Chapter 44: Would You Like to Experience the Power of a God?

Chapter 44: Would You Like to Experience the Power of a God?

"What the hell are you?" Gato snapped, more annoyed than alarmed as he glared at Izayoi. Waving an accusatory finger, he barked, "You outsiders just waltz in here and my men don't even notice? Useless trash!"

Izayoi traced a gloved hand along his mask's jawline, his voice dripping with disdain. "So it's not the Hidden Mist's fault after all. You've tamed these shinobi so thoroughly they've lost their fighting spirit. Suddenly it makes sense - how a missing-nin strong enough to be an ace in any of the Five Great Shinobi Villages would settle for mercenary work instead of just slaughtering a billionaire and taking his fortune."

Zabuza's brow twitched at this blunt assessment. He shot a sidelong glance at Gato, realization dawning in his eyes.

"W-what are you saying?" Gato stammered, his voice cracking as comprehension hit. This wasn't just some arrogant businessman anymore - this was a man who'd casually manipulated superhuman shinobi like puppets.

"Still wondering how I got in here?" Izayoi raised a hand toward Gato, his smile audible through the mask. "This is how."

Gato's body yanked skyward as if gripped by invisible chains, hurtling toward Izayoi. "Zabuza! Save me!" he screamed, his voice a terrified shriek.

Zabuza shoved Haku aside, pivoting mid-sprint as he hurled Kubikiri Bocho. The massive cleaver whistled through the air like a windmill shuriken, spinning toward Gato.

But Zabuza's aim betrayed his true intent - the blade targeted both Gato and Izayoi.

"My cash cow", Izayoi chuckled, raising his other hand. The spinning blade froze mid-strike as though hitting an invisible wall, hovering motionless in the air.

Zabuza and Haku exchanged horrified glances. Never before had they seen such power.

"One arrogant fool called himself a god because he wielded unstoppable power", Izayoi declared, gripping Gato's throat while spreading his other palm wide. "Tell me - would you like to experience divine power firsthand?"

Before Zabuza or Haku could react, Izayoi intoned, "Shinra Tensei!"

The invisible force twisted space itself, bleaching the color from the room. Zabuza and Haku's forms turned stark black-and-white before vanishing in a blinding flash.

The explosion rockted the Wave Country's heartland, sending a mushroom cloud billowing skyward. Civilians cowered at the thunderous blast, then broke into joyous prayer when they saw the cloud's origin - Gato's estate.

The mushroom cloud dissipated as quickly as it formed, scattered by an unnatural gale. From the ruins, Izayoi floated downward, Gato's collar clutched in one hand. His Rinnegan swept the wreckage before locking onto a spot. A flick of his wrist summoned Gravity Release, shifting debris to reveal Zabuza and Haku - bloodied, broken, barely breathing.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu", Izayoi muttered, sealing with one hand to create a clone. The replica knelt beside the fallen pair while Izayoi slapped Gato's pale face. "Where's your money? Underground vault?"

"Y-yes! Yes!" Gato babbled, tears streaming. "I'll give you everything! Just don't kill me!"

Izayoi jabbed a pressure point, knocking Gato unconscious. Tossing him aside, he surveyed the rubble. He'd pinpointed the vault earlier - no need for guesswork. The reinforced steel door posed no challenge as Deva Path's power crushed it inward.

Stepping into the vault, Izayoi paused. The chamber glowed with golden light, illuminating his masked face. If the mask could show his eyes, they'd be sparkling with dollar signs.

Jackpot.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end