I Punch the Tailed Beast Ball

After experiencing the familiar sensation where the world spun before his eyes, Hiruko found himself already in his base on Mount Shumisen. Despite not being his first time, he couldn't help but be amazed by Masked Man's teleportation ability. It was incredibly convenient.

However, Hiruko had just been reprimanded by Masked Man, so he realized that he couldn't confront the Masked Man directly at this moment. He had already angered him a bit earlier.

So, despite being curious, Hiruko didn't delve further and instead attempted a more indirect approach, trying to gather some information through flattery.

But Obito was extremely cautious. He didn't even trust White Zetsu, let alone Hiruko. So, he didn't buy Hiruko's flattery and didn't pay much attention to his questions.

Seeing that Obito ignored him, Hiruko gave up on trying to get information out of him and focused on preparing for the ritual.

The process of absorbing a Bloodline Limit through Chimera Technique was not as simple as placing a hand on it and directly absorbing it. Each Bloodline Limit had its own unique ritual, which allowed for the maximum absorption of their power while reducing the side effects of the Chimera Technique. In a sense, these rituals were the essence of the technique.

Hiruko even believed that he had developed a completely new type of Ninjutsu – Ritual Ninjutsu.

Of course, he didn't invent the ritual itself. He had discovered them in ancient texts from obscure cults that worshipped nameless deities. According to those texts, if performed correctly, these rituals could give minor artifacts or interesting abilities.

However, Hiruko had a vivid imagination. He decided to merge Chakra and rituals.

After extensive experimentation, he developed the Chimera Technique.

This time, the ritual was more gruesome than the previous one. Hiruko soaked himself in water and electrocuted himself with thunder before moving on to the final step: absorbing the Shinobi's Storm Release.

Due to the lightning damage, Hiruko's appearance was now quite terrifying. Many exposed areas of his skin were burnt black, with solidified black bloodstains.

The Storm Release Shinobi, bound helplessly to the crucifix, watched with terror in his eyes. He attempted to struggle, but his hands and feet were firmly nailed down, leaving him unable to move.

Ignoring the Shinobi's face, Hiruko released his Chakra and plunged his burnt, right hand into the Shinobi's chest, aiming for his heart.

Blood spurted out as Hiruko's hand penetrated the Shinobi's body, initiating the absorption of his Bloodline Limit.

After a while, Hiruko took out his hand. He had absorbed the Storm Release, and as a result, some of his injuries had healed. However, some parts weren't healed, which puzzled Hiruko.

This didn't match his expectations; shouldn't his injuries have fully healed? Could there have been a problem with the ritual?

"Is there a problem?" Obito asked as he noticed Hiruko's somewhat troubled expression.

Hiruko put on a smile and replied, "Of course not, I just felt a little uncomfortable after absorbing the Bloodline Limit."

He then took out a roll of bandages and wrapped his entire body, except for his head, in them.

Healing the wounds was a simple task, but those scars were rather unsightly.

Then, Hiruko handed a scroll to Obito, saying, "This contains all my research on the Chimera Technique, but you'll have to bring me three more Bloodline Limit users, Lord Madara. The order is Swift Release, Steel Release, and finally, Scorch Release."

Obito accepted the scroll but didn't immediately read it. He nodded solemnly and said, "Since you've kept your word, I'll make sure to bring you the remaining three Bloodline Limit users."

Obito didn't mind Hiruko collecting all five Bloodline Limits. In fact, despite having obtained Hiruko's information through White Zetsu, he still intended to honor their agreement.

Of course, Obito wasn't a saint. He did this for one reason: he firmly believed that by completing the Bloodline Limits, his power would reach an unprecedented level, possibly surpassing the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and possibly reaching the level of the Sage of the Six Paths.

Hiruko was nothing but a chess piece with some value, not worth mentioning.

Hiruko smiled and said to Obito, "Senpai, shall I take you to see the Summoned Beasts I've created?"

Obito nodded indifferently.

...

In another location, Musashi asked his partner for the mission he just received, Jūzō Biwa, "Our target this time is your former comrade. You should know them well, right?"

Jūzō Biwa replied, "Not as well as you might think." 

He joined the Akatsuki after being defeated by Musashi in battle, so I'm particularly interested in Musashi.

At first, he thought Musashi was just like him, a cold and ruthless killer because despite the constant smile on Musashi's face, he never hesitated to swing his sword. But after spending some time together, he realized that Musashi was exactly as he appeared on the surface, a polar opposite of him.

Jūzō Biwa added, "I see. You thought we know each other well just because we're comrades, huh? This is not the Land of Iron. As a Shinobi, you can't completely trust anyone, even if they are your comrade. You have to be cautious at all times." Jūzō Biwa said with a sneer.

"Wouldn't it be a tiring life? Then why become a Shinobi?" Musashi asked what came to his mind. 

Although Musashi wasn't the type of person who would do anything for his comrade, he at least didn't have to be wary of his comrade back in Land of Iron.

Jūzō Biwa fell silent.

Why did he become a Shinobi?

He had never thought of this question because he was born in Kirigakure and taught to fight for the village. After a long pause, he finally answered, "There's no need for reason. After becoming stronger, at least you can make your own choices."

Musashi nodded seriously, "That's true, strength is a crucial thing."

If he had the kind of strength his Pops possessed, he wouldn't need to train with Akatsuki. He could simply take his sword and confront Pain directly, demanding information about the Masked Man and their connection. However, his strength was insufficient. Let alone Pain, he might even struggle against that woman named Konan.

Jūzō Biwa then asked, "By the way, did we take the wrong path? Is this really the way to the Land of Rivers?"

Based on the latest information from Zetsu, Raiga Kurosuki was spotted in Land of Rivers. However, Jūzō Biwa didn't think this path lead to the Land of Rivers; it looked more like they were heading to the Land of Birds.

"Maybe," Musashi replied, scratching his head. "My sense of direction isn't that great; I often get lost."

Jūzō Biwa thought to himself, "You have a terrible sense of direction, yet you have the audacity to lead the way? Who gave you that confidence? Was he really the person who dished out that strike that day?"