I became a God by fooling the kids in the naruto world

The air was thick with tension as Philippe and the Champion of the Forgotten Gods faced each other. The city held its breath. The people, his believers, watched from behind the temple walls, their faith burning like torches in the darkness.

The Champion's presence distorted the space around him. Philippe could feel the weight of divine energy pressing down, like gravity had increased tenfold. This was no ordinary opponent.

[Mission Updated: Defy the Champion]

New Objective: Hold your ground and weaken the Champion.

The First Exchange

The Champion moved first, vanishing from sight. In an instant, he reappeared before Philippe, his fist colliding with a hastily raised divine shield. The force sent shockwaves through the city, cracking the temple's outer walls.

Philippe countered, summoning golden chains of faith to bind his enemy, but the Champion merely flexed, shattering them like brittle glass.

Aya gasped from the temple steps. "His power… it's overwhelming!"

Philippe gritted his teeth. He had expected strength, but this was on a completely different level.

"I have seen many like you before," the Champion said, his voice devoid of emotion. "All claimed to be gods. All fell before my hands."

He lunged again, this time striking Philippe directly in the chest. Philippe's form flickered, his divine energy absorbing the impact but barely holding together.

This battle was not going to be won with brute force alone.

Turning the Tide

Philippe reached out, drawing upon the faith of his believers. The prayers of his people surged into him, reinforcing his form. The golden light of their devotion wrapped around him like armor.

The Champion paused, observing. "You are different… but not enough."

Philippe smirked. "Then let me show you just how different I am."

He raised his hand, activating the Heavenly Pillars he had constructed. Divine obelisks around the city flared to life, their energy suppressing the Champion's power. His movements slowed, his overwhelming presence dimming ever so slightly.

For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed the Champion's face—acknowledgment.

Hiro, watching from the city walls, saw his chance. "We strike now!"

With a battle cry, Philippe's warriors charged, their weapons infused with his divine energy. Hiro led the assault, his sword clashing against the Champion's arm, leaving a shallow wound.

The Champion exhaled sharply, stepping back. "You use faith well… but faith alone is not enough."

The Breaking Point

The Champion raised his hand, and the world seemed to darken. He was no mere warrior—he was a force of nature.

A sphere of oblivion formed in his palm, devouring the very air around it. Philippe knew that if it struck, there would be nothing left—not even ashes.

Philippe called upon Shield of Conviction, erecting a massive barrier over the city. The sphere of oblivion crashed into it, sending cracks rippling through the shield. The prayers of his believers strengthened it, but even their combined faith could only hold for so long.

The Champion pressed forward, his attack relentless. "You are strong… but still mortal."

Aya, watching from the temple, closed her eyes and whispered a desperate prayer. The people followed, their voices rising in unison.

Philippe felt it—a surge of power unlike anything before. His believers were not just praying. They were offering everything. Their unwavering faith ignited something deep within him.

His divine form expanded, radiating pure golden light. The Champion hesitated, sensing the shift.

Philippe smiled. "Let's see if I'm still just mortal."

With a single step, he vanished from sight, reappearing behind the Champion. Before his opponent could react, Philippe struck, his fist imbued with the faith of thousands.

The impact sent the Champion hurtling through the air, crashing into the ruins beyond the city walls.

The Aftermath

Silence.

Then, a deep, resounding chuckle echoed through the battlefield. The dust settled, revealing the Champion standing once more. He wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, smiling for the first time.

"You truly are different," he admitted. "Perhaps… you are worthy after all."

With those words, he turned and vanished, leaving behind only the lingering presence of his power.

Philippe collapsed to one knee, exhaustion washing over him. He had won—at least for now.

Aya rushed to his side. "Are you alright?"

Philippe exhaled. "I will be."

Hiro looked at the horizon, where the Champion had disappeared. "He'll be back, won't he?"

Philippe nodded. "Yes. But next time, I'll be ready."

[Mission Complete: Defy the Champion]

Reward: 15,000 Fate Points

The war was far from over. But this battle had proven one thing:

Philippe was no false god.

He was a god in the making.

[End of Chapter 22]