Destruction

"It's time to end this..."

Fengtian's deep and oppressive voice echoed in the air, as if carrying an irresistible force.

As he finished speaking, the countless black lines that should have surged toward him like a tide strangely froze in mid-air, as if bound by an invisible force, unable to advance even an inch further.

Kakuzu's expression instantly turned to astonishment. He realized that his body was completely out of his control, as if it had been frozen in place by some mysterious force.

Even the fierce Earthly Grudges in the distance seemed to have lost their vitality, falling helplessly to the ground, unable to move any further.

"What are you doing?! What did you do to me?!"

Kakuzu's eyes widened, filled with panic and confusion. He stared intently at Fengtian, who was gradually approaching him, as if trying to find the answer in the other's face.

However, Fengtian's face remained expressionless as he silently walked step by step toward Kakuzu.

With each step he took, the pressure emanating from his Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan grew stronger and stronger, causing Kakuzu to feel an unprecedented sense of suffocation, as if the whole world had become incredibly heavy at that moment.

"Have you... given up?"

Fengtian finally spoke, his voice cold and majestic, like a true god interrogating the mortal Kakuzu.

Kakuzu opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but before he could finish speaking, he froze.

Because what appeared before him was a sight that shocked him beyond measure!

That towering figure, like a god emerging from ancient mythology, looked down upon him, this insignificant mortal.

The figure exuded an incomparably pure aura of destruction, as if it could destroy the entire world at any moment.

At that moment, Kakuzu felt an unprecedented shock and fear.

At that moment, Kakuzu suddenly realized that he had regained control of his body.

But at this moment, he had no desire to fight.

The moment he saw that towering figure, he collapsed to the ground, his heart filled with despair and helplessness.

He gave up struggling and just stared blankly at the godlike being before him.

"Is this... the power of [God]?... "

Kakuzu's voice was as faint as a whisper, trembling slightly in the biting wind, as if it might be swallowed up by the immense power of heaven and earth at any moment.

His eyes were wide open, filled not only with awe and fear, but also with a profound shock at his own insignificance.

At that moment, he felt as if he were standing before an endless abyss, glimpsing the indescribable and terrifying power, and finally realizing that there was an insurmountable chasm between himself and the truly strong.

His past arrogance and conceit seemed so absurd and laughable in the face of this power, making him smile bitterly and feel a deep sense of bitterness and helplessness.

"Die quietly..."

Fengtian's words were cold and devoid of any emotion.

As he finished speaking, an extremely violent energy suddenly erupted from him, like a volcanic eruption or a falling star, instantly engulfing everything around him in endless flames and storms.

It was a devastating catastrophe. Within a radius of several miles, everything—mountains, rivers, trees, and all living things—was utterly annihilated and reduced to nothingness in that instant.

The aftershocks of the explosion, like a raging storm, reached as far as Takigakure Village, dozens of miles away, causing the entire village to tremble as if the end of the world had come, and the people were filled with fear.

....

Takigakure Village

"Killer Bee, can you sense it?"

Minato's voice was deep and urgent. He stood tall and his eyes were sharp. After sensing the powerful energy fluctuations coming from afar, he immediately turned to Killer Bee beside him, his eyes flashing with a questioning light.

Killer Bee nodded slightly, his brow furrowed, his eyes revealing an indescribable solemnity:

"Hmm, it seems there's an unusual force surging in the distance... That force is far too powerful for an ordinary person to possess."

The two exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, they understood each other's feelings.

They knew that this mission was of utmost importance and that they had to proceed with extreme caution.

"Should we send a few people over to take a look?"

"I suggest," Kirabi suggested, his voice deep and powerful, conveying an undeniable firmness.

However, Minato shook his head, his face filled with worry:

"No, the most urgent task is to bring the Seven-Tails back. As for the situation over there, if it doesn't affect our mission, it's best not to worry about it for now."

Upon hearing this, Killer Bee nodded slightly in agreement.

Then, the two of them stepped into the gates of Takigakure Village together.

Upon entering the village, they immediately sensed the tense and solemn atmosphere.

The villagers were either busy moving between the streets or gathered together talking in hushed tones, their faces filled with worry about the unknown threat.

"Welcome to Takigakure Village, friends from other villages."

A guard at the village entrance bowed respectfully, his eyes showing both curiosity and vigilance.

Minato smiled and nodded in response, then walked into the village with Killer Bee.

However, when they were halfway there, an old man suddenly blocked their way.

Behind the old man, several masked ninjas watched them warily, as if ready to deal with any possible emergencies.

The old man coughed lightly twice, then asked:

"May I ask, friends, have you come here for the Seven-Tails?"

Seeing this, Minato nodded politely and quickly replied:

"Yes, we were sent by Konoha to bring the Seven-Tails back for protection."

"Does this sir know the whereabouts of the Seven-Tails?"

However, the old man's answer made their hearts sink:

"You're too late... Nanami is no longer in the village..."

Upon hearing the old man's words, Minato and Killer Bee's expressions instantly turned serious.

They looked at each other and saw surprise and unease in each other's eyes.

"Not in the village anymore? What happened?"

Minato quickly pressed for an answer, his tone tinged with urgency.

The old man sighed, seemingly feeling quite helpless about the situation.

"Just recently, someone broke into Takigakure Village. He was very powerful, and we were powerless to resist him."

"The Seven-Tails Jinchuriki was taken away by them during that chaos."

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Killer Bee exclaimed in surprise.

He never expected that such a bold force would dare to try and steal the Tailed Beast.

Minato quickly calmed down and began to analyze the situation:

"Did those who invaded Takigakure claim to be from the [Twilight] organization?"

Upon hearing this, the old man shook his head again, then slowly spoke:

"No, it's not..."

"The one who attacked our Takigakure village and stole the Seven-Tails was none other than a rogue ninja from our Takigakure village..."

"Kakuzu..."