." Shorai froze, then barked in anger. "Fine then! Head-on!" "As you wish," Zenkichi said, raising his hand—then slapped him across the face. --- (^▽^) Become a patron to get access to 40+ chapters in advance. [email protected]/Zphyr_ Change @ to a.