Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template-Chapter 159

Zixu's ominous premonition grew stronger by the second. Orochimaru... he might have actually uncovered something incredible.

"I don't know whether your ability to transform into a giant dragon comes from a Tailed Beast, but this fruit... it also has the power to alter the human body. The nature of the transformation is different, but the principles seem similar," Kakuzu said, rolling his neck as he scanned the surroundings.

Zixu narrowed his eyes. "Is that all you wanted to tell me?" He refused to believe Orochimaru had only discovered this much. If he came to him personally, then it meant something far more significant was at play.

"Don't be so impatient," Kakuzu smirked. "I found something strange about the fruit you gave me. It's not naturally occurring—it's artificial. And since it's only a semi-finished product, it seems to have an unusual weakness against certain substances." His dark eyes locked onto Zixu, carefully observing his reaction.

Zixu remained silent. Resting his head on one hand, he tapped his temple, lost in thought.

Seeing that Zixu didn't respond, Orochimaru, who stood behind Kakuzu, decided to change the subject.

"The shinobi world is built on the constant plundering of resources. Strength determines survival. The weak perish, and civilians... they're nothing more than collateral in war. That is the way of our world."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued. "But you, Zixu, are no longer playing by those rules. You openly recruit civilians from other nations, distributing weapons so they can defend themselves. You believe in changing the natural order... but your ideals are naïve. Do you think giving civilians power will make shinobi respect them? The gap between classes is not something that can be erased so easily. Equality? That is nothing more than a fantasy."

Zixu exhaled sharply, growing impatient. He tapped his knuckles against the armrest.

"Are you finished?"

Orochimaru chuckled. "For now. But I should mention—our mass production of the fruit is already in motion. The shinobi world is about to become... much more entertaining. Hehehe..."

With that, Orochimaru released his control over Kakuzu, causing him to collapse momentarily before regaining his stance.

Standing nearby, Karin furrowed her brows in concern. She knew firsthand how dangerous the Devil Fruit's power was. And if Orochimaru had truly begun mass-producing them, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Zixu noticed her unease and waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about this. I'll handle it. Focus on your preparations for the tournament. You don't need to stay here—I'm just a little tired."

Understanding his meaning, Karin gave a slight nod and left with Aburame Hatsuizumi and the others.

As they exited, Aburame Hatsuizumi paused at the doorway. His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced with a rare, serious expression. "Zixu, don't be too concerned. Even in the worst-case scenario, we still have a chance to turn things around."

Zixu gave a slight nod but said nothing.

Leaning back in his chair, he muttered, "It's time to draw another prize... Artificial Devil Fruits, huh? So Orochimaru really has developed them..." With that thought lingering in his mind, he closed his eyes, exhaustion taking over.

---

The northeast corner of town housed a massive coliseum-like arena—the main battleground for the competition. The final victor of this grand event would be decided here.

The aftermath of the Akatsuki's attack and the Whirlpool Country's "ascension" still lingered in the air. Though the excitement remained high, a subtle unease was woven into the expressions of the contestants.

The first round of battles had not eliminated many shinobi—except for the Cloud Village participants. Most of them had been killed, drastically reducing the total number of contenders.

Amidst the restless crowd, a determined voice rang out.

"We need to prove our strength! I'll make sure they see the power of the Whirlpool Country!"

Standing in a striking purple ninja outfit with oriental designs, Hydrangea clenched her fists. Her short, curly hair was tied into a small bun, her eyes burning with determination.

Karin, having just returned, noticed her enthusiasm and approached.

"Let's do our best," she encouraged. "We'll show them that medical and sensory-type shinobi aren't weak."

Hydrangea nodded firmly, her hands tightening around her collection of scrolls. "Yeah!"

The matches had already begun. Young talents from each village clashed fiercely, their battles a spectacle of raw power, strategy, and survival instinct. Those waiting in the preparation area watched in anticipation, absorbing every detail.

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But away from the noise of the arena, Zabuza had other matters to attend to.

He walked straight toward the Mizukage's guards, his sharp eyes locked onto one man—Mangetsu Hozuki.

The moment Zabuza approached, Mangetsu stepped forward, blocking his path.

"...?" Mangetsu said nothing, but the message in his gaze was clear: Do not take another step, or I will act.

Zabuza's grip tightened around the hilt of the nameless sword resting on his waist. His voice was laced with restrained anger. "Mangetsu, why?"

Mangetsu's expression remained unreadable. "Lady Mei Terumi's ideals align with the current needs of the Mist Village."

Zabuza's bandaged face twisted slightly, his frustration evident. He hesitated before finally releasing his grip on the sword and turning away. "...I see."

From behind, a playful yet dangerous voice called out.

"That must be Zabuza, right?" Mei Terumi had approached without warning, her lips curled into a knowing smile.

Mangetsu merely nodded before resuming his position beside Ao.

---

Meanwhile, the matches intensified.

Blades clashed, fists struck flesh, and the air was filled with explosions of chakra-infused techniques. Every battle was a testament to the power of the new generation.

And then... the atmosphere shifted.

The competitors from the Land of Whirlpool were unlike the others. While most shinobi fought with traditional ninjutsu and taijutsu, these fighters wielded technology.

Guns, mechanized exoskeletons, laser-infused ninja swords—these were their weapons. It was no longer just a clash of ninja arts but a collision of science and chakra.

The next match was announced.

"In the arena now, we have Kankuro of the Whirlpool Country!"

The crowd stirred. The commentator's voice rang out, hyping up the match.

"Kankuro is known as a puppeteer, originally from the Sand Village. But he's undergone significant changes since joining the Whirlpool faction. Now, let's see how he fares against... Akimichi Choji of the Hidden Leaf!"

The camera zoomed in on Choji, who was casually chewing on barbecue as he entered the battlefield.

The commentator chuckled. "He seems confident—maybe a little too confident. Is he underestimating Kankuro? Or does he have a plan?"

Kankuro smirked, reaching for his "puppet"—a towering, humanoid mecha. It was nothing like his old puppets. With today's technology, it had been completely re-engineered, bearing no resemblance to its former form.

As the crowd erupted in excitement, Kankuro casually stepped into the cockpit of his creation.

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