Naruto : Sequence 0 Visionary

The Pathway of God?! 

The Blasphemy Slate?! 

Although "Adam" spoke in a calm tone, as if discussing something trivial, his words stirred up a storm in the hearts of everyone present. 

"Mr. Adam, may I ask..." 

Orochimaru's throat was dry, his eyes bloodshot, and his entire demeanor was filled with an intense excitement mixed with a hint of longing. 

He had a vague idea, but he wasn't sure. 

The abnormal reaction of "Higanbana" immediately caught Ōnoki's attention. This old fox was incredibly sharp. Just from a few subtle actions and changes in tone, he managed to piece together a guess: "Does this guy... know something?" 

Orochimaru quickly realized his own lapse, taking a few deep breaths to suppress the desire bubbling within him. He licked his dry lips, his voice trembling slightly as he asked, "Mr. Adam, what do you mean by... 'The Pathway of God'?" 

"It's exactly what it sounds like..." 

Uchiha Sougetsu let out a light chuckle before speaking in a meaningful tone, "The Pathway of God is... a means to transcend the limits of life through specific rituals and methods, ultimately achieving Godhood." 

Just two simple words, yet they weighed like a mountain. 

It felt as if even the void itself was trembling, like a vast ocean pouring down, the immense pressure crashing down on everyone, crushing their fragile bodies and minds. 

Becoming a God... such a blasphemous term! 

To ascend to a higher plane of existence, crossing an insurmountable chasm, thus... "attaining Godhood"! 

No wonder... no wonder it was called the "Blasphemy Slate"! 

Orochimaru forced himself to remain calm, his fingers digging tightly into his palms. Even as his nails pierced his skin, he felt no pain—only a feverish intensity burning in his eyes. 

He was right! It was exactly as he had guessed! 

Only now did he finally realize how ridiculous his previous thoughts had been! 

It was like a frog at the bottom of a well, staring up at a small patch of sky, foolishly believing it to be the entire world. Little did it know... the vastness of the world was beyond what a mere frog could ever imagine! 

This... this was what he should have been pursuing all along! 

The pursuit of mere immortality paled in comparison to the allure of Godhood. In an instant, he cast aside the idea of eternal life like a worthless trinket. 

He forced himself to lower his head, fearful of displeasing "that one," and glanced at the reactions of the others out of the corner of his eye. 

As expected, everyone was in the same state as he was—immersed in extreme fervor. 

For a moment, the vast, empty chapel was filled only with the sound of heavy breathing. If one could glimpse into the islands of their minds, they would see wave after wave of overwhelming shock, with their thoughts crashing like splashing water, unending and restless. 

After a long moment, the desire that had been ignited gradually subsided.

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Adam," Onoki was the first to react, apologizing for his earlier outburst. "What you just said truly shocked us."

"Mr. Adam, I apologize for any embarrassment," Konan said softly, pressing her hand against her chest. She felt her racing heart and a bright light sparked in her eyes as she thought of Yahiko, Nagato's parents, and her own parents. Perhaps they would have another chance to meet again.

"Mr. Adam! Do you mean that even ordinary people like us can... can..." Orochimaru clenched his fists, his palms slick with sweat.

He had never felt so tense, fearing that the answer he received could drag him from paradise into hell.

"No need to be nervous; take your time," Sogetsu said calmly.

His clear, pure gaze emitted a warm, gentle aura, penetrating into the hearts of others, allowing the tense Orochimaru to calm down.

"Ha, I never expected to have such a shameful day. I apologize for the spectacle, Mr. Adam," Orochimaru said, a self-deprecating smile appearing on his face. Once he composed himself, he stood and bowed to show his respect. 

After sitting down, he collected his thoughts and asked, "The Pathway of the Gods you mentioned—can it allow us, the mortals, to step into forbidden territory?"

"Yes," Sogetsu replied casually.

With the positive response, Orochimaru tightly clenched his fists. His eyes filled with desire and fervor, and a smile slowly spread across his face, his long tongue licking his lips.

"Mr. Adam, can the Pathway of the Gods be used by multiple people?" Konan cautiously glanced at Rock, Higanbana, and White and posed the most crucial question.

At her words, the others' gazes turned cold.

Immediately, the atmosphere grew tense, and their eyes exchanged wary and hostile glances.

There was only one Blasphemy Slate...

So, correspondingly, there was only one "slot" available!

Orochimaru rubbed his fingers together, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes. The corners of his mouth curled into a cruel smile as he thought, "You all think you can compete with me? Heh..."

White lowered his head, hiding his thoughts.

Konan seemed to sense the tension in the air. Her small fists were slightly clenched, her big eyes wide open, and her teeth lightly bit her lip as she thought, "I will not miss this opportunity..."

On the other hand, the cunning Onoki furrowed his brows, looking confused at the position of "Adam." He couldn't understand the man's intentions.

The importance of the Pathway of the Gods was undeniable; the allure of becoming a God was tempting for everyone present. No one wanted to give up that chance!

But the problem was… there was only one Blasphemy Slate.

There were four of them present. Could it be… that Adam wanted them to fight for this single opportunity?

Onoki silently shook his head, dismissing that thought.

Such an obvious and crude tactic couldn't possibly be the intention of a God. Moreover, Adam had gathered them, and it wouldn't just be for them to kill each other over a Blasphemy Slate.

There must be a secret behind all this that they didn't know!

Suddenly, Onoki chuckled, drawing the attention of the others. He spoke slowly, "Hehe, everyone really doesn't need to be so nervous or view each other with hostility."

"Oh?" 

Orochimaru squinted, a cold smile creeping onto his face. "Mr. Rock seems to have a new perspective?"

"I wouldn't dare say that; it's just a small guess."

Onoki smiled slightly and continued, "We are fortunate to be favored by fate and to sit here together under Mr. Adam's guidance. As for the Pathway of the Gods on the Blasphemy Slate… I believe there's no need for everyone to be anxious."

"What do you mean?" 

Konan furrowed her brows and asked.

"Actually, if we calm down, we can understand."

Onoki glanced up respectfully at the high seat, bowing as a sign of respect. "Mr. Adam, since you mentioned the Pathway of the Gods, you must have anticipated everything. So I believe… the Blasphemy Slate should allow more than one person to become a God."

After saying this, he paused, not daring to meet Adam's gaze. He lowered his head and respectfully asked, "Mr. Adam, am I right?"

At that moment, everyone seemed to awaken from a dream.

Yes, if it could only allow one person to become a God, wouldn't that encourage them to kill each other?

Mr. Adam gathered everyone to join the Twilight Hermit Order for a much nobler reason. He would never use such lowly means, nor would he allow them to fight among themselves.

Thinking back on how everyone acted earlier...

They suddenly realized that throughout it all, Adam had been silent. Even the sound of him tapping on the table had stopped at some point. Though shrouded in ambiguity, his downward gaze held a hint of disappointment.

Konan and Orochimaru immediately lowered their heads, sweat streaming down their cheeks. They nervously stood up and bowed, asking for Adam's forgiveness.

They understood that their earlier petty desires and actions had disappointed this lofty figure.

"I'm glad you can recognize your mistakes," Uchiha Sogetsu thought to himself, feeling quite satisfied.

He had originally intended to stop it himself, but he didn't expect Onoki to step in, which turned out to be more effective.

Watching the group regain their composure, Uchiha Sogetsu leisurely spoke, "Now, let's answer the first question. The 'Blasphemy Slate' records a total of... 'Twenty-Two' God Pathways!"

He then straightened his posture slightly.

With his words laced with 'Awe,' a storm of emotions surged through the vast Corpse Cathedral, booming like thunder and shaking every inch of the void: 

"Fool!"

"Door!"

"Error!"

"Visionary!"

"Tyrant!"

"White Tower!"

"Sun!"

"Hanged Man!"

"Moon!"

"Mother!"

"Death!"

"Darkness!"

"Twilight Giant!"

"Red Priest!"

"Demoness!"

"Black Emperor!"

"Justiciar!"

"Abyss!"

"Chained!"

"Hermit!"

"Paragon!"

"Wheel of Fortune!"

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