320. S-Rank Trait - Fire Country's Lord

Hanekawa didn't deal with the evil god but rather the ninjas who worshiped it.

With Tsukihime's strength, facing the evil god wouldn't be a problem.

But the evil god never appeared.

Hanekawa thought of Hidan from the original story.

Even when Hidan was tricked to death by Nara Shikamaru, the evil god never truly showed itself.

This time was the same.

The only question was whether Hidan was among the evil god-worshipping ninjas Hanekawa killed.

Hanekawa closed the scroll.

He didn’t know Hidan’s exact birth year, but he was only slightly older than Uzumaki Naruto.

At this point, he likely hadn’t encountered the evil god yet.

It could only be said that Hidan was lucky.

As for his future, Hanekawa didn’t care much right now.

He was more interested in the evil god.

The evil god was a remnant of the deities from a thousand years ago.

After a millennium of growth and development, it must have accumulated a considerable amount of energy.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki would definitely be willing to make a trip for it.

Hanekawa had two reasons for targeting the evil god.

First, the Hidden Hot Springs Village had already submitted to the Hidden Leaf Village.

Second, the evil god was inherently malevolent—eliminating it would be for the greater good.

"Hanekawa."

After he finished reading the scroll, Yuuhi Kurenai asked, "What should we do with the Hidden Hot Springs ninjas?"

"Have them all relocate to the Hidden Leaf Village."

Hanekawa said casually.

Though ninjas from smaller villages varied in skill, they occasionally produced one or two geniuses.

With the shinobi world on the verge of unification and the Shinobi Order short on manpower, it was best to bring them all to the Hidden Leaf.

"With so many people, housing will be difficult to arrange."

After thinking for a moment, Kurenai suggested, "We could designate a special area outside the village."

"Good idea."

Hanekawa smiled. "You're becoming more and more like a competent secretary."

"What do you mean, 'like'?"

Kurenai shot him a look.

"Then let me test you—who should handle this matter to make it the most efficient?"

Hanekawa interlaced his fingers, staring into her ruby-like eyes.

"You should do it."

Kurenai blinked. "Your Wood Release can instantly create plenty of houses."

Hanekawa chuckled.

He had to admit, Kurenai made a fair point.

"I’ll build a batch of wooden houses south of the village."

Hanekawa nodded. "Once the Hidden Hot Springs ninjas arrive, arrange for them to move in."

"Understood."

Kurenai straightened up, smiling brightly. "Mission accepted!"

"Good work, little secretary."

Hanekawa’s gaze drifted to her clothes. "I’ll reward you tonight."

"We’re discussing serious matters!"

Kurenai’s face flushed slightly.

"This is also serious."

Hanekawa said solemnly. "As Hokage, I must reward merit."

"I’m not entertaining your nonsense!"

Kurenai snorted lightly, picked up the scroll, and turned to leave.

"Kaguya."

Once Kurenai was gone, Hanekawa called out.

As soon as he spoke, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki appeared gracefully before him.

"Come here."

Hanekawa patted his thigh.

Kaguya obediently stepped forward and sat on his lap.

Once settled, she lifted her right arm and wrapped it around his neck.

"Do you know about the evil god?"

Hanekawa reached up and removed her Anbu mask.

"No."

Kaguya’s voice was cool and detached.

"A deity with an immortal body."

Hanekawa set the mask aside, his hand slipping to the hem of her clothes.

"It has an immortal body?"

Kaguya tilted her head slightly, puzzled.

She had gained immortality by consuming the chakra fruit.

How could a mere evil god possess the same?

Suddenly, Kaguya felt a sharp pain in her chest.

She looked down to see the contours of her clothes shifting.

"Not the kind of immortality you’re thinking of."

Hanekawa savored the warmth in his palm as he spoke.

"Where is it?"

A faint flicker of emotion passed through Kaguya’s snow-white eyes.

"Hidden Hot Springs Village."

Hanekawa smiled. "Once you’re there, you should be able to locate it."

Kaguya straightened, then leaned in to kiss him.

Her soft lips caught Hanekawa off guard.

But no words were needed—everything was understood.

"Thank you."

Kaguya licked her lips.

"I took advantage of you, and you’re thanking me?"

Hanekawa couldn’t help but ask.

"I took advantage of you."

Kaguya corrected him expressionlessly.

She only cared about chakra and Hanekawa.

And now, she had gained both the evil god’s energy and Hanekawa’s kiss, fulfilling two desires at once.

How was that not her taking advantage?

"..."

Hanekawa was speechless.

Kaguya’s thought process was always different from ordinary people’s.

Sometimes, it was delightfully unpredictable.

And he loved that.

As he thought this, his fingers twitched.

"Here?"

Kaguya’s breath hitched.

"I still have work to do."

Hanekawa withdrew his hand.

"..."

Kaguya simply stared at him.

Looking into her pale eyes, Hanekawa could almost sense a hint of resentment.

He couldn’t help but laugh.

"What’s so funny?"

Kaguya tightened her slender arms around his neck, pulling herself closer.

Her Anbu vest suddenly loosened, revealing her smooth shoulders.

"When did you learn tricks like this?"

Hanekawa’s eyes widened.

His gaze traced her delicate collarbone, sliding down into the soft valley below.

"I read it in a book."

Noticing his reaction, Kaguya’s lips curved slightly. "Seems like it worked."

"Which book?"

Hanekawa lowered his head, inhaling her scent. "I should thank the author properly."

"I don’t know who wrote it."

Kaguya shivered as his warm breath brushed her skin, then pressed his head closer.

Hanekawa, caught off guard, kissed her shoulder.

"Haori gave me the book."

Kaguya closed her eyes, savoring the faint tingling sensation.

Haori, huh?

A thousand years had passed—she had long since died of old age.

To find her now, he’d have to go to the Pure Land.

Hanekawa trailed kisses from Kaguya’s shoulder to her cheek.

When his lips hovered near hers, a thought struck him.

"Kaguya."

He leaned close to her ear, exhaling softly. "I still have work to do, so you..."

  A warm breath brushed past, causing Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's body to tremble slightly.

Without hesitation, she bent down and disappeared.

Hanekawa couldn't help but frown, his body instinctively tensing up.

After adjusting, he slowly relaxed again.

A strange sense of pride welled up in him.

After all, Kaguya’s status spoke for itself.

Hanekawa reached out and patted her head before shifting his gaze to the documents on his desk.

He casually picked one up.

It took him a few seconds to focus.

While dealing with Kaguya’s mischief, he opened the file and began reading.

The report was from Uchiha Fugaku.

A week ago, Hanekawa had tasked him with approaching Enji, the son of the Fire Daimyō, and assisting him in staging a coup.

Under the influence of the Sharingan, Fugaku had easily gained Enshi’s trust.

After a week of preparation, Enshi planned to launch his rebellion tomorrow.

"I wonder what new title I’ll get tomorrow."

Hanekawa closed the file, murmuring to himself.

Of course, the title was secondary.

The real prize was gaining control over the Land of Fire—freeing the Hidden Leaf from all restrictions and allowing for greater ambitions.

Like transportation.

Trains and other infrastructure hadn’t been fully implemented yet.

Once Enshi was under their control, they could construct roads across the entire country.

Highways, railways, even airships—everything could be expanded.

To prosper, one must first pave the way.

With efficient transportation, the Hidden Leaf’s trade would flourish.

And it wasn’t just about mining.

The Land of Fire was vast—opportunities were endless.

Defeating Mei Terumī would become child’s play.

Time passed slowly.

Hanekawa finished reviewing the remaining documents.

Aside from Fugaku’s report, none were particularly urgent—just routine matters requiring no further action.

"Kaguya."

Hanekawa bit his lip, wincing slightly at the sting.

Kaguya’s pale eyes gleamed even brighter.

She stood, throat bobbing as she asked, "Going home?"

Hanekawa nodded. "Now."

After her efforts all afternoon, he couldn’t just leave without reciprocating.

They returned home.

Before Hanekawa could speak, Kaguya bent forward, arching her back.

The night was sleepless.

A new day arrived.

Hanekawa and Kurenai headed to the Hokage Building.

He had stayed with Kaguya until five in the morning before rushing back.

Though only two hours remained for Kurenai, it was enough.

She never needed more than thirty minutes anyway.

"I’ll be in the secretary’s office."

Kurenai shot Hanekawa a glance before quickly walking away.

Her legs still felt weak, barely able to support her.

Hanekawa chuckled.

Soon, he thought, he might convince Tsunade to accept Kurenai—or vice versa.

Neither could match his stamina.

There was a chance they’d join forces.

Hanekawa stroked his chin, deep in thought.

If this worked, perhaps Rin Nohara could be included too.

The benefits were obvious—but so were the risks.

The biggest hurdle? It wouldn’t be easy.

"Hanekawa."

Kaguya’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "I’m going to the Hidden Hot Springs."

"I’ll come with you."

Hanekawa stood.

He knew Kaguya was after the evil god.

And while the creature posed no real threat to her, another thought struck him.

Could the evil god provide a new trait?

Worth a try.

"Mm."

Kaguya didn’t know his plans, but having him along suited her just fine.

A dark portal swirled open.

They stepped through.

The scenery shifted—they had arrived in the Hidden Hot Springs.

Kurenai’s orders had been carried out swiftly.

The village bustled with activity as its inhabitants prepared to relocate.

Hanekawa glanced around before tuning it out.

Closing his eyes, he expanded his senses.

"The evil god isn’t in the shinobi world."

His brow rose. "It’s in another dimension."

Kaguya activated the Rinne-Sharingan on her forehead.

Another portal opened.

Hanekawa entered first.

The stench of blood hit him like a wave.

His gaze swept over a landscape of gore and viscera.

Hanekawa’s nose wrinkled.

A slaughterhouse?

This thing deserved to die.

A rustling sound echoed.

A crimson mist surged toward them.

Within the haze loomed a towering figure—the evil god itself.

As it neared, the metallic tang thickened, nearly suffocating.

Hanekawa activated his Tenseigan mode.

Chakra enveloped his body as dark orbs materialized around him.

Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion!

Hanekawa raised a hand.

Five orbs converged.

BOOM!

A blinding golden beam erupted from the cluster.

The radiant light pierced through the evil god like a divine blade.

The blood mist scattered.

The creature’s body was torn apart.

In the original timeline, this technique had split the moon in half.

Against a mere evil god? Overkill.

The mangled deity crashed to the ground, painting the earth red.

Terror filled its eyes as it stared at Kaguya and Hanekawa.

At first, it hadn’t recognized them.

Now, it remembered.

A millennium ago, it had only heard rumors of their brutality—never seen them in person.

This one-sided slaughter confirmed everything.

"Immortal, huh?"

Hanekawa noted its survival and raised both hands.

Silver Wheel Reincarnation Explosion!

The remaining orbs shot forward.

Spinning rapidly, they formed a silver ring.

A colossal tornado erupted, shredding the evil god into dust.

Kaguya extended her palm.

A vortex of energy surged into her body.

Three lines of text appeared before Hanekawa:

[S-Rank Title: Evil Shall Not Prevail]

[Condition: Slay the Evil God]

[Effect: Negates all forms of immortality.]

Perfect.

Hanekawa’s spirits lifted.

This was incredibly useful—especially against the Ōtsutsuki Clan.

After consuming a chakra fruit, they gained immortality.

Like Kaguya, who could only be sealed, not killed.

Of course, Hanekawa wasn’t targeting her—but the three Ōtsutsuki pursuers yet to come.

"Good."

Kaguya gave a slight nod.

The evil god’s energy was substantial—more than satisfying.

"Let’s go back."

Hanekawa took her hand, returning to the Hokage’s office.

The stench of blood in that dimension was unbearable.

By afternoon, another title appeared:

[S-Rank Trait: Lord of the Land of Fire]

[Condition: Control the Land of Fire]

[Effect: Within Fire Country’s borders, if facing a stronger opponent, gain a 10%–50% power boost based on the disparity.]

Hanekawa blinked.

Though formatted similarly to the [S-Rank Title: Lord of the Land of Lightning], the effect was leagues apart.

Worth it.

All the effort with Fugaku had paid off.

With this, handling the three Ōtsutsuki would be far easier.