Swinging the blade, releasing the Reiryoku within his body along the direction of the Zanpakuto's slash in the form of Reiatsu… the intense Kenatsu generated from this was the cause of everything that had just happened.
"Getsuga Tensho?"
Sora's gaze shifted slightly. This was a method of Reiatsu application he had created by referencing the principles of Hado #78, Zangerin.
It abandoned the incantation of Kido, relying purely on the Kenatsu generated by the slash to cause damage… simple and direct.
Of course,
In terms of pure destructive power, it certainly couldn't compare to a high-level Hado like Zangerin. But its advantage lay in its faster execution and lower Reiatsu consumption, making it very suitable as a basic attack skill.
'A basic attack with Kenatsu?'
Sora smiled.
He suddenly became curious. If he could perfectly combine the power of Blut Arterie and Zangerin, could he unleash destructive power equivalent to a Complete Body Susanoo with just a normal slash?
One slash capable of cutting down a mountain peak.
'This might be a path worth trying.'
Sora gently stroked Hyorinmaru with his right hand. He stood poised calmly, feeling many new possibilities for the future.
Moreover, with Ichigo's precedent, Sora didn't think this was an impassable path.
After a long silence, Sora nodded solemnly: "In any case, this is a quite promising research direction. Also, Blut Arterie and Blut Vene aren't necessarily limited to being constructed from Reishi. If we can adapt them locally, perhaps they could also be used to enhance a Ninja's individual combat capability."
"Reishi and Chakra are both world-level fundamental energies. There must be some points of commonality between them…"
…
On the other side,
The news of Konoha's rout and Sora single-handedly killing two thousand Konoha's Ninjas quickly spread among Kirigakure's upper echelons.
Although some Kirigakure's higher-ups had anticipated it, they were still severely shocked upon truly receiving the news.
Next,
After the initial frantic shock, these higher-ups quickly conveyed their emotions and will to their subordinates or younger clan members.
"To Terumi Mei: I must emphasize once again that forming a union with an excellent Ninja like Yuki Sora and bearing as many offspring as possible is something you should do, and must do, for the village's future."
The Kirigakure's Elder wrote thusly in a secret letter.
"My dear Meigetsu, the second day after you left, I wanted to write to you, but was afraid you'd find it bothersome, so I refrained. But not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I wake up at two or three every morning, tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep, unable to say why…"
"Later, I happened to hear news of Sora, and only then did I understand the root of my inner melancholy. Truly, whenever I recall the scenes of you two growing up together, childhood sweethearts innocent and carefree, yet see the directionless development between you now, it makes your mother and I constantly worry. Could there be some misunderstanding between you? When will we be able to hold our grandchild? Meigetsu, your father is old, perhaps not long for this world…"
"I only hope that before I leave this world, I can see the birth of your and Sora's child. That would perhaps be the happiest moment of my life."
The Hozuki Clan's head expressed his heartfelt feelings in a family letter.
"Kurumi, the clan has bet everything on you. You must strive to secure a stable position by Sora-sama's side. He is destined to become the village's Mizukage and will be Kirigakure's evergreen tree!"
This was the Ringo Clan's judgment of Kirigakure's future.
…
In short, after this battle, Sora's prestige in Kirigakure truly lived up to the phrase 'at its zenith like the midday sun'.
…
Land of Fire.
Kirigakure's Camp.
The weather was uncharacteristically clear.
The Kirigakure's Ninjas, under the commanders' arrangements, had constructed many more defensive works around the Tenfu Gorge area and had also moved the main camp's location here.
The entire Kirigakure's expeditionary force could now be considered to have firmly established its footing within the Land of Fire.
At the very least, they no longer had to worry about being driven back into the sea by Konoha.
After a great battle comes the distribution of rewards. Many Genin, Chunin, and Jonin were promoted accordingly for their brave performance on the battlefield.
Even the former Deputy Commander of the Kirigakure's Combat Division, Yagura, was promoted to 'Acting' Commander of the Combat Division. The reasons, besides Yagura's merits, were also because the original Combat Division Commander had unfortunately died on the Karra Island battlefield.
This Combat Division Commander, who is from the Hozuki Clan, was directly blasted to death by the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure, smashed into two pieces by a Lariat.
In the eyes of many observers, as long as Yagura didn't mess up, the day the 'Acting' title was removed was already a foregone conclusion.
After all…
This Yagura's strategic vision was truly excellent. He had latched onto the village's thickest leg early on, making all the other envious, jealous, and resentful people in Kirigakure unable to not submit.
Who was the thick leg?
Naturally, it was Sora, who had no higher position to rise to!
Holding the position of Expeditionary Force Commander, Sora was already de facto among the top three in Kirigakure. Above him, only Genji and the Third Mizukage remained.
There were only two spots left above, but three people.
Simply put, unless someone voluntarily gave up their position, or a position suddenly became vacant, Sora indeed had no higher place to rise.
Of course, this didn't affect Sora's prestige, because every Kirigakure's Ninja who had experienced this war knew what a terrifying yet trustworthy powerhouse their commander was.
Now in the Kirigakure's camp, let alone ordinary Ninjas, even Yagura, Fuguki, Mei, Meigetsu, and other Kirigakure's Elite Jonin looked at Sora with full of reverence and fanaticism.
This was the respect and trust Sora had earned with his unbelievable combat power.
Now, Yagura and Fuguki, who had been scheming against each other for the Fourth Mizukage position for a long time, shook hands and made peace, both abandoning their delusions of becoming Mizukage. Because both deeply understood that as long as Sora was around, they were far from qualified to become Mizukage.
Strength, capacity, prestige…
They fell far short!
In Yagura's view, not only himself, but even past Mizukages would appear dim and weak before Sora.
At this time, outside the main camp.
Sora was strolling with Mei and Yagura in the scenic Tenfu Gorge. The warm sunlight shone, and a gentle breeze brushed their faces, making all three look quite comfortable and at ease.
After strolling leisurely for a long time, Yagura suddenly said quietly, "Sora, do you remember a person named Momochi Zabuza?"
"Of course."
Sora nodded. "Killing all his classmates to graduate… such a cruel act is hard to forget, even in the Village of the Bloody Mist!"
"How cruel…"
Yagura looked towards the calm lake in the distance of the gorge, his voice melancholy. "To graduate, killing over a hundred companions… What Momochi Zabuza did caused considerable discontent even in the Bloody Mist policy. I know several village Jonin who vehemently voiced their opinions to the Third Mizukage-sama, wanting to change this cruel policy somewhat. And then these people…"
"Disappeared."
Mei stepped forward from behind, blinking her eyes, whispering, "Were they killed?"
"Probably."
Yagura said gravely. "Mei, you also know our tyrannical Third Mizukage-sama never listens to opposing views. Over the years, all opposition has been suppressed by him with the most brutal means without exception. It is precisely because of this that the village remains shrouded in a high-pressure environment, causing more and more Ninjas to defect, unable to bear the cruel Bloody Mist policy."
"We can't go on like this anymore!"
Yagura fell silent for a moment, then suddenly declared resoundingly: "Everything the Third Mizukage-sama does is utterly meaningless slaughter. One shouldn't use comrades' blood and lives to forge one's own seat of power. Kirigakure isn't the Mizukage's Kirigakure, it's everyone's Kirigakure!"
"The Third Mizukage-sama's thinking can no longer keep up with this era. He…"
"Should step down."
Yagura's burning gaze suddenly turned to Sora.
Mei beside him understood the implication in Yagura's words. Her pale little face showed a quite shocked expression.
Sora's face remained as calm as still water. He didn't speak.
Yagura's tone, however, grew increasingly agitated, trembling as he said, "The current Kirigakure needs a powerful yet conciliatory leader to guide the entire village towards peace, towards light. And Sora, my close friend, you are that only candidate. Only you…"
"Can change this cruel world!!!"
Perhaps the policies of the Bloody Mist, constantly pushing all Kirigakure's Ninja to frantically kill each other, had gradually made Yagura realize the true value of peace.
Residing in hell, yearning for light.
Every inch of the original sin of slaughter flowing in his veins constantly reminded Yagura that Kirigakure could not continue like this.
Killing cannot solve all problems!
To build one's homeland into a better place requires much, much more effort. Killing alone will only distance Kirigakure from peace, ultimately leading to destruction.
"Sora, with your current strength and prestige, you have every possibility to strive for that position. I, Yagura, will also sacrifice everything I have to accomplish anything for you!"
Yagura stopped walking.
He reached out, tightly grabbing Sora's arms, getting straight to the point: "Become the Fourth Mizukage. With your ability, you can definitely change this cruel world!!!"
'Fourth…'
'Mizukage!?'
Sora's eyebrow raised slightly. He gazed at Yagura, a thoughtful expression on his face.
'It sounded quite promising!'
A high position brings great authority.
If he could sit in the Mizukage's seat, the constraints on him would become fewer and fewer, allowing him to carry out the plans in his heart more freely.
Don't forget,
This Ninja World is not so simple.
Not only are Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu lurking in the shadows, but the Otsutsuki Clan from space are also very powerful enemies.
For now, the position of Expeditionary Force Commander still holds too little power.
If he could climb a step higher, it would be an excellent thing.
Moreover…
The so-called Mizukage's position didn't satisfy Sora's appetite. To deal with the future enemy, the Otsutsuki Clan, he had to find a way to gather the entire Ninja World's resources, establishing an impregnable invisible empire to face the stormy waves that would eventually come.
Thinking of this, Sora chuckled and said lightly, "Alright, I'll consider it."
"Thank you, Sora!"
Yagura excitedly gripped Sora's arm, his eyes reddening. "I knew you would agree! For the lives of our comrades, for the village's future, I will spare no effort to assist you!"
As soon as the words fell, Yagura even gave Sora a very firm hug, looking as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his heart.
At this moment, having given up the Mizukage's position he had long coveted, Yagura didn't feel any sadness. Instead, his heart was full of excitement and exhilaration.
Probably…
Because of Sora!
If it's him, he can definitely change this village!!!
However, just as Yagura was excited and Mei Terumi was stunned, the ground beneath their feet suddenly transmitted a slight, strange tremor.
From the shadows, a figure suddenly emerged from the ground. Wielding a sword in hand, it thrust fiercely towards Sora's back.
An assassin!
A stealthy assassin!
Silent, with clean and precise movements… at least Jonin-level strength!
Swipe!
The sword cut through the air, stabbing towards Sora's heart from behind.
In an instant, just as the Ninjato was about to hit, a silvery membrane suddenly appeared, blocking the blade's path out of nowhere.
Crack!
The sword shattered.
Then,
Under the assassin's surprised gaze, the target before him suddenly vanished from the spot.
'Where did he go?'
The assassin was horrified.
'This speed was too fast!'
However,
Before the assassin could react, a flash of cold light erupted from his body.
Splat!
With a crisp sound, the assassin's body was split into two halves, slowly sliding to the ground.
Dead.
Instant kill.
In the moment of his sudden death, the assassin finally experienced just how terrifying the legendary Yuki Sora's strength was!!!
"The seventh one."
Sora sheathed his blade. He looked at the corpse on the ground, his gaze exceptionally cold.
Since the great battle with Konoha ended, he had been subjected to multiple assassination attempts.
Each assassin was quite skilled, with no special identifying marks on them.
According to Sora's speculation, they were either Konoha's death squads or assassins hired from the underground black market.
Of course,
Attempting to assassinate Sora, who had reached the Rank 6 Reiatsu, was an almost impossible task. So, the outcome for each assassin wasn't very good.