Chapter 49: Going After Nagato.

Overseas, Neutral Island This is an island that does not belong to any country. It has a prosperous commercial center and a developed economy. Wealthy merchants from across the ninja world frequently gather here. There is a particularly unique place on this island: the Arena. Unlike traditional colosseums where beasts clash, this one pits ninjas against each other. --- "This is your training ground. Watch carefully—the ninjas you'll face will appear down there." "If you think you're ready, just tell me. I'll let you in." "Don't choose opponents who are too weak... but don't pick ones too strong either." "Select someone close to your level. That's the best way to gain experience." "I must warn you—if you lose in the arena, you'll be taken away by others." "Though I will retrieve you afterward, you won't enjoy the experience." Zenkichi stood in a private box, calmly watching two ninjas battle below. He addressed the group behind him in an indifferent tone. --- "Interesting!" "Is this the experience Zenkichi-sensei prepared for us? Looks fun," Momochi Zabuza licked his lips. "Can we kill in the arena?" Zenkichi responded coldly, "Of course. But it wouldn't be fun if you were the one killed." Zabuza smirked, confident. "No worries—I'm not that fragile." Zenkichi nodded. He believed him. Anyone who earned a name in the original canon wasn't weak—especially not those from Kirigakure. The brutality of that village was no joke. A little training here wouldn't kill them. --- "Another fighter's entering... he has a Kekkei Genkai," someone commented. "That's surprising. I've already seen several Kekkei Genkai users." "Why are there so many here?" Terumi Mei asked with a puzzled expression, turning to Zenkichi. --- "Because most of the spectators are rich merchants from the Five Great Nations," Zenkichi replied calmly. "Their subordinates have raised many ninjas—and they deliberately collect Kekkei Genkai users." "Don't underestimate the power of money. Even Kage-level experts can be bought." "It's not unusual for such wealthy individuals to keep Kekkei Genkai users under their command." --- "To treat ninjas like this... it's disgusting!" "What do they think we are—beasts?!" Hōzuki Mangetsu shouted angrily, visibly upset. "Don't worry. This won't last much longer," Zenkichi reassured, smirking toward the spectators outside. These wealthy merchants were already on his watch list. If they dared provoke the anger of the ninja class, Zenkichi could confiscate their assets under just cause. --- "A Water Release user just entered. He looks like a Jōnin-level ninja. Mind if I handle this one?" Yagura's eyes lit up, having found a worthy opponent. "No problem." Zenkichi waved casually, and a staff member went out to announce the next challenger. --- Yagura's opponent didn't possess a Kekkei Genkai, but had an enormous chakra reserve and a strong affinity for Water Release. Water-style ninjutsu relies on both chakra volume and kinetic force to be truly effective—requiring tremendous chakra. Yagura and Kisame were both chakra monsters, and the opponent below was on par with Yagura in chakra levels. --- "What a fantastic Water Release duel," Hoshigaki Kisame remarked enviously while watching Yagura's battle. He hadn't yet learned that many Water-style techniques. --- "Oh right—I nearly forgot!" "All the ninjutsu you need to learn are right here. I've already prepared them for you." Zenkichi reached into his cloak and pulled out several scrolls packed with jutsu. "You'll need to adapt quickly. I won't be staying here with you." --- Terumi Mei asked in surprise, "You're leaving?" Zenkichi nodded. "There's a powerful enemy I must handle personally." "The fight will be dangerous. I can't take you with me." "Someone even you can't handle?" Terumi Mei's eyes widened. "Is it one of the Kage?" Zenkichi smiled mysteriously. "No. But he's far more powerful than any current Kage." "Even though he's old, I doubt any of the Five Kage could defeat him." --- Terumi Mei was stunned and tried to press for more details, but Zenkichi only chuckled and shook his head. "I'll tell you in time." He stayed for two more days—long enough for Terumi Mei and the others to adjust to the island. Then, Zenkichi departed alone by boat, headed for the mainland. --- He trekked through the dense forest near the Valley of the End, his Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki) fully activated, searching for Uchiha Madara's whereabouts. --- "No sign of him?" Zenkichi frowned thoughtfully and moved to investigate the area around Kannabi Bridge, but still found no trace of Madara. Despite his advanced age and life support systems, Madara was still mobile. A war-hardened veteran like Madara surely knew the value of backup plans. The base under the Valley of the End or Kannabi Bridge was probably just one of his many hideouts. --- "This is a problem," Zenkichi muttered. "If I can't find Madara, I'll go after Nagato." "Those Rinnegan eyes... are worth collecting." He pondered quietly, a smile spreading across his face. --- 60+chapters are on patron, become a member [email protected]/Zphyr Change @ to a.