The scene before them could only be described as a natural disaster.
The enormous crater had no visible edge, the rock layers showed the grotesque cracks of cooled lava, and the air was filled with the smell of scorching and destruction. This level of destructive power had long surpassed the scope of ordinary Ninja—it transcended the level of a "Kage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had seen such power before, in two individuals.
Senju Hashirama. Uchiha Madara.
Those legendary Ninja, their power had long since left the realm of "humans"; it was no exaggeration to say that it was a realm only [Gods] could reach.
Now… did the Ninja World have another Ninja World Shura? But the problem was—the current Ninja World no longer had a "God of Shinobi" who could contend with him.
The Third Hokage's gaze trembled slightly. "Doesn't want to harm the innocent…?" He understood completely.
Konoha's intact state was not due to the Four Red Yang Formation. If that pitch-black "stardust" had fallen directly in the center of the village, the barrier he had barely managed to erect would not have been able to withstand it. Menma had deliberately avoided Konoha—or perhaps, he disdained to destroy the village in such a manner.
"Cough…!"
The backlash from completely exhausting his Chakra made the Third Hokage cough up a mouthful of blood. He barely managed to steady himself, his gaze sweeping over the giant pit. The Raikage's fate was unknown, and the Masked Man…
"It seems this fellow got lucky."
A cold voice came from high above, and the Third Hokage's body suddenly stiffened. He mechanically looked up, watching the figure slowly descending.
Menma dragged the Raikage's body with one hand, as if carrying a trivial trophy. Kumogakure's "A" was scorched black, his muscular body covered in burn marks, his hair singed and curled, and dried blood still clung to the corner of his mouth.
"Is this the extent of a 'Kage'?"
Menma's voice came through the fox mask. He casually threw the Raikage to the ground, producing a dull thud.
"Thud—"
The Raikage's body hit the ground heavily, kicking up a small cloud of dust.
Menma landed without a sound, the hem of his black robe fluttering slightly before settling. He surveyed his surroundings, his gaze sweeping over every Konoha Ninja who stood as if facing a formidable enemy.
The Konoha Ninja clutched their kunai and bladed weapons, their weapons trembling, their bodies instinctively quivering when faced with such an absolute disparity in power. Sweat dripped down their headbands, leaving several messy streaks on their dust-covered faces.
"Actually, you don't need to be so wary of me."
Menma's voice made everyone's hair stand on end.
"Because…"
He deliberately paused, and a slight curve seemed to form at the corner of his mouth under the fox mask. "If I wanted to take your lives… you wouldn't be standing here right now."
These words struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer. They all knew this wasn't bravado—the crater several kilometers in diameter was the best proof. A few young Konoha Ninja could no longer stand, their knees buckling as they fell to the ground, but their hands still gripped their weapons tightly.
However, even with trembling legs and chattering teeth, not a single Konoha Ninja put down their weapons. They were like a pack of wolves driven to a desperate corner, baring their fangs despite knowing they were outmatched.
"Let… let go of Lord Raikage!"
C's voice was squeezed from his throat, trying to suppress its tremor. As a sensory Ninja, he could clearly feel the Raikage's faint Chakra—he was still alive, but his injuries were extremely severe.
Just as C was about to rush forward, an arm blocked his chest.
Darui's palm pressed against C, his gaze fixed on Menma, his usually languid tone now carrying an unprecedented solemnity. "Calm down, C."
Lord Raikage is still alive… this monster didn't kill him.
Darui took a deep breath, forcing himself to unclench his jaw. He could feel his molars chattering uncontrollably, but his voice was remarkably steady.
"Lord Menma, Kumogakure… fully understands the current situation."
He deliberately omitted the slightly contemptuous title "Masked Man," and subtly shielded C with his right hand.
"Regarding the envoy and Byakugan incident, Kumogakure is willing to… let bygones be bygones. The so-called war will absolutely not be launched."
Darui's Adam's apple bobbed. He could feel cold sweat trickling down his back. He was deliberately avoiding large-scale slaughter… his goal was to prevent war, not to massacre.
"You wish to prevent war, and Kumogakure has deeply understood this point." Darui bowed his head slightly, a gesture that made several Cloud Ninja show expressions of disbelief, "But the Byakugan incident… was not Lord Raikage's sole decision, but the result of a joint resolution by Kumogakure's high-ranking officials."
He deliberately slowed his speech, ensuring every word was clearly conveyed. "Moreover, you did not take Lord Raikage's life… presumably, you also considered that if Kumogakure were to suddenly lose its 'Kage,' the power vacuum would instead cause greater turmoil."
Darui raised his voice. "If you are willing to show mercy this time—Kumogakure is willing to offer any compensation!"
These words were impactful. Darui looked up, meeting Menma's fox mask directly. His pupils trembled, but his gaze did not waver.
Take a gamble… He needs an "example," not a corpse.
The scene was deadly silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the response from the black-robed figure. Even the Third Hokage involuntarily tensed his nerves.
The wind carried the scent of scorched earth, stirring Menma's black robe. He stood there quietly, the expression beneath his mask unknown.
"Third Hokage."
Menma's voice suddenly rang out, but he did not look at Darui, instead turning directly to Hiruzen Sarutobi. This turn made everyone present pause in surprise.
The Third Hokage slowly looked up, his aged face still pale from Chakra exhaustion.
"I advise you not to be foolish." Menma's voice carried a hint of mockery, "I think I understand now, you really can't be called 'bad,' but 'stupid' is definitely true."
The Third Hokage's fingers trembled imperceptibly.
Menma's gaze fell on the Third Hokage's not-yet-fully-released hand seals. "That seal, is it the Reaper Death Seal? It seems the Valley of the End battle left you with many shadows."
The black robe moved without wind, and Menma's voice turned cold. "I have no intention of destroying Konoha… but if that Ninjutsu is used, that might change."
Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on the Third Hokage's forehead. Finally, his tense fingers weakly relaxed. The hand seals completely dissipated, and this small action made the Konoha Anbu present secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
Menma then turned back to Darui, his tone returning to that nonchalant mockery. "Compensation, you say? It seems you are a smart man."
He pretended to ponder, his finger gently tapping his mask. "Let me think… the Eight-Tails and Two-Tails might be a good idea."
Darui's face instantly turned pale. "…I'm very sorry, but not that. Please consider something else… Kumogakure will meet your demands to the greatest extent possible."
Menma let out a light chuckle: "Heh…" This light chuckle made the hearts of all Cloud Ninja jump to their throats.
"I was just joking." Menma waved his hand casually, "Because… if I wanted the Tailed Beasts, do you think I would discuss it with you?"
Darui's back was completely drenched in cold sweat, but he still forced himself to stand his ground, not retreating a single step.
"…"
"[Ashes]."
When this unfamiliar word came out of Menma's mouth, everyone was stunned.
"…What?"
Darui subconsciously asked, his mind racing—this word had never appeared in the Ninja World; it was neither a known Ninja village nor any rogue organization.
"That is the name of the organization I lead."
His voice was unhurried. "Remember this name well—"
Chakra suddenly erupted, creating a violent surge of air centered on Menma. His black robe wildly danced in the chaotic energy, and the phantom of the Nine-Faced Beast flickered behind him.
"And spread the name of fear throughout the Ninja World!"
These words were like a bell of judgment, ringing heavily in everyone's hearts.
Menma's figure began to blur, the Chakra storm growing more violent. In the last moment before he vanished, his voice pierced through the gale, clearly reaching everyone's ears.
"Either obediently gnaw on the rotten fruit of peace and survive… or let me teach you—what true 'war' is!"
"Boom—!"
The violent Chakra storm suddenly erupted, a hurricane kicking up dust everywhere, forcing everyone to raise their hands to shield themselves. Kunai slipped from their fingers, headbands were blown askew, and even standing became difficult.
When the sandstorm finally cleared—
Only the unconscious Raikage remained in the center of the open ground. Menma's figure had vanished like a dream, only the deep cracks on the ground proving the reality of everything that had just happened.